Author: Carma Henry

       Education has always been a contentious issue, but as we approach the 2024 elections, it’s become ground zero for broader cultural and political clashes. Book bans targeting diverse and inclusive materials are on the rise, and restrictive gag orders are silencing classroom discussions on critical topics like race, gender, and American history. With the conservative agenda of Project 2025 gaining traction, the threat to both democracy and public education has never been more urgent. In times like these, it’s easy to feel powerless—but, as citizens, we can’t afford to disengage. The fight for our country’s future begins at the local level, particularly with our school boards.

     And we are not just breathing in plastic pollution. We are eating it and drinking it. To add insult to injury, much of that plastic pollution came from items like plastic water bottles that consumers thought would be recycled.

     Both the Harris and Trump campaigns must understand that diverse cannabis voters are looking for a President who supports legalization with equity. A diverse cannabis industry built on fairness can generate wealth and help address the harms caused by past policies. The industry also offers opportunities in AgTech, clean energy, and cannabis tourism, which can drive growth in key states. In a new poll released on August 31 by Ragnar Research, undecided voters in key swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin strongly support marijuana reform, with 84% of respondents favoring medical cannabis and 62% backing broader adult-use legalization.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Business and Industry (SBI) celebrates the grand opening of its revamped Investments and Analytics Lab, made possible through the support of corporate partners, PGIM and PwC. PGIM has provided a $1 million gift over the course of five years to support SBI’s preparation of the next generation of business school graduates. Additionally, PWC has provided $100,000 for the purchase of the computers in the Investments and Analytics Lab. 

   Former NABJ Vice President-Print Kathy Chaney has been named executive editor of The Times of Northwest Indiana, effective Oct. 1. Her appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the publication’s first Black and female newsroom leader. The Times has the largest news and sports staff in the region.

The latest rate cut sounds great, but what’s the real impact for Black homebuyers? Here’s what you need to consider.

How Are Black Churches Preparing for Election 2024?

The Obama White House  (obamawhitehouse.archives.gov) chronicled President Obama eulogizing the death of the ‘Godmother of Civil Rights.” President Obama said,  “Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy Height – the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans.  Ever since she was denied entrance to college because the incoming class had already met its quota of two African American women, Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality. She led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement – witnessing every march and milestone along the way. And even in the final weeks of her life – a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest – Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Dr. Height – and all those whose lives she touched.”

Stephen L. Demers was appointed to the Broward Regional Health Planning Council (BRHPC) Board of Directors by Broward County Commissioner Beam Furr. His term on the Council runs from August 22, 2024 through August 22, 2026.

       The award, the second-highest honor that can be bestowed on a member of the Army, marked an important milestone in a years long campaign by his widow, supporters in the military and Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen for greater recognition of Woodson’s efforts that day.