Civil and Human Rights Organizations Sue Trump Administration Over Executive Orders Banning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of nonprofit advocacy organizations challenging three anti-equity executive orders from President Trump related to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and transgender people.

LDF and Lambda Legal claim these orders will severely limit the organizations’ ability to provide critical social and health services such as HIV treatment, fair housing, equal employment opportunities, affordable credit, civil rights protections, and many others. This would harm countless people across the United States, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people living with HIV.  

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the National Urban League, the National Fair Housing Alliance, and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, claims that the administration is violating the organizations’ rights to free speech and due process and is engaging in intentional discrimination by issuing and enforcing the anti-equity orders.

The three executive orders being challenged terminate equity-related grants and forbid federally-funded entities from engaging in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs, and from recognizing the existence of transgender people. Together, these orders reverse decades of civil rights progress and pose an existential threat to the organizations that advocate for the civil rights of transgender people, and provide them shelter, services, and support.  

“As a Black man living with HIV who has experienced homelessness, for years, I have relied on the lifesaving services of organizations like AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC), who understood my intersectional identities. Now, as I work in the HIV field, I am deeply concerned about the threat these orders represent to AFC’s ability to serve our communities if they can’t even name the issues our people are facing.” said Will, an AIDS Foundation Chicago program participant and caseworker for another organization.

“In the past decade, the National Urban League has served over 22 million Americans. In the face of economic downturns and a global pandemic, our workforce programs have placed over a quarter million people in jobs and provided job training in over 90 markets, and that number grows every year,” said Marc H. Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League. “Many of our programs are supported by the Department of Labor. The assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion is discriminatory at best and an attempt at institutionalized economic oppression at its worst.”

“We cannot end the HIV epidemic without working to address health disparities for Black, Latine, LGBTQ+ people, and transgender women. We must be able to prioritize these populations in our work – whether that’s through outreach, engagement initiatives, staff training, or resources – because they are disproportionately impacted by HIV.  These executive orders would prohibit us from doing that critical and lifesaving work, putting our clients’ and the broader community’s health at risk.” said John Peller, President & CEO, AIDS Foundation Chicago.  

“Fair housing is a national policy of the U.S. Our nation’s fair housing principles are embedded in the Constitution and civil rights statutes secured by the blood, sweat, tears, and lives of millions of people who fought to make our Declaration of Independence and Constitution real for everyone in this country. The Constitution and our civil rights laws are centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The President cannot undo the Constitution or take away our rights by affixing a signature to an executive order,” said Lisa Rice, President and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance. “The administration’s Executive Orders and OMB funding freeze memorandum have caused chaos, fear, insecurity, dysfunction, and loss of rights. The Administration’s illegal actions put all people in harm’s way, driving up the cost of housing and leaving millions exposed to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation with no structure for protection. ‘Out of Many, One’ is our national motto – any effort to divide, stoke fear and treat people unfairly is not in line with our nation’s founding principles. America is best when united and relentlessly pursuing a country where everyone, regardless of their background, has a fair chance at reaching the American Dream.”

“Beyond spreading inaccurate, dehumanizing, and divisive rhetoric, President Trump’s executive orders seek to tie the hands of organizations, like our clients, providing critical services to people who need them most,” said Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of LDF. “The three orders we are challenging today perpetuate false and longstanding stereotypes that Black people and other underrepresented groups lack skills, talent, and merit—willfully ignoring the discriminatory barriers that prevent a true meritocracy from flourishing. We proudly stand with our clients and Lambda Legal against these unconstitutional orders and hope the court will act quickly so the arduous work of advancing and sustaining our multiracial democracy can continue without unlawful interference from the Trump administration.”

“These policies drip with contempt for transgender people, and pose a significant threat to critical health and HIV services that support marginalized communities, putting lives at risk,” said Jose Abrigo, Lambda Legal’s HIV Project Director. “These orders pose an existential threat to transgender people and the organizations that provide them with shelter and support. The orders defund organizations providing critical health and HIV services, and punish organizations for striving to improve the lives of Black people, people of color, and members of other marginalized communities. They are patently unconstitutional. Lambda Legal and LDF teamed up because the fights to end racism, the HIV epidemic, and anti-transgender bias are inseparable. For organizations like our plaintiffs providing these services, addressing these compounding barriers is essential to HIV prevention and care, and this policy would impede the work to eradicate and address the HIV epidemic.”

The lawsuit, National Urban League v. Trump, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, claims that the executive orders violate the plaintiffs’ First Amendment right to free speech by censoring and chilling their views on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The plaintiffs also claim that the executive orders are so vague that the organizations do not know what is and is not prohibited, in violation of their Fifth Amendment due process rights. Moreover, the executive orders discriminate against people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ people, with particular animus towards Black people and transgender individuals, in violation of the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection.

