Education Archives - The Truth Seekers Journal

Grambling State University to Welcome Fawn Weaver as Spring 2026 Commencement Speaker

Grambling State University names Fawn Weaver as Spring 2026 commencement speaker, highlighting entrepreneurship, leadership, and the achievements of graduates across diverse academic programs.

By Milton Kirby | Grambling, LA | April 22, 2026

Grambling State University has announced that entrepreneur, author, and business leader Fawn Weaver will deliver the keynote address at its Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises.

The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, where graduates from across the university’s academic programs will gather to mark the culmination of their studies.

University President Martin Lemelle Jr. called commencement a defining moment for students and families, emphasizing both achievement and future promise.

“Commencement is a proud moment for Grambling State University—an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievement, resilience, and promise of our graduates,” Lemelle said. “We are honored to welcome Ms. Weaver, whose leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to purpose reflect the excellence we seek to cultivate in every Grambling State graduate.”

Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Inc., leads one of the fastest-growing independent whiskey brands in the country. Through her work, she has also elevated the legacy of Nathan Green, widely recognized as the first known African American master distiller.

Beyond her role in the spirits industry, Weaver is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, a popular TED speaker, and a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building brands. Her credentials include certification as a Corporate Director from Harvard Business School, a summa cum laude degree from the University of Alabama, and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Bluefield State University. She is also currently pursuing a Master of Finance at Harvard Business School.

Her selection as commencement speaker places a nationally recognized business voice before graduates at one of the nation’s most storied historically Black colleges and universities, reinforcing the institution’s focus on leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven careers.

A Celebration of Academic Excellence

The Spring 2026 graduating class will include students earning degrees across multiple disciplines:

Graduate programs will confer doctoral and master’s degrees in fields ranging from education and public administration to criminal justice, nursing, and social work.

Undergraduate degrees will span the College of Arts and Sciences, including biology, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, and political science, alongside programs in music, theatre, and English.

The Thomas and Joyce Moorehead College of Business and Entrepreneurship will award degrees in accounting, management, marketing, economics, and information systems, while the College of Education and College of Professional Studies will recognize graduates in teaching, kinesiology, mass communications, psychology, and related fields.

University officials say the ceremony will reflect not only academic achievement, but also perseverance—an especially meaningful theme for a graduating class shaped by rapid change in higher education and the broader economy.

Additional information about the Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises is available through the university’s official website.

Uncle Nearest to Remain Under Federal Control as Judge Evaluates Competing Claims of Solvency

A Federal Judge Weighs Control, Cash Flow, and Confidence at Uncle Nearest

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Fight for a Billion-Dollar Brand: Weavers Move to Halt Receiver’s Actions

Uncle Nearest: A Billion-Dollar Brand, a $25 Million Question & The Unanswered Future

Receiver’s Report Says Uncle Nearest Can Be Reorganized

Uncle Nearest at Legal Crossroads

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Obama Foundation Partners with After School Matters to Launch Youth Programs at Presidential Center

Milton Kirby | Chicago, IL | April 4, 2026

The Obama Foundation has announced a major youth programming partnership with After School Matters, positioning Chicago teens at the center of its mission as the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open this summer.

The partnership will bring paid, hands-on programs to teens across Chicago’s South Side, marking a significant investment in youth development, workforce readiness, and community engagement. The initiative will operate through the Center’s Teen Action Lab, a dedicated space designed to empower young people with practical skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

According to the Foundation, the programs will launch in July with two initial offerings: Basketball, Health & Wellness and Volleyball, Health & Wellness. Both programs will take place at Home Court, a key facility on the Presidential Center campus, and are open to high school students ages 14 to 18 from South Shore, Woodlawn, and Washington Park.

Participants will not only gain access to structured athletic programming, but also receive stipends—an important feature that reflects a broader commitment to valuing teens’ time, effort, and growth.

“This is about more than sports,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, in the official announcement. “It’s about building skills, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.”

