MLB Legend Don Baylor Gets Hometown Tribute As Austin Renames Park
His son, Don Baylor Jr., will unveil a marker at the newly christened Don Baylor Park, formerly known as Westenfield Neighborhood Park.
By Robert Hill
MLB legend Don Baylor gets his due as Austin, Texas, renames a local park to celebrate his legacy and highlight the city’s Black history.
A ceremony will take place in Austin on Feb. 28 to honor Baylor, who died in 2017. The city and his son, Don Baylor Jr., will unveil a marker at the newly christened Don Baylor Park, formerly known as Westenfield Neighborhood Park. The ceremony honors Baylor and reflects Austin’s commitment to celebrating local Black history while recognizing a hometown hero.
Don Baylor was an Austin native who grew up in Clarksville, a neighborhood near the park. He is being honored at the same park where he was once barred from playing due to the color of his skin.
As reported by KVUE News, “Baylor, an Austin native who grew up in the nearby Clarksville neighborhood, was once barred from playing at the park during the Jim Crow era, despite living just blocks away.”
Despite early obstacles, Baylor was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, becoming one of the first high school players from Texas to be drafted. He played for teams such as the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, and Minnesota Twins.
His career spanned 19 seasons, and during that time, he earned the American League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1979. Baylor was also a World Series champion and was later named Manager of the Year.
“I think it would be a full-circle moment for him. It would probably be one of his biggest achievements,” Baylor Jr. said of the park naming, as reported by KVUE News. “In addition to winning MVP, Manager of the Year, this would be right up there.”
Beyond his baseball career, Baylor was known for his advocacy for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and for his faith and generosity.
Southern University To Honor Caleb Wilson With Posthumous Degree One Year After Tragic Hazing Death
Wilson died due to a hazing incident.
By Robert Hill
Southern University announced that late student Caleb Wilson will be awarded his bachelor’s degree posthumously during the 2026 Spring Commencement.
After the one-year anniversary of 20-year-old engineering major Wilson’s death, Southern University remains dedicated to honoring the junior by presenting him with his bachelor’s degree. He passed away on Feb. 27, 2025, due to a tragic hazing incident that left loved ones mourning while continuing to honor his life.
“This spring, when Caleb would have walked across the stage in the F.G. Clark Activity Center with the Class of 2026, the University will bestow upon him a posthumous degree,” the university shared in a statement, reports TheGriot. “We hope that this tribute reflects our enduring respect for his commitment, his accomplishments, and the legacy he leaves within the Southern University family.”
Wilson died while pledging Southern University’s Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Wilson’s death was ruled a homicide after autopsy results revealed that he went into shock and later died due to commotio cordis, which causes an abnormal heart rhythm or cardiac arrest.
Wilson was reportedly punched four times in the chest by fraternity member Caleb McCray before collapsing and arriving at Baton Rouge General Hospital. Since the incident, the university expelled the fraternity, and the family has filed lawsuits against the chapter, the national organization, and the five individuals involved.
In December 2025, an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicted five people in the alleged hazing death of Wilson, WAFB reports. District Attorney Hillar Moore said the investigation remains ongoing, citing phone data and other evidence still being reviewed. McCray was indicted for manslaughter and felony hazing. Kyle Thurman and Isaiah Smith face charges including felony hazing, manslaughter, and obstruction. Winston Sanders and Jaydn Landrum were also indicted.
Teyana Taylor Is Taking It As A ‘TIME Woman Of The Year’
Teyana Taylor is one of the16 honorees recognized for influence across culture, entertainment and other fields.
Teyana Taylor, the multi-talented performer and creative force in music, film, and choreography, has been named one of Time magazine’s Women of the Year for 2026, and she also received her first Academy Award nomination.
Taylor appears on the cover of Time’s Women of the Year issue, one of 16 honorees recognized for their influence across culture, entertainment, and other fields. In an interview with Time, Taylor said the recognition was meaningful because it affirmed her creative evolution. When Taylor made the decision to retire from her music career, she did not feel affirmed by those around her. However, she had a greater vision for her life and went full speed ahead.
