Boston Preschool Launches First Creole-Haitian Dual Language Program
Mattahunt Elementary School, a Pre-K through fifth grade school located in Boston, Mass., just launched the first Haitian Creole dual-language preschool program in the country, NBC News reports. The Toussaint L’Ouverture Dual Language Academy, the new program at Mattahunt Elementary named after the leader of the Haitian Revolution, is a preschool program that aims to […]
Ronald Yancey, First Black Graduate of Georgia Tech, Presents Granddaughter With Masters Degree 60 Years After His Historic Commencement
In 1965, Ronald Yancey made history as the first Black student to graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology (also known as Georgia Tech). Almost 60 years later, he’s passing his academic legacy on to his granddaughter. During the 2024 spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 3, Yancey was present on stage as a new […]
Dr. Opal Lee, ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ Honored With Presidential Medal of Freedom
The activist, social worker, and educator made national headlines for her decades-long advocacy to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. On Friday, May 3, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Opal Lee, also known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, for her efforts in establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday. Dr. Lee was […]
Artist William H. Johnson’s ‘Fighters for Freedom’ Collection on Display for the First Time in 75 Years
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is currently showcasing William H. Johnson’s “Fighters for Freedom” Collection, a series of portraits and vignettes painted in the 1940s as a tribute to African American activists, scientists, teachers, and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. For the first time since 1946, […]
New Photography Book Honors the Black Family Haircare Tradition of ‘Wash Day’
Representation matters–even in the little things. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Then… Detangle. Deep condition. Hot oil treatment. Rinse again. Detangle again. Leave-in. Twist. Dry. Maybe hot comb or flat iron. And detangle one more time for good measure. If you’re a Black woman with natural hair, you’re familiar with this routine: It’s wash day! The day […]
Edward Dudley, First Black U.S. Ambassador, Set To Be Honored with Historical Marker in Hometown
He is Virginia’s own! Edward Richard Dudley accomplished many historical “firsts” during his lifetime: he was the first African American to run for office in New York on the ticket of a major party, the first Black person to serve as an administrative judge in New York State, and the first African American United States […]
Viola Davis To Receive Honorary Doctorate from University of Rhode Island
Academy Award-winning actor Viola Davis will be honored for her contributions to her profession and to her community! Davis is a multi-award-winning actress, one of only four Black actors to achieve EGOT status, winning all four competitive American performing arts awards. She is also a bestselling author and celebrated philanthropist, dedicated to inspiring and giving […]
Smithsonian NMAAHC Launches New Online Exhibition Dedicated to Black Jesus
They’re showcasing Black messianic representation in art, history, and media! The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has announced a new online exhibition titled “Jesus’ Hair Like Wool.” This digital showcase explores the historical and contemporary ways Black figures have been depicted as messianic figures in American religion and popular culture, […]
Swerve Strickland Becomes First Ever Black Champion In AEW Wrestling
Swerve Strickland is champion of the world. Strickland beat Samoa Joe at the inaugural All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Dynasty to win the championship, becoming the first African American World Champion in AEW history, NY Post reports. He entered the arena in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday night looking like he came straight from Wakanda–decked out […]
Sacramento State University President to Open School’s First Black Honors College
Sacramento State has established the nation’s first-ever Black Honors College, designed for students who are interested in Black history, life, and culture. “So we can’t be an HBCU, we weren’t founded in time, right? But we can be everything but the historical part,” SSU President J. Luke Wood said in a recent appearance on The […]