Morgan State University — Permission granted by Morgan State

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 12, 2025

Morgan State University On Track To Become Next HBCU With Research-1 Status

The school expects to gain R-1 status by 2030.

Morgan State University is on track to accomplish a significant feat, becoming the next HBCU with Research-1 status.

The Baltimore-based institution embarked on a journey to reach R-1 status in 2020. At the time, the school’s president, David Kwabena Wilson, announced its quest to obtain a Research One Carnegie classification. Five years later, they are making significant progress in reaching this goal.

According to the Baltimore Banner, the school had only $17.2 million in research spending and 71 doctoral students in its 2020 graduating class. Now, the school has secured more than $65 million in research funding, with $10 million projected for 2026.

Morgan State has also increased its number of doctoral graduates, with 100 expected at next spring’s commencement. Wilson, who has led the HBCU since 2010, has grand hopes for Morgan State’s potential once it reaches R-1 status.

“We are very close to becoming a tenant on the penthouse level of research in this country,” explained Wilson. “When we get there, we won’t be like anyone else currently on that floor. We are distinctly Morgan.”

To reach this goal, the school increased the number of grant applications completed by faculty members, doubling the number of proposals within the five years. Wilson also sought investment from politicians and philanthropic leaders to fund the venture, not wanting to rely solely on state funding.

“You’ll never ever hear me asking the state to spend anything on Morgan,” added Wilson. “Instead, I ask them to invest in Morgan.”

Established in 1890 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, Morgan State has emerged as the largest historically Black institution in Maryland, with nearly 10,000 students enrolled. It currently holds an R2 status as a doctoral-degree-granting university.

Reaching R-1 status would significantly boost Morgan State’s competitiveness among other universities. The classification would also widen research opportunities, alongside a greater appeal to students and faculty.

The school has already improved its resources and buildings in its science departments. This includes not only its newly opened $171 million Health and Human Services building, but also a $337 million science center currently under construction. Upon completion, the 246,000-square-foot building will house the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

The school expects to gain the Carnegie classification by 2030. It can also apply for the status during its round in 2028. If approved, it will become the second HBCU to hold the distinction currently. The only other HBCU with R-1 status remains Howard University.

State and local leaders have also championed this cause, such as Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.

“Baltimore knows that Morgan State is Baltimore’s University,” Scott said at the time. “This groundbreaking is the next step in Morgan’s transformation, an investment in STEM programs that the school is known for, and important progress on the road to becoming a top-tier, R1 research institution.”

The school intends to keep climbing no matter the political shifts that may cause challenges. Like many schools, especially HBCUs, Morgan State faced federal cuts prompted by the Trump administration. However, the HBCU’s leadership remains determined to elevate the school to R-1.

department of Labor, — Washington, DC – Frances Perkins Building ***Official Department of Labor Photograph*** Photographs taken by the federal government are generally part of the public domain and may be used, copied and distributed without permission. Unless otherwise noted, photos posted here may be used without the prior permission of the U.S. Department of Labor. Such materials, however, may not be used in a manner that imply any official affiliation with or endorsement of your company, website or publication. Photo Credit: Department of Labor Shawn T Moore

by Mitti Hicks

August 12, 2025

U.S. Labor Dept. Announces $30M In Grants To Train Workers For High-Demand Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a high demand for high-skilled fields such as nursing, specialized care, and scientists. There is also a need for skilled trades such as electricians, machinists, and plumbers.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Monday up to $30 million in grants to train the workforce for high-demand jobs nationwide. The funding will help to address critical workforce needs nationwide.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the Trump administration says the funding will provide outcome-based reimbursements to employers for providing training in high-demand and emerging industries that align with President Trump’s Executive Order 14278, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, Executive Order 14629, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, and America’s AI Action Plan.

Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the funding echoes the President’s call to “Make America Skilled Again,” which aims to provide states with the resources and flexibility needed to meet their workforce demands.

“The Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants will ensure employers drive workforce training that is critical for their business needs, while also upskilling workers and developing a critical talent pipeline to fulfill this Administration’s goal of putting American workers and employers first,” she said in a statement. “These grant opportunities will help fill the good-paying, in-demand jobs being created by President Trump’s successful efforts to restore America as the world’s leading manufacturing superpower and secure our position as the dominant global leader in AI.”