“Everybody told me it was dumb,” she says. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’”
In addition to the Time honor, Taylor earned her first Academy Award nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category for her portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills in the drama-thriller One Battle After Another.
Taylor spoke about her Academy Award nod on Good Morning America, describing her emotions. In her straightforward and humorous fashion, she expressed joy.
“Oh, my God, my stomach is in my booty. It’s that feeling you can’t even describe,” she said. “No matter the outcome, I am blessed. I’m just filled with so much gratitude to be a part of this moment.”
Taylor, born and raised in Harlem, has built a diverse career spanning music, dance, film, and directing. She won a Golden Globe Award earlier this awards season for her work in One Battle After Another. Additionally, after her 2025 return to music, she earned a Grammy nomination for her R&B album Escape Room.
Taylor is winning and walking in purpose and does not regret any roadblocks on her path forward. She is a resolute woman, sure about her space in the world. An attitude more than befitting for a Time Woman Of The Year.
“I love when it’s hard—that means it’s of purpose,” Taylor says. “I want everything that is supposed to be mine. And I’m going to work my ass off to make sure that I see that.”
The Tale Of Prince Will Be Passed Down In ‘Prince: A Little Golden Book’
In creating the biography, Shannon Smith said she made choices in describing Prince’s life that balanced accuracy with age-appropriate language for young readers.
A children’s biography of music icon Prince was just released to carry the Purple One’s legacy to the next generation.
Written by author Nikki Shannon Smith and illustrated by Don Tate, Prince: A Little Golden Book was produced for young readers. The 24-page children’s biography was published in January 2026 as part of the Little Golden Book Biographies series. It tells the life story of Prince Rogers Nelson from his childhood in Minneapolis to his rise as a generational artist.
Shannon Smith, a longtime Prince fan and retired elementary school teacher, said she worked for about two years to condense the musician’s life and career into a format suitable for children ages 4-8. Released by Penguin House, the story of Prince’s life was gleaned from listening to his albums and viewing video and television appearances, the Star Tribune reported. In its official description Prince: A Little Golden Book is described as a celebration of “fearless self-expression.”
“Prince was born with an extraordinary gift. It was the gift of music, and he would soon share it with the world. Read the inspiring story of a true musical genius—from his childhood in Minneapolis to creating timeless hits like “Purple Rain” and “1999.” This biography celebrates Prince’s boundary-breaking artistry, his fearless self-expression, and his enduring influence on music, fashion, and culture.”
Illustrator Don Tate recreated and reimagined the life and iconic moments of the Icon in the style of classic fairytales.
Shannon Smith and Tate will appear in the Twin Cities on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville and at Black Garnet Books in St. Paul. Events include story time, a drawing demonstration, and discussion aimed at encouraging children to pursue their interests.
In creating the biography, Shannon Smith said she made choices in describing Prince’s life that balanced accuracy with age-appropriate language for young readers. Her intent was to make sure young readers understood the message of Prince’s life: following your passion can lead to greatness.
“Hopefully, they’ll come away thinking: ‘I can do one of my favorite things when I grow up. I can be great at something,” she told Star Tribune.
Other notable stars have been a part of the Golden Book series, including Lady Gaga, Elton John, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. Only the second Black person to grace the list, Prince is a fitting addition. His contribution to rock, R&B, and pop music is immeasurable and will hopefully endure for decades to come.
Minding Our Own Business: How W.E.B. Du Bois Reframed Black American Identity Through The Diaspora
When Dr. W.E.B. William Edward Burghardt) Du Bois boarded a plane for Ghana in 1961 at the age of 93, he wasn’t just changing his address; he was completing a psychological revolution for the Black American mind.
By renouncing his U.S. citizenship and claiming his place as a Ghanaian citizen, the titan of sociology fundamentally reframed the “race problem” from a domestic grievance into a global struggle for sovereign identity.
