Black students are the fastest-growing group of college applicants in the U.S., with applications rising 11 percent in fall 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Common Application. This surge shows that, despite rising tuition and the Supreme Court ending affirmative action, Black students continue to pursue higher education at record rates, particularly in the Southwest and in states like Mississippi.
Category: Afro Briefs
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
More than 100 dead in torrential rains and floods across southern Africa
Torrential rains and widespread flooding across southern Africa have killed more than 100 people in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, prompting helicopter rescues, mass evacuations and emergency deployments. With hundreds of thousands affected—especially in Mozambique—authorities warn that more rain linked to the La Niña weather pattern could worsen the humanitarian crisis.
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 inAfro Briefs
Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James removed by board
Dr. Kevin James was removed from his role as president of Morris Brown College after seven years, with the Board of Trustees citing gratitude for his service but providing no specific cause. Nzinga Shaw, a current trustee and co-chair of the Board’s Facilities Committee, will serve as interim president, while James criticized the timing and governance of the decision in a LinkedIn statement.
Posted inEducation
3 education fights that aren’t going away in 2026
Battles over the Department of Education, immigration and artificial intelligence in the classroom aren’t going away in 2026.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Rev. Sharpton issues statement after claims to the New York Times that White people were ‘very badly treated’ from Civil Rights Era actions
By National Action Network Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), on Jan. 12 condemned recent claims from President Trump that White people were “very badly treated” as a result of laws and policies adopted during the Civil Rights Movement. Trump’s alarming statements to the New York Times come as […]
Posted inNational News
Poor communities threatened by aging sewers see crucial aid slashed under 47th president
Poor and mostly Black communities across the U.S. face serious health risks from failing sewer and wastewater systems, but federal aid meant to address these long-standing problems has been cut or eliminated under the 47th president. Advocates warn that slashing environmental justice and infrastructure funding leaves vulnerable residents exposed to sewage, flooding and disease, with few resources to fix systems they cannot afford on their own.
Posted inWord In Black
A year after the Eaton Fire, Black Altadena is fighting to stay
By Anissa DurhamWord in Black For decades, Altadena functioned as a rare constant in the Los Angeles area: a place where Black families owned homes and passed something on to their descendants. That all changed with the Eaton Fire. One year after the fire tore through Altadena and neighboring communities, destroying thousands of homes and […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
From Washington to Bogotá, protests grow as Maduro faces US judge
The arrest and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to a U.S. federal court sparked widespread protests across the United States and abroad, with demonstrators questioning the legality and consequences of the 47th U.S. president’s action. As Maduro appeared under heavy guard in Manhattan, rallies erupted from New York to Bogotá and Caracas, drawing condemnation from global leaders and deepening international tensions over U.S. intervention and international law.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Gunmen kill at least 30 villagers and abduct others during raid in northern Nigeria
Gunmen killed at least 30 villagers and abducted several others during a Jan. 3 raid on Kasuwan-Daji village in Nigeria’s Niger state, according to police and local residents. Survivors and church officials say the death toll could exceed 40, with bodies still unrecovered amid delayed security response, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region.
Posted inAfro Briefs
USPS honors Phillis Wheatley, first published African-American poet, with 49th Black Heritage Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service will honor Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet, with the 49th stamp in its Black Heritage series, celebrating her enduring literary legacy and impact on American history. Issued Jan. 29, the Forever stamp recognizes Wheatley’s groundbreaking achievements as an enslaved woman whose poetry helped shape African American literature and inspired generations.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Meet Roxanne Brown, the 1st African American and 1st woman president of the United Steelworkers
By Black Press USA (NNPA Newswire) – In a significant moment for the labor movement, Roxanne Brown is set to become the first African-American woman elected as president of the United Steelworkers (USW), North America’s largest industrial union. With the official transition happening in March, Brown’s ascent is more than just a personal achievement; it […]