The collaboration signals a deeper alignment between two organizations with long-standing commitments to youth empowerment. For more than 35 years, After School Matters has provided Chicago teens with access to after-school and summer programs spanning the arts, STEM, communications, and leadership development. Its project-based model, led by industry professionals, has reached hundreds of thousands of young people across the city.

Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership, noting that programs like these create safe, welcoming spaces where teens can grow both personally and professionally.

“Sports can be a gateway,” Caron said. “They build confidence, create connection, and open doors to mentorship and opportunity that extend far beyond the court.”

The Teen Action Lab is expected to expand over time, with additional programming and partnerships already in development. Organizations such as My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Girls Opportunity Alliance, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Library, and Laureus USA are all expected to contribute to a growing ecosystem of youth-focused initiatives at the Center.

The announcement underscores the broader vision behind the Obama Presidential Center—not just as a museum or tourist destination, but as a living civic space rooted in community impact. Located on Chicago’s South Side, the Center aims to generate economic opportunity while serving as a hub for education, leadership, and public engagement.

For teens in surrounding neighborhoods, the opportunity is immediate and tangible: paid programs, skill-building experiences, and direct access to mentorship—all within a space designed to reflect their potential.

Applications for the Teen Action Lab programs are now open, with limited spots available. Interested students must complete a Program Interest Form and participate in an interview process.

As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors, this partnership offers an early glimpse into how the campus intends to function—not just as a symbol of history, but as an active investment in the future.

Related articles

Obama Presidential Center to Open June 19 with Four-Day Celebration on Chicago’s South Side

SNAP Eligibility, Policy Changes, and What Households Need to Know in 2026

SNAP benefits in 2026 bring updated income limits, work requirements, and policy changes under federal law, impacting how low-income households qualify for food assistance nationwide.

Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | April 4, 2026

The federal government’s largest anti-hunger program is entering a period of renewed attention, as policy updates and eligibility rules continue to shape how millions of Americans access food assistance.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, remains a critical safety net for low-income families, seniors, and individuals facing economic hardship. Its mission is straightforward but essential: increase food security, improve nutrition, and support American agriculture.

Recent legislative changes tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, signed by Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, have introduced new policy considerations. Federal agencies are continuing to release guidance on how those provisions will be implemented, signaling that SNAP may evolve further in the months ahead.

Who Qualifies for SNAP in 2026

Eligibility for SNAP is based on a combination of income, household composition, and resources. In most cases, households must meet both gross and net income thresholds, though households with elderly or disabled members may only need to meet net income limits.

For the current cycle (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026), a household of four must generally earn no more than $3,483 per month in gross income and $2,680 in net income to qualify.

Households are defined not just by who lives together, but by who purchases and prepares meals together. That means spouses and most children under 22 are typically counted as one unit, even if meals are prepared separately.

Applicants who are approved can receive benefits retroactive to the date they applied, an important provision for families experiencing sudden financial hardship.

Assets, Vehicles, and What Counts

SNAP also considers household resources, though not all assets are counted. A primary home, retirement accounts, and resources tied to programs like SSI or TANF are excluded.

In most cases, households may have up to $3,000 in countable resources, or $4,500 if at least one member is elderly or disabled.

Vehicles are treated with nuance. Cars used for work, transportation of disabled individuals, or as a primary residence are typically excluded. However, vehicles with significant market value may count toward resource limits depending on state rules.

Work Requirements and Exemptions

Work requirements remain a central feature of SNAP eligibility. Most participants must register for work, accept suitable employment, and participate in training programs if assigned.

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must work or participate in qualifying programs for at least 20 hours per week to receive benefits beyond three months in a three-year period.

However, several groups are exempt from these rules, including seniors, veterans, pregnant women, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with physical or mental health limitations.

How to Apply and Stay Eligible

Applications are handled at the state level, and applicants must go through a certification process. Once approved, households receive benefits for a set period and must recertify to continue receiving assistance.

