Education Archives - The Truth Seekers Journal

UVA President Resigns to Protect Students, Jobs from Trump’s Threat of Cuts

UVA President Jim Ryan resigns amid Trump administration pressure over DEI policies, raising alarms about political interference in higher education leadership and academic freedom.

By Milton Kirby | Richmond, VA | July 1, 2025

In an unprecedented clash between federal authority and academic independence, University of Virginia President James E. Ryan resigned Friday following what officials described as direct political pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration. The resignation comes amid a federal investigation into the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner called the resignation “outrageous” during a Sunday appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation. He accused the Trump administration of using the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Education (DOE) as political weapons to dismantle DEI initiatives and force leadership changes at prominent universities.

“This is the most outrageous action this crowd has taken on education,” Warner said. “Jim Ryan had done a very good job. He just completed a major capital campaign. He should not have been forced out.”

According to Warner, UVA received an “explicit” warning from the administration that if Ryan did not resign by a specified deadline, the university would face sweeping federal funding cuts. These included slashed research grants, loss of student financial aid, and revoked international student visas.

Ryan, who had planned to step down next year, ultimately accelerated his departure to shield the UVA community from fallout.

“To make a long story short, I am inclined to fight for what I believe in… But I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job,” Ryan wrote in a heartfelt resignation letter Ryan wrote in a heartfelt resignation letter. “To do so would… appear selfish and self-centered to the hundreds of employees who would lose their jobs… and the hundreds of students who could lose financial aid or have their visas withheld.”

A Sudden Resignation, a Lasting Impact

The federal investigation into UVA is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI programs in education. Though UVA’s Board of Visitors voted to dissolve its Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in March, DOJ officials reportedly accused the university of failing to go far enough. A June 17 letter from the department, according to The New York Times, reiterated that the university was still out of compliance.

Ryan’s resignation marks the first time a sitting university president has stepped down under direct federal pressure tied to financial threats. Higher education leaders say the move sets a dangerous precedent.

“This is a dark day for the University of Virginia and a dark day for higher education,” said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education. “It’s clear the administration is not done and will use every tool it can make or invent to exert its will over higher education.”

Community Reactions

UVA’s Board of Visitors accepted Ryan’s resignation and activated its Continuity of Operations Plan. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis will serve as acting president while a nationwide search for a permanent successor begins.

“Jim Ryan has been an extraordinary president,” said outgoing Rector Robert Hardie. “He has led our institution to unprecedented heights, always doing so with grace and humility… UVA has forever been changed for the better as a result of Jim’s exceptional leadership.”

Ryan’s tenure since 2018 was marked by major institutional growth, including the creation of the School of Data Science, a new performing arts center, and expanded financial aid for Virginia families. He was also instrumental in launching the Karsh Institute of Democracy and a new campus in Northern Virginia.

Warner and fellow Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine released a joint statement calling the DOJ’s demand for Ryan’s resignation “outrageous” and a “mistake that hurts Virginia’s future.”

National Consequences

The Trump administration’s move is part of a broader federal campaign to eliminate DEI practices nationwide. The administration has simultaneously threatened funding for Harvard, Columbia, and other elite universities over race-conscious admissions and hiring.

Critics argue that these moves signal the erosion of higher education’s independence from federal politics.

“There’s grave danger to the quality and future of higher education if these kinds of decisions become a function of the federal government,” said Armand Alacbay of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

Peter McDonough, general counsel for the American Council on Education, noted that federal law prohibits the government from micromanaging educational institutions. But the Trump administration has increasingly blurred the lines between political pressure and lawful oversight.

“If universities now have to align with whoever won the last presidential election, that’s a worry,” McDonough said.

A Historic Presidency Ends

Ryan, a first-generation college student who earned his law degree from UVA, had earned widespread respect among students, faculty, and alumni. His final message reflected both sorrow and resolve.

“This was an excruciatingly difficult decision, and I am heartbroken to be leaving this way,” he wrote. “But I could not in good conscience cause any real and direct harm to my colleagues and our students in order to preserve my own position.”

His departure underscores the high stakes battle over academic freedom, public governance, and the future of higher education under renewed federal scrutiny.

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Despite Pushback From Students and Alumni, DeSantis Ally Picked to Lead FAMU

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Many in the Florida A&M community don’t believe that Marva Johnson has the experience needed to lead the storied institution

By Brandon Tensley, Aallyah Wright and Ja’Caiya Y. Stephens | May 16, 2025

The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees on Friday picked Marva Johnson as the school’s 13th president in an 8-4 vote. Her selection is subject to confirmation by the 17-member Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s public university system.

This decision comes as a blow to many students and alumni. Over the past week, they mounted fierce opposition to Johnson’s candidacy, arguing that the current group vice president of state government affairs at Charter Communications lacks the experience needed to lead the state’s flagship historically Black school.

