Hip-hop lyrics have long served as a reflection of the Black experience, from messages of unity and resistance to today’s dominant themes of money, violence and survival. As the music industry continues to shape what gets heard, artists and scholars are questioning how modern rap lyrics are influencing identity, values and the well-being of Black communities—especially among youth. Many are now calling for a return to more empowering narratives.
Category: HBCU
Posted inHBCU
First HBCU pavilion at Venice Biennale honors African Diaspora with a talking drum
Morgan State University has become the first HBCU to participate in the Venice Architecture Biennale with “ReCall & Response,” a pavilion shaped like a “talking drum” that honors the cultural legacy of the African Diaspora. Designed by students and faculty from Morgan State, Tuskegee, and Clemson Universities, the sustainably built structure blends architecture, African heritage, and sound to symbolize connection, memory, and collaborative healing across continents.
Posted inHBCU
Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship convenes entrepreneurs, investors and HBCU leaders for Empowerment Summit
Howard University and the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship are hosting the 2025 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together innovators, investors, and HBCU leaders to foster business growth, collaboration and economic impact.
Posted inJuneteeth
AFRO honors Maryland HBCUs at Juneteenth Breakfast
The AFRO hosted its third annual Juneteenth Breakfast on June 18, honoring Maryland’s HBCUs for their vital role in advancing Black education and leadership. Held at the Center Club in Baltimore, the event celebrated the legacy of institutions like Morgan State, Coppin State, and others, while also reflecting on the enduring significance of Juneteenth as a symbol of freedom, resilience, and progress.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Shaping the future: Black Leadership in tech regulation
By Andrea StevensAFRO Staff Writerastevens@afro.com Juneteenth is a commemorative day that brings together African Americans across the country. It’s a story that keeps the Black community grounded and reminds many of the progress made. As the holiday approaches, historians emphasize that Juneteenth’s legacy runs deeper—and is more complex—than a single day of celebration. Dr. Akwasi […]
Posted inNational News
Obit: Naba’a Muhammad, Final Call editor, has died
Naba’a Muhammad, editor-in-chief of The Final Call and a prominent voice in the Black Press and Nation of Islam, died on June 6, 2025, according to the National Newspaper Publishers Association. A veteran journalist and activist, Muhammad led The Final Call since 2009 and spent nearly four decades advocating for racial justice, independent media, and community empowerment.
Posted inHBCU
AFRO to spotlight Maryland HBCUs at annual Juneteenth breakfast
Ahead of Juneteenth, the AFRO will honor Maryland HBCUs at its annual Juneteenth Breakfast on June 18. Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the University of Baltimore will be recognized at the event for their vital role in advancing education and the state’s economy.
Posted inTechnology
Five UNCF-member HBCUs experiment with AI tool for educators
HBCUs are at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in higher education through the ALDA project, which has helped faculty streamline course design, promote equity-centered teaching, and bridge the digital divide by empowering under-resourced institutions with accessible, creative AI tools.
Posted inMental Health
Morgan State hosts mental health awareness panel addressing community, youth and law enforcement wellness
A panel of experts gathered at Morgan State University’s Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction on May 13 to discuss the intersection of mental health, crime, and community wellness, emphasizing the need for culturally competent care, holistic approaches and systemic change.
Posted inBaltimore News
Coppin State University announces new provost and vice president of academic affairs
Dr. Chanta M. Haywood has been appointed as Coppin State University’s new provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, bringing extensive higher education leadership experience and a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Alsobrooks delivers encouraging, but tough message to Class of 2025
U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks delivered a candid and motivational speech at Bowie State University’s commencement, urging graduates to embrace discomfort and challenge as they step into their professional lives. She emphasized the importance of resilience and assured them that their presence would make a significant impact in every room they enter.
Posted inWord In Black
Finally, a program to support Black student mental health
Mental illness, overdose and suicide rates are increasing in Black and Brown communities. Now, experts like Monica Ingkavet, director of program and partnerships for The Steve Fund, are working hard to change the statistics with initiatives that meet college students where they are.