The USDA provides a national directory of state SNAP offices, allowing applicants to find local resources and begin the process online or in person.

A Program Under Watch

As economic conditions shift and federal policy evolves, SNAP remains a focal point in national conversations about poverty, workforce participation, and food access.

For many families, the program is not just assistance, it is stability.

And in a time of rising costs and uncertain economic signals, that stability continues to matter.

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Bipartisan Bill Aims to Unlock Federal Research Dollars for HBCUs

By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | March 26, 2026

A new bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate could reshape how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) access federal research funding, addressing long-standing barriers that have limited their participation in major grant programs.

Senators Raphael Warnock and Katie Britt have introduced the HBCU Research Capacity Act, legislation designed to simplify and centralize access to federal grant opportunities for HBCUs.

At the core of the proposal is the creation of a federally coordinated online clearinghouse a single platform where HBCUs can identify, track, and apply for research and development funding opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. The bill would also require the U.S. Department of Education to provide guidance, best practices, and ongoing updates to institutions nationwide.

Addressing Structural Gaps in Research Funding

For decades, federal research dollars have been concentrated among a relatively small group of institutions, leaving many HBCUs despite their academic output and cultural impact at a disadvantage.

“HBCUs are incubators of diverse excellence,” Warnock said, noting that the legislation is intended to “make securing federal dollars… that much easier.”

Britt echoed that sentiment, describing the bill as a “commonsense” solution grounded in firsthand experience with the challenges HBCUs face.

The issue is not new, but the approach is notable. Rather than creating new funding streams, the legislation focuses on access recognizing that many institutions struggle not with eligibility, but with navigating a fragmented and complex federal grant system.

HBCU Leaders Push for Change

To support the bill’s introduction, the senators convened more than 30 HBCU presidents in Washington for a roundtable discussion. Leaders from institutions including Fort Valley State University and Albany State University participated, emphasizing the need for a more transparent and coordinated funding process.

Their message was consistent: opportunity exists, but access remains uneven.

Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, described the legislation as a “major step” toward expanding the nation’s research ecosystem by fully integrating HBCUs into it.

Similarly, the United Negro College Fund praised the bill while cautioning that broader reforms will still be needed to ensure equitable participation across all HBCUs including those that may never achieve top-tier research classifications but play a critical role in the academic pipeline.

A Broader Strategy for Research Equity

The proposed clearinghouse would be supported by dedicated personnel within the Department of Education and include regular reporting to Congress, along with updates to participating institutions.

The bill builds on earlier efforts led by Warnock, including legislation encouraging pathways for HBCUs to achieve “R1” status the highest classification for research activity in higher education. Notably, Howard University recently achieved that designation, signaling what advocates say is possible with sustained investment and support.

The legislation also aligns with broader federal initiatives, including funding streams established under the CHIPS and Science Act, which included provisions to support Minority Serving Institutions in accessing federal research dollars.

What Comes Next

If passed, the HBCU Research Capacity Act would amend Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, formalizing the federal government’s role in coordinating research opportunities for HBCUs.

For institutions that have historically done more with less, the bill represents a potential shift not just in funding, but in how opportunity is structured.

As policymakers and educators continue to debate the future of higher education, one question remains central: how to ensure that talent wherever it is found has a clear path to resources.

This legislation suggests one answer: make the system easier to see, and easier to access.

Charter School Funding and Tax Relief Dominate Pre-Crossover Debate

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 16, 2026

With Crossover Day approaching and the legislative calendar tightening, Georgia lawmakers accelerated activity beneath the Gold Dome last week, advancing a slate of tax, education, and regulatory reform bills that are shaping the policy direction of the 2026 session.

The flurry of movement includes sweeping income tax proposals, early literacy initiatives, and structural changes to how state agencies interpret and implement Georgia law.