These tensions bubbled over at a moment when other HBCUs across the South are struggling to find leadership that enjoys the confidence of their respective communities.

“We shouldn’t be seen as a training ground for someone who doesn’t have any academic experience,” Gregg Bishop, who takes pride in his alma mater, told Capital B. “Yes, she may have business experience, but for us, it’s academics first.”

Johnson hasn’t responded to Capital B’s request for comment.

FAMU stands out as the first HBCU to offer its students a nationally accredited journalism program. The school is also one of the top producers of Black graduates with doctoral degrees in science and engineering and sits in the top five of the Black land-grant universities that generate the most annual economic impact for their graduates. FAMU has been the highest-ranked public HBCU for six consecutive years.

From its academic rigor to its campus culture, FAMU is “unmatched,” Bishop added. Plus, the school accepted him — a former college dropout with a 1.9 grade point average. After working in the tech industry for seven years, he returned to college, graduating from FAMU in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“I have a special love for FAMU because FAMU gave me the opportunity to get my bachelor’s degree. Then, I went to Florida State University and got my master’s degree. Because of that, I was able to have over a decade-long career in government in New York City,” said Bishop, a member of FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication Board of Visitors.

An ally of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Johnson was one of four people in the running to be the university’s next leader.

While some worry that she’ll push DeSantis’ anti-diversity agenda, the biggest concern, according to Bishop, is that she won’t last long in the position, a situation that would only fuel instability. The university’s next president, he argued, ought to be selected based not on political ties but on commitment to the FAMU community.

The three other people who were being considered were Donald Palm, FAMU’s executive vice president and chief operating officer; Gerald Hector, the University of Central Florida’s senior vice president for administration and finance; and Rondall Allen, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.

FAMU’s National Alumni Association endorsed Palm as its preferred candidate.

Students and alumni were speaking out because they wanted to make sure that the people in charge of hiring think long and hard about protecting the university’s future, Erica Stallworth, a 2002 FAMU graduate, told Capital B.

“I’m a second-generation HBCU graduate, and I’m proud to be a Rattler,” she said, referring to the school’s mascot. “We need someone who understands — and wants to understand — our culture.”

“More than just a school”

Others in the FAMU community share Bishop and Stallworth’s concerns.

Elijah Hooks, a political science major, started a petition that’s received more than 12,000 signatures. The document describes Johnson, because of her ties to DeSantis, as someone who is out of step with a school that values “teaching our full history” and who would be “learning on the job.”

“To me, FAMU represents the epitome of Black excellence,” Hooks, the co-chair of the grassroots coalition FAMU Deserves Better, told Capital B. “It’s a place where we cultivate Black leaders across every field — from health and engineering, to politics and the arts.”

For Hooks and many of his peers, having a president who embodies these ideals is non-negotiable. The person in this role is “more than a figurehead,” he said — they also “set the tone” for the rest of the school.

Though Johnson previously served on the Florida State Board of Education, her experience is rooted in K-12 policy and corporate governance. She also was an elector for Donald Trump in 2020, and has been appointed to several state positions by Republican governors.

Like Bishop, Stallworth, and Hooks, Hannah Kirby, a broadcast journalism major, believes that the next FAMU president should be someone who understands student life at the university, which she calls her “dream school.”

“Undergraduate students are the heart and soul of this campus,” she told Capital B. “If the president doesn’t understand or support students, that’s a recipe for disaster.”

After attending the open forums for the presidential finalists, Kirby said that Johnson’s lack of academic leadership experience stood out to her.

“Going from lobbying to running a university is a huge leap,” she said. “FAMU is more than just a school. It is a cultural institution that shapes communities.”

One of the university’s most famous alumni, the producer Will Packer, also has denounced Johnson. He said in a video he posted on Instagram, “Right this very minute, a group of activist Republicans is trying to put in the highest position of power someone who is solidly and objectively unqualified for it.”

Packer, whose credits include the 2017 movie Girls Trip, posted the video following a roiling town hall last week. FAMU alumni, boosters, and others criticized Johnson as a “political plant” and threw their support behind Palm.

“What we cannot allow is a hostile takeover by someone who is aligned with a party that has loudly and proudly espoused ideologies that attack diversity and diverse institutions, attacked equitable economics, and attacked inclusive principles — the exact pillars that institutions like FAMU were built upon,” Packer, who didn’t respond to Capital B’s request for comment, said in the video.

Alan Levine, the vice chair of the Florida Board of Governors, criticized the backlash to Johnson, calling it “unfair, uninformed, and not helpful to the process.”

“It’s odd to me that an organized effort is underway to target a candidate before she has been given an opportunity to be interviewed by the Board of Trustees in an open forum,” he told the Tallahassee Democrat last week.