You can read the full complaint here.

Spelman College statement on the passing of Joycelyn Wilson

Spelman College statement on the passing of Joycelyn Wilson:

"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of a highly respected member of the Spelman College community, Senior Instructor Joycelyn Wilson, who passed away on February 9. Wilson joined Spelman in 2007 as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics, where she made an indelible impact on both her students and colleagues.

"Before coming to Spelman, she was an instructor at Howard University and American University, both in Washington, DC. While at Spelman, Wilson served as the program director of the Spelman/Salem STEM (S3) Mentoring Program and the Women in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering Program. Most recently, Wilson served as program director for the Mathematics Research and Mentoring Program.

"Wilson earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University, and a second master’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.

"We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched."

National Society of Black Engineers Celebrates Milestone 50th Anniversary During 2025 Annual Convention

The National Society of Black Engineers® (NSBE®), one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the U.S., is excited to announce its 2025 Annual Convention ("NSBE 2025"). Taking place from March 5–9 at Chicago's McCormick Place, North America's top convention center, NSBE's largest convening is centered on the theme "Inspire! Excel! Impact!" this year, which reflects the organization's mission "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community."

Last year's convention saw roughly 17,000 attendees, and the organization is looking to attract even more in 2025 as they celebrate "Five Decades of Black Excellence Engineered." Through workshops, panel discussions and interactive activities, attendees will experience unparalleled opportunities and be given tools to excel in academia, Corporate America, entrepreneurship and beyond. Event sponsors, including Microsoft, will be on-site, ready to engage with young professionals and foster meaningful relationships.

The 2025 Annual Convention is a four-day event with an anticipated 400-plus Career Fair exhibitors and more than 20,000 attendees participating in scores of activities, including the Opening, General and Closing Sessions. During the Annual Convention, the Society conducts organizational business, elects national and regional leaders, holds technical, scientific and math competitions and provides professional and personal development, networking and celebratory activities.

A standout feature of the Annual Convention is the Pre-College Initiative (PCI) Conference, designed to support the next generation of engineers, featuring motivational speakers and accomplished leaders sharing their journeys and insights. Youth participants can also compete in educational activities and events like the Ten80 NSBE National STEM Challenge, a racing competition featuring radio-controlled cars; the VEX IQ Competition, a robot engineering challenge; and the KidWind Competition, which works to make renewable energy widely accessible.

Members can visit the NSBE Legacy Museum, which will have artifacts and exhibitions from the organization's storied history, and a newly released coffee table book chronicling the Society's background and growth. NSBE's founders and key stakeholders will be present to highlight the organization's legacy and the transformative impact it has made on the field of engineering and beyond. The organization's signature recognition event, the NSBE Golden Torch Awards, honors the best and brightest in STEM, with categories highlighting corporate diversity, academic success, community impact and more.

"As we celebrate 50 years of NSBE, this year's Annual Convention is more than just a gathering; it's a testament to the resilience, brilliance and impact of Black engineers across generations," said Janeen Uzzell, NSBE's CEO. "Together, we are building on five decades of excellence to drive meaningful change in our industry and communities while empowering the next wave of innovators who will continue shaping the future of STEM."

NSBE was formed in 1975 as a response to the lack of representation and success of Black people in higher education engineering programs and, thus, in the workforce. Diversity and inclusion are strategic imperatives that foster better output, smarter solutions and greater innovation. NSBE is committed to addressing the needs and disparities that exist today for Blacks in STEM through initiatives and actionable support around aligned diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

NSBE 2025 continues the legacy of fostering equality, professional growth and abundant opportunities for Black students and professionals pursuing engineering and other STEM careers. To register and learn more, visit convention.nsbe.org. Designated on-site media registration will be available with media kits and spokesperson information. Visit NSBE 2025 Press Pass Registration to access press information.

Cory Booker Reintroduces Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to the 200,000 African Americans Who Fought for the Union in the Civil War

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced their bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the approximately 200,000 African Americans who fought to preserve the Union during the Civil War. The bill introduction coincides with Black History Month.

African Americans served the United States in times of war since long before the Civil War. Yet, there was resistance to enlisting African Americans to take up arms at the start of the Civil War. On May 22, 1863, the United States War Department issued General Order Number 143, which established the Bureau of Colored Troops for the recruitment and organization of regiments of the Union Army composed of African American men, called the United States Colored Troops. By the end of the war, about 179,000 Black men had served as soldiers in the Army, and another 19,000 Black men had served in the Navy. Black women were not allowed to formally enlist as soldiers or sailors. They were, however, allowed to serve as nurses, cooks, spies, and scouts for the Army and the Navy.