Tax Cut Proposals Move at Unusual Speed

Two major tax cut bills—Senate Bill 476 and Senate Bill 477—introduced just last week by Senate Appropriations Chair Blake Tillery, advanced rapidly through the Senate. The Senate Finance Committee approved both measures Tuesday, and the full Senate passed them Thursday.

SB 476, titled the Income Tax Reduction Act of 2026, would effectively eliminate the first $50,000 of taxable income for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers. The measure proposes offsetting revenue losses by phasing out corporate tax credits by 2032.

SB 477 would gradually reduce Georgia’s personal income tax rate to 3.99% by 2028.

The House is pursuing its own tax reduction path. House Bill 880, introduced by Rep. Shaw Blackmon, also aims to lower the income tax rate to 3.99% and would allow a portion of undesignated surplus funds to be used for tax relief. After carrying over from the 2025 session, HB 880 cleared the House Ways and Means Committee this week.

Blackmon is also sponsoring House Bill 1116, which received its first hearing. The proposal would authorize local governments and school systems to exempt homesteads from property taxes by shifting to local sales taxes instead. The bill includes caps on revenue growth from non-exempt properties and makes technical adjustments to education funding formulas and tax digest procedures.

Early Literacy Gains Momentum

Education policy is also advancing. Both chambers now have versions of the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026—House Bill 1193, sponsored by Rep. Chris Erwin, and Senate Bill 459, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman.

The House version passed out of committee Thursday. Both proposals would fund K–3 literacy coaches through Georgia’s education formula and require kindergarten attendance before first grade. Supporters say the measures are designed to strengthen foundational reading skills and improve long-term academic outcomes.

Charter School Infrastructure and Regulatory Reform

Companion bills—Senate Bill 498 and House Bill 1253 would establish a Georgia Charter School Facilities Authority. The authority would provide revolving loans and public financing assistance for charter school construction and renovation projects.

Meanwhile, regulatory reform efforts are advancing. House Bill 1247, the Georgia Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act, would end “Chevron-style” judicial deference at the state level by directing courts not to automatically defer to agency interpretations of Georgia law.

Another measure, House Bill 903, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, passed the House this week. The bill would expand the scope of Georgia’s Administrative Procedure Act, increasing transparency and oversight across the executive branch. HB 903 now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SIDEBAR: What Is Crossover Day?

Crossover Day is one of the most important deadlines in the Georgia General Assembly’s 40-day legislative session. It marks the point—typically Day 28—when a bill must pass out of its chamber of origin to remain viable for the year.

Why It Matters

A House bill must pass the House by Crossover Day to be considered by the Senate.
A Senate bill must pass the Senate to move to the House.
Bills that fail to “cross over” are effectively sidelined unless revived through procedural maneuvers or attached to other legislation.

What Happens on Crossover Day

Lawmakers often work late into the night.
Floor calendars are packed with high-profile and time-sensitive bills.
Leadership prioritizes measures with broad support or strategic importance.
Controversial bills sometimes move quickly, while others stall by design.

Why It Shapes the Session

Crossover Day forces legislators to make strategic choices:

Which bills advance
Which bills die quietly
Which issues will define the remainder of the session

For reporters and the public, it marks a clear dividing line between early-session positioning and late-session negotiation. After Crossover Day, attention shifts to reconciliation, amendments, and final passage before Sine Die.

A Compressed Timeline

With a shorter week ahead and Crossover Day looming, lawmakers are expected to intensify debate and floor action. Measures that do not pass at least one chamber by the deadline face a steeper path forward this session. As Georgia’s 2026 legislative agenda takes shape, TSJ will continue tracking the fiscal impact, education implications, and regulatory shifts emerging from the Gold Dome.

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House Of Representatives Passes 13th Amendment, Abolishing Slavery

Reflecting on the 161st Anniversary of the 13th Amendment – A Nation at War Takes a Defining Step Toward Freedom

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 31, 2026

Today marks a date that should be etched into the mind of every American who values the sanctity of the law and the progress of human liberty. On this day, January 31, 1865, the United States House of Representatives sat in a chamber thick with the scent of tobacco and the heavy weight of history. They were there to decide if the “peculiar institution” of slavery would finally be purged from our national charter.