“The Board of Trustees should focus on the qualities of their candidates, and decide which candidate they believe they, as a board, will be able to partner with to deliver the results the BOG, legislature, governor, and most importantly, students expect,” Levine added.

A problem beyond Florida

FAMU isn’t the only HBCU scrambling to find qualified leadership.

At the beginning of the month, Marcus Thompson suddenly resigned as the president of Mississippi’s Jackson State University. The school has had nine presidents over the past 15 years, and alumni — and Gov. Tate Reeves — are demanding greater transparency in its search and vetting process.

Meanwhile, in March, Georgia’s Albany State University named Robert Scott as its next president. But this announcement followed a contentious period: Earlier this year, alumni and their supporters collected more than 900 signatures to make clear that they didn’t want Lawrence Drake, who was the university’s interim president, to assume a permanent role. The petitioners argued that Drake, who worked at the Coca-Cola Co. for 21 years, wasn’t qualified.

Together, these developments underscore the wider leadership challenges facing HBCUs.

In a letter, Florida’s state NAACP chapter expressed “profound concern” about Johnson’s being included in the pool of candidates and threatened to “take all appropriate advocacy and legal actions” over the selection process.

Deveron Gibbons, the chair of the presidential search committee, has defended the process and the qualifications of all four candidates.

The committee “has conducted a transparent, inclusive process and identified four exceptional candidates to move forward,” Gibbons, who’s also the vice chair of FAMU’s Board of Trustees, said in a statement. “Each brings a strong record of leadership.”

Bishop wants others to get involved in their alumni associations, donate to their universities, and boost their civic engagement in everything from parent–teacher associations to state politics.

He predicts that alumni and students will continue to speak out against Johnson.

“She worked in the private sector. She should be the next CEO of a company, not the next CEO of a university,” Bishop said. “What you’re hearing from the alumni community is that to have someone with zero experience shepherd one of the flagship universities of Florida … it’s concerning.”

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Brown v. Board of Education: The Supreme Court Ruling That Changed America

Briggs v. Elliott helped end school segregation. Discover the personal sacrifice of the Briggs family in the landmark Brown v. Board decision.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 31, 2025

On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark decision that would forever alter the course of American history. In a unanimous ruling, the Court declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, bringing an end to the legal foundation of the “separate but equal” doctrine that had stood for nearly 60 years since Plessy v. Ferguson.

The case, officially titled Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, was one of the most significant legal victories of the Civil Rights Movement. It addressed whether separating children in public schools based on race violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Chief Justice Earl Warren delivered the opinion of the Court, stating clearly:

“Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.“

This decision did more than desegregate schools. It marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s struggle for racial justice and paved the way for future civil rights legislation, including the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.

A Case that Began in Topeka—and Beyond

Although the case was named after Oliver Brown, a Black parent in Topeka, Kansas, it represented a group of lawsuits from across the country. Brown had tried to enroll his daughter in a nearby white elementary school. Brown and other parents sued the Topeka Board of Education when she was denied.

But Topeka was not alone. Brown v. Board was a consolidation of five separate cases from different states:

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
Briggs v. Elliott – South Carolina
Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County – Virginia
Gebhart v. Belton – Delaware
Bolling v. Sharpe – Washington, D.C.

South Carolina’s Briggs v. Elliott was the earliest filed and arguably the most courageous. It originated in Clarendon County, where Black parents, led by Rev. J.A. DeLaine, challenged the appalling disparities between Black and white schools. At the time, Black children in Clarendon County attended schools with no buses, crumbling buildings, outdated books, and underpaid teachers, despite tax dollars funding white schools at nearly ten times the rate.

When their petitions for equal resources were ignored, the case became a direct challenge to segregation. The lead plaintiff was Harry Briggs, a gas station attendant, and the defendant was R.W. Elliott, chairman of the county’s school board.

According to Nate Briggs, son of Harry Briggs, Sr., “participation in the case took a terrible toll on the family. So much so, that Harry Briggs, Sr. had to move his family away from Summerton, South Carolina, for their safety and to find steady work. The personal cost of standing up for justice was high—but it was a sacrifice that helped move the nation forward.”

Though the federal Court ruled against them, one judge, J. Waties Waring, issued a powerful dissent, calling segregation inherently unequal. His words laid the intellectual groundwork for what would soon become national law.

The Man Who Argued the Case: Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall, the brilliant attorney who served as chief counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, stood at the center of this legal battle. Marshall, who was 45 during the Brown arguments, had already established a reputation for himself by fighting segregation in cases such as Sweatt v. Painter and Smith v. Allwright.

Marshall was born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland. After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School due to segregation, he attended Howard University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class. By the time of Brown, he had already argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court and would go on to argue a total of 32 cases, winning 29.

His victory in Brown was more than a professional achievement. It was a decisive blow against legalized racism, and it positioned him to become the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1967.