“African Americans have laid down their lives serving in our country’s armed forces for hundreds of years,” said Senator Booker. “Though often overlooked or forgotten, the United States Colored Troops were vital to preserving the Union during the Civil War. We must honor their legacy and ensure their service and sacrifice are remembered as an integral part of our nation’s history. More than 150 years have passed since the end of the war, and this bill will ensure these American heroes are finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their fight for liberty, equality, and justice.”

“Hundreds of thousands of African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War have largely been left out of the nation's historical memory, despite having sacrificed their safety, and in many cases their lives,” Congresswoman Norton said. “This bill will help correct that wrong and give the descendants of those soldiers the recognition they deserve. Thank you to Senator Booker for partnering with me in this effort, and for introducing the Senate version of the bill so early this Congress.”

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

Sign the NAACP Black Consumer Pledge

Message from the NAACP:

Black dollars have power — nearly $2 trillion strong. Yet, too many corporations profit from our spending while rolling back their DEI commitments. This isn’t just a betrayal; it’s a threat to the progress we’ve fought for.

We see it. We won’t forget it. And we’ll continue to demand better.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion, is not just a trend - it's a way of life.

To support this effort will you sign the NAACP Black Consumer Pledge?

By signing the pledge, you commit to joining NAACP in the fight for an economy that benefits everyone. You can do this by:

Spending Intentionally: Support businesses and organizations that maintain and expand their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion and prioritize investment in Black communities.

Demanding Accountability: Call out corporations that have abandoned diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and demand transparency in their practices.

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses: Prioritize Black-owned businesses and service providers in spending decisions.

Advocating for Change: Push for policies strengthening supplier diversity, workplace equity, and economic inclusion for Black professionals and entrepreneurs.

Staying Informed: Educate yourself and others about corporate rollbacks and their impact on Black communities.

Join us by signing our pledge today. https://naacp.org/campaigns/black-consumer-advisory.

BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK, and WME Launch the Altadena Community Preservation Fund

In response to the devastating Eaton Fire and its disproportionate impact on the historically Black community in Altadena, California, a coalition of industry leaders — including BET Media Group, NAACP, Johnson Shapiro, Slewett & Kole (JSSK) and WME, in collaboration with local community organizations such as Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage, and WalkGood LA — has launched the Altadena Community Preservation Fund. This initiative, coordinated in partnership with LA County, aims to protect homeowners from displacement and preserve the community's cultural heritage.

Recognizing the long-term recovery challenges ahead, the fund will provide direct financial assistance to support immediate needs during the rebuilding process — including temporary housing, independent adjusters, legal fees, and administrative costs — with the goal of ensuring Altadena's historic community and homeownership remain intact for future generations.

The fund will empower recipients to navigate recovery on their own terms by providing homeowners and small business owners impacted by the Eaton Fire direct cash assistance in the form of bridge grants. Additionally, the NAACP is activating with a presence on the ground, hosting town hall meetings and creating dedicated spaces for the community to connect with aid officials.

To ensure meaningful support for those who qualify, the fund will focus on assisting homeowners who were living within the historically Black communities of Altadena, defined by census tracts, particularly those:

Homeowners who are uninsured or underinsured, including those on the California FAIR Plan

Homeowners with limited net wealth as determined by LA County means testing parameters

Multi-generational households with higher financial strains due to shared housing and caregiving responsibilities

Senior (65+) Altadena homeowners who are not in the workforce

"For generations, Altadena served as a refuge for Black Americans looking to escape the Jim Crow South and the discriminatory land ownership practices pervasive in somany other communities in California. As such, it became a haven for Black families and an exemplar of the power of generational wealth in the Black community," said Scott Mills, President & CEO of BET Media Group. "At BET, we are committed to coming to the aid of our communities when they need us most. The Altadena Community Preservation Fund is about more than just recovery — it's about empowering families, preserving history, and ensuring that this vibrant community continues to thrive for generations to come."

"The NAACP has proudly stood by our community in the face of uncertainty, and the tragedies from the California wildfires are no exception. Altadena - a city rich in Black history and homeownership deserves hope and an unwavering commitment to restoration," said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. "The unimaginable devastation has stripped generations of Black families of not just their homes, but the sanctuaries and pillars of generational wealth they built. Entire communities are facing overwhelming loss, and we remain steadfast in our pledge to the rebuilding process. Through this coalition of partners and organizations, we are dedicated to providing the critical resources needed to help families reclaim and rebuild what was lost."