The amendment’s language was stark in its clarity:
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude… shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

As we at The Truth Seekers Journal spend our days digging through modern court authorizations and federal actions, it is vital to look back at the most significant “court-authorized” action in our history: the passage of the 13th Amendment.

A House Divided, A Gallery Overflowing

The atmosphere in Washington 161 years ago was electric. The Civil War was grinding toward its bloody conclusion, but President Abraham Lincoln knew that his Emancipation Proclamation was merely a wartime measure, a temporary fix that could be undone by a future court or a hostile peace. He needed a “King’s cure,” a permanent constitutional seal that would ensure freedom was not just a policy, but a foundational right.

The vote was far from a sure thing. Just months earlier, the House had failed to reach the necessary two-thirds majority. But through the relentless political maneuvering of James Mitchell Ashley and the unwavering moral clarity of Thaddeus Stevens, the tide began to turn.

When the final tally was announced—119 to 56—the House erupted. Reports from the time describe a “tumult of joy” that broke all decorum. Members wept openly. The galleries cheered so loudly the rafters shook. For the first time, the word “Slavery” was used in the Constitution not to protect it, but to abolish it forever.

The vote came nearly four years into the Civil War, at a moment when the Union’s military fortunes had begun to turn and the moral urgency of abolition had become inseparable from the nation’s survival. President Abraham Lincoln, who had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier, had long argued that only a constitutional amendment could permanently end slavery across all states including those loyal to the Union.

The Power of the Record

What strikes me, as I review the FBI’s recent confirmations regarding election record custody in Union City, is the parallel of accountability. In 1865, the struggle was over the custody of human lives; today, our struggle is often over the custody of the truth and the integrity of our democratic processes.

The 13th Amendment succeeded because of a transparent, recorded vote. It succeeded because men like Lincoln and Stevens weren’t afraid to push against the status quo to ensure that the law reflected the will of a free people.

Why We Remember

At The Truth Seekers Journal, we believe that history is a living document. When we ask the FBI about the statutory basis for a search warrant, we are standing on the shoulders of those who demanded that the federal government operate under the light of constitutional authority.

The 13th Amendment didn’t just end a dark chapter; it set a precedent that the Constitution belongs to the people, and its amendments are our tools for course correction.

As we continue to investigate the events unfolding at the Fulton County Election Hub, let us remember the lesson of January 31, 1865: Truth and transparency are the only path to a more perfect union.

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Farm Credit Mid-America Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications for Future Agriculture Leaders

Farm Credit Mid-America opens 2026 scholarship applications, offering up to $5,000 for students pursuing agriculture and rural community careers. Deadlines approach in January.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 15, 2026

College-bound students with a passion for agriculture and rural communities have a new opportunity to invest in their futures. Farm Credit Mid-America has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programs, continuing a decade-long commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Each year, Farm Credit Mid-America awards scholarships to students who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and community involvement. Over the past ten years, the organization has invested more than $2 million to support students pursuing careers that strengthen agriculture and rural communities across its service region.

Two Scholarship Paths for Students

Farm Credit Mid-America offers two distinct scholarship programs tailored to different student pathways.

The Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars program provides $5,000 in financial assistance over two years to rising college students majoring in agriculture. Beyond financial support, scholars gain exposure to Farm Credit Mid-America through career exploration, leadership development, and professional networking opportunities. Applications for the 2026 school year will be accepted from January 7 through January 31, 2026.

The Customer Scholarship awards $1,500 in financial support to students pursuing agricultural or rural community-related careers. Applicants must be a child or grandchild of a Farm Credit Mid-America customer and may attend an accredited two- or four-year college, university, vocational, or trade school. Applications are open October 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026, with award notifications expected in April 2026.

