tsa
(Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 16, 2026

Another Day, More Airport Disruptions As TSA Agents Quit After Going Into Weekend Without A Full Paycheck

In a statement, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Everett Kelley, said the number of agents quitting comes as “no surprise” as “most Americans would quit their jobs if they didn’t get a paycheck on payday.”

After Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents missed their first full paycheck since February’s partial shutdown which features lapsed funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), hundreds quit or called out, causing massive disruptions over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, CNN reports. 

On X, DHS announced that more than 300 TSA agents quit, blaming it on “Democrat-caused chaos…Enough is enough,” the post read. 

In a statement, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Everett Kelley, said the number of agents quitting comes as “no surprise” as “most Americans would quit their jobs if they didn’t get a paycheck on payday.”

The organization’s president, who represents over 46,000 uniformed TSA workers, said many officers continue to work with “care and professionalism.” 

On social media, images of lengthy lines beyond normal waiting hours poured in. In Atlanta at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, it took travelers 109 minutes just to get to the checkpoint.

“Airports coast to coast are seeing major delays, HOURS-long security lines, and missed flights because of the Democrats’ DHS shutdown,” the agency wrote on X.“SAVE SPRING BREAK. REOPEN DHS NOW.”

Agents being out of work—again—comes months after the federal government came to an agreement to end the 2025 shutdown, labeled as the longest in U.S. history. Under a law established in 2019, federal employees are guaranteed to receive back pay once the shutdown ends; however, union reps say that’s not the case this time.

“(The resources) we had in the fall are not available today,” said George Borek, AFGE union steward and TSA officer at Hartsfield-Jackson.

As a result, airline CEOs signed a letter, urging the government to issue paychecks during the partial shutdown. Some airports, such as Denver International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, have requested travelers assist TSA agents. 

According to The Hill, CEOs from Southwest, United, American, JetBlue, Delta, and even FedEx and UPS, signed the letter,.

“Americans—who live in your districts and home states—are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown. Yet, once again, air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown,” the leadership group wrote. 

“This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals.”

RELATED CONTENT: TSA Agents Share Grievances Of Financial Stress As Partial Government Shutdown Continues

Chaka Khan
(Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 16, 2026

Chaka Khan Brings Her Iconic Life Story To The Stage With ‘I’m Every Woman’ Musical

Chaka Khan is sharing her untold life story in the new musical "I'm Every Woman."

Chaka Khan is set to bring her triumphant life story to the stage in the I’m Every Woman musical, tracing her journey from humble beginnings on Chicago’s South Side to becoming the legendary “Queen of Funk.”

Set to premiere in London at Hackney Empire from March 20–25, the musical tells the powerful life story of global superstar Chaka Khan, Broadway World reported. For the first time ever, fans will get to see the global superstar bring her journey to the stage, exploring her civil rights activism and battles within the music industry, as well as her struggles with addiction and the challenges of motherhood. At its heart, the production celebrates resilience, purpose, and the woman behind the legend.

Multi-platinum recording artist and award-winning actress Alexandra Burke, known for The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard, and Curfew, will portray Chaka Khan at Hackney Empire, as well as in Coventry and Eastbourne. The role marks a full-circle moment for Burke, who famously performed a Chaka Khan song during her television debut.

“Almost 17 years ago, with my late mother by my side, I sang Chaka for my very first non-televised audition for The X Factor,” she said in a statement. “To think that all these years later I’ve been given the opportunity to play the superstar that is Chaka Khan in the West End would have been simply unimaginable for me back then. Thank you, Mama, for all your love and guidance as I was growing up. You are in my thoughts every day, and I’ll be lovingly looking up to you every single show. This truly is a dream role for me, my first originating, and I’m still pinching myself, wondering if I’m dreaming!”

Burke will be joined by a star-studded cast including Jordan Frazier (Hamilton) as alternate Chaka Khan; Paige Peddie (The Lion King) as Taka Boom; Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Les Misérables) as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams; and Charlotte St Croix (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston.

