FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA RELEASES HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY “GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT”

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has just released the historical documentary feature GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT, which is now available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting April 25, 2025. A portion of the documentary's proceeds will be donated to Tulsa nonprofits supporting Greenwood rebuilding efforts.

In addition, Grammy-winning music producer Madukwu Chinwah wrote and produced the original track “Do Something” for GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT soundtrack. His song, along with composer cues and other tracks inspired by the film, will be released on all platforms on April 17 through Londyn Town Music.

A century after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the documentary GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT follows Greenwood Avenue's ongoing fight against segregation, racism, and hate while rebuilding its Black-owned businesses and homes. In 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma, had a population of around 2.1 million, with just over 100,000 living in the city. Back then, racism was widespread, and it was inevitable that a riot would occur. On May 31st of that year, 3,200 white residents affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan carried out an 18-hour massacre in Greenwood, a prosperous African-American neighborhood in Tulsa. This tragic event, known as the Tulsa Race Massacre, left hundreds dead and thousands homeless and cast a dark shadow over the city's history. Tulsa was experiencing economic growth, driven by the oil industry, but it was also marked by severe segregation. The city's Black population of 10,000 primarily resided in Greenwood, a thriving business district often called "Black Wall Street." This prosperous community was targeted by the white mob, resulting in one of the most severe incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. This 105-minute documentary highlights and explores the aftermath and rebirth of Black Wall Street.

Written by Todd Roberts, Terry Baccus and Karen Reese, GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT was directed by Karen Reese and Terry Baccus and produced by John Wayne S. III and Karen Reese. Writer/editor Todd Roberts has worked on several films about Black America and produced over 400 documentary-style TV episodes across 22 countries. As an award-winning storyteller, his work has aired on National Geographic, TLC, PBS, and The Travel Channel. Those interviewed and profiled in the documentary include Terry Baccus, George Thomas, Bishop Carlton Pearson, Heather Nash, Jennettie P. Marshall, Mayor GT Bynum, and Bryce Harris.

“GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT captures the allure of Deep Greenwood -- not just in its moment of destruction, but in the resilience that followed,” said filmmakers Karen Reese and Terry Baccus.

“This is a story not only of loss, but of revival -- a journey from devastation to recovery -- that shows how a united community can rebuild and stand as a lasting model of Black entrepreneurship and economic empowerment,” said Tulsa resident Jennettie P. Marshall.

Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT directly with the filmmakers and Londyn Town Pictures.

THE GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT website: www.greenwoodaveproject.com

“GREENWOOD AVENUE PROJECT” Trailer

NAACP and the LDF sue the U.S. Department of Education

The NAACP, and the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), acting on its behalf, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Education's attempts to prohibit and chill lawful efforts to ensure that Black students are afforded equal educational opportunities. The Education Department issued a "Dear Colleague" Letter on Feb. 14, followed by a "Frequently Asked Questions" document on Feb. 28 and a certification requirement on April 3 — all of which include factual inaccuracies and misinterpretations of civil rights laws and threaten the termination of critical public education funds. The defendants named in the suit are the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.  

 

The lawsuit alleges that the Education Department's communications to recipients of federal funds present a legally flawed and unsupported interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit additionally alleges that the Education Department is intentionally discriminating against Black students through its efforts to defund federal grantees based on erroneous facts and interpretations of law. The Dear Colleague Letter and related certification already have had devastating consequences for educational communities across the nation. The plaintiff is asking the federal district court to enjoin the Education Department from moving forward with its enforcement actions, as articulated in the "Dear Colleague" Letter and related certification requirement.  

 

"The Department of Education's recent "Dear Colleague" letter and other communications are not only deeply misleading — they are a gross distortion of reality that attempts to erase the lived experiences of millions of Black and Brown children in this country," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "The Department of Education, tasked with a responsibility to protect the civil rights of all children, has instead claimed systemic racism doesn't exist — effectively sanctioning the very discrimination that our civil rights laws were designed to prevent. Meanwhile, children of color consistently attend segregated, chronically underfunded schools where they receive less educational opportunities and more discipline. Denying these truths doesn't make them disappear — it deepens the harm. We are asking the court to act swiftly to our request and will continue to advocate for students of color to be treated fairly and equitably." 