Invited by President Kwame Nkrumah to lead the Encyclopedia Africana, Du Bois’s move was the ultimate manifestation of his lifelong mission: to teach Black Americans that their horizon did not end at the Atlantic coast. After decades of FBI harassment and state-sanctioned persecution, his “return” to Africa was a defiant signal that Black dignity was not something to be begged for in Washington, but something to be reclaimed in Accra.
For much of his career, Du Bois famously wrote of the “double consciousness”—the sense of always looking at oneself through the eyes of a world that looks on in amused contempt. His final years in Ghana were an effort to heal this split. He influenced Black American thought by suggesting that the cure for this dual identity was a reconnection with the African continent.
“I believe in Liberty for all men; the space to stretch their arms and their souls; the right to breathe and the right to vote…”
By positioning himself as a “returning ancestor” rather than an American expatriate, he gave the Diaspora a new vocabulary. He shifted the focus from being “minorities” in a hostile land to being part of a global majority. This shift in perspective paved the way for the “Year of Return” and the modern repatriation movements, teaching Black Americans that their heritage was a source of power, not a history of shame.
Du Bois’s influence on the Diaspora was built on three uncompromising pillars that reshaped how Black intellectuals viewed their place in the world:
Radical Democracy Beyond Borders: Du Bois argued that true democracy was impossible as long as it was shackled by the “color line.” According to research from UMass Amherst, he taught that Black Americans must look toward African liberation movements to see what true self-determination looked like.
Education for Liberation: He moved the needle on Black education, insisting it should focus on freeing the mind rather than training for labor. He believed an educated Diaspora was the only force capable of dismantling global white supremacy.
The Right to Agitate: Du Bois never allowed the Diaspora to settle for “gradual” progress. He famously noted: “Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.”
The Encyclopedia Africana: Reclaiming the Narrative
His work on the Encyclopedia Africana was perhaps his most potent gift to Black American thought. By documenting the scientific and cultural contributions of Africa, he provided the Diaspora with an intellectual shield against the “Dark Continent” myths. He understood that for Black Americans to value themselves truly, they had to see their history through an undiluted African gaze.
He envisioned a realm of intellectual sovereignty that transcended the limits of Western academia:
“A realm of true freedom: in thought and dream, fantasy and imagination… freedom of soul to do and be, and freedom of thought to give to a world and build into it, all wealth of inborn individuality.”
Du Bois’s presence in Accra exerted a gravitational pull on the Black radical tradition, shifting the center of gravity away from the American South and toward the Gulf of Guinea. He forced a generation of thinkers—from Maya Angelou to Malcolm X—to reckon with the fact that the Black American struggle was merely one theater in a much larger, global war against colonialism. This wasn’t just about civil rights; it was about human rights on a planetary scale.
His later writings from Ghana challenged the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement to avoid the trap of “patriotic provincialism.” He feared that if Black Americans only fought for the right to integrate into a burning house, they would lose their connection to the rising tide of African independence. By choosing Ghana, he taught the Diaspora that their greatest leverage lay in international solidarity. He argued that as long as Africa was shackled, Black people everywhere would remain fundamentally insecure.
Beyond the politics, Du Bois provided a spiritual blueprint for the modern “Blaxit” movement. He demonstrated that a change in geography could cure the fatigue of living under the American gaze. For the Black American professional today, Du Bois is the patron saint of the “soft life” paired with a hard purpose. He showed that one could find peace in the ancestral home while still doing the most rigorous work of one’s life.
His home in Accra became a laboratory for a new type of Black existence—one where the burden of “proving” one’s humanity was replaced by the simple act of being. This legacy is felt every time a Black American touches down at Kotoka International Airport. They aren’t just tourists; they are following a trail blazed by a 93-year-old man who decided that his soul was too large to be contained by a country that refused to see him.
Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, on February 23, 1868, Du Bois evolved from a brilliant New England scholar into the preeminent architect of the American civil rights movement.