Additional cast members include Maryla Abraham (Coming to England) as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl (Lizard Boy) as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro (Kinky Boots) as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley (The Drifter’s Girl) as Richard Holland/Prince, and Teddy Wills (Get Up Stand Up!) portraying Fred Hampton, Miles Davis, and Grandmaster Melle Mel.

The cast also features Chris Breistein (An Officer and a Gentleman) as Steve Winwood, Samuel Sarpong-Broni (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Charles Stevens/Yoruba Priest/Stevie Wonder, and Peter Houston (Hamilton) as Bob Monaco.

The production features a book by Nia T. Hill, is directed by Racky Plews, and has choreography by Ebony Clarke. Alongside telling the story of Chaka Khan’s life and career, the musical includes many of her biggest hits, such as “I Feel for You,” “Tell Me Something Good,” “Ain’t Nobody,” “Sweet Thing,” “Higher Love,” “Through the Fire,” and the title track “I’m Every Woman.”

The story also touches on her encounters with artists, including Joni Mitchell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Robert Palmer. The musical offers a soulful journey through Chaka Khan’s legendary catalog and the powerful story behind her remarkable life.

“Of course, we know and love the classics, ‘I’m Every Woman,’ ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ and ‘I Feel For You,’ but I encourage you to dive deep into her incredible solo and Rufus catalogue, it’s timeless and iconic just like the legend herself,” Burke said.

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black women, abortion, Lashana Gilmore, Cleopatra Herrera, A Home From Shana, foundation,
(Image: Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 16, 2026

Study Shows State-Sanctioned Scalpels: Florida Courts Order Forced C-Sections On Laboring Women As Hospitals Invoke ‘Fetal Rights’

New research sheds light on the troubling reality that some pregnant women face during childbirth—being forced into C-section deliveries by court order at the request of hospitals.

New findings are bringing attention to the rising number of pregnant women being forced into unwanted C-section deliveries by court order.

States such as Florida are facing scrutiny as lawmakers promote expanded medical freedom for those who want to avoid vaccines or fluoridated water while limiting the rights of people during pregnancy, ProPublica reports. One example involves Cherise Doyley, who says that during her 12th hour of labor at UF Health Jacksonville, a nurse and supervisor entered her room with a tablet. On the screen, Judge Michael Kalil informed her that the state had filed an emergency petition at the hospital’s request and that officials wanted to compel her to undergo a cesarean section.

“I have 20 white people against me, and because I am informed and I am making an informed decision, they are trying to take my rights away from me by force,” Doyley, a professional birthing doula, told the people on the screen, requesting a Black nurse or doctor.

“I don’t find that race really has much to do with this, ma’am,” the judge responded.

In Florida, mentally competent patients generally have the right to make their own medical decisions, including refusing treatment. However, pregnant patients are a notable exception. Courts in the state, and many others, can order medical procedures during pregnancy, reflecting broader restrictions tied to the concept of fetal personhood, which holds that a fetus may have equal or even greater rights than the woman carrying it.

Doyley had been clear she did not want another C-section after previously undergoing three, including one that caused a hemorrhage. While doctors warned of a small risk of uterine rupture, which could threaten both her and her baby, Doyley said she would only consent to surgery in an emergency. Despite her objections, a judge attempted to order the procedure.

“There aren’t any other instances where you would invade the body of one person to save the life of another,” said Lois Shepherd, a bioethics expert at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Florida has long been at the center of policies tied to fetal personhood.

In 1989, the state became one of the first to prosecute a woman for “delivering” drugs to her fetus during pregnancy, though the Florida Supreme Court later overturned the conviction. Lawmakers are now considering a bill that would further embed the concept in state law by granting embryos and fetuses the same legal status as people in wrongful death cases.

Surveys show more than 10% of women report feeling pressured into C-sections and other procedures by doctors concerned about risks to the baby. Advocates were also alarmed to learn that a similar case had occurred just 18 months earlier involving another Black woman in Florida. In both situations, the women argued that forcing a C-section violated their right to make medical decisions, while hospital staff claimed their choices endangered the fetus—leaving the courts to determine which rights would prevail.

