Nina Simone's childhood home in Tryon, North Carolina, has been restored after decades of decay, funded by a collective of Black artists to preserve Black history and culture, and is set to become a cultural site and museum by 2027, highlighting the importance of private efforts in cultural preservation amid federal funding cuts.
Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest U.S. park ranger and a pioneering advocate for Black and women's history, passed away at 104. Her life was marked by resilience, activism, and storytelling, from surviving the Great Mississippi Flood to working in segregated industries, founding a Black-owned record store, and dedicating her later years to preserving overlooked histories at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. Her legacy includes numerous honors, a memoir, and a school named in her honor, inspiring ongoing conversations about justice and inclusion.
Artist Theaster Gates will create a large-scale artwork at the Obama Presidential Center featuring a monumental portrait of Black life and women, using archival images from Ebony and Jet magazines to celebrate Black culture and history, emphasizing the importance of archives and cultural memory.
Artist Theaster Gates will create a large-scale artwork at the Obama Presidential Center featuring a monumental portrait of Black life and women, using archival images from Ebony and Jet magazines to celebrate Black culture and history, emphasizing the importance of archives and cultural memory.
MacKenzie Scott donated $40 million to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, doubling her previous support and emphasizing her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion amid ongoing challenges to DEI initiatives, and highlighting her significant role in funding Black cultural preservation.
Kerry James Marshall's exhibition 'The Histories' at the Royal Academy of Art in London showcases nearly five decades of his work, focusing on complex representations of Black history, including new series on African elites' roles in the slave trade, emphasizing the artist's commitment to depicting nuanced, historically rich images that challenge conventional narratives.
Tramell Tillman made history as the first Black man to win the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his role in 'Severance,' breaking a 77-year barrier in the category and joining a legacy of trailblazing actors.
Two pastors were arrested in St. Petersburg for attempting to block state crews from covering a Black History Matters mural outside the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, highlighting a protest against the mural's removal.
Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating Black emancipation, became a federal holiday in 2021 after President Biden signed legislation, and while there are questions about whether President Trump could cancel it, legal experts confirm only Congress has that power. The article also highlights various Juneteenth celebrations in Los Angeles and discusses debates around white participation and reparations, emphasizing the holiday's significance in Black history and culture.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S., marking the day in 1865 when Union General Granger announced freedom for enslaved individuals in Texas. It became a federal holiday in 2021, celebrated with community events, reflection, and education, emphasizing Black history and progress. The holiday features symbols like the Juneteenth flag, representing unity and hope, and is observed with various festivities, though private businesses may remain open.
Tyler Perry delivered a passionate speech at the BET Awards condemning the erasure of Black history and emphasizing the importance of remembering and leaving footprints of Black contributions, while also highlighting ongoing racial and political struggles in America.
The craniums of 19 Black individuals, taken from Charity Hospital in 1872 and shipped to Germany for racist scientific research, have been returned to New Orleans and will be memorialized in a jazz funeral to honor their lives and confront a dark chapter in history.
Fifty years after Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run, Gresham Park in Atlanta continues to honor his legacy as a hub for Black baseball players. The park, once 95% Black, has seen changes due to gentrification, but remains a symbol of Black empowerment and a training ground for talented players. Former Braves outfielder Marquis Grissom's program and Mentoring Viable Prospects are nurturing young Black baseball talent, ensuring they understand the significance of Aaron's achievements. As the city of Atlanta celebrates its Black heroes, Aaron's impact endures, inspiring a new generation of players and preserving his legacy for years to come.
Miami-Dade County schools faced backlash for requiring parental permission slips for students to hear guest speakers on topics like Black history and the Holocaust, as part of compliance with a Florida parental rights law. The policy drew criticism from parents, state education officials, and Democrats, who argue that it restricts critical education opportunities and is part of a broader push to restrict lessons about race, gender, and sexuality in Florida schools. School officials are now reevaluating the policy to strike a balance between complying with the law and ensuring students have access to important educational experiences.
Learning for Justice provides a comprehensive set of resources and frameworks for educators to teach Black history, including the Civil Rights Movement and American slavery, as well as articles, webinars, podcasts, and lessons to deepen understanding. The materials cover key moments and untold histories, advocate for teaching honest history, and emphasize the importance of discussing African and Indigenous cultures. Additionally, there are resources to engage children with stories and poems that uplift the value of family and the fight for justice across generations.