What To Know About The Available Grants From the U.S. Labor Department

According to the Labor Department, grants of up to $8 million will be awarded to State Workforce Agencies to establish and administer training funds that encourage businesses to create and expand innovative training programs.

“These programs will help make sure both new hires and workers with more experience are able to gain the critical skills they need to meet the evolving workforce demands of their industries,” Labor Department leaders said in a news release.

Artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, nuclear energy, domestic mineral production, and information technology are all industries that will be prioritized. In addition, the department intends to award at least $5 million to build a pipeline of skilled American workers in the shipbuilding industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a high demand for high-skilled fields such as nursing, specialized care, and science. There is also a need for skilled tradespeople such as electricians, machinists, and plumbers.

Ye Brings Back Yeezy Website With Affordable Items

Products on the website range from $20 to $100

Controversial fashionista and music producer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has restored his Yeezy brand website.

After the website was shut down last year for selling an offensive T-shirt with an anti-Jewish hate symbol, the swastika, the clothing merchandise website is open and running with items for sale. An X user noticed the site was back up and posted it for the world to see.

https://t.co/NeSFNTjXld OMG YEEZY IS BACK

Take my money pic.twitter.com/YTFNMrln4H
— SILVERA (@silv_er_a) August 9, 2025

According to Cassuis Life, the site is selling Yeezy slides for a very affordable $20. There are over 100 items available for sale on the renewed site, with products ranging from $20 to $100. Items being sold include t-shirts, hoodies, raincoats, and slides. There are also products for women like tube tops, bodysuits, bras, and thongs. You can also find several accessories, including backpacks, pods, footwear, and sunglasses.

However, the media outlet pointed out that purchased items will take some time to get to customers. When shoppers go to pay for their items on the checkout page, the site gives them a warning about the estimated delivery time.

The messages “CLOTHING WILL SHIP WITHIN 4-6 WEEKS” and “FOOTWEAR WILL SHIP WITHIN 6-13 WEEKS” are given on the checkout page.

Ye’s agreement with Adidas for distribution of the Yeezy brand was terminated in October 2022, after controversial comments made against Jewish people, ending a more than 10-year relationship with the rapper. The German company announced earlier this year that it had finally sold the last of their remaining Yeezy merchandise.

In October 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that the sneaker brand reached an out-of-court settlement with the music producer. The agreement negated all legal claims between Ye and Adidas. That deal was completed two years after Adidas ended its partnership with the fashion designer, who had been in business with them since 2013.

Tuskegee University, nursing — (Photo: savoryexposure/flickr)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 12, 2025

Tuskegee University Mourns Unexpected Loss Of Campus Leader And Student-Athlete

Washington-Parker was a positive influence on campus as an athlete and student leader.

Tuskegee University is mourning the loss of one of its own.

The school announced the death of Macahri Washington-Parker, a junior at the HBCU. According to Tuskegee Athletics, the 20-year-old man studied mechanical engineering at the Alabama institution.

The Montgomery native died Aug. 10, but his cause of death remains undisclosed. Washington-Parker was a vibrant face on campus, serving as a New Student Orientation leader while playing shortstop on the Golden Tigers baseball team. His passion for service also extended to Greek life, as Washington-Parker was also a member of the school’s chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

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A post shared by Tuskegee University (@tuskegeeuniversity)

As the school reels from his unexpected death, they remember Washington-Parker for his positivity and the relationships he had with his teammates, classmates, and community.

“We are heartbroken to learn of Macahri’s passing,” Tuskegee University President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown said. “We will come together to uplift his family and each other during this time. I encourage everyone to seek counseling as needed and lean on each other for support.”

Other faculty leaders expressed their condolences to Washington-Parker’s family and friends during this unfortunate time. Reginald Ruffin, Tuskegee University director of athletics, shared words recognizing the young man’s esteemed character.

“Macahri embodied what it means to be a Golden Tiger, hard-working, committed, and always willing to lead by example. His impact extended beyond the diamond into every space he entered on campus,” expressed Ruffin. “Our entire athletics family mourns this tremendous loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”

In light of the loss, the university has also made counseling and pastoral services available to the community as it grieves. A 24/7 virtual counseling platform, Timely Care, is now available to students, faculty, and staff through a QR code. For those seeking in-person counseling, they can do so on campus, with the Dean of the Chapel also available for spiritual guidance and prayer.