 

"For decades, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has worked to ensure that all students — including Black students who have historically faced and continue to face barriers that deny them equal educational opportunities — can receive the necessary support, tools, and resources to thrive academically," said Michaele N. Turnage Young, Senior Counsel and Co-Manager of the Equal Protection Initiative at the Legal Defense Fund. "Yet, in direct conflict with its mission, the Office for Civil Rights has baselessly characterized vital efforts to advance racial equality to themselves be racially discriminatory, thus weaponizing the anti-discrimination laws against the very communities they are meant to protect. These threats have incited a wave of chaos, uncertainty, and fear within our classrooms, cultural centers, and student and parent groups across the country, and run afoul of our nation's ideals. We ask the Court to enjoin these actions by the Department of Education — and will continue to fight until the constitutional promise of racial equality in education, set forth in Brown v. Board of Education,has been fulfilled."  

 

"Every student should have an equal opportunity to receive a quality education," said Katrina Feldkamp, Assistant Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund. "The current Administration's attacks are a threat to longstanding efforts to ensure truthful, inclusive curricula and instruction; equal access to selective programs; affinity groups where students of various identities can find support and belonging; and policies and programs that eradicate bias in discipline and hiring. These threats seek to undo decades of progress towards equality for all in public education. We proudly represent the NAACP, whose members include Black parents and students in every state of our nation, to protect and uphold Black students' rights to equal educational opportunity." 

 

The filing today follows the previous advocacy challenging the U.S. Department of Education's recent efforts to dial back progress towards racial justice, including another lawsuit filed to stop the Trump Administration from dismantling the Education Department. 

 

Read the full lawsuit here. A virtual media briefing will be held today at 1pm, registration link here.  

 

Hampton University Wins 2025 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship

After more than 122 rounds of intense gameplay, Hampton University emerged victorious at the 36th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America's premier academic competition for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students, securing a $100,000 institutional grant from Honda. Over 200 students and coaches from 32 HBCUs competed in the HCASC National Championship Tournament, which was held near the American Honda corporate headquarters in Torrance, California.

"Congratulations to the scholars from Hampton University for their incredible achievement in winning the 2025 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge championship title," said Jasmine Cockfield, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge project lead at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "HCASC provides HBCU students with a national platform to pursue their passion for learning and love of knowledge, while building leadership skills, and forging lifelong friendships. We applaud the tremendous dedication and academic talent shown by all the students who participated in this year's program."

Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is a dynamic, year-round program that highlights the academic talents of HBCU students nationwide. Each four-student team competes in an exhilarating head-to-head showdown, rapidly answering questions on topics ranging from history and science to math and pop culture. HCASC encourages students to broaden their knowledge across diverse subjects while honing their leadership and teamwork abilities. Competing against peers from other HBCUs, participants build networks, receive mentorship from HCASC alumni and Honda associates, and create "Friends for Life." Beyond the competition, Honda offers development seminars to equip students with the skills they need to thrive after graduation.

Hampton University Clinches First HCASC National Championship

In a two-game sweep during the HCASC National Championship final match, Hampton University triumphed over Tennessee State University by accurately answering questions on history, science, literature, religion, the arts, and pop culture. Hampton University outperformed teams from 31 HBCUs at the National Championship Tournament, after winning regional competitions throughout the academic year. This year, 60 HBCUs participated in the annual HCASC program.

The winning team was coached by Stella Nelms and includes team captain Miles Cross, a freshman majoring in History and Pre-Law from Douglasville, Ga.; Jaron Haynes, a freshman majoring in Business Administration from Snellville, Ga.; Skai White, a sophomore majoring in Mathematics from Stockbridge, Ga.; and Donte Wyatt, Jr., a sophomore majoring in Biology from San Diego, Calif. This marks Hampton University's 30th appearance in the HCASC National Championship Tournament and its first win.

"I am so proud. Seeing our Hampton team grow together and develop, trusting each other to get to this point is amazing," said coach Nelms. "Knowing everyone can see how they've come together as a team and a family, that's what HCASC is about."

Runner-up Tennessee State University received a $40,000 grant from Honda. The third and fourth place finishers – Morehouse College and Tuskegee University – were each awarded a $26,000 grant from Honda. Howard University, Lincoln University-Pennsylvania, North Carolina A&T State University, and Prairie View A&M University rounded out the "Great 8" teams in the HCASC Finals. Honda is providing more than $500,000 in institutional grants to the participating schools.