As a co-founder of the NAACP and the first African American to earn a Harvard doctorate, Du Bois spent his career dismantling the “color line”—the systemic “veil” he first sensed during a largely happy childhood. From his early sociological landmark, The Philadelphia Negro (1899), to his definitive Black Reconstruction (1935), he relentlessly mapped the Black experience through a rigorous academic lens.
Du Bois’s death on August 27, 1963—just hours before the March on Washington—was the final bridge. While 250,000 people gathered in D.C. to demand civil rights, the man who had laid the intellectual groundwork for that moment was being honored as a state hero in Ghana.
This timing solidified his legacy: he reminded Black Americans that while they fought for the right to sit at a lunch counter in Alabama, they were also heirs to a vast, continental legacy.
Today, the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture in Accra is indeed a tomb, but also a spiritual compass. It stands as proof that the ultimate form of resistance is the courage to find a home where you are celebrated, ensuring that the journey of the Diaspora is forever a cycle of return rather than a history of displacement.
Michael Jackson Biopic Taps ‘Human Jukebox’ ‘Sonic Boom’ And ‘Marching 100’ To Honor His Legacy
The HBCU bands' recruitment is tied to the promotional campaign for the new biographical film 'MICHAEL.'
Florida A&M University’s Marching “100”, Southern University’s “Human Jukebox”, and Jackson State’s “Sonic Boom” paid homage to music icon Michael Jackson with on-field performances.
The recruitment of HBCU bands is tied to the promotional campaign for the new biographical film “MICHAEL.” Celebrations of Jackson’s influence have always echoed loudly across HBCU communities, including past tributes by Southern University bands. The Marching “100” performed a rendition of Jackson’s hit “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” as part of the “MICHAEL” X HBCU Marching Bands Initiative.
Florida A&M President Marva B. Johnson said the tribute reflects a “shared tradition of excellence” and Jackson’s transformative impact on music, Black culture, and popular culture alike. The Marching 100 is not new to celebrating the King of Pop. Over the years, the band has created routines for its solo hits, including “Heal the World,” “The Jackson 5’s Never Can Say Goodbye,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Celebrating legacy, artistry, and culture: Florida A&M University’s The Marching “100."
Jackson State, no stranger to HBCU excellence, has also been a longtime supporter of Jackson’s life and legacy. After the King of Pop’s passing, the band put on a full-scale tribute to honor his legacy. In addition to its tribute, the Sonic Boom of the South has performed compositions of “Dirty Diana,” “I Can’t Help It,” and “P.Y.T.” Jackson has been gone for slightly under two decades, but the dedication of bands like The Sonic Boom continues to make sure his soulful, funky, and enduring legacy lives on.
Celebrating legacy, artistry, and culture: Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South.
Southern University’s famed band, the Human Jukebox, has a long history of celebrating Michael Jackson’s repertoire in its shows. Past performances by the band have included staged tributes to Jackson classics. The band has performed arrangements of “Liberian Girl,” “Thriller,” and “Blood on the Dance Floor” that honor the late artist’s catalogue and prominence in collegiate marching band format. Videos of past and present reflect the deep connection between Jackson’s legacy and HBCU band culture.
Celebrating legacy, artistry, and culture: Southern University’s Human Jukebox.
The Human Jukebox, the official marching band of Southern University and A&M College, has drawn acclaim for its showmanship and dynamic performances, and its Jackson tributes have been part of home game celebrations and the famed Battle of the Bands at the Bayou Classic. These nods to Jackson’s catalogue have helped keep Jackson’s legacy and artistry alive for generations to come.
Lionsgate’s digital marketing team said the tribute’s connection to Jackson’s legacy “continues to resonate with HBCU communities,” where music, movement, and rhythm are central to cultural expression. Tapping the baddest bands in the land was a no-brainer.