“All of it essentially is about the state’s ability to decide that a fetus, at any point during a pregnancy, is more important than the person who’s pregnant,” said Rutgers University law professor Kimberly Mutcherson.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevate Your Excellence: Ulysses ‘Junior’ Bridgeman The Sixth Man Who Built A Financial Empire

Rodeo Houston, dress code
(Photo: Sean P. Twomey/Pexels)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 16, 2026

Houston Rodeo Shuts Down Early After Chaos Ensues With Police Tackling Fighting Guests

Viral TikToks showed the crowd erupting into a frenzy as police even tackled one guest.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo shut down early one weekend night after bouts of fighting led to chaos.

Several TikToks showed crowds surrounding fights before the festival security could take action. A police officer was also seen in one clip tackling a fighting guest as hundreds gathered around the area.

@realtor.william I just wanted a turkey leg and fried cheesecake but they shut it down early😭 #fyp #houstonrodeo #rodeo #viral #hlsr ♬ original sound – foreverhumblemarc96

The violence led rodeo organizers to close early on Saturday March 14, to ensure guest safety, according to Chron. “Out of an abundance of caution, the carnival closed early Saturday night,” a spokesperson wrote. “The safety and security of our guests remains the top priority for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.”

“A group of individuals began running in the carnival area, which prompted others nearby to run,” the HLSR spokesperson added. “Law enforcement engaged

According to the outlet, officials later said fights broke out in the carnival area, causing crowds to run and “create confusion.”

Another TikTok showed footage of the scene.

@saltlife_44

SMH, my only problem is why bring us halfway down and leave us hanging. A sitting target if it was a active shooter. Nothing we can do but record. Overcrowded if you ask me.

♬ Run – N5?

This Rodeo is a signature event. It takes place annually, bringing millions of visitors to Houston for its assortment of carnival rides, concerts, and, of course, rodeo competitions.

However, the rodeo has not continued without incident before, including this festival season. The same week, festival officials had to revoke the status of a Harris County Judge after she was escorted out of the grounds.

While some issues have clouded the Rodeo experience for some, Houston expects to move forward with its flagship event. The Rodeo will remain in town until March 22.

RELATED CONTENT: Tina Knowles Whips Up ‘Mama Tina’s Gumbo’ for Houston Rodeo

MacKenzie Scott
(Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 16, 2026

MacKenzie Scott Donates $42M To Elizabeth City State University In Second Historic Gift To HBCU

The gift is among the largest per-student donations in HBCU history.

MacKenzie Scott has made a second historic donation to Elizabeth City State University, marking another milestone for the North Carolina Institution.

Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos, donated $42 million to ECSU, nearly tripling her initial $15 million donation in 2020. The school’s chancellor,  S. Keith Hargrove Sr., remarked on the monumental gift during the university’s Founders Day Convocation.

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to MacKenzie Scott for this remarkable act of generosity and for her recognition of the critical role that HBCUs play in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities,” Hargrove said in a statement obtained by The Grio.

Currently, Elizabeth City State University educates around 2,500 students. Founded in 1891, ESCU initially provided training to aspiring Black teachers in North Carolina. Established as Elizabeth City State Teachers College in 1937, the school adopted its current name in 1969 after introducing graduate programs.

With a focus on instructing students across disciplines such as education, business, the sciences, and the humanities, ECSU has received a new wave of financial support through Scott’s generous donation. However, Scott’s gift also marks a record per-student donation, aiding in the school’s longevity for the next generation of HBCU scholars.

“Gifts like this do more than provide resources; they accelerate momentum,” Hargrove added. “This gift allows institutions like Elizabeth City State University to move boldly toward the future while remaining grounded in the mission that has guided us for 135 years.”