After the Ruling: Resistance and Reform

While the decision was celebrated across much of the country, its implementation was met with fierce resistance, especially in the South. Some states openly defied the ruling. Others delayed desegregation through legal maneuvers or token compliance.

Recognizing the challenge, the Court issued a follow-up decision in Brown II on May 31, 1955, instructing states to carry out desegregation “with all deliberate speed.” Still, progress was slow. Many Black students and families continued to face threats, intimidation, and legal battles in the years that followed.

Despite the resistance, the decision in Brown v. Board became a moral and legal cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. It led to increased momentum for equality, energized grassroots activism, and showed that the highest Court in the land was willing to challenge systemic racism.

Legacy

Today, more than 70 years later, Brown v. Board of Education remains a symbol of hope, courage, and constitutional justice. It reminds us of the power of the law to correct injustice—and the power of ordinary people, like the Briggs family and Rev. DeLaine, to change the course of a nation.

The decision did not eradicate racism or inequality, but it signaled that the Constitution could be a tool for progress. It also proved that when legal strategy, moral clarity, and community courage come together, history can be rewritten.

Brown v. Board was not just a court case. It was a national awakening…

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One Woman’s Story: Living Abroad with Purpose, Allyn Wall’s Path from the U.S. to Guam

Allyn Wall’s journey from Japan to Guam reveals how culture, purpose, and community shaped her leadership and inspired a global business rooted in service.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 27, 2025

Allyn Wall’s journey from the U.S. mainland to Japan, and now Guam, is shaped by courage, culture, and community.

Wall left the United States with a dream — to teach abroad and serve military-connected students. That dream took her to Japan first, where she discovered a society built on discipline, precision, and deep respect. “Japan taught me how to move with intention,” she said. Learning the language and embracing the culture helped her thrive both professionally and personally.

In Japan, she quickly learned that the workplace was structured and hierarchical. Meetings followed a strict rhythm. Silence carried weight. “You have to read the room,” she said, “and adjust without losing yourself.”

After Japan, Wall moved to Guam. Though still a U.S. territory, Guam has a rhythm of its own. The pace is slower. People focus more on relationships than rigid rules. It was the perfect place for Wall to continue her global mission while pivoting her business, Digital Glo Consulting. “Guam gave me breathing room to grow,” she said.

Each place brought new lessons. In Japan, she built connections through consistency and respect. In Guam, she found community through service and presence. “You earn your place in Guam,” she explained. “It’s not automatic.”

Wall’s work across different cultures sharpened her adaptability, empathy, and relationship-building skills. She became a cultural bridge, connecting people and ideas across continents. Whether leading teams in Guam, consulting in the U.S., or expanding business ideas in Japan, Wall listens before she leads it is a way to always ensure that she respects the local way before taking the lead.

The professional worlds she’s lived in all differ. “Japan is exacting,” she said. “Guam is loyal and intimate. The U.S. mainland is fast and high-pressure.” But she carries pieces of each. “I balance structure with soul.”

Wall has also faced challenges. Language barriers in Japan. Resource limitations in Guam. But each obstacle made her stronger and more creative. “You learn to lead with heart and think on your feet,” she said.

Through it all, Wall stays focused on her long-term vision. She wants to expand globally, with Guam as her base, and future plans to grow into Ghana and other communities ready for innovation and digital transformation.

Her advice to others: “Respect the culture. Listen deeply. And always bring value.”

After years of navigating different systems, Wall knows her purpose. She helps people connect across borders, cultures, and industries. “Every day,” she said, “I’m constantly interpreting, comparing, translating the languages, and connecting dots between worlds.”

While Japan has seen an influx of foreign workers in recent years — growing its foreign resident population from 2.1 million in 2014 to 3.77 million by 2024 — Guam has experienced a gradual population decline. From 2010 to 2020, the island’s population fell by more than 5,500 residents. In 2023, the net migration rate was -10.9 per 1,000 people. Wall’s decision to grow her business and invest in Guam’s tight-knit community is a bold and meaningful commitment.

As an American, Wall was uniquely positioned to live and work in both places. Guam, a U.S. territory, allows Americans to move freely without a visa, and jobs are typical in military, education, and tourism. In contrast, Japan attracts Americans for teaching, IT, and business roles. But beyond the job titles, Wall found that what mattered most was how each place shaped her leadership — Japan taught her precision and discipline, while Guam nurtured community and creativity.

Wall’s social life has not suffered; to the contrary, she found circles of friends in the two different cities in Japan where she lived and the one city in Guam. She stated that because many of the friends made in Japan and Guam have since moved to other parts of the world, her friendships and potential business partnerships are truly global.

Her earnings are significantly higher than would be in mainland United States, but suggests that anyone considering moving, working and or living abroad do some thorough research.