Kamala Harris Pulls Up For Jasmine Crockett In Texas Senate Showdown, Officially Backs Her Bid
Harris urges voters to back Crockett over state Rep. James Talarico.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping into one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries in the country, throwing her support behind Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Texas’s heated Senate race.
In a robocall released in the final stretch before the March 3 election, Harris urges voters to back Crockett over state Rep. James Talarico.
“This is Kamala Harris, and I’m calling to encourage you to please go vote for my friend Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary,” Harris says in the recorded message, Politico reports. “Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate. Jasmine has the experience and record to hold Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies accountable. It’s time to turn Texas blue.”
Crockett currently holds a double-digit lead over Talarico, according to a new University of Texas Texas Politics Project poll. The survey found Crockett at 56% and Talarico at 44% among likely Democratic primary voters. Crockett showed strong support among Black voters, seniors, and those without college degrees, while Talarico narrowly led among white voters, The Texas Tribune reports.
Crockett and Harris share a close political bond. Crockett served as a co-chair of Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign and spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where she recounted Harris’ mentorship when she first arrived in Congress. According to sources familiar with the race, Crockett sought Harris’ advice before launching her Senate bid in December, CNN reports.
Harris’ team coordinated with Crockett’s campaign on how she could be most impactful in the final days of early voting. A second robocall is expected to be deployed on Election Day.
For Harris, the endorsement serves as a test of her political capital. Since leaving office, she has selectively supported allies with personal ties, including New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and Massachusetts congressional candidate Dan Koh.
Iran responded within hours, launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes toward Israel and U.S. military bases across the Gulf.
The United States and Israel have launched sweeping military strikes across Iran, with President Donald Trump confirming that major combat operations are underway and openly urging Iranians to overthrow their government, AP News reports.
Speaking in a video address, Trump declared that the Iranian people should seize control of their future, calling this moment a rare opportunity for generational change. The strikes, which took place on Feb. 28, reportedly targeted military installations, strategic sites in Tehran, and areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media said attacks were carried out nationwide, and smoke was seen rising above the capital.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a coordinated campaign with the U.S. designed to weaken Iran’s ruling leadership.
Iran responded within hours, launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes toward Israel and U.S. military bases across the Gulf, BBC reports. Explosions were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. In Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet operates, video footage captured the moment a missile struck, sending debris into the air as civilians fled.
Regional governments said they were intercepting missiles but warned of broader consequences. Concerns are especially high over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route.
In the aftermath of the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran, members of Congress responded along sharp party lines.
Republican allies quickly voiced support. Sen. Lindsey Graham said he was “confident this operation will be successful and the liberation of the long suffering people of Iran is at hand.” He added, “This operation has been well-planned. It will be violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful,” Spectrum News reports.
Democrats have called for caution and oversight. Rep. Jared Moskowitz formally requested briefings, saying, “This is a serious moment that demands full transparency and congressional oversight.” Sen. Andy Kim warned that Trump had “once again started a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control. This is unacceptable.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled potential legislative pushback, saying supporters of the Iran War Powers Resolution plan to compel a vote “as soon as Congress reconvenes next week.”
Inside Iran, the public mood appears deeply divided. Social media videos show panic in parts of Tehran as residents run from blast sites. According to the BBC, some Iranians expressed cautious relief at the prospect of political change. Others fear that airstrikes alone may not topple the regime and could instead lead to harsher internal repression.
President Donald J. Trump on the United States military combat operations in Iran: pic.twitter.com/LimJmpLkgZ
The escalation follows mounting pressure from Washington over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump recently criticized Tehran’s negotiating stance, signaling frustration ahead of the strikes.
As missile exchanges continue across the region, world leaders are bracing for further fallout.
Third-Grade Detroit Student Earns Acceptance Into Elite High-IQ Society Mensa
An 8-year-old third grader from Detroit has been accepted into Mensa, the prestigious high-IQ society.
A bright third grader from Detroit is making his family and community proud after earning acceptance into Mensa, the prestigious organization for individuals with exceptional intelligence.
