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Spelman College alumna runs for Georgia Supreme Court

An HBCU alumna is looking to make history in her bid for the Georgia Supreme Court. Spelman College alumna Miracle Rankin has launched a bid for one of two open Supreme Court seats in Georgia. Rankin attended Spelman College from August 2002 to May 2006, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature.…
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MacKenzie Scott’s HBCU generosity tops $1 Billion

MacKenzie Scott is continuing to make history—and this time, the impact hits even deeper. The billionaire philanthropist’s total giving to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) has officially surpassed $1 billion, marking a groundbreaking moment for institutions that have long been underfunded yet consistently overdeliver. Since 2020, Scott’s no-strings-attached donations have poured into campuses across…
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A Different World’s Debbie Allen to speak at Clark Atlanta commencement

Clark Atlanta University’s commencement is set to feature a Black TV icon. On Monday, May 18, actress, director, producer, and cinematographer Debbie Allen is set to address Clark Atlanta’s spring class of 2026. Allen is a Howard University alumna and is known for her takeover of A Different World after season 2, which led to…
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Queen Latifah to speak at North Carolina A&T commencement

Actress and legendary rapper Queen Latifah is set to deliver the commencement address for the spring class of 2026 at North Carolina A&T State University. Her selection continues the university’s tradition of inviting prominent figures to speak to graduating seniors, following recent commencement speakers such as Morris Chestnut and Sunny Hostin. Latifah’s appearance comes during…
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Will Packer explains how HBCU experience shaped his career

Florida A&M alumnus Will Packer is never shy about talking about his HBCU experience. Packer is one of the most well-known HBCU advocates in the nation, often using his platform to empower HBCUs and talk about how they are life-changing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rickey Smiley Morning Show…
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‘Sinners’ star Delroy Lindo to speak at Fisk University commencement

Fisk University is set to welcome Hollywood excellence to its spring stage as Academy Award-nominated actor Delroy Lindo has been announced as the keynote speaker for the university’s 152nd commencement ceremony. Known for his commanding performances across film, television, and theater, Lindo’s presence brings a blend of artistry, legacy, and cultural impact to one of…
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Former HBCU football star, Cowboys standout arrested on drug possession

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Markquese Bell was arrested Friday in Texas and is facing charges related to drug possession, according to a report from ESPN’s Todd Archer citing records from the Collin County jail. Bell has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and marijuana. The Cowboys organization acknowledged awareness of the situation but…
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Fort Valley State announces Supreme Court justice as commencement speaker

Fort Valley State University is tapping into excellence for its spring commencement, announcing that the Honorable Verda M. Colvin, J.D., Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. The moment brings both prestige and purpose to the HBCU stage, as one of Georgia’s top judicial leaders prepares to…
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Lincoln University announces Rev. William Barber as commencement speaker

Lincoln University is set to mark a powerful milestone as it announces that Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II will serve as the keynote speaker for its 167th commencement ceremony. With more than 400 students preparing to graduate, the historic HBCU is bringing a nationally recognized voice for social justice and moral leadership to center…
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Texas Southern students successfully win commencement fight

Texas Southern University is reversing course on its commencement plans after swift backlash from students and families who said the proposed changes would have limited access to one of the most important milestones of their academic journeys. The university had recently announced a reduction in ticket allotments for graduates’ guests and floated the idea of…