"This fund was built to assist in safeguarding generational wealth for the multiethnic and socioeconomically diverse community that calls Altadena home," said Romola Ratnam, SVP and Head of Impact and Inclusion at Endeavor. "WME is proud to be rallying our network and committing resources to ensure that direct relief for Altadena residents is a priority for the entertainment community across Los Angeles."

"The Altadena Community Preservation Fund will be a critical resource for those most at risk of being permanently displaced by this tragedy," said Hannah Linkenhoker, Chief Engagement Officer at JSSK. "This initiative underscores our shared responsibility to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of this historically significant neighborhood and the power that arises when Angelinos come together to support our community in times of need."

The Altadena Community Preservation Fund will be administered in partnership with FORWARD — a platform dedicated to putting people first through efficient, secure, and human-centered technology. With a focus on reducing barriers and ensuring aid reaches recipients swiftly, securely, and equitably, FORWARD empowers organizations to deliver support when it matters most. This fund will uphold transparency, efficiency, and accountability in distributing much-needed aid, with allocation based on available funds.

"I am deeply honored to be a partner in this dynamic coalition, along with many others committed to the road of recovery. Restoration begins with stabilizing and supporting our most vulnerable community members and that's exactly what this effort is designed to do," said Aja Brown, Senior Vice President of Impact at FORWARD, who hails from Altadena.

Robert J. Jones named 34th president of the University of Washington

The University of Washington Board of Regents on Monday announced that Robert J. Jones, who is currently concluding a nine-year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been selected as the 34th President of the UW. The Board had previously authorized Chair Blaine Tamaki to enter into contract negotiations with Jones and an agreement has been reached. Jones’ five-year contract will begin on August 1.

The UW presidency will be Jones’ third time leading a public research university, as in addition to his current role he previously served as President of the University at Albany. He is a distinguished scholar, with his research focusing on crop physiology, and a leader in national academic organizations and the Big Ten Conference.

Jones will succeed President Ana Mari Cauce, who announced last year that she is stepping down from the role she will have held for 10 years at the end of the 2024-25 academic year in June. He will become the first African American to serve in the role.

“We are very happy to welcome Chancellor Jones to the UW community and excited to accelerate the UW’s public mission of accessibly, preserving, advancing and disseminating knowledge under his experienced leadership,” Tamaki said. “His inspiring and barrier-breaking personal journey, highly regarded scholarship and decades of transformative leadership convinced us that Chancellor Jones is the ideal person to build upon President Ana Mari Cauce’s legacy. I believe he will lead us into our next chapter of providing educational excellence at scale, top-quality healthcare to all, regardless of need, transformative research, and public service to the state of Washington and the world. We welcome him and his wife, Dr. Lynn Hassan Jones, to Washington and the UW.”

“I am honored to be joining the University of Washington and excited to lead this extraordinary public university in its mission serving students, families and communities across Washington and beyond,” Jones said. “The UW is globally renowned as a home of outstanding teaching, research, innovation and patient care. I look forward to working with the UW’s talented and dedicated faculty and staff to support and accelerate their work, and to partnering with the UW’s supporters to advance students’ success, economic opportunity and discovery for the public good.”

As Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign since 2016, Jones has prioritized providing a transformative learning experience to students with a focus on affordability for students of modest means. This includes making education accessible and affordable through the Illinois Commitment, a program that guarantees four years of free tuition to Illinois residents with family incomes less than $75,000. During his chancellorship, the university’s enrollment has grown, setting a record in fall 2024 with more than 59,000 students enrolled.

He has also emphasized the university’s community and public impact, launched innovative partnerships to catalyze scholarship, discovery and innovation, and prioritized fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Under Jones’ leadership, Illinois opened the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the first engineering-based medical school in the world, in partnership with Carle Health. He has launched strategic “radical collaborations” such as the Chicago Quantum Exchange initiative, which is establishing Illinois as the center of quantum sciences and information in the nation in partnership with the University of Chicago. Another collaboration is the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, a partnership with the University of Chicago and Northwestern University that is an unprecedented initiative seeking to redefine how we understand human biology.

Jones was selected by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to serve as co-vice chair of the Innovate Illinois initiative to coordinate the state’s efforts to secure critical federal research investments, which sparked support for the Illinois Fermentation and Agricultural Biomanufacturing Hub. He has built industry partnerships through the university’s Research Park and its EnterpriseWorks incubator, elevated the university’s research and technology transfer capacity through participation in initiatives such as the C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute, and expanded the university’s international reach.

In 2017, Jones and the university launched a $2.25 billion philanthropic campaign that reached its goal 15 months early, concluding in 2022 after raising $2.7 billion to support university priorities. And he launched and implemented Operational Excellence, a multi-year, comprehensive, university-wide effort to reorganize and reimagine ways to deliver the university’s missions more efficiently and with the most impact.