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The Future Works Here: ICRA 2025 Highlights Robotics Jobs and Education

ICRA 2025 in Atlanta broke records and barriers, featuring lifelike humanoids, art-powered robotics, and global tech leaders pushing the field into the future.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 27, 2025

The 2025 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2025) concluded on May 23, following a week of groundbreaking research, dazzling robot demonstrations, and global collaboration. Hosted in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, this year’s ICRA was the largest in the event’s history, drawing more than 7,000 participants, 141 exhibitors, and hundreds of educational institutions and tech companies from around the world.

Organized by the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, ICRA is recognized as the world’s premier robotics event. It combines academic research, industrial innovation, and community networking to explore how robots are shaping our world today—and what’s coming next.

Hands-On with the Future: Robots Take Center Stage

The exhibition floor at ICRA 2025 transformed into a living showcase of tomorrow’s technology. Spanning 235,000 square feet, it buzzed with live demonstrations of cutting-edge robots—from lifelike humanoids to four-legged machines designed for rescue, research, and even barista work.

Boston Dynamics drew a steady crowd with its agile quadruped robot, Spot. Measuring approximately 43 inches long and weighing 72 pounds, Spot is already being utilized in industries such as power generation, petroleum, and pet food manufacturing. At ICRA, Spot wowed attendees by navigating around obstacles, self-correcting after falls, and showcasing its ability to operate independently. It charges itself, re-routes when paths are blocked, and carries up to 14 kilograms of custom equipment. With more than 1,500 Spots already in the field, the robot’s user-friendly interface and powerful API make it ideal for hazardous inspections and industrial monitoring.

Unitree’s G1 humanoid robots also made headlines. These compact androids, standing 52 inches tall and weighing 77 pounds (including their battery), mimic the structure of a human body—complete with a head, torso, rotating arms, elbows, wrists, fingers, and legs with hip, knee, and ankle joints. The units even wore shoes for their performance. In a playful yet impressive demonstration, two G1s donned boxing gloves and engaged in a mock match, reacting to punches and showcasing their ability to regain balance after being hit. With approximately two hours of battery life and an AI-driven control system, the G1 demonstrated just how close humanoid robots are to mastering complex, real-world movements.

Nearby, Rainbow Robotics of South Korea showcased its RB-Y1 humanoid platform. This research-friendly bot features multiple control options, including a joystick, VR headset, and master arm system. The company also introduced a Mecanum Wheel System for 360-degree movement in tight spaces. RB-Y1 has already attracted users from top institutions, including MIT, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and the University of Washington. Its flexible software development kit (SDK) enables researchers to tailor the robot for AI projects by utilizing grippers, LiDAR, and IMUs. Rainbow’s exhibit, supported by its US subsidiary in Chicago, reinforced the company’s growing global presence.

The MAB Honey Badger team returned with their latest version of a rugged quadruped robot: the HB4.0. Developed over nearly a decade, this legged robot has been field-tested in challenging environments and is now being deployed by customers for real-world applications. Designed for durability and agility, the Honey Badger is built to navigate rugged terrain where wheels and tracks fail.

On the more delightful side of robotics, Artly AI presented its Barista Bot, built not just to serve coffee but to do it with craftsmanship. Using deep learning and imitation-based training, Artly’s robots learn directly from human baristas. They recognize tools, follow quality checks at each brewing step, and produce consistently perfect drinks. The bots can be bought for $80,000 or leased starting at $2,650 per month. Artly’s mission isn’t to replace human baristas—but to honor and preserve the fine art of coffee-making, bringing café-quality service to airports, malls, and workplaces.

The exhibition area also featured The Gecko, a robot named for its sticky-footed namesake. With specialized grip pads and adaptive gait, The Gecko is designed for wall and pipe inspections, particularly in environments that are hazardous or difficult for humans to access. Its unique ability to navigate vertical or irregular surfaces has made it a favorite among research teams focused on infrastructure monitoring and maintenance.

Altogether, ICRA 2025’s exhibition floor was more than a tech showcase—it was a window into a world where robots not only support human work but do so with agility, precision, and even a touch of personality.

Where Arts and Engineering Meet

ICRA 2025 didn’t just showcase technology—it celebrated creativity. The growing “Arts in Robotics” program provided a unique perspective on how machines and art intersect. From choreography to sculpture and painting to costume design, the fusion of expression and engineering is redefining what robots can do.

This year’s events included live performances, juried art sessions, and workshops exploring motion planning in dance, haptics in clothing, and other related topics. It’s part of a larger trend: using robots not just as tools but as partners in human expression.

Powered by People: Global Collaboration and Education

ICRA 2025 featured over 2,000 paper presentations across 24 tracks, along with plenary talks and 52 keynote sessions. The conference also included workshops on robot ethics, robotics in Africa, and undergraduate education. Satellite conferences around the globe allowed remote participation, making this the most inclusive ICRA yet.