As a bonus for this year's tournament, Honda joined forces with Thurgood Marshall College Fund to award individual grants to the students from the winning and runner-up teams. The scholars from Hampton University each received $2,500 while the scholars from Tennessee State University each received $1,500.

REV. SHARPTON ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER MEETING WITH PEPSICO EXECUTIVES

Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement after meeting with PepsiCo leadership at the company’s global headquarters in Purchase, NY this morning.

“This morning, I and several members of NAN met with PepsiCo Chairman Ramon Laguarta and CEO of PepsiCo North America Steven Williams for more than an hour to discuss our grievances over reports they were rolling back nearly $500 million in DEI commitments. It was a constructive conversation, which PepsiCo agreed to hold within the 21 days we gave them to meet. We agreed to follow up meetings within the next few days. After that continued dialogue, NAN Chairman Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and I, both former members of the company’s African American Advisory Board, will make a final determination and recommendation to the organization on what we will do around PepsiCo moving forward, as we continue to deal with a broader swath of corporations with whom we will either boycott or buy-cott.”

https://www.africanamericanreports.com/2025/04/rev-sharpton-issues-statement-after.html

HBCU$™ Helps Historically Black Colleges Overcome Billions in Underfunding by Supporting Alumni & Student Entrepreneurs

HBCU$™, an alumni giving and wealth building network created to help offset decades of disparities in public funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) by supporting the entrepreneurs they produce, is officially launching on May 1, 2025.

Tennessee State University graduate Dorsey West created HBCU$™ after learning of a 2023 analysis by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that found between 1987 and 2020, HBCU land-grant institutions received approximately $12.6 billion less in state funding than other land-grant institutions, and his alma mater had been underfunded by $2.1 billion during this period.

HBCU$™ promotes HBCU alumni & student owned businesses through their free online marketing platform and business owners donate a portion of any additional revenue generated back to the college of their choice.

"With unprecedented budget cuts happening at the national and state levels, HBCUs are going to need increased financial support from the private sector, as well as their alumni. I created HBCU$™ to maximize contributions from both sources," explains West.

"Consistently patronizing companies that contribute money back to Historically Black Colleges & Universities creates a self-sustaining cycle that can help close the funding gap for these institutions and provide long-term economic growth for businesses within the HBCU$™ network," West continues. "So, it's a win-win for the HBCUs and their entrepreneurs."

Consumers can join the HBCU$ email list now at https://hbcus.biz. to receive exclusive offers and early access to their membership site. HBCU alumni & student business owners can request to have their products and services promoted at no cost including video podcast interviews, member profiles and an online directory of participating companies by sending an email to promote@hbcus.biz.

About HBCU$™

HBCU$™ is an alumni giving and wealth building network created by Tennessee State University graduate Dorsey West, to provide consistent financial support to Historically Black Colleges & Universities and the entrepreneurs they produce. HBCU$™ promotes HBCU alumni & student owned businesses through their free online marketing platform, and these entrepreneurs donate a portion of any additional revenue generated back to the college of their choice. For more information, visit https://hbcus.biz.

Andrew Jacked wins 2025 FIBO

Andrew Jacked WINS the 2025 FIBO and becomes eligible for the Mr. Olympia.

FIBO Championships Top-5

1. Andrew Jacked

2. Sasan Heirati

3. Sergio Oliva Jr.

4. Justin Musiol

5. Josef Kveton

Andrew Jacked REACTS To Winning 2025 FIBO

LDF Denounces House Passage of SAVE Act

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) urges the U.S. Senate to reject the misleadingly entitled “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act”, a disastrous, discriminatory, inefficient, and unnecessary bill passed by the House that would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters and upend Congress’ historic role of protecting the freedom to vote rather than suppressing it.

The SAVE Act would effectively eliminate online voter registration and severely curtail voter registration drives, methods that millions of Americans rely upon every year to register to vote or update their registrations. The SAVE Act also requires every would-be voter to arrive in person at their local elections office with the original copy of a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate in order to register to vote.