“In selecting Robert as the next president of the University of Washington, the Board of Regents has chosen an inspiring and transformative leader to join our academic community and to advance our mission,” UW President Ana Mari Cauce said. “Having known and worked with him within AAU, APLU and the Big Ten Conference, I know he will bring a deep and demonstrated commitment to scholarship, innovation, research and especially, access to excellence for students regardless of their means or background. His leadership is rooted in visionary and strategic thinking, informed by a deep commitment to our public mission, qualities we share as a community of educators, innovators and public servants. I am thrilled for our University to welcome him as our newest Husky.”

Prior to becoming Chancellor at Illinois, Jones was the 19th President of the University at Albany from 2013 to 2016. At UAlbany, Jones initiated the largest academic expansion in half a century, adding academic units and degree-granting programs, expanding opportunities for faculty research and student experiential learning, deepening the University’s community engagement, and raising philanthropic support for his vision.

Jones is the child of sharecroppers from Georgia, which he says inspired him to enter the field of agronomy. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Fort Valley State College in Georgia, master’s degree in crop physiology from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in crop physiology from the University of Missouri. His first academic position was as an assistant professor on the Twin Cities campus at the University of Minnesota in 1978, where he received tenure in 1983 and a full professorship in 1988.

His journey in academic leadership started in 1986, when the president at the University of Minnesota charged him with creating a mentoring program for high-achieving students of color. Jones later became an Associate Provost and Assistant Vice President, before becoming Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Personnel from 1997 to 2002. During that time, he also served as Interim Vice President for Student Development in 2000-01 and Vice President for Campus Life in 2001-02. He later became Vice President and Executive Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Programs on the Twin Cities campus from 2002-05. And in 2004 he became Senior Vice President for Academic Administration for the University of Minnesota system – the senior academic, administrative, and operating officer reporting to the system president.

Jones is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Association of American Universities Board of Directors, the Association of Public Land Grant Universities Council of Presidents, and the Executive Committee of the Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors.

Jones is married to Dr. Lynn Hassan Jones, who is a muscular skeletal diagnostic radiologist, and together they have five children and a growing number of grandchildren.

The Board of Regents began its search for a new president after Cauce announced in June 2024 that the current academic would be her last in the role. SP&A Executive Search was hired to assist in the process and a Presidential Search Advisory Committee was formed, which included faculty, student, staff and alumni representation, including from the UW’s Seattle campus, UW Bothell, UW Tacoma, UW Medicine and UW Athletics. At special meetings in early January, the Regents spoke very highly of two finalists. The Board eventually authorized Tamaki to negotiate with both, and Tamaki agreed to terms with Jones.

“I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the rigorous search process that led to the selection of Chancellor Jones as the 34th president of the University of Washington,” said UW Regent David Zeeck, who served as Chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. “The work of our presidential search advisory committee members, as well as input from numerous faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members, was invaluable in identifying and selecting an outstanding candidate to lead the UW. We are confident that he will both continue the University’s vital work advancing education, discovery, health care and community engagement, as well as lead the UW to new heights as one of the world’s great public research universities.”

SP&A contacted more than 500 prospective candidates, including sitting and former presidents, vice presidents and deans at AAU and R1 institutions, yielding a pool of 70 applicants, who were then ranked by the advisory committee. As the pool was determined, the advisory committee conducted listening sessions with faculty, students and staff on all three campuses to develop the leadership profile upon which the next level of review would be based. The candidate pool was first narrowed to 25, and later to 13 individuals who were interviewed over Zoom by the advisory committee. A subgroup of the advisory committee interviewed six finalists in person and the Board of Regents interviewed two finalists recommended by the committee.

First African American Cardinal to Celebrate Black History Month in Newark

Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, retiring Archbishop of Washington, D.C., and the first African American Cardinal, will join Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, for the on Sunday, February 16, at 2:30 p.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Cardinal Gregory will serve as the guest homilist, with the Mass livestreamed on the Cathedral Basilica’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The liturgy will also feature songs celebrating the Black Catholic experience and tradition, a procession of banners depicting Black candidates for sainthood, and — for the first time ever — a liturgical dancer performing inside the Cathedral Basilica.

All are invited to attend. Those who own African or Caribbean cultural attire are encouraged to wear it in recognition of their heritage.

“We’re honored to welcome Cardinal Gregory, who has long championed inclusivity,” said Rahsaan Garlin, associate director of the archdiocesan African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate, which organized the Mass. “Cardinal Gregory has shown through his leadership that the Catholic faith transcends ethnicity and color. We are all equal in the Church, and his example reinforces that.”

