A new UNCF report details how successes from HBCUs can be implemented into K-12 education

The United Negro College Fund's, the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI) has released a new report, Imparting Wisdom: HBCU Lessons for K-12 Education, which details historically black colleges and universities’ (HBCUs) longstanding efforts to provide quality educational experiences for their students and how their success may be translated in K-12 schools—specifically schools with demographics similar to HBCU populations.

HBCUs are often overlooked as sources of effective methods for producing high-achieving black students, although their existence is based on this very premise. Imparting Wisdom highlights research-based HBCU best practices, practical recommendations and insights from HBCU leaders, with the goal of promoting mutually beneficial alliances between the K-12 and HBCU communities.

Read a report summary: Summary: Imparting Wisdom: HBCU Lessons for K-12 Education

Read the full report: Full report: Imparting Wisdom: HBCU Lessons for K-12 Education

13-year-old founder of Books N Bros wants to inspire black boys to read

A 13-year-old has started a youth-led book club program to help empower boys through African-American literacy.

Sidney Keys III told "Good Morning America" that his idea to create Books N Bros was born from his own setbacks and struggles.

The U.S.'s Next Aircraft Carrier Named After African American Sailor Doris Miller

On Jan. 20, 2020 —the holiday marking the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.— the U.S. Navy officially named its newest aircraft carrier, the future USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).

Doris “Dorie” Miller saved the lives of his shipmates and then valiantly fought attacking Japanese forces during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, bravery for which he was awarded the Navy Cross—the first African American to receive this honor. Almost two years after his valor at Pearl Harbor, Miller gave his life for his country when his ship was sunk during battle.

USS Doris Miller (CVN 81) will be the first aircraft carrier named for an enlisted Sailor and the first named for an African American.

Learn more about Doris Miller by watching the video below:

The Story Behind an American Hero, Ship's Mess Attendant Doris Miller

Va. senate votes to end holiday honoring two confederate generals

Virginia’s state Senate on Tuesday voted to eliminate the Lee-Jackson Day holiday, commemorating Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, and make Election Day a state holiday.

The two provisions passed as part of a single bill, SB 601, which passed the Senate 22-18 after being introduced by state Sen. Louise Lucas (D). It will now head to the state’s House of Delegates. Both chambers are majority Democratic.

Gov. Ralph Northam (D) has said he supports the bill, saying earlier in January, “I don’t think there’s any secret that it’s in honor of two individuals who fought to prolong slavery, which is not a proud aspect of Virginia’s history.”

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Rep. Payne, Jr. Rated New Jersey’s Most Popular House Member

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. was rated New Jersey’s most popular member of the U.S. House of Representatives in a recent study by the website, 24/7 Wall Street. The study reviewed approval ratings and election results for Senators and Representatives from all 50 states to determine the most popular, and least popular, elected officials.

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. was delighted to hear of the study’s results.

“I really want to thank the great people of New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District for this honor,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “They are the ones who elect me and inspire me to fight to better their lives every day. I am proud of the work we have been doing together to benefit the district. I am grateful to be their representative in Congress and hope to continue those efforts in the future.”

The website, 24/7 Wall Street, is an international news and features service that focuses primarily on national and international economic issues. The site contains reports on specific business concerns, such as the energy and health sectors, as well as insightful analysis and commentary for global investors. Stories from the website are syndicated around the world. The study was one of the site’s special reports and released January 18, 2020.