Eight-year-old Myles Dantzler recently learned he has been accepted into Mensa, the world’s largest and oldest high-IQ organization, Click On Detroit reports. The nonprofit admits individuals who score in the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized, supervised IQ test or another approved intelligence assessment.
“I got one of the highest scores on the IQ test,” Myles said. “It makes me really proud of myself.”
Mensa also shared a statement celebrating Myles’ induction into the distinguished organization, which provides an intellectual and social community for its more than 150,000 members worldwide.
“Myles has been a welcome addition to the Mensa family, which is reinforcing the potent education he’s receiving at Bates Academy. We’re thrilled for him and his family,” the organization said. “Gifted youth represent our largest segment of new members, and for good reason. American Mensa understands their challenges and tremendous potential, providing a host of resources and a supportive community.”
The Bates Academy third grader enjoys many of the same things as other kids his age — playing video games, spending time with his toys, and hanging out with his siblings. But Dantzler also has a deep curiosity, often turning to educational YouTube videos to explore topics ranging from dinosaurs to geography.
“There’s an underwater country called Zealandia. It’s actually the eighth continent,” Myles happily shared.
Myles’s father, Michael Dantzler, describes his son as “a kind-hearted, well-rounded kid.” From an early age, his parents recognized his exceptional abilities, noting that he asked insightful questions and grasped new concepts more quickly than many children his age.
“When he started reading words that I couldn’t read or correcting me when I was reading books to him, I was like, OK, this is it,” said Jamilla Johnson, Myles’s mother.
Now, at just 8 years old and officially accepted into Mensa, Myles will have new opportunities to stretch his intellect and connect with peers who share his curiosity. His teachers say they are incredibly proud and eager to see all that his bright future holds.
“It was well earned and well deserved,” said Elinka Lewandowski, Myles’s reading teacher.
“This gives him a lot of opportunities to really stretch his intellect and that IQ,” added Benjamin Higgins, his science and social studies teacher.
His teachers say his accomplishments have energized his classmates, inspiring them to push themselves, work harder, and set their sights higher.
“I think they’re really excited. A couple of them were asking, ‘What does it mean? And how can I do it?” said Natelege Sims, his accelerated math teacher.
'Warren Sapp has resigned from the CU football coaching staff to pursue other opportunities,' Colorado’s athletic department said in a written statement.
After stating that he was going back to school to earn a college degree so he could join Deion Sanders’ coaching staff at the University of Colorado Boulder, former NFL player Warren Sapp has resigned from the Buffaloes football team.
According to USA Today, Sapp left the Colorado building two years after joining Sanders’ coaching staff. He initially was on staff as a graduate assistant coach before becoming the pass rush coordinator. The school’s athletic department confirmed his resignation.
“Warren Sapp has resigned from the CU football coaching staff to pursue other opportunities,” Colorado’s athletic department said in a written statement. “CU Athletics thanks Warren for his contributions to our football program over the last two seasons and for his commitment to our student-athletes.”
Last year, there were three Pro Football Hall of Famers on the coaching staff: Sanders, Sapp, and Marshall Faulk. After Faulk left to take on a head coaching position at Southern University, Sapp has now vacated the building.
Two years ago, Sapp announced that he graduated from Texas Seminary Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian sports management, and shortly thereafter, Sanders stated that the Hall of Famer would join him on the coaching staff.
Before joining the staff, Sapp appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and expressed his excitement about helping the student-athletes at Colorado.
“I want to be there next year,” he said. “I’m going to get everything, the paperwork, and I’m going to go to work. Because sitting on my couch watching tape, making ‘Sapp in the Lab.’ I’m gonna go Sapp into class. I’m gonna go Sapp online. I’m finna go get this degree. Then we’re gonna go out and teach these kids these five steps to the quarterback.”
Sapp, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, played in the NFL for 13 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders. He recorded 96.5 sacks and earned four first-team All-Pro selections.