Cardinal Gregory’s visit follows his recent retirement as Archbishop of Washington, D.C., where he has served since 2019. He previously served as Archbishop of Atlanta and Bishop of Belleville, Illinois, among other leadership roles in the U.S. Church. A long-time advocate for social justice and marginalized communities, he was also the first Black bishop president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (U.S.C.C.B.). During his tenure, he oversaw the 2002 implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in response to the clergy abuse crisis.

As part of Cardinal Gregory’s visit, the apostolate is sponsoring an essay contest for juniors and seniors in archdiocesan high schools who are of African American, African, and Caribbean heritage. Students are invited to write about three aspects of the Mass that stood out to them. Several winners will receive prizes.

“We hope African American, African, and Caribbean young people will find inspiration in Cardinal Gregory’s visit,” Garlin said. “Many may not realize that an African American cardinal exists. Seeing someone who looks like them in such a prominent Church role sends a powerful message that they, too, can achieve great things in the Church.”

In addition to the Black History Month Jubilee Mass, the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate is planning other initiatives for the year ahead, including a March faith retreat for Black families and the annual Bishop Francis Luncheon in September. It will also continue to seek out ways of engaging African American, African, and Caribbean youth. Most recently, the apostolate held a bowling night to encourage interest in religious vocations.

To learn more about the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate and its mission of serving the Archdiocese of Newark’s Black Catholic community, visit www.rcan.org/aaaca/.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell supports league's DEI efforts

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed a number of league topics on Monday including its diversity, equity and inclusion programsduring his news conference ahead of Super Bowl LIX Opening Night in New Orleans.

Goodell said he doesn't believe the NFL's policies to promote diversity are in conflict with President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.

The NFL has rules in place that require teams to interview diverse candidates for key coaching and front office positions as part of the Rooney Rule that has been in place for more than two decades.

"Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice," Goodell said on Monday. "There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.

"We also believe we are doing the right thing for the NFL and our policies are consistent with the current administration as well as the last administration."

Goodell said that the league's diversity efforts have made the NFL better and has "attracted better talent."

"We think we're better when we get different perspectives, people with different backgrounds, whether they're women or men or people of color, we make ourselves stronger and we make ourselves better when we have that," Goodell said. "It's something that I think it will have a tremendous impact on this lead for many, many years. We win on the field with the best talent and the best coaching, and I think the same's true off the field.

"We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we're going to continue those efforts because we've not only convinced ourselves, I think we've proven ourselves that it does make the NFL better. So, we're not in this because it's a trend to get in or a trend to get out of it, our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent into the National Football League, both on and off the field, as I said previously. And we see that. We see how it's benefited the National Football League. And so, I think we'll continue those efforts. I think it's also clearly a reflection of our fan base and our communities and our players."

Union County NJ to present ‘African Americans in Labor’ discussion

On Feb. 26 at noon, Union County will host a free presentation titled “African Americans in Labor” in celebration of Black History Month. The event will feature Petal Robertson, Executive Secretary of the New Jersey Education Association, as the speaker.

The presentation will take place in the Victor M. Richel Student Commons at the Cranford Campus of Union College of Union County, located at 1033 Springfield Ave. To register for the event, click here.

Attendees can register for up to four free tickets online. For any questions or additional information, interested individuals can contact the organizers via email at culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

National Civil Rights Museum hosts virtual book talk with award-winning historian Crystal R. Sanders during Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, the National Civil Rights Museum is proud to present a virtual book talk featuring award-winning historian Crystal R. Sanders, author of A Forgotten Migration: Black Southerners, Segregation Scholarships, and the Debt Owed to Public HBCUs. The event, scheduled for February 13 at 6:00 pm Central, will provide a powerful discussion on the overlooked history of segregation scholarships and their lasting impact on Black higher education.

Through A Forgotten Migration, Sanders sheds light on the little-known story of how, under the pre–Brown v. Board of Education era, Southern states circumvented integrating graduate programs by paying Black students to pursue higher education out of state. This practice not only imposed financial and emotional hardships on students but also perpetuated the systemic underfunding of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Sanders' research highlights the resilience of these students and the broader consequences of educational segregation.

This marks Sanders' second appearance in the museum’s Book Talk Series, following her 2017 discussion of A Chance for Change: Head Start and Mississippi's Black Freedom Struggle. The museum continues to foster important conversations that connect historical struggles with contemporary issues in education and civil rights.

“We are thrilled to host Dr. Sanders once again and bring attention to this crucial aspect of American history,” said Dr. Russ Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum. “Her work continues to shed light on the enduring legacy of segregation and the long fight for educational equity.”