The money will also amplify ESCU’s strategic plan, ASCEND 2030. This new wave of funding will scale ESCU’s resources and opportunities for students taking part in this initiative, particularly through endowed scholarships and renovations of its facilities.

Alongside this gift, Scott has been a dynamic game-changer for HBCU investment. Her passionate support of historically Black institutions has sparked a movement for other philanthropists to further invest in these diverse academic hubs.

The Amazon stakeholder had already given over $7 billion in 2025 alone, with over $1 billion given directly to HBCUs. With her promise to give her vast wealth to these underrepresented schools, she also champions their new eras of academic achievement.

RELATED CONTENT: Op-Ed: HBCUs Must Treat Land Like Power

jon jones, MAGA, Trump, UFC, champ
(Photo: Gage Skidmore/flickr)
by Mitti Hicks

March 16, 2026

UN Panel Says Hate Speech From Trump Has Led To Grave Human Rights Violations

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) called on the United States to meet its obligations under international agreements to combat racism and discrimination.

A United Nations (UN) watchdog is accusing President Donald Trump and other U.S. political leaders of using “racist hate speech” against migrants and overseeing policies that have led to “grave human rights violations.”

In a decision issued on Wednesday, the Geneva-based Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) called on the United States to meet its obligations under international agreements to combat racism and discrimination.

CERD is a panel of 18 independent experts. In its ruling, CERD said it was deeply disturbed by the use of harmful stereotypes and dehumanizing language being used to target migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

“Portraying them as criminals or as a burden, by politicians and influential public figures at the highest level, particularly the President, may incite racial discrimination and hate crimes,” the panel said in a news release.

The statement marked a rare instance in which CERD directly criticized remarks made by a sitting U.S. president, The Associated Press reports.

UN Cites Concerns About Hate Speech, Migration Crackdown

According to the Associated Press, committee members attributed a reported rise in racial discrimination to “racist hate speech” targeting those groups but did not pinpoint a specific data set. In addition to speech, the panel said it’s also concerned about the impact of politicians and other public figures weaponizing stereotypes to incite hate crimes and discrimination.

The panel documented concerns about measures the Trump administration has introduced to crack down on migration, including systematic racial profiling by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol agencies, and “violent methods.” According to the report, at least eight people have died since January 2026 in incidents linked to immigration enforcement.

CERD also expressed concern about the number of migrants held in detention facilities. According to the report, the number of people detained increased from about 40,000 in late 2024 to about 73,000 at the beginning of 2026. The Trump administration has deported approximately 675,000 migrants since his return to office.

It doesn’t appear that the Trump administration will make any changes. The White House rejected the assessment, saying the UN panel is out of touch with conditions in the United States.

“This United Nations assessment is just as useless as their broken escalator, and their extreme bias continues to prove why no one takes them seriously,” White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said. “No one cares what the biased United Nations’ so-called ‘experts’ think, because Americans are living in a safer, stronger country than ever before.”

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Sinners, Ryan Coogler, AAFCA, awards
Photo Courtesy of Sinners
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 16, 2026

‘Sinners’ Didn’t Win Best Picture But It Did Shine At The Oscars

And it made history.

The success of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners carried into the 98th Academy Awards, where the film finished the night as a runner-up for the most wins with four Oscars out of a record-breaking 16 nominations.

Ryan Coogler joined an elite group of Black filmmakers, becoming only the second, after Jordan Peele, to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The Oakland native was met with a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept his first Oscar, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.

“Please, please, please sit down, ’cause I’m very nervous and they’re gonna play me off. I grew up in Oakland, California, and we can talk a lot,” he joked. “I wanna thank the Academy for thinking of our movie that came out almost a year ago. This is an incredible honor. I wanna thank my fellow nominees. I wanna thank y’all for the gifts that y’all movies were and for y’all’s friendship over the past years and months.”

Coogler went on to “thank everybody that was involved in this movie,” as well as Warner Bros. and the cast and crew of Sinners.

“You guys are amazing,” he added. “Oh my God, you are all winners in my book.”

