The Department of Education’s investigation into elite college admissions has reignited harmful assumptions that Black students don’t earn their spots, despite rising graduation rates and academic gains. Experts argue these biases ignore systemic inequities in education access and funding, and call for solutions that expand opportunity rather than question who deserves it.
Category: Word In Black
Posted inReligion
As services shrink, churches step up
Black churches across the U.S. are stepping up to fill gaps left by government cutbacks. Across the country, clergy members and congregants are providing food, jobs and essential services to their communities.
Posted inEducation
Educators weigh in on student cell phone use in the classroom
As state lawmakers consider restricting phone use in classrooms, educators are divided on the impact of technology in schools. While some argue phones are a major distraction that fuel conflicts and disrupt learning, others believe teachers must adapt and find ways to integrate digital literacy into education.
Posted inWord In Black
California’s student crisis is everyone’s problem
Despite progressive policies, Califorina’s Black students lag decades behind in achievement.
Posted inWord In Black
Why Black thrivers are the future
Lauren Hood’s Institute for AfroUrbanism challenges deficit-based narratives about Black communities, focusing instead on their thriving through audacity, agency and abundance. Through a yearlong fellowship, Detroit thrivers travel to meet other Black leaders, exchanging knowledge to promote collective transformation and empowerment.
Posted inHealth
Top synthetic hair brands used for braiding found to contain carcinogens
A Consumer Reports study has found that popular synthetic hair used in Black women’s braided hairstyles contains harmful chemicals, including lead and carcinogens. The findings raise health concerns for the millions who rely on these products for beauty and convenience.
Posted inEducation
Reading the room: Why Black kids need more than the norm
Diana Greene, CEO of the Children’s Literacy Initiative, argues that Black students’ reading struggles stem from socioeconomic barriers like poverty, food insecurity and chronic absenteeism rather than instructional methods alone. She advocates for a holistic, equity-driven approach that supports early literacy, family engagement and addressing students’ basic needs to create lasting improvements in reading proficiency.
Posted inReligion
Bishop Michael Curry’s gospel of love
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Overview: Appointed in 2015, Curry, a widely respected theologian, guided the Episcopal Church through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and racial reconciliation. Bishop Michael Curry has no doubt: There is evil in the world. Turn on the evening news, as he does most days, and you’ll see plenty of […]
Posted inWord In Black
As services shrink, the Black Church steps up
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Overview: Since its founding during the era of slavery, the Black church has made community service and social justice core parts of its mission. A survey of faith leaders found the Black church is far more likely to take on those roles at home than white churches, who are more […]
Posted inU.S. Government
Axing of Dept. of Education beginsÂ
The White House signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise to MAGA supporters, but sparking backlash from civil rights groups who warn it will disproportionately harm Black students. The move, which includes mass layoffs and a directive to transfer education authority to states, has been criticized as a threat to equity, student civil rights protections, and funding for underprivileged schools.
Posted inReligion
Black marriage on the decline? These pastors have another opinion
Faith leaders such as Pastor Corey Cunningham and Dr. Derren Thompson are promoting marriage among Black people by offering advice, lessons, and a philosophy to help newly married couples consider themselves partners or teammates, rather than lovers or rivals.
Posted inLIFE & STYLE
The Jiles: What’s the secret to love longevity– even in the golden years?
Jodie and Sonny Jiles, a power couple in Black Houston, have been married for decades and have learned to balance love, commitment, resilience, and unity while prioritizing work, family, and faith, and they share their advice on how to keep Black love growing.