Eligibility and Application Details

Scholarships are available to students majoring in agriculture or pursuing careers connected to agriculture and rural communities. The online application process takes approximately 10–30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting. Applicants to the Scholars program must upload a résumé and a letter of recommendation. Only online applications will be accepted.

Students may apply for multiple Farm Credit Mid-America scholarships but may receive only one per school year. All scholarship funds will be awarded by August 2026 for the fall semester. Team members and directors of Farm Credit Mid-America, as well as their children, are not eligible. For students committed to shaping the future of agriculture, the scholarships offer both financial support and a pathway to leadership in rural America.

A Farmer, a General, a Democrat: Shawn Harris Enters Georgia’s 14th District Race

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Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs Deliver Three-Night Christmas Masterpiece

Morehouse and Spelman’s Glee Clubs delivered a powerful three-night Christmas concert series, blending tradition, harmony, and history in one of Atlanta’s most beloved holiday celebrations.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 8, 2025

The holiday season opened in grand fashion this weekend as the Morehouse College Glee Club and the Spelman College Glee Club delivered three unforgettable nights of music, unity, and tradition. The concerts were held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, and drew capacity crowds to two of Atlanta’s most cherished campus chapels.

Friday and Sunday performances were held at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. Saturday’s concert took place at Sisters Chapel on the campus of Spelman College. Each night offered a stirring reminder of why this joint Christmas Carol Concert remains one of the most treasured holiday traditions in Atlanta.

TSJ attended the Friday night performance, where the Glee Clubs played to a full house inside the MLK International Chapel.

A Tradition of Excellence

The Morehouse College Glee Club directed by Dr. David Morrow with organist Dr. Joyce F. Johnson, and the Spelman College Glee Club, directed by Dr. Kevin Johnson, performed a rich blend of sacred, classical, traditional, and contemporary holiday selections.

Audiences were treated to familiar favorites, including:
Silent Night, Sir Christëmas, The Savior’s Birth, The First Noel, Joy to the World, This Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and Go Tell It on the Mountain.

The choirs also performed lesser-known works that were just as stirring and melodic, showcasing the depth of their repertoire and their ability to breathe new life into both classic and contemporary choral literature.

Spelman’s Legacy of Global Sisterhood

For over 100 years, the Spelman College Glee Club has upheld a standard of musical excellence shaped by harmony, discipline, and pride. With approximately 50 members from various academic disciplines, the ensemble performs most major campus events and maintains a repertoire that spans world cultures, commissioned works, and music of the African diaspora.

Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Johnson, the Glee Club has performed across the U.S. and around the world. Highlights include concerts at the White House, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Faneuil Hall in Boston, the National Museum of American History, and international tours to Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Portugal.

Membership requires a rigorous audition process evaluating tonal memory, pitch matching, vocal quality, and musicianship. Yet beyond the music, the Spelman Glee Club represents community. It is a space where sisterhood, pride, and excellence converge.

Morehouse’s Global Brotherhood in Song

The Morehouse College Glee Club has captivated audiences for more than a century. Their performances have graced presidential inaugurations, Super Bowls, the 1996 Olympics, and homegoing services for national figures including President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Morehouse alumnus.

Dr. Morrow says the Glee Club is more than a performance ensemble. It is a reflection of Morehouse identity and brotherhood.

“It’s remembering that you are part of a community,” Morrow said. “You are more than a member of the Glee Club. You are family. You are part of something great.”

Their musical résumé spans continents, with tours throughout Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and every corner of the United States. The Glee Club has performed with cultural icons such as Aretha Franklin, Jessye Norman, Denyce Graves, Take 6, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson. They are also featured on soundtracks to Spike Lee films and major national broadcasts.

The Glee Club is deeply tied to historical and cultural leadership. Alumni include Senator Raphael Warnock, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and legendary figures such as Mayor Maynard Jackson and Herman Cain.