These requirements create especially harsh barriers to political participation for Black people, people of color, married people who have changed their names, rural voters, poor people, and others who may have difficulty obtaining a passport or birth certificate. Only half of the total population and only a third of Black people hold valid U.S. passports, while nearly half of all Black Americans under 30 do not have a license with their current name and address. That’s not to mention the nearly 70 million Americans who have taken a spouse’s last name that may not match the name on their birth certificate.

The law would also undercut voter registration drives, which have been essential for mobilizing political participation in Black communities. If adopted, this would be an especially troubling effect as racial disparities in voter turnout have grown in the past decade.

Legal Defense Fund President and Director-Counsel Janai S. Nelson issued the following statement in response to the House’s vote on the SAVE Act:

“The SAVE Act erects a discriminatory barrier to the ballot while pretending to ‘solve’ a problem that does not exist. Its true purpose, rooted in fear of the multiracial democracy the United States can and must become, is to limit access to the ballot and stifle the political power of our increasingly diverse electorate. It’s a misnomer to call this bill the SAVE Act when it would cause nothing but harm to Black communities, rural communities, and so many others who would be stripped of their right to vote if it becomes law.

We urge lawmakers to reject this catastrophic bill and to rightfully turn their attention to advancing proposals that protect our fundamental right to have a voice in free and fair elections.”

National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.® Joint Statement Opposing Censorship of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Council of Presidents of the National Pan Hellenic Council® (NPHC®), representing the nine historically Black Greek-lettered Organizations and more than 2.5 million members worldwide, strongly opposes any attempt to censor, distort, or dismantle the telling of America's full and inclusive history. Efforts to withhold funding from the Smithsonian complex, especially the National Museum of African American History and Culture, threaten not only a vital educational resource but also the very integrity of our national narrative.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture serves as a cornerstone in the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture. This history is American history. From slavery to civil rights to the cultural innovations that continue to shape the world, the museum ensures these stories are not forgotten, denied, or politicized.

NPHC® also commends the outstanding leadership of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. As the founding director of the museum and the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Secretary Bunch has championed the power of historical truth to unite, educate, and heal. His dedication to scholarship, accessibility, and equity has elevated the Smithsonian mission and broadened its relevance to all Americans.

The NPHC® was founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, DC.  The purpose of the NPHC® is to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. Thus, NPHC® promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local councils of the NPHC®, which collaboratively work together across the United States and provides leadership training for its constituents. We believe that knowledge uplifts communities, empowers individuals, and strengthens democracy. Secretary Bunch continues in that tradition and reminds us that museums are not merely repositories of the past. They are tools for building a better future.

The NPHC® calls on policymakers, educators, and citizens across the country to reject false narratives that seek to divide us. We must support institutions that honor our collective past and protect our shared future. The National Museum of African American History and Culture plays a vital role in that mission, and we will continue to advocate for its preservation and advancement.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated® (NPHC®) is currently composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta® Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. For more information, visit www.nphchq.com.

NBCA Hall of Fame Extends Nominations Deadline for 40th Annual Hall of Fame Induction and Legacy of Leaders Awards

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. (NBCAHOF) is thrilled to announce the extended nomination deadline for the 40th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Legacy of Leaders Awards, taking place during Hall of Fame Week, September 21–28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Due to overwhelming interest and the historic significance of this year's celebration, the new nomination deadline is April 15, 2025.

This milestone 40th anniversary honors four decades of excellence, leadership, and legacy across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We are calling on HBCU alumni, presidents, chancellors, alumni affairs directors, and alumni association leaders to submit nominations for two powerful opportunities to uplift those who continue to make an impact:

Hall of Fame Inductions

The Hall of Fame Inductions honor individuals affiliated with HBCUs or Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs) who have made outstanding cultural, educational, or economic contributions to the Black community. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have paved the way, uplifted others, and demonstrated excellence in their fields.

View over 300 past inductees and see how they've shaped our legacy at www.nbcahof.org.

Legacy of Leaders

The Legacy of Leaders Awards recognize unsung heroes—alumni leaders, chapters, and national alumni associations—who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, vision, and integrity in service to their institutions and communities. Nominations should reflect impact, leadership, and legacy.