Memorial arrangements are in the works, with further announcements regarding the services expected soon.

Myles Garrett, invest — (Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 12, 2025

Myles Garrett Kept It A Buck With Shedeur Sanders: ‘You’re A Good Kid, I Don’t Want To Have To Hurt You, Bro’

The rookie told Garrett that he wanted to test his skills.

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been getting positive reviews for his latest preseason game, but he had an interesting exchange with defensive teammate Myles Garrett, after telling the veteran that he wants to go up against him to test his skills.

He may not want that to happen.

A viral video clip shows Sanders speaking to the Browns veteran about his play against the Carolina Panthers on August 8. During the discussion, Garrett, a four-time All-Pro selection and a former defensive player of they year, complimented Sanders on his play.

Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions, impressive stats for a fourth-string rookie quarterback. Even better, the Browns won easily, 30-10.

In the video, Sanders asked Garrett if his moves would work against the defensive specialist,.

“Hey Myles, you think my spin s**t would work on you?” Sanders asked.

After thinking about it, Garrett laughed and responded, “Nope. It worked today, though—it wouldn’t work on me.”

The conversation continued. Sanders tried to get some advice from Garrett on what he could use on the field. Garrett gave some examples. Then Sanders told the defensive end that he wants to go up against him to see how he would fare.

“I don’t want to have to hurt you,” said Garrett, effectively telling Sanders that he is not ready to go up against the defensive superstar.

“I ain’t gonna lie, I want to feel one of your swipes, though. Like one of those aggressive grabs. I just want to see if I can get out of it,” Sanders said.

Garrett’s response. “You’re a good kid—I don’t want to have to hurt you, bro. We’re going to need you.”

https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1954894518953857160

New York AG Letitia James , DOJ, Trump, Grand Jury — Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 12, 2025

The Big Payback: DOJ Targets New York AG Letitia James Over Allegedly Violating Trump’s Civil Rights

James, who has never been shy about expressing her feelings toward Trump or his administration, labeled the attacks as politically motivated.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is going after New York Attorney General Letitia James, claiming the high-profile lawyer violated President Donald J. Trump’s civil rights after she declared victory in a civil fraud case, Newsone reported.

Court documents reveal James’ office was subpoenaed by the DOJ for records relating to the $454 million civil judgment she won against Trump in 2024, where the businessman lied about his wealth before being elected as president. A grand jury investigation has been launched in Albany, New York, to determine whether James engaged in “deprivation of rights.”

In a massive victory, we won our case against Donald Trump for engaging in years of incredible financial fraud to enrich himself.

Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump, and his former executives must pay over $450 million in disgorgement and interest.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) February 16, 2024

However, the DOJ is not only going after James for her bouts with Trump but also taking issue with her personal business. In an April 14 letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte claimed James falsely listed a home in Virginia as her principal residence, which he characterized as an effort to avoid the higher interest rates that American citizens are often subjected to.

To keep things moving, Bondi appointed Trump groupie and conservative activist Ed Martin as a special prosecutor in the mortgage fraud investigation against James. The Department also issued a second subpoena for documents related to a separate lawsuit against the National Rifle Association.

James, who has never been shy about expressing her feelings toward Trump or his administration, labeled the attacks as politically motivated and denied any wrongdoing. Her attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, shared similar sentiments.

“Investigating the fraud case Attorney General James won against President Trump and his businesses has to be the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the president’s political retribution campaign,” Lowell said in a statement, according to CBS News.

“Weaponizing the Department of Justice to try to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law and a dangerous escalation by this administration. If prosecutors carry out this improper tactic and are genuinely interested in the truth, we are ready and waiting with the facts and law.”

The timeline of James vs. Trump started in 2022 when the attorney general spearheaded investigations into many of Trump’s financial dealings, including tax fraud, sneaky business practices, and other accusations of legal violations connected to his businesses. She sought to hold Trump and his organization accountable for years of financial fraud and illegal conduct and was successful. Judge Arthur Engoron ordered the then-former President Trump to pay $355 million in damages after being found guilty of engaging in fraudulent business practices going back decades.

James’ presence has triggered Trump on several occasions. He once lashed out at her over her “smirking” in court during trial proceedings.

new edition — Photo credit: (ABC via Getty Images) NEW EDITION

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 12, 2025

Boston Celebrates 42 Years Of New Edition With Street Renaming, Block Party

The street on the corner of Ambrose & Albany Streets will be renamed "New Edition Way."