A Shared Holiday Tradition

Morehouse and Spelman have long united their voices for this Christmas tradition. Together, they carry an intergenerational message: music is a cultural bridge. Music preserves history. And music, especially during the holiday season, binds community.

Judge Sugarmon, speaking to the educational significance of the Glee Clubs, underscored the moment:
“At a time when DEI is being denied, we must educate our children about our history. It is what made this country what it is.”

And as the music filled the chapels each night, that message rang clear—this tradition belongs to the people, to the campuses, and to the broader community that has embraced it for nearly a century.

A Look Toward the 100th Year

This year marked the 99th Annual Christmas Carol Concert, one of the longest-running holiday traditions in Atlanta. Both colleges promised that the upcoming centennial celebration will be even more spectacular, with expanded performances and special guests.

The joy, reverence, and unity felt this weekend offered a glimpse of what that milestone will hold.

When Morehouse sings and Spelman answers, a century of HBCU excellence fills the room — and the world listens.

Morehouse Picks Alumnus and National Scholar to Write Its Next Chapter

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Commits $50 Million to Atlanta’s HBCUs

President Biden Delivers Commencement Address at Morehouse College

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Warnock, Ossoff Announce $300 Million to Close Georgia’s Digital Divide

Georgia will receive over $300 million in federal BEAD funding to expand broadband, helping close the digital divide and bringing high-speed internet to unserved rural communities.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 2, 2025

Georgia is set to receive more than $300 million in new federal funding to expand high-speed internet access across the state, marking one of the largest broadband investments in Georgia history.

U.S. Senators Raphael WarnockandJon Ossoff announced the funding Monday in Washington, secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The money will be distributed through the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) to local contractors to build out new fiber networks in communities that still lack reliable service.

State leaders estimate that 15% of Georgians still do not have dependable broadband — a barrier that affects families, students, farmers, and small businesses across rural and underserved counties.

A Major Push Toward Full Connectivity

Senator Warnock said the investment moves Georgia closer than ever to 100% statewide broadband coverage.

“This federal investment means life gets easier for hundreds of thousands of Georgians,” Senator Warnock said. “You need a broadband connection to do just about anything. You can’t even farm without a broadband connection.”

Warnock also criticized delays by the Trump Administration in releasing federal broadband dollars earlier this year, saying he will continue pressing for all remaining BEAD funds to be released quickly.

Senator Ossoff called the funding “a major next step” for Georgia families and businesses.

“Our historic bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Georgia,” he said. “This is about ensuring every Georgia family and business has high-speed internet.”

Where the Money Will Go

Under the BEAD program, the new $300 million will be used to:

Build fiber broadband in unserved rural counties
Upgrade outdated networks in underserved areas
Expand affordable access programs aimed at low-income households
Support construction jobs and local contracting across the state

The Georgia Technology Authority will allocate funds to providers capable of installing fiber in areas where service is slow, unreliable, or non-existent.

A Long Legislative Trail to Today’s Funding

Senator Warnock has made broadband expansion a signature priority:

In 2024, he toured OFS Fitel in Norcross with former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to highlight Georgia’s role in fiber manufacturing.
He urged the FCC to expand theE-Rate program to allow Wi-Fi hotspot lending by schools and libraries.
In 2022, he hosted then-FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in Jackson County to spotlight rural internet needs.
Alongside Senator Luján, he pushed for strong federal rules to prevent digital discrimination by internet providers.

Senators Warnock and Ossoff also announced $1.3 billion in BEAD funding for Georgia in 2023. In May 2025, both senators demanded the Trump Administration release the delayed BEAD funds—setting the stage for this week’s announcement.

Why This Matters for Rural and Urban Georgia

The expansion is expected to help:

Farmers who depend on broadband for precision agriculture
Students completing homework and online learning
Small businesses that rely on digital payments and online tools
Seniors using telehealth services

For many counties, especially in South Georgia and parts of Appalachia, fiber broadband is still years away without federal help.

