The Black Women’s Roundtable will host its 15th Annual Women of Power National Summit March 11–15, 2026, in Arlington, Va., and Washington, D.C. Hundreds of Black women leaders and allies will convene for five days of organizing, policy advocacy, strategy, healing, and collective action to build political, economic, and community power.
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Posted inCongressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation kicks off 50th anniversary year
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has launched a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary under the theme “Rooted. Ready. Rising,” highlighting five decades of work advancing equity, leadership development and policy solutions for Black communities. The milestone will feature signature events, service initiatives in 50 cities, mini legislative conferences, and recognition of the AVOICE digital archive, all culminating in the Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., in September.
Posted inAfro Briefs
The Obama Foundation opens applications for the 2026-2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
The Obama Foundation has opened applications for the 2026–2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, a program that supports 100 college students with financial aid, travel experiences, and leadership training. Backed by Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky, the scholarship offers up to $50,000 in tuition assistance, a funded summer work-travel “Voyage,” and long-term mentorship to help recipients pursue careers in public service.
Posted inHBCU
Pepsi National Battle of the Bands presents ‘The Best of the Battles’ in honor of Black History Month
The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands airs “The Best of the Battles” from Jan. 31 to March 1 in honor of Black History Month, highlighting 15 years of performances by more than 30 HBCU marching bands. The film revisits iconic moments from showcases across the country, including the 2026 event in The Palm Beaches, and celebrates the cultural impact and legacy of HBCU band tradition.
Posted inArts & Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture opens exhibition featuring collections from five HBCUs
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture opened a new exhibition, “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs,” celebrating the cultural, intellectual and artistic legacy preserved by historically Black colleges and universities. Featuring collections from five HBCUs, the exhibition highlights rare artifacts, artwork and archival materials before embarking on a national tour through 2029.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Winners announced for the 17th Annual AAFCA Awards presented by the African American Film Critics Association
The African American Film Critics Association announced the winners of its 17th Annual AAFCA Awards, with “Sinners” emerging as the top honoree, earning multiple awards, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Best Director and Writing for Ryan Coogler. The winners, selected by more than 100 AAFCA members, will be celebrated Feb. 8 at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, honoring films and artists whose work reflects bold storytelling and cultural impact.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Recording Academy® Honors presented by the Black Music Collective returns, celebrating Grammy® Award-winning icons Pharrell Williams, Brandy and Kirk Franklin
The Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective will host the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors on Jan. 29, 2026, during GRAMMY® Week, celebrating the enduring impact of Pharrell Williams, Brandy and Kirk Franklin. The event will recognize their genre-defying artistry, cultural influence and commitment to advancing Black excellence in music and beyond.
Posted inHBCU
Prairie View A&M University launches pilot program to support students with sickle cell disease
Prairie View A&M University has launched the Student Sickle Cell Warrior Project, a first-of-its-kind pilot program to support college students living with sickle cell disease. The initiative, which connects students to specialized medical care and community resources, aims to become a national model for improving health outcomes and academic success for students with the condition.
Posted inAfro Briefs
The National Civil Rights Museum announces 34th Freedom Award honorees
The National Civil Rights Museum will honor Marc H. Morial, Velma Lois Jones, and Mark Suzman with its 34th annual Freedom Award on Oct. 16 in Memphis. The event will celebrate their lifelong commitments to advancing civil and human rights and feature performances, student programming, and community engagement.
Posted inUncategorized
A top pick in next year’s NBA draft is playing for something much bigger
Nate Ament, an 18-year-old Tennessee freshman and projected top pick in the 2026 NBA draft, is carrying both high basketball expectations and his family’s legacy. The son of a Rwandan genocide survivor, he returned to Rwanda this summer to coach youth camps and hopes future success on the court will allow him to give back to his mother’s homeland.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Alabama’s Tuskegee University revives flight training legacy with new aviation program
Tuskegee University has relaunched flight training at historic Moton Field—home of the original Tuskegee Airmen—through a partnership with Republic Airways’ LIFT Academy. The new aviation program offers students a degree in aviation science and commercial pilot training, aiming to meet the national pilot shortage while honoring a proud legacy of Black excellence in aviation.
Posted inNAACP
NAACP previews 116th national convention, aiming to empower community amidst adversity
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson was joined by local and national NAACP leaders and key Charlotte stakeholders for a press conference to preview the upcoming 116th National Convention in Charlotte.