Coogler, who attended the Oscars with his wife ,Zinzi Coogler, ended his speech by thanking her for her support and for producing the 1930s-set vampire film. He also thanked their three children and his mom.

“Zinzi, you’re the best wife and mom in the world. Every day I get to spend with you is better than the one that came before,” Coogler said. “And to my parents who are here, thank y’all for all the memories. Thank y’all for making me believe in myself. And to my babies that are at home watching, I apologize for all the time away. Dad loves you. Memories are all we have. I hope I’ve given you some great ones.”

Michael B. Jordan also earned his first Oscar, becoming the sixth Black man to win Best Actor and joining Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith. During his speech, he also paid tribute to Halle Berry, the only Black woman to win Best Actress.

“I stand here because of the people who came before me,” Jordan said. “To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys, thank you everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career. I feel it.”

More history was made when Sinners won the Oscar for Best Cinematography, making Autumn Durald Arkapaw the first woman to take home the award. Ludwig Göransson secured the film’s fourth Oscar with Best Original Score—his third win after composing the music for Black Panther and Oppenheimer.

The wins for Coogler and Jordan serve as a testament to their longtime creative partnership, which began with Coogler’s 2013 debut film “Fruitvale Station.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ryan Coogler Says ‘Sinners’ Is ‘The Most Personal Film’ To Him As It Pays Homage To His Ancestry

Rep. Justin Pearson Flames Colleague’s Moral Compass, ‘You Need the Bible To Know Slavery Is Wrong?’
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 24: Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson smiles while meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden along with the other members of the “Tennessee Three” at the White House April 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. Biden met with Pearson, Rep. Justin Jones, Rep. Gloria Johnson, and Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss ongoing efforts to ban assault weapons. Pearson and Jones were expelled from the Tennessee legislature after protesting during a session, but were recently reinstated. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 16, 2026

Rep. Justin Pearson Flames Colleague’s Moral Compass, ‘You Need the Bible To Know Slavery Is Wrong?’

When Reneau carried on about how the Bible provides instruction on how to treat slaves “kindly,” Pearson jumped in, calling her comments "unconscionable."

When a Republican Tennessee lawmaker tried to use the Bible to justify slavery, one of the darkest times in American history, Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson wasn’t having it. 

In only the way Pearson could explain, the outspoken leader condemned the narrative of Rep. Michele Reneau, who cited scripture in a debate about slavery, saying “it is important not to dilute history” after being questioned about the Founding Fathers who once enslaved people.

Reneau said, “We need to know and understand what that is so that we don’t repeat those mistakes.” She then went a step further to say “the Bible also says that we will be judged in a time of our culture, and at that time, it was a common practice.” 

When Reneau carried on about how the Bible provides instruction on how to treat enslaved people “kindly,” Pearson jumped in, calling her comments “unconscionable.” “It is nearly unconscionable to believe that you just articulated the theological vision of enslavers in this Capitol in the year 2026 as though it was OK,” he said.  

He continued to school her on where she went wrong. “The Bible, which was written in many different iterations, but is articulating the time of thousands of years ago, was used as justification for enslavement that happened thousands of years later,” Pearson argued. 

“But what is worse and what is deeply disturbing by what you just said is not how you are saying ‘and that was wrong or immoral,’  there is no question slavery was immoral, and you shouldn’t need a Bible to know that.”  

The comment section supported Pearson in educating Reneau on where she may have gone wrong, especially when she said, “Our Founding Fathers believed all men were created equal.”

“Our Founding Fathers believed all MEN were created equal, but did not consider Black Americans as men, but less than. So saying they moved us forward to where we are today is a lie and a misrepresentation of history. Start over,” @ivyleague3 said. 

@itsgugugumede compared the congresswoman’s thoughts to the United States’ growing wars. “These are the same people who justify the wars today by saying the Lord favors Israel,” she wrote. 