Top schools from around the world were well-represented. Gabrielle Madison says, “The A. James Clark School of Engineering of the University of Maryland (CSE) is a great place to get graduate engineering degrees in robotics. Our graduate engineering programs are run in conjunction with the nationally recognized Maryland Robotics Center.”

The CSE offers a Graduate Certificate in Engineering program in Robotics, which can be completed in as little as two years. The certificate credit can be applied to a Master of Engineering degree.

Graduates of the program have been placed in jobs such as software developer, robotics operator, sales engineer, robotics engineer, electrical maintenance engineer, process engineer and machine learning specialist. Some of their top student employers have included Accenture, Cognizant Technology Solutions, the US Department of Defense, H-Tech Engineers, Infosys Ltd., Naval Air Systems Command, Raytheon, and the US Navy.

Networking groups like Black in Robotics, LatinX in Robotics, and Queer in Robotics held events to strengthen community and inclusion in the field.

Jobs, Automation, and the Road Ahead

As robotics continues to advance, it brings both opportunity and disruption. According to the World Economic Forum, while 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation by 2025, 97 million new ones could emerge—if workers can reskill. McKinsey estimates that 375 million workers may need to change careers by 2030.

The robotics industry is expected to reach $73 billion globally by 2029. In the US, jobs for robotics engineers are projected to grow by 3.3% over the next decade, with thousands of new roles across fields.

Industries driving this growth include:

Manufacturing: Cobots are speeding up assembly lines.
Healthcare: Robots assist in surgery and elder care.
Logistics: Autonomous bots are transforming warehouses.
Aerospace & Defense: Drones and robotic suits are under development.
Agriculture: Robots help with planting, sorting, and packaging.

Top careers in robotics include:

Robotics Engineer – $95,300/year
Software Developer (Robotics) – $122,386/year
Electromechanical Technician – $76,543/year
AI Specialist – $101,428/year

Educational paths range from two-year associate degrees for technicians to master’s programs for advanced engineers. Bootcamps and certifications also offer fast-track options for those entering the field.

Robotics Replacing the “Three Ds”

Many robots are now being used to take over jobs that are dull, dirty, or dangerous—reducing risks and improving productivity. Tasks such as bomb disposal, sewer inspections, and repetitive factory work are increasingly being handled by machines. A fourth “D” often added is “Dear”—jobs that are simply too expensive when done by humans.

Still, jobs that require emotional intelligence, creativity, and complex decision-making—such as those of teachers or therapists—remain less likely to be automated.

Looking Ahead

The energy at ICRA 2025 was electric. The blend of technical innovation, artistic collaboration, and career development made it a must-attend event for anyone in the robotics field.

Next year’s ICRA conference will take place in Vienna, Austria, from June 1 to 5, 2026. If this year was any sign, the future of robotics is not only bright—it’s inclusive, expressive, and globally connected.

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Morehouse Picks Alumnus and National Scholar to Write Its Next Chapter

Morehouse College names Dr. F. DuBois Bowman as its 13th president, honoring a distinguished alumnus, scientist, and leader committed to equity and excellence.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 17, 2025

Morehouse College has chosen Dr. F. DuBois Bowman as its next president. He will become the 13th president of the college on July 15, 2025. Dr. Bowman is a 1992 graduate of Morehouse and currently serves as dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

The decision comes after a national search to replace outgoing president Dr. David A. Thomas, who will step down in June.

Dr. Bowman is widely known for his work in public health and biostatistics. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a fellow of the American Statistical Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Willie Woods, chairman of the Morehouse Board of Trustees, praised Dr. Bowman’s leadership and deep connection to the college.

“Dr. Bowman’s record of visionary leadership, his deep commitment to academic excellence, and his lifelong dedication to Morehouse make him the ideal choice,” said Woods.

Dr. Bowman’s research has helped improve understanding of diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and schizophrenia. He has also studied how the environment can affect brain development in young people. His work has led to more personalized treatments and helped shape national public health strategies.

He oversees over 1,300 students and $100 million in research funding at the University of Michigan. He has led programs on gun violence, health equity, and pandemic response. He is also known for building a strong, inclusive, forward-thinking academic culture.

Returning to Morehouse is deeply personal for Dr. Bowman. He is a two-time Morehouse parent and has long mentored Morehouse and Spelman College students. In 2019, he received Morehouse’s highest alumni award, the Bennie Trailblazer Award.

“Returning to Morehouse as its 13th president is the honor of a lifetime,” said Dr. Bowman. “This institution shaped who I am—instilling a commitment to excellence, justice, and impact.”