Monday’s announcement marks one of the strongest steps yet toward closing that gap.

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Bowie State’s Future Brightens with Major Philanthropic Boost from MacKenzie Scott

By Milton Kirby | Prince George’s County, MD | November 14, 2025

Bowie State University has received the largest single donation in its 160-year history — a $50 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott. The announcement marks a major moment for Maryland’s oldest historically Black university and one of the fastest-growing institutions in the state.

The gift follows Scott’s earlier $25 million donation to Bowie State in 2020, bringing her total investment to the university to $75 million. Leaders say the unrestricted nature of the gift gives Bowie State the flexibility to expand scholarships, strengthen academic programs, and build long-term financial stability.

President Aminta Breaux said she was moved to tears when she learned of the gift. “I was truly at a loss for words… I was overjoyed. I was so overcome,” she said. Breaux noted that many of the university’s students are high-need, and the donation will significantly close financial gaps for those who require the most support.

“This gift has the ability to touch so many lives,” Breaux said. “Higher education is the pathway to upward social mobility for our students.”

Brent Swinton, Bowie State’s vice president for philanthropic engagement, called the donation “transformational,” saying it will inspire additional donors and help fuel new opportunities across the university.

Scott, who has given more than $1.7 billion to higher education and nonprofit organizations in recent years, has made large investments in several historically Black colleges and universities nationwide. Her support places Bowie State among a select group of institutions experiencing major increases in private philanthropy.

Bowie State is already in a period of growth, offering more than 30 undergraduate majors, over 21 master’s programs, 18 specialty certificates and three doctoral degrees in fields ranging from cybersecurity and nursing to business, education and STEM.

University officials say they plan to direct a large share of the funds toward student scholarships, faculty development, research expansion and new academic initiatives. Additional details are expected as planning continues.

The gift also increases the university’s ability to make long-term investments that strengthen the student experience — including campus modernization projects, expanded support services and new industry partnerships.

A deeper look at Bowie State’s long history shows why this moment carries such meaning for the institution.

Bowie State’s roots trace back to January 9, 1865, when an organization known as the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of the Colored People opened a school inside the African Baptist Church at Calvert and Saratoga streets. The association, formed by 46 businessmen, lawyers, clergymen and Quakers, was committed to educating Maryland’s newly emancipated Black citizens.

One of its strongest advocates, Joseph M. Cushing, openly criticized the state for refusing to fund education for Black residents, predicting that Maryland would someday be forced by public opinion to do so. The first school—known as School No. 1—offered basic education courses. Teacher-training classes were added in 1866, and by 1867 the institution expanded with support from the Freedmen’s Bureau and Quaker donors.

The state took control of the school in 1908, renaming it Normal School No. 3. A move to Bowie soon followed, with Maryland purchasing a 187-acre tract of farmland to establish a new campus that opened in 1911. Don Speed Smith Goodloe became the first Black principal to lead the school.

Through the 1920s and 1930s, the curriculum continued to grow, transitioning from the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie to the Maryland Teachers College at Bowie in 1938. Liberal arts programs were added throughout the 1960s, and the state officially renamed the school Bowie State College in 1963.

Graduate education began in 1969 with the creation of the Master of Education program. Bowie State continued its rise through the 1970s and 1980s, and in 1988 the institution transitioned to Bowie State University. On the same day, it became part of the newly formed University System of Maryland.

The university gained national attention for its work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In 1995, Bowie State won an 11-year, $27 million NASA/NSF award, becoming one of just six national Model Institutions for Excellence in STEM.

Today, Bowie State ranks among the nation’s leading comprehensive universities, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing, highly technological world. The new $50 million gift strengthens that mission, linking a 160-year legacy of resilience with a future defined by opportunity and innovation.

With expanded scholarships, stronger academic programs and broader research capacity, Bowie State is positioned to open doors for generations of students who will carry the institution’s legacy forward.

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