Help Us Spread the Word

Whether you're a proud alum, part of an alumni chapter, or simply passionate about uplifting our stories—now is the time to nominate and celebrate those who deserve to be seen and honored. This is more than a ceremony; it's a tribute to the changemakers who carry the spirit of HBCUs forward.

Nomination Deadline: April 15, 2025
Submit nominations and learn more at: www.nbcahof.org

Let's make the 40th year the most powerful one yet.
Honor the past. Celebrate the present. Inspire the future.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION, INC.

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields of expertise and have emerged from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through scholarships, the Hall of Fame Inductee Awards Gala and community outreach programs, the foundation supports the educational aspirations and achievements of HBCU students while preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of these esteemed institutions. For more information about the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation and its upcoming events and initiatives, please visit our website at www.nbcahof.org

NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation
info@nbcahof.org
Atlanta, GA
www.nbcahof.org
@nbcahof (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter)

Rev. Al Sharpton to deliver announcement at NAN Convention on companies NAN will boycott for abandoning DEI

Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), tomorrow will announce what company NAN will boycott during his President’s Address on the final day of the organization’s annual convention in New York City. The long-awaited decision follows Rev. Sharpton’s vow earlier this year to review and identify a company that has abandoned its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.


“As Donald Trump returned to office on King Day, vowing to attack the very things Dr. King fought for, NAN made a promise across Washington to use our buying power to fight back,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of NAN. “On Saturday, we will send a message to those who abandoned us that we will abandon them. As we make this stand against those who abandoned DEI, NAN will continue to support the companies that stand by the policy.”


Rev. Sharpton announced the planned boycott at a NAN MLK Day Rally at the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. His address coincided with the second inauguration of Donald Trump just a few miles away, during which the president alluded to forthcoming attacks on DEI. In the hours, days, and weeks after, Trump issued a storm of executive orders to gut DEI within the federal government, while also putting immense pressure on the private sector to do the same.


Rev. Sharpton called for a 90-day review of what companies had abandoned DEI, their Black customer base, and their profit margins. As that review happened, Rev. Sharpton and NAN continued to support companies that stood by their DEI commitments — recognizing the moral and long-term financial benefits. For instance, Rev. Sharpton led NAN members to shop at Costcos in East Harlem and in New Jersey after the company announced it was standing by its DEI policies.


WHO:
Rev. Al Sharpton, President and Founder, National Action Network


WHEN:
Saturday, April 5th, 2025
Press call: 9:30
Remarks: 10 a.m.


WHERE:
Sheraton Times Square
Metropolitan East Ballroom, 2nd Floor
811 7th Avenue and 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019

NAACP, Voting Rights Groups Challenge Trump’s Recent Executive Order On Voting

A coalition of voting rights organizations, including NAACP, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge President Trump's unlawful executive order on voting that attempts to seize the power to set voter registration rules from Congress and the states, and doing so in a way that would violate federal law and the Constitution if carried out by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). 

Key provisions of Trump's order could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly voters of color, women voters, naturalized citizens, voters with disabilities, voters with low incomes, and first-time voters.

The Constitution specifies that Congress and the states can set the rules for our elections, not the President. On March 27, several of the groups also sent a letter to the EAC urging them not to take action in response to key provisions in the executive order, as doing so would violate federal law. 

The National League of Women Voters, NAACP, League of Women Voters of Arizona, League of Women Voters Education Fund, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, and Hispanic Federation, are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of D.C., Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, the Legal Defense Fund, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC). 

The groups are challenging the order's usurpation of powers, including its directive for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to change the federal voter registration form to require burdensome submission of documents to prove citizenship, which many Americans do not have or cannot readily acquire. Under existing law, registrants already have to swear to their citizenship under penalty of perjury, and there is no evidence that non-citizens are registering to vote at significant rates.

The coalition released the following joint statement about the lawsuit, League of Women Voters et. al. v. Trump et. al.:

"The president has no constitutional or statutory authority to unilaterally dictate how elections are run. This executive order is a blatant violation of the separation of powers. Election rules are decided by Congress and the states, and any attempt by the executive branch to override their power violates the Constitution. This order, based on a persistent false and racialized narrative, could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. It mirrors the SAVE Act, which would add unnecessary barriers to voter registration and silence the voices of American citizens. These unlawful attacks on voting rights are part of a broader effort to undermine our democracy. We have filed suit to stop this executive order and to keep it from interfering with eligible voters' participation in our elections."