Pearson has never been afraid to speak out in defense of Black people and the civil rights of Tennesseans and American citizens. After being criticized on day one of his state congressional election, the lawmaker was attacked for wearing a dashki on the floor. He has faced arrest in protest and more. 

He hopes to bring that same energy to the U.S. Congress, eyeing the seat of longtime Rep. Steve Cohen.

Tennessee is known to push religion as a way to support Republican-led initiatives. According to the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, House Bill 47, sponsored by Republican Rep. Michael Hale, seeks to include the display of the Ten Commandments and other items, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, posted in public schools. 

Democratic leaders like Pearson oppose the measure, arguing that it risks violating the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”

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Mike Epps
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 16, 2026

Mike Epps Shows Fan Appreciation By Buying Her Clothes, Giving Tickets To Comedy Show

The comdian bought her an outfit, gave her $500 and a ticket to his comedy show in Celeveland

The generosity of comedian Mike Epps was on display on social media, as he posted a photo of himself hugging a fan after she chased him down when she saw him out in public recently.

The comedian, who had a show in Cleveland, posted the pic after he said she saw him out and about, and while she was chasing him down, screaming “Day-Day” (his character from the Friday movies), he stopped to speak to her. After discovering that she was “so sweet” and beautiful on the inside, he bought her an outfit, gave her money, and a ticket to his Cleveland show.

She is seen in the photo smiling and hugging the comedian in a store.

“This lady made my day she chased me down hollin day day she was funny af and so sweet beautiful inside and out I brought her a outfit and gave her 500 dollars and invited to the show in Cleveland tonight I had to force her to take the money 💵 make sure you love our sisters out thier y’all if you don’t have nothing good to say don’t say it at all 🌺🌹”

Epps, who, according to Deadline, has released his fifth special for Netflix, Delusional on Jan. 27, is currently on the road for his We Them Ones Tour. This tour takes him to 35 major cities; it kicked off Feb. 6 in Louisville, Kentucky, and will wind down in Las Vegas on May 23.

“This one feels different,” Epps told the media outlet. “Delusional is the most honest I’ve ever been, and now I get to take that same energy back to the people. When we hit your city on the We Them Ones Tour, just know — I’m not holding nothing back.”

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Morehouse College, Dream
(Photo: Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 16, 2026

Morehouse School Of Medicine Gets Nearly $1M In Federal Funds For New Research Building

The money will go toward the school's new Academic & Research building.

Morehouse School of Medicine has received a lofty check from the federal government, all thanks to one Georgia congresswoman.

U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams secured nearly $1 million, $950,000 to be exact, to help the medical school construct a new Academic & Research building. According to WSB-TV, the money stems from 2023 Community Project funding.

Williams, who represents Georgia’s 5th congressional district, also noted that the federal funding will aid the medical school’s expansion of biomedical research and workforce development. The congresswoman helped celebrate the occasion by presenting a check to the MSM President and CEO, Dr. Valerie Rice.

Morehouse School of Medicine currently stands as the only historically Black medical school in Atlanta. Although no longer affiliated with Morehouse College, the school continues to educate a diverse population of medical students. According to the Princeton Review, roughly 80% of its student body identifies as Black.

MSM continues to serve as a pipeline for Black medical professionals, who remain underrepresented in the healthcare industry. With the Association of American Medical Colleges confirming that Black people accounted for only 5.3% of all medical professionals in 2023, this new funding seeks to level the playing field for greater medical diversity.

Now, this funding will go toward Morehouse’s efforts to advance its academic opportunities through research while also addressing healthcare inequities in the U.S. medical system. Rice also released a statement expressing the school’s gratitude for this gift.

“This investment helps Morehouse School of Medicine expand our campus and train more physicians and healthcare professionals who will serve communities here in Atlanta and across Georgia. We’re grateful to Congresswoman Nikema Williams for her leadership and her continued commitment to strengthening healthcare and education in our community,” Rice said.

As Morehouse School of Medicine produces the next generation of Black doctors, this monumental funding will ensure they have the training and research needed to treat diverse communities.

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