His appointment comes at a key moment for Morehouse. The college was recently named a Research College & University (RCU) and an Opportunity College & University (OCU) in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. These honors recognize Morehouse’s growing role in research and its strong support for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Before leading Michigan’s public health school, Dr. Bowman held roles at Columbia University and Emory University. He earned his master’s in biostatistics from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Bowman is married to Cynthia Bowman, a Spelman College, Georgia Tech, and Northwestern University graduate. They have four children, including two sons who attend or recently graduated from Morehouse.

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Tougaloo College Faces Threats After Jasmine Crockett’s Commencement Speech

Black Information Network | May 9, 2025

Tougaloo College officials are investigating “concerning calls” to the school after Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) delivered a commencement address during which she criticized President Donald Trump.

In a letter sent to the school community on Monday (May 5), Tougaloo College President Donzell Lee addressed threats to campus following Crockett’s keynote address on Sunday (May 4), per WAPT.

“Appropriate actions have been taken,” Lee said, noting school officials weren’t taking “concerning calls” lightly. “Contact has been made with law enforcement authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place, if needed.”

Crockett was invited to deliver Sunday’s commencement speech by fellow Democrat and Tougaloo graduate Rep. Bennie Thompson.

During her address, Crockett acknowledged Anne Moody and Memphis Norman, Tougaloo students who played pivotal roles in the 1963 Woolworth’s sit-in in Jackson, before taking aim at Trump.

“Sadly enough, in the year of our Lord 2025, sitting in these very classrooms is just as much of a protest as Anne and Memphis pulling up to Woolworths in 1963,” Crockett said. “It’s the paradox and parallels for me. … As I stand here in this safe space, still only one of the few places that an institution can invite me to speak.”

“To think about the fact that people have to be fearful of having a sitting member of Congress to come and address their graduates, tells us that we still got a lot of work to do,” the Texas Democrat continued. “The president of the United States having a temper tantrum that strips funding because I’m Black and I’m proud should not be something that we are dealing with in 2025.”

Crockett also pointed out how Tougaloo’s campus served as a safe space in the 1960s for civil rights leaders like Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The work done by so many like Bennie (Thompson), Medgar (Evers) and Fannie Lou Hamer are under attack,” she said. “Instead of calling us the ‘N word,’ they use racist epithets and suggest that we’re ghetto, or unqualified or diversity hires, even though we’re all, more oftentimes than not, more educated and qualified than they are. I have news for you. These attacks are not new because Jim Crow never died. He just lied (sic) in wait.”

Thompson said he stands in solidarity with Tougaloo and Crockett amid threats to the school.

“It is unfortunate that a day of celebration at Tougaloo College was met with attempts by extremists to overshadow the moment and intimidate those in attendance,” Thompson said in a statement. “Their threats, aimed at undermining Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s powerful commencement address, failed. The Tougaloo community remains proud, strong and unmoved.”

In a post on X, Crockett also spoke out against the threats.

“No low is too low for MAGA… now explain to me why an institution would be receiving threats because of the commencement speech that I GAVE,” Crockett tweeted. “This type of behavior is why I’m constantly having to be protected & I understand that truth telling in this country; sadly, is a dangerous business, but college students don’t deserve this.”

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Let Us Make Man Gala Awards Scholarships, Honors Advocates for Justice, and Youth Empowerment

Let Us Make Man awarded scholarships to 50 students and honored five advocates during its 2025 Gala, celebrating Black leadership, education, and community empowerment

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

Let Us Make Man (LUMM) hosted its annual Scholarship & Awards Gala on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to celebrate achievement, legacy, and promise. The black-tie affair honored nearly 50 promising young men and women with tuition and book scholarships while recognizing three seasoned community leaders and two emerging activists for their impactful work in social justice and community advancement.

Held at the Morrow Center in Morrow, Georgia, the Gala was the latest milestone in LUMM’s long-standing mission to uplift and equip Black youth with the tools to thrive.

This year, LUMM awarded 30 tuition scholarships and 28 book scholarships to students who plan to study fields ranging from mechanical engineering and business to law, nursing, and medicine. Each recipient embodies the vision, mission, and values that have guided LUMM since its inception in 2006.

Scholarship & Awards Gala photo gallery Scholarship & Awards Gala video link

By Milton Kirby – LUMM Scholarship Recipients

A Legacy Rooted in Purpose

Let Us Make Man seeds were planted in the summer of 2006 when attorney Mawuli Mel Davis hosted a high school basketball team from Rota, Spain. That visit led to a powerful discussion event titled “Building Boyz to Men,” where local Black men spoke about manhood in America with the team. Inspired by the evening, activist and former Atlanta City Councilman Derrick Boazman proposed forming a broader effort to engage and mentor Black youth.

Later that fall, Boazman gathered nine men from diverse backgrounds—law, education, ministry, business, and culture—who all shared a deep sense of responsibility to save and support young Black men. From that gathering, LUMM was born.