"This so-called executive order is blatantly unconstitutional and designed to disenfranchise millions of lawful, eligible voters," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of NAACP. "In America, Presidents do not control elections. Trump is clearly pushing the boundaries of executive power to see how much he can get away with. It's time for the public and all elected officials to speak up as loudly as they can before our country is stolen from its people. If we hand the president control over how elections are run in America, we no longer live in a democracy. This isn't just another executive order — it is a test to see if we allow the president to crown himself."

The link to the complaint is available here. To learn more about how the NAACP is fighting to protect the right to vote, visit our website. 

Mariah Cockshell Is Missing

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Gladstone Police Department says they’re looking for Mariah Cockshell, 26-year-old woman after she was last seen on March 22.

GPD says Mariah Cockshell was reported missing by her family and is possibly endangered. She was last seen around 3 a.m. in the area of 54th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.

Cockshell stands 5’1″ tall and weighs around 150 pounds. She has black hair and hazel eyes. GPD says she was last seen wearing a pink sweatshirt and black scrub pants.

If you have any information on Cockshell’s whereabouts, contact GPD at 816-436-3550 or the TIPS hotline.

Kevin Howell Appointed Chancellor of North Carolina State University

Kevin Howell, chief external affairs officer at UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine, has been named chancellor of North Carolina State University.

The appointment was announced by University of North Carolina President Peter Hans today following approval by the UNC Board of Governors. Howell succeeds Randy Woodson, who is retiring after 15 years of service as chancellor.

“Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and NC State University,” Hans said. “His deep relationships across the state have helped drive investment and growth. I am confident that he will strengthen NC State’s role as a frontier research university, keeping North Carolina competitive in the most important fields of our future.”

Howell will assume his duties on May 5; his salary will be $600,000.

Howell becomes NC State’s 15th chancellor and the third NC State alumnus to serve in the role.

“Kevin Howell is a leader with incredible connection- and relationship-building skills,” said Ed Weisiger, a member of the chancellor search committee and chair of the NC State Board of Trustees. “He is a trusted partner to those he leads and to those with whom he interacts and works. In short, Kevin simply makes organizations better and healthier by working in them. He is a great product from NC State who has shown his worth across time and in roles of ever-increasing responsibility. We are so pleased to have him return to NC State.”

As chief of external affairs for UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine, Howell leads the development and implementation of strategies shaping public policy and legislation for a health care system with 19 hospitals, more than 900 clinics, 3,000 physicians and more than 40,000 employees. He cultivates relationships with government officials and stakeholders to advance UNC Health initiatives, and directs philanthropy, institutional strategic branding, marketing, communications, and corporate and community affairs to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Prior to his time with UNC Health, Howell served as NC State’s vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development from 2018 to 2023. In that role, Howell managed units tasked with partnerships, economic development, the Small Business and Technology Development Center, state and local relations, and federal affairs. He led a strategic focus to build and manage relationships and economic partnerships to enhance local and global engagement to create new jobs and investments for the state of North Carolina.

Howell also served NC State as assistant to the chancellor for external affairs from 2006 to 2016. In that role, he directed the university’s legislative strategy and served as legislative liaison to state and local government agencies and elected leaders.

“We’re excited to welcome Kevin Howell back home to NC State,” said Ed Stack, chair of the chancellor search committee and vice chair of the NC State Board of Trustees. “Among an impressive group of candidates, he stood out as the strongest choice. Kevin truly exemplifies the university’s Think and Do spirit – especially in driving economic development and improving the lives of North Carolinians.”

In between stints at NC State, Howell served as senior vice president for external affairs with the University of North Carolina System. There, Howell led key external affairs priorities and initiatives to elevate the UNC System.

Before coming to NC State in 2006, Howell served as legislative liaison for two N.C. governors and worked for the N.C. Bar Association as director of governmental affairs.

Howell currently serves on the executive committee of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce as former board chair; the executive committee of myFutureNC, a non-profit that seeks to have 2 million North Carolinians hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030; and the executive committee of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities’ Commission on Economic & Community Engagement.

Howell also serves on the board of directors for the North Carolina Symphony and the UNC Law School Foundation. He is a member of the advisory board for NC State’s Friday Institute for Educational Innovation.