The five boys who went on to become one of the greatest R&B groups of our time, New Edition, will be celebrated and acknowledged in their hometown of Boston on Aug. 30.

The city of Boston has announced that in celebration of the group that consists of Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Mike Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ricky Bell (Johnny Gill is also a member, but isn’t from Boston and joined the group after Brown left for a solo career in 1988), on the group’s 42nd anniversary, will have a street renaming ceremony in the Roxbury community where they grew up.

The street on the corner of Ambrose & Albany Streets will be renamed “New Edition Way.”

Ricky Bell, lead singer of the New Edition offshoot group, Bell, Biv, DeVoe, announced it on his social media account.

“I am truly grateful for the privilege of being made a permanent fixture in our city that has played such a significant role in shaping our lives and careers,” said Bell in a written statement. “It brings me immense joy to think that future generations of my family, friends, and #NE4Lifers from all over the world will be able to walk and drive down New Edition Way. This honor is mind-blowing in the most awesome way. 02119 IS and WILL always be my home.”

https://twitter.com/NewEditionLive/status/1954963525136273582

“Boston is where it all began for us. This honor means the world to me,” said Brown, the most successful solo artist of the group.

Mayor Michelle Wu announced that there will be a series of events honoring the platinum group, which started in Roxbury in 1978. A community block party is also planned for Aug. 30 as the day will be christened “New Edition Day” in the City of Boston. The street-naming ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the corner of Ambrose & Albany Streets. The block party starts at 11:00 a.m. at the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, 2 Dearborn St, Roxbury, Mass.

“It is an honor to welcome home Roxbury natives New Edition to celebrate their global impact, from our communities here in Boston to the music industry worldwide,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Thank you to all of our City teams for their work in putting on this vibrant series of events that will bring community members together in recognition of our local, homegrown group. This is a unique opportunity to bring Boston’s neighborhoods together in a celebration of culture, pride and community, and I encourage every community member to join us to celebrate New Edition’s tremendous impact.”

FORMALDEHYDE,relaxer, hair, Back women, straightener — Photo by Ron Lach via pexels

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 12, 2025

AI Misinterprets Black Women’s Hairstyles As Less Intelligent In Their Job Search

New research underscores the biases even AI has toward Black women in the workplace.

New research reveals the bias artificial intelligence (AI) can show toward Black women’s hairstyles, potentially creating barriers in the workplace and job-seeking journey.

Organizational psychologist and journalist Dr. Janice Gassam Asare recently conducted a study examining how AI responds to various Black hairstyles, building on her earlier research into the racism AI can display in the hiring process.

What she found was that when prompting ChatGPT’s image generator DALL-E to create four images of the same Black woman in a white button-up shirt, each with a different hairstyle (straight hair, a big afro, a short afro, and braids), the AI rated the braided style as the least intelligent.

Braids also scored lower on happiness and received more neutral emotional ratings compared to both the straight hair and big afro styles. Another key finding was that, despite the hairstyles being the only change, the AI often failed to identify the images as the same person. Using three AI image generators in total—Clarifai, Amazon Rekognition, and Claude by Anthropic—Gassam Asare found that all ranked the Black woman with straight hair as looking the most professional.

When Gassam Asare instructed DALL-E to generate a second set of four images of a white woman in her late 30s, also wearing a white button-up shirt but with shoulder-length straight hair, a short pixie cut, a bob, and long curly hair, none of the hairstyles were linked to penalties related to intelligence or negative social traits. The AI also consistently recognized her as the same person.

While the curly-haired version received slightly lower ratings than the others, Gassam Asare’s findings suggest that a white woman’s hairstyle is generally less likely to influence how AI tools assess her competence.

“As an organizational psychologist, workplace equity advocate and Black woman, I found the results of this experiment super fascinating,” she wrote. “Broken down in simple terms, here are some of the research implications.”

Based on her findings, Gassam Asare emphasized the particular challenges Black women may face in the job market as more companies rely on AI to screen candidates. For those who change their hairstyle, these systems may fail to verify their identity, potentially resulting in automatic rejections that block them from advancing in the hiring process.