Crystal R. Sanders, an Associate Professor of African American Studies at Emory University, is a leading historian specializing in African American history, Black women’s history, and the history of Black education. Her work has been widely recognized with numerous awards and fellowships, and her scholarship continues to shape discussions on racial equity in education.

The online event is free and open to the public. Participating educators from Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) who attend the entire book talk will receive professional development hours in PLZ for the completed book talk.

Registration is required to receive a link, and participants can sign up or receive more information at civilrightsmuseum.org.

AFL-CIO President Responds to Trump's Illegal Firing of NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox

In response to news of President Trump’s firing of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox and NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement:

President Trump’s firing of NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the board, is illegal and will have immediate consequences for working people. By leaving only two board members in their posts, the President has effectively shut down the National Labor Relations Board’s operations, leaving the workers it defends on their own in the face of union-busting and retaliation. Alongside the firing of NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, these moves will make it easier for bosses to violate the law and trample on workers’ legal rights on the job and fundamental freedom to organize. Member Wilcox has already indicated she will challenge her firing, and we fully expect she will succeed in the courts and be restored to her position so she can continue to be a critical pro-worker voice on the NLRB.

Jerry Dickinson named dean of University of Pittsburgh School of Law

After a comprehensive national search, Professor and Vice Dean Jerry Dickinson has been named the new dean of the School of Law effective Jan. 15, 2025.

A Pittsburgh native, Jerry has built a national, international, and local reputation as a constitutional law scholar and civil rights lawyer. He has extensive litigation and transactional pro bono experience in civil rights and civil liberties.

In 2017, Jerry joined the Pitt Law faculty and was then appointed as Vice Dean in March 2023. His teaching and scholarship specialize in constitutional law, civil rights and civil liberties, judicial federalism, property, law and democracy, and race and the law. He has been published in the nation’s top law reviews and cited by U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Sixth Circuits, amicus briefs filed by Members of Congress in federal courts, and in national and international news outlets.

Before joining the Pitt Law faculty, Jerry practiced at Reed Smith LLP in Pittsburgh, where he founded and coordinated the Housing Rights Project, a pro bono initiative advocating for indigent tenants in eviction proceedings in Allegheny County. He also served as a law clerk for Theodore A. McKee, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia.

Jerry is also a former Fulbright Scholar to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he studied comparative constitutional law and housing. There he worked as a human rights activist, representing squatters in eviction proceedings.

Jerry holds a JD from Fordham University, an LLM from the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law in Johannesburg, South Africa, and an AB in political science and sociology from the College of the Holy Cross.

National Alliance for Black Business (NABB) Secures Historic USPTO Federal Trademarks

The National Alliance for Black Business (NABB)®, co-founded by the National Business League (NBL)®, National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)®, and The World Conference of Mayors (WCM)®, proudly announces the official registration of two groundbreaking trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): National Alliance for Black Business (U.S. Trademark Registration No. 7616333) and NABB National Alliance for Black Business (U.S. Trademark Registration No. 7606600). These trademarks represent a monumental step in institutionalizing Black economic empowerment and creating a unified platform to advocate for Black businesses globally.

Historical Context and Legacy:

This milestone is a testament to over a century of advocacy for Black economic independence, tracing back to Booker T. Washington's founding of the National Business League in 1900. His vision of self-reliance and economic sovereignty for Black Americans is at the heart of NABB's mission to unify and empower Black businesses in today's global economic landscape.

Key Milestones and Leadership Insights:

• Trademark Achievement: The trademarks not only secure legal protections but also symbolize a commitment to a unified Black business narrative.
• Leadership Insights:
• Dr. Ken L. Harris, NBL President and NABB Co-Founder: "This legal victory is emblematic of our dedication to redefining Black economic empowerment, leveraging historical foundations for future prosperity."
• Honorable Johnny Ford, WCM Founder: "These trademarks are a pivot in our global economic strategy, showcasing the strength of unity in advancing Black business interests."
• Charles H. DeBow III, NBCC President and CEO: "The trademarks affirm our resolve to ensure Black businesses are recognized and integrated into the broader economic system, fostering accountability across sectors."

Past 2024 Accomplishments Leading to the Trademark Approval:

• Formation of NABB (2022): A collaborative initiative uniting the NBL, NBCC, and WCM and 100+ to amplify Black economic equity.
• NABB Hosted the NBL's 124th National Black Business Conference (2024): A landmark event attended by more than 3,000 participants and delegations from 32 Pan-African countries, with President Joseph Boakai of Liberia as a keynote speaker.
• USAID/NABB Partnership (2024): A historic MOU aimed at strengthening trade ties between Black businesses in the U.S. and the Pan-African diaspora.
• NBL/NABB Black Supplier Development Program (2024): Generated over $150 million in contracts, demonstrating the success of intentional economic inclusion strategies.
• USAID/NABB Caribbean Trade Mission (2024): Launched initiatives to expand trade and commerce between Black American businesses and Caribbean nations.