The founding ten members of LUMM include:

Derrick Boazman – Community Leader
Mawuli Mel Davis – Attorney at Law
Doug Evans – Forensic Scientist
A. B. Jihad – Entrepreneur
Kwame Lazarus – Cultural Griot
Minister Ray Muhammad – Minister
Pastor Derrick Rice – Pastor
Keene Walker – Educator
Dr. Mike Weaver – Educator
Kweku Webb – Financial Planner

Their first major event, The Gathering to Reclaim Black Manhood, took place in February 2007 at Atlanta Technical College, attracting over 700 participants. Unlike traditional conferences, The Gathering provided structured, research-based training sessions for attendees to take back to their communities. Workshops focused on law, education, mentoring, and spiritual growth. The tradition of honoring community leaders also began that year, with notable figures like Rev. C.T. Vivian and Stedman Graham in attendance.

Over the years, LUMM events have expanded across Georgia, with gatherings at institutions such as Savannah State, Paine College, Fort Valley State, and Columbus State University—each year engaging hundreds of attendees in leadership, economics, family unity, and youth empowerment workshops.

Honoring a Lifelong Advocate

Among this year’s honorees was Lawren Wilson, a rising senior majoring in political science at Clark Atlanta University. She received the Vincent D. Fort Scholarship, named in memory of the late Georgia State Senator (1956–2024), a staunch advocate for civil rights, economic justice, and educational access.

Senator Fort served Georgia’s 39th District from 1996 to 2017 and was nationally recognized for authoring the Georgia Fair Lending Act in 2002—one of the strongest anti-predatory lending laws in the country. A longtime supporter of LUMM, Fort’s legacy continues through this scholarship, awarded to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to justice and community service.

Celebrating Vision, Justice, and Cultural Preservation

In addition to student scholarships, LUMM recognized several trailblazers whose work exemplifies leadership, justice, and community empowerment:

Business Visionary Leader Award: Cortez A. Carter

Carter, Executive Vice President of Hyde Park Hospitality, has spent over 30 years shaping aviation, banking, and real estate industries. As a certified International Airport Professional and experienced pilot, Carter has led development efforts at major U.S. airports, championing minority business growth and infrastructure innovation.

Champion for Justice Award: The Hon. Debra E. Deberry

Deberry, Clerk of the Superior Court of DeKalb County since 2011, has spent more than 25 years in public service. Managing a department of over 100 employees and a $7 million budget, she has been a force in judicial reform and community engagement. Deberry’s impact has been felt across the legal system, from jury oversight to juvenile advocacy.

C.T. Vivian Medal of Freedom: Dr. Georgianne Thomas

A filmmaker, educator, and activist, Dr. Thomas is best known as the executive producer of Foot Soldiers: Class of 1964, an award-winning documentary chronicling Black women’s role in the civil rights movement. Her career has spanned acting, international diplomacy, and authorship, rooted in her passion for justice and storytelling.

Rising Stars: Young Warriors in Action

LUMM also honored two dynamic youth leaders with its Young Warrior Award:

Kannette King

A passionate advocate for mental health, education equity, and youth development, King is quickly emerging as a leading voice in her generation. Her work inside and outside the classroom shapes future movements and mentors her peers to rise in leadership.

Daxton Pettus

As a high school student in Decatur, Pettus led efforts to remove a Confederate monument and install a historical marker honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Now a student at Morehouse College; he continues to blend activism with academics to build a more just and equitable society.

A Movement That Endures

As Let Us Make Man prepares for its next chapter, the Gala served as a reminder and a call to action. From scholarships to awards, each honor represents the collective power of Black leadership, unity, and vision.

Eighteen years after its founding, LUMM continues to train, uplift, and inspire—affirming the belief that when we invest in young minds and honor our elders, we make not just men, but leaders.

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Black Golfers, the Masters, and the Economic Power of Augusta National

The 2025 Masters highlighted golf’s evolving legacy—spotlighting Black pioneers, Augusta’s exclusivity, and a $140M economic impact—while diversity efforts continue to reshape the sport.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 18, 2025

As the 89th Masters Tournament concluded Sunday, April 13, 2025, the storylines that emerged weren’t just about the iconic green jacket or record-breaking putts. Behind the meticulously groomed fairways of Augusta National Golf Club lies a deeper story—one that speaks to the history of exclusivity, the slow march toward diversity, and the staggering economic footprint of one of America’s most prestigious sporting events.

Black Golfers in America: Progress and Persistence

Golf in the United States is still largely dominated by white players, but Black athletes have made important strides—though the road remains steep. As of 2024, about 3% of the 28.1 million on-course golfers in the U.S. were Black, totaling roughly 843,000 players. This marks a decline from 1.1 million Black golfers in 2015, highlighting ongoing struggles with access, affordability, and representation.

Despite these challenges, a number of Black golfers have not only made it to the PGA Tour but also achieved remarkable success