Dr. William “Bill” Pickard – entrepreneur, philanthropist, education advocate, business titan, mentor, and visionary – passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 12, at his West Palm Beach, Fla. home, surrounded by family and loved ones. Dr. Pickard’s daughter, Mary Pickard, issued the following statement: “On behalf of the Pickard family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the love and support during this difficult time. Your kindness has provided immense comfort. We are deeply touched by the memories shared, which highlight the impact my dad had on so many lives. Thank you for standing by us ..read more

The festival will showcase films addressing immigration, race, gender identity, to foster meaningful dialogue and drive social change —  Morehouse College has announced the official dates, early selection films, and advisory council for the Sixth Annual Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival (MCHRFF), scheduled for September 17-21, 2024, on the Morehouse campus. The five-day event will also be accessible virtually from September 17 to September 27, 2024. Badges are now on sale at a 50 percent discount.   “The early selections for the sixth annual festiv ..read more

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s desire to provoke change has led her to the cusp of making history. If elected on June 18, Cochran-Johnson will become the first Black woman to serve as DeKalb CEO. Residents of DeKalb County will begin early voting for the primary run-off election today. However, Cochran-Johnson’s journey into politics was not linear. She was once a leading figure in Atlanta media, working at publications such as Creative Loafing and serving as general manager of Atlanta Daily World. But after being impacted personally by crime, she knew that it was time for a change. “It was in 201 ..read more

The National Civil Rights Museum is deeply saddened by the passing of civil rights philosopher and strategist, Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr. Participating in several museum events and programs, Rev. Lawson has been a lifelong mentor of the movement and among a panel of respected scholars for the National Civil Rights Museum.  He is one of the Museum’s 2011 Freedom Award Icon of the Civil Rights Movement honorees.  In recent years, Rev. Lawson would join the National Civil Rights Museum in illuminating the legacy of Dr. King during April 4 commemoration. He paired with civil rights activi ..read more

Young people are struggling with mental health issues at an unprecedented rate. Coupled with the protracted years of war, school shootings and the pandemic, as well as unbridled access to the internet, young people are taking their lives and suffering mental health maladies in numbers the nation has never witnessed before. Headstream Accelerator, an innovation program that works to improve the mental well-being of adolescents within systematically excluded communities is providing unprecedented financial support in a raging race to get ahead of the curve and identify young people at risk and p ..read more

The future of DEI programs could be in jeopardy after an Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals halted the Fearless Fund’s program. A three-judge panel, two judges appointed by Donald Trump and one by President Barack Obama, ruled 2-1 that Fearless Fund is not protected by the First Amendment in its efforts to provide grants for Black women in business. The court ruled that the Fearless Fund violated the 1866 Civil Rights Act which prohibits the use of race in making contracts. The original law was issued to remedy discrimination against Black Americans post-slavery. The judges sided with Edward Bl ..read more

Police violence is at the root of Pride Month, just as it is at the foundation of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The Movement for Black Lives has been firmly and fiercely supportive of GLBTQIA rights, especially sensitive to the rights of trans people, focusing on the trans women who are exponentially more likely to be murdered than others. But with police violence as the common root of two vital movements, why is there so little visible collaboration between those communities). Gay pride is Black pride, too. By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire Contributor June is Pride Month, commemorating ..read more

Hosting discussions about impacts of parental incarceration and the power of youth-led advocacy Daughters Beyond Incarceration, a Louisiana non-profit championing support for youth impacted by parental incarceration, is thrilled to announce that its mentees will be participating in the SOLD OUT Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium– Black Girls Dream Conference being hosted at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta from June 7-8, 2024. This annual event gathers girls aged 12 and up from various organizations across the South to share valuable experiences and lessons. The SBGC will kick off with ..read more

JUNE 5 1872—The Republican Party National Convention takes place in Philadel­phia with substantial representation from former Black slaves. At least three Blacks addressed the national political gathering. At this point in history, the Republicans were the nation’s most progressive party and attracted the allegiance of African Americans. Blacks would remain loyal to the Republicans until the 1930s. But by 1945 with the Republicans becoming increasingly conservative and attracted to the New Deal programs of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the vast majority of Blacks had switched to the Democrats ..read more

Tress Clean Enters The  $26.1 Billion Dollar Natural Hair Care Industry As The 1st Black Woman-Owned Hair Wipes Company Setting New Standards and Eradicating Stereotypes  In the heart of Miami – a revolutionary approach to haircare is taking shape, spearheaded by Kiyana Pearson, the Visionary founder, owner, and inventor of Tress Clean. As the first-ever black woman-owned hair wipe company, Tress Clean is not just about products, but about redefining beauty norms and empowering individuals within the braid and loc community. At the helm of Tress Clean is Kiyana, a Scalp Care Speciali ..read more