The Road Ahead:

NABB will continue its momentum with the upcoming launch of the Black Business Enterprise (BBE) Certification and Scorecard Program, scheduled for the NBL's 125th Quasquicentennial National Black Business Conference in Atlanta in August 2025. This program will further solidify conference host NABB's role in promoting economic sovereignty and equitable resource distribution for Black businesses worldwide.

About the Co-Founders:

• NABB: A nonprofit federation of Black business and professional organizations dedicated to Black business advocacy, representing interests across the U.S. and the Pan-African diaspora. Visit www.nationalallianceforblackbusiness.com.
• NBL: The oldest Black business trade association, founded by Booker T. Washington, advocating for economic equity since 1900 and owner of NABB. Visit www.nationalbusinessleague.org.
• NBCC: A leading advocate for Black economic empowerment since 1993, with extensive chapter networks across the U.S. and globally. Visit www.nationalbcc.org.
• WCM: Founded by Honorable Johnny Ford, WCM facilitates global mayoral collaboration for economic and cultural development. Visit www.worldconferenceofmayors.org.

US Department of Labor to cease and desist all investigative and enforcement activity

Acting Secretary of Labor Vince Micone today transmitted Secretary’s Order 03-2025 to all department employees, directing them to cease and desist all investigative and enforcement activity under the rescinded Executive Order 11246 and the regulations promulgated under it.

The order applies to all department employees, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Administrative Law Judges and the Administrative Review Board.

The department no longer has any authority under the rescinded Executive Order 11246 or its regulations.

Read the Secretary's order here: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/2025/01/Secretarys-Order-03-2025.pdf

Bestselling author Roxane Gay is CCNY's 2025 Langston Hughes medalist

Roxane Gay, the New York Times bestselling author and noted scholar, is the City College of New York's 2025 Langston Hughes Medal recipient. She'll receive the Medal at CCNY's 46th annual Langston Hughes Festival, Feb. 13-14. This year's event commemorates the centenary of the Harlem Renaissance, that intellectual and cultural revival of African-American literature, music, art, theater and scholarship of which Langston Hughes was a central figure.

The medal is awarded to highly distinguished writers from throughout the African American diaspora. It recognizes honorees for their impressive works of poetry, fiction, drama, autobiography and critical essays that help to celebrate the memory and tradition of Langston Hughes. Past award winners include:

• James Baldwin;
• Gwendolyn Brooks;
• Toni Morrison;
• August Wilson;
• Maya Angelou;
• Octavia Butler;
• Edwidge Danticat;
• Zadie Smith;
• Michael Eric Dyson;
• Rita Dove;
• Jamaica Kincaid;
• Lynn Nottage; and
• Carlson Whitehead. 

A prolific writer, Gay has authored and edited numerous books. The list includes her 2014 debut An Untamed State, the New York Times bestsellers Bad Feminist and Hunger; the nationally bestselling Difficult Women, and the World of Wakanda for Marvel. Click here for a full list of her books.

Gay's writing appears also in Best American Mystery Stories 2014, Best American Short Stories 2012, and Best Sex Writing 2012.  Among the many literary magazines frequently publishing her work are: A Public Space, McSweeney's, Tin House, Oxford American, American Short Fiction, and Virginia Quarterly Review. Read more here.

In 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ Pride parade, Queerty -- the online news and entertainment publication that covers LGBTQ-related topics, including news and politics -- named Gay among the 50 heroes "leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people." She was also included in the 2022 Fast Company Queer 50 list.

Gay is a graduate of Norwich University (B.A.), the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (M.A.) and Michigan Technological University (Ph.D.).

The Langston Hughes Festival commences Thursday, Feb. 13, with a student symposium. The evening ceremony will include a reading by Gay, and a conversation between her and author Edwidge Danticat, the 2011 Langston Hughes medalist.

Concluding the program on Feb. 14, Valentine's Day, will be the first Langston Hughes Festival Fundraising Breakfast.

"The 2025 Langston Hughes Festival Theme is Black Love, and we will celebrate Black Love in all its iterations," said Jervette R. Ward, Festival Director and Chair of CCNY's Black Studies Department. "In addition, in honor of both Gay and Danticat, this special two-day Harlem Renaissance Centennial will include a celebration of Haitian music and food."

Both Gay and Danticat are of Haitian heritage.