A native of Shelby, N.C., Howell received his bachelor’s degree in political science from NC State in 1988 and served as student body president during his senior year. He earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and later served as a legal clerk on the N.C. Court of Appeals.

Howell and his wife, Aleta, have two adult children.

A 13-member search committee of NC State trustees, faculty, staff, students and alumni spent five months reviewing and interviewing candidates before Hans made his selection.

Howell will take the helm of North Carolina’s largest university, with about 39,000 students. Long admired for its strengths in engineering and agriculture, the university has emerged as a national leader in biotechnology, nanotechnology, proteomics, nonwoven textiles and other fields of study – such as food safety, biomedical research and artificial intelligence – that affect the health and livelihoods of people in North Carolina and across the globe. Its fields of study prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of life in the 21st century.

With its state-of-the-art labs and classrooms and its unique partnerships with government and industry, NC State’s Centennial Campus is the model for university research parks across the nation.

MARTIN LUTHER KING PEOPLE’S CONVENTION FOR JUSTICE AND RESISTANCE SET FOR APRIL 26TH IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

The Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice And Resistance will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025, 8:30am to 4:00pm, at Essex County College, Smith Hall, 303 University Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.

The convention is sponsored by the People’s Organization For Progress (POP). It has been Endorsed by 65 organizations representing a cross section of the grassroots community.

“The purpose of the convention is to develop a people’s agenda and action for its implementation,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

“The effort to organize this convention grows out of our determination to resist all efforts, including those of the Trump administration, to erase the gains of the civil rights movement and the social progress of the past century,” Hamm said.

“There is a strong need to have a current blueprint of common issues, goals and solutions for community building. This convention can provide that framework, “ said Deborah Smith Gregory, NAACP Newark President, whose chapter has endorsed the march.

“During the first 100 days of the Trump presidency we have witnessed a direct attack on those who are the most vulnerable in our country. The people’s convention will help us find ways of working together to fight back against this onslaught,” Charles Hall, President, Local 108 Retail Wholesale Department Store Union UFCW stated, whose labor group has also endorsed the march.

The convention is open to the general public. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to register in advance. Registration for the convention is now open. There is no registration fee.

People can register for the convention online at Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-martin-luther-king-peoples-convention-for-justice-and-resistance-tickets-1292184000129?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Those who are unable to register online can call the People’s Organization For Progress at (973)801-0001 or send an email to info@njpop.org.

“The idea to have a convention grew out of our organizing effort for the Martin Luther King March Of Resistance which was held on January 18th and was endorsed by 308 organizations,” Hamm stated.

“Our planning for the march also included discussions about what we would do afterwards. That is when we collectively decided to have a convention,” he said.

“Just as we built a broad coalition for the march that included several hundred endorsing organizations we want to to the same for the convention,” he said.

“We definitely want to increase the number of endorsing groups. We would like to have many more. Organizations that would like to endorse should contact POP right away,” he said.

The 65 endorsing organizations include: Local 108 Retail Wholesale Department Store Union UFCW AFL-CIO, Newark Branch NAACP, Morris County Branch NAACP, New Jersey Black Issues Convention, International Black Women’s Congress, African Diaspora for Justice, New Jersey Poor People’s Campaign, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21, South Ward Environmental Alliance, 350 NJ-Rockland, Greenfaith International, New Jersey Green Sustainable Group, December 12th Movement, Clinton Hill Seniors In Action, New Jersey Peace Action, Cease Fire Now NJ, Jewish Voice for Peace Northern New Jersey Chapter, SOMA Collective for Palestine, Pax Christi, Jersey City Non-Violence Coalition, Steven Institute Students for Justice in Palestine, Elombe Brath Coalition, Omega Psi Phi-Upsilon Chapter, Corey Lewis Teague, Hudson County Sierra Club, Bread Is Rising, Newark North Jersey Committee Of Black Churchmen, Hafiz Farid/Foremost Productions, Food & Water Watch, Marques-Aquil Lewis Civic Association, Black Lives Matter Elizabeth, National United Youth Council, Irvington NAACP, Make The Road New Jersey, New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP, Seton Hall University Martin Luther King Scholarship Association, Tom Paine Brigade, Jersey City Food Not Bombs, Hackensack Riverkeeper, HPAE Local 5089, Bethany Baptist Church, All Politics Are Local, National Black Political Convention, Man Village Men’s Support Group, Islay Walden Education Alliance, New Jersey Communities for Accountable Policing, New Jersey Chapter of the National Action Network, Jumpstart, Journey To Justice, Greater Newark Chapter of the National Action Network, Committee To Eliminate Media Offensive To African People, NAACP New Jersey State Conference, African- American Commission of Camden, Gregory Thomas Foundation, Grandmaster Khalil's Generation II Ippon Do School of Martial Arts, The Law And Policy Group, Mt Teman AME Church, MAPSO Freedom School, Good Neighbor Baptist Church, Newark Interfaith Alliance, The Radical Elders, The Muslim League of Voters of New Jersey, Philadelphia Black Radical Congress, and North Jersey Black Caucus for Social Justice.