In workplaces using facial recognition or facial analysis for building access or digital tools, this could lead to increased scrutiny, delayed verification, denied entry, or even lockouts from essential systems. For employers using AI-powered video analysis to evaluate applicants, Black women may be unfairly rated as less professional or less intelligent based solely on their hairstyle.

Historically, Black women have faced pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards by altering their hairstyles. With AI now mirroring these long-standing societal biases, as its presence in the workplace expands, it further highlights the continued barriers and disparities Black women must navigate in their pursuit of advancement.

Ice Cube, Last Friday — (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for BIG3)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 12, 2025

Ice Cube, Dwight Howard Discuss Big3’s Impending Growth

'We’re going to these eight cities every year,” Ice Cube said. “We can plan long-term, hopefully grow the league to other cities, [who] want to get in on the act,' Cube said.

Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league transitioned to a new format this season, becoming a location-based league. The former N.W.A. member and Orlando Magic Hall of Famer, Dwight Howard, who plays for the LA Riot, spoke about how the league’s expansion benefits the sport.

According to the Los Angeles Times, just in time for the BIG3 to host the week’s slate of games, the media outlet was able to hear from Cube and Howard about the first year that the BIG3 switched to cities having franchises after having teams in the league play at different locations weekly during the season. Launched in 2017, the 3-on-3 basketball league was founded by Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz.

Although the games were played throughout the country, each team was not affiliated with a specific city, as games were held in the same arenas throughout the BIG3 season. Now that the league has switched to location-based play, it has franchises in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, the DMV metropolitan area (comprising Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia), Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Cube, famously known for expressing to the world, along with his group, N.W.A., the atmosphere and climate in the “hoods” of Los Angeles in the late 1980s to the 1990s, through their independent label, Ruthless Records, is from the South Central section of L.A. The LA Riots were aptly named after the infamous 1992 LA riots that took place in the urban city.

“It was a dream come true, not too far from where I grew up,” Ice Cube said. “So to have a league like this, right at the house, is just beautiful.”

The lyricist and successful businessman is also anticipating the expansion to more cities in the future.

“We’re going to these eight cities every year,” Ice Cube said. “We can plan long-term, hopefully grow the league to other cities, [who] want to get in on the act.”

Howard, playing in his first year in the league, was lured to the league and picked up by the Los Angeles team, which sees the potential in his first-year squad.

“It’s our first year, we’re just getting started,” Howard said. “We’re looking forward to keeping it going. Obviously, the first year is always a little difficult — trying to get to know each other — but we’re doing a great job.”

Next week’s set of games will be played in Dallas, Aug. 17, at the American Airlines Arena.

Same-Sex Marriage License — (Photo:Davizro/Getty Images; Inset: Ty Wright/Getty Images)

by Mitti Hicks

August 12, 2025

Ex-Kentucky County Clerk Asks Supreme Court To Overturn Same-Sex Marriage

Kim Davis spent five days in jail in 2015 after refusing to issue a marriage license to David Ermold and David Moore after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Ten years after the Supreme Court extended marriage rights to same-sex couples, justices could consider overturning the landmark decision.

Leading the fight to overturn is Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk, who spent five days in jail for refusing to issue a marriage license to David Ermold and David Moore, a gay couple, over what her attorneys called her “First Amendment” rights.

This happened in 2015 after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in Obergefell v. Hodges.

In a jury verdict, Davis, the former Rowan County clerk, was ordered to pay $100,000 in emotional damages and $260,000 in attorneys’ fees to the married couple.

Last month, in a 90-page filing, Davis asked the conservative high court to review a lower court’s 2022 finding that she violated Ermold and Moore’s constitutional right to marry. Her attorneys want the Supreme Court to revisit the lower court’s decision in the same sex marriage case.

“If ever a case deserved review, the first individual who was thrown in jail post-Obergefell for seeking accommodation for her religious beliefs should be it,” Liberty Counsel, the nonprofit law firm representing Davis, wrote in the petition.

William Powell, an attorney for Ermold and Moore, believes the Supreme Court won’t hear Davis’ case.

“We are confident the Supreme Court, like the court of appeals, will conclude that Davis’s arguments do not merit further attention,” Powell, who serves as senior counsel at Georgetown University’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, said in a statement, according to the Post.

If the conservative majority’s recent decisions are any indication, some Americans fear that the Supreme Court will overturn it. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating nearly 50 years of federal protection for abortion rights.