Janeen Uzzell Elected to the National Academy of Engineering

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE®) one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the U.S., proudly announces that NSBE CEO Janeen Uzzell has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the highest professional honors in the engineering field. Uzzell joins an esteemed class of 128 U.S.-based members and 22 international members newly elected to the NAE Class of 2025.

Uzzell was recognized for her pioneering efforts in providing access to health information and improving healthcare outcomes globally, as well as for advancing racial, gender and community engagement in the engineering space. The National Academy of Engineering, founded in 1964, is an independent, nonprofit institution that provides objective engineering and technology advice to the nation and recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in research, education and leadership.

"This recognition from the NAE is a tremendous honor, and I am deeply grateful to my peers for this acknowledgment," said Uzzell. "Throughout my career, I've been passionate about creating meaningful change through engineering, particularly in underrepresented communities. As CEO of NSBE, I remain committed to expanding opportunities for Black engineers and ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion remain at the forefront of engineering innovation."

NAE membership is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in engineering practice, made significant contributions to technological advancements and led major engineering initiatives. Uzzell's work exemplifies these criteria, particularly through her leadership in global health and her efforts to drive equity in STEM fields.

As the CEO of NSBE, Uzzell leads efforts to increase the representation of Black engineers in academia, government and industry. Under her leadership, NSBE will continue to advance its mission of supporting and empowering Black engineers to excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.

The newly elected NAE members will be formally inducted during the Academy's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in October 2025.

For more information about NSBE and its initiatives, please visit http://www.nsbe.org/.

Embattled "Super Mayor" Tiffany Henyard loses primary election to trustee Jason House

Dolton, Illinois Village Trustee Jason House declared victory Tuesday night after trouncing embattled Mayor Tiffany Henyard in the south suburb's primary election.

National Association of Black Journalist Issues Statement on Recent Changes at NBCUniversal

The National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) Issued the following Statement on Recent Changes at NBCUniversal:

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) met with NBCUniversal’s head of diversity yesterday to discuss concerns about recent changes that have affected the Black voices seen and heard on air every day. While NBCUniversal leadership has assured us they are committed to elevating Black voices, we are disappointed by the removal of Joy Reid from her slot. Reid is a longtime journalist and host of The ReidOut, a major political commentary program.

While we congratulate Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele and Alicia Menendez on their new roles in Reid’s former time slot, we remain concerned about industry-wide patterns in which Black talent is disproportionately affected by corporate changes. We have also learned that other journalists and commentators representing diverse communities have been removed from their slots.

As we continue examining this issue and working with NBCUniversal on their commitments to diversity, we urge news leaders across the board to recognize that removing Black voices affects how networks shed light on issues of great importance to our communities. Reducing those voices also limits the diversity of content and viewpoints. Networks must also ensure that more Black journalists by trade have opportunities to contribute. We urge all news platforms to add rather than subtract from the diversity of their talent—both on-camera and behind the scenes.

Kamala Harris Delivers Uplifting Message While Accepting Chairman’s Award at NAACP Image Awards

Kamala Harris delivers an inspiring and uplifting message as she accepts the prestigious Chairman's Award at the NAACP Image Awards. Her powerful words highlight her ongoing commitment to equality, justice, and progress. Watch the Vice President’s unforgettable moment as she makes history once again at this celebrated event!

Shakur Stevenson Beats Josh Padley By 9th-Round TKOto Retain WBC Lightweight Title

Newark NJ's Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO win over Josh Padley in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Shakur, a Three-time world champion took his time and put on a boxing clinic dropping the challenger three times. Padley performed well, all things considered, but he was clearly outmatched in the areas of skill and athleticism.

Stevenson is now 23-0 with 11 knockouts.

Stevenson will now be looking to the bigger and better fights, with fans calling for him to pursue a huge unification showdown with Gervonta Davis.

The Black Therapy Network is helping Close the Mental Health Gap for Black Americans

With Black mental health gaining national attention, The Black Therapy Network (BTN) is launching to ensure culturally competent therapy is accessible to all. Black Americans are 50% less likely to receive treatment, despite facing mental health challenges at similar or higher rates than white Americans. With only 4% of therapists in the U.S. being Black, many struggle to find culturally competent care. BTN is bridging this gap by making therapy accessible, affordable, and stigma-free.

Unlike mainstream therapy platforms, BTN is built for Black clients by Black professionals, ensuring a deeper understanding of cultural experiences and identity-related stressors. This movement is dedicated to normalizing therapy in the Black community by breaking systemic barriers and providing a trusted space for healing.

Why This Matters

• Black Americans face significant barriers to mental health care, including stigma, financial constraints, and a lack of culturally competent providers.
• Mistrust in the medical system, along with systemic disparities, makes therapy harder to access.
• BTN offers affordable, virtual therapy with licensed Black professionals who understand their lived experiences.

"Far too often, Black individuals struggle to find therapy that speaks to their lived experiences," says Kerry Shipman, J.D., MPA, Founder of The Black Therapy Network. "BTN provides a space for Black clients to receive culturally aligned, accessible, and stigma-free care."

BTN: A Solution Designed for the Black Community

• Black Therapists, Black Clients – All therapists on the platform are licensed Black professionals.
• Affordable Therapy Packages – Flexible pricing ensures accessibility.
• 100% Virtual Therapy – Clients receive care securely from anywhere in the U.S.
• A Focus on Stigma-Free Support – Encourages mental wellness as a community priority.

Now Accepting Clients Nationwide

BTN invites clients across the U.S. to join the waitlist for early access. Those who sign up will:

• Connect with licensed Black professionals
• Receive an exclusive discount on their first session
• Enter to win a Wellness Package Giveaway

Spots are filling up fast – sign up now at blacktherapy.net!

Therapists Support the Mission

"For many Black clients, finding a therapist who truly understands their experience can be life-changing," says Lethea Pittman, LCSW, LCAS. "The Black Therapy Network creates a safe space where healing can happen without barriers."

Beyond Therapy: A Movement to Normalize Black Mental Health

BTN is more than a platform—it's a movement. The organization actively partners with Black-led organizations, mental health advocates, and community groups to expand awareness.

BTN is calling on media partners, corporate sponsors, and nonprofit organizations to join the movement. Together, we can break barriers to Black mental health care and create lasting change.

Black Women in Corporate America to Gather at the 2025 Women of Power Summit in Las Vegas

March 5-9, 2025 — More than 1,800 of the most powerful Black women in corporate America will convene at the Women of Power Summit, the nation's premier leadership conference for Black women in business. Presented by Title Sponsor Nationwide, this transformative event will take place at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, featuring C-suite executives, industry trailblazers, and influential thought leaders who are shaping the future of corporate America.

"This summit is more than a conference—it's an engine for empowerment," said Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE. "At a time when leadership and career advancement are top priorities in corporate spaces, the Women of Power Summit provides a critical platform for Black women to connect, strategize, and elevate their careers."

2025 Key Speakers Include:

• Valerie Jarrett, CEO, Barack Obama Foundation
• Glenda McNeal, Chief Partner Officer, American Express
• Robin Washington, Incoming CFO, Salesforce
• Karine Jean-Pierre, Former White House Press Secretary
• Jemele Hill, Award-Winning Journalist
• Monique Rodriguez, Founder, Mielle Organics
• Abby Phillip, Anchor, NewsNight with Abby Phillip, CNN

Empowering Black Women in Leadership
Now in its 19th year, the Women of Power Summit provides career-changing mentorship, networking, and leadership development tailored specifically for Black women navigating corporate spaces. The event will feature fireside chats, executive coaching, boardroom preparation sessions, and industry-specific panels, ensuring attendees leave with actionable insights and powerful connections.

Key sessions will tackle:

• Breaking Barriers to the C-Suite – Insights from top executives on how Black women can navigate corporate leadership.
• Politics Not as Usual – A powerful discussion on the intersection of leadership and public policy.
• Next Up? A Corporate Board Seat – A must-attend session for professionals looking to transition into corporate board leadership, featuring top executives who've successfully made the leap.

Morehouse College Honors Operation HOPE Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant with Prestigious "Candle Award"

In a night of celebration, inspiration, and philanthropy, Morehouse College honored John Hope Bryant, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, with the esteemed "Candle Award" at its 37th Annual "A Candle in the Dark" Gala. This premier event, held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta, recognized Bryant's outstanding contributions to civic engagement and entrepreneurship—a legacy he has championed for over three decades.

The gala, one of the nation's foremost celebrations of African American excellence, raised an impressive $6.8 million to support student scholarships, furthering Morehouse College's mission to develop leaders who will shape the future.

A Visionary Leader in Financial Empowerment
Bryant is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate whose impact spans industries and communities nationwide. As the Founder of The Promise Homes Company, the largest minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S., and the driving force behind Operation HOPE, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy and economic inclusion, Bryant has transformed countless lives. Morehouse College recognized him for his unwavering commitment to empowering underserved communities in metro Atlanta and beyond.

Commitment to Education and Social Impact
The Morehouse College Candle Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who exemplify professional excellence, leadership, and a profound commitment to community service—values deeply embedded in Morehouse's rich legacy. During the gala, Bryant reinforced his dedication to education by announcing a $100,000 personal commitment to support Morehouse students from underserved backgrounds pursuing degrees in finance, business, and entrepreneurship.

"Financial literacy, education, and community engagement are at the core of Morehouse College's storied history, making this recognition a profound honor," said Bryant. "Morehouse is the birthplace of transformative movements and home to leaders like Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am proud to continue advancing this mission and championing financial empowerment for future generations."

Celebrating Excellence and Achievement
Bryant was honored alongside an illustrious group of trailblazers, including:

• Otis Moss, III –Senior Pastor, Poet, Activist, Author, and Filmmaker
• Pharrell Williams – Award-winning Recording Artist, Philanthropist & Fashion Designer
• Rashaun L. Williams – Venture Capitalist, Educator, and Atlanta Falcons Limited Partner
• Marvin Dunn – Author, Educator, Historian, Veteran, and Social Activist
• Bryan Rand – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Rand & Co Holdings LLC

Since its inception in 1989, "A Candle in the Dark" Gala has become a cornerstone event for Morehouse College, recognizing African American achievement and raising vital scholarship funds. The sold-out event drew more than 800 distinguished guests, including Morehouse College and HBCU alumni, business and civic leaders, and philanthropists. To view a replay of the live stream, click HERE.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been a driving force in economic empowerment, shifting America from civil rights to "Silver Rights"—a movement to ensure free enterprise and capitalism work for all. Through its award-winning HOPE Inside model, which received American Banker's Innovator of the Year recognition, Operation HOPE has impacted more than 4 million individuals, directing over $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities. With a mission to turn check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into entrepreneurs, and minimum-wage workers into financially independent individuals, Operation HOPE continues to redefine economic inclusion. The organization recently earned Fast Company's "World Changing Ideas" Award and has been recognized with ten consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator for fiscal transparency and  accountability. For more information, visit OperationHOPE.org. Join the HOPE  conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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."