For more information or to endorse the convention call 973 801-0001.

Dr. Ron K. Patterson named Murray State University President

The Murray State University Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee has announced Dr. Ron K. Patterson as Murray State University President. Currently Chadron State College President, Patterson will commence his role as the 15th President of Murray State on July 1, 2025. He will succeed President Dr. Bob Jackson, who will retire on June 30, 2025. The selection of Patterson follows an extensive process and national search.

Patterson serves as president of Chadron State College, one of three state college institutions within the Nebraska State College System and an institution with approximately 2,300 students and 600 full-time faculty and staff. In his role, Patterson launched and chaired the college’s new five-year strategic plan, established strategic enrollment partnerships, commenced new academic programs and partnerships, furthered external relationships with federal, state and local government leaders, and fostered an environment of success within the college’s Division II athletic programs. 

Prior to Chadron State College, Patterson served at the University of North Alabama. His administrative progression at the University of North Alabama included service as associate vice president for enrollment management, chief enrollment officer, and chief enrollment officer and special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion with responsibility for both enrollment management, academic programs and centers, and diversity and inclusion. 

Prior to the University of North Alabama, Patterson served for 14 years as an administrator at Marietta College, University of Central Arkansas, University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Christian Brothers University in Memphis. He also spent four years as an assistant men’s basketball coach and head men’s golf coach at Tusculum College and Marietta College. 

With 25 years of higher education experience, Patterson has developed a collaborative, servant leader approach who values accessibility and affordability, education and innovation.

Patterson earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at Creighton University, an Education Specialist degree with a concentration in Community College Administration at Arkansas State University, a Master of Arts at Marietta College, a Bachelor of Science at the University of Tennessee – Southern and an Associate of Arts at Northeast Mississippi Community College. He recently completed professional development offered by the American Academic Leadership Institute and Penn State University’s Academic Leadership Academy for Academic Administration.

Patterson hails from Corinth, Mississippi. He and his wife, Jenny, have two children, Olivia and Braylon.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as President of Murray State University,” Patterson said. “I would like to thank the Presidential Search Committee, Board of Regents, campus community and alumni for entrusting me to lead this historic university. 

“My family and I are honored and privileged to join the excellent students, faculty, staff and city of Murray to continue the great momentum of Dr. Bob Jackson and the leadership team, capital improvement projects, and rich tradition of Murray State University in its second century.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Ron K. Patterson as the 15th President of Murray State University,” Murray State Board of Regents Chair Leon Owens said. “Dr. Patterson brings considerable experience in numerous areas of higher education, all of which are necessary, to continue the upward trajectory of our institution. Dr. Patterson is a servant leader and a proven collaborator who has a commitment toward excellence. We welcome Dr. Patterson, along with his wife Jenny and children Olivia and Braylon to our campus and broader community.

“I am grateful to our Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee as well as Academic Search for their hard work and assistance during the search process.

“I would like to also thank Dr. Jackson for his continued wonderful leadership, excellence and many years of service to Murray State as his retirement approaches on June 30, 2025.”

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Ron K. Patterson, his wife Jenny and children Olivia and Braylon, to Murray State University, and am confident that the future of Murray State is in excellent hands with Dr. Patterson,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “As I’ve said many times, Murray State University is truly a special place. Dr. Patterson’s experience, vision and passion for higher education will continue to advance this special place that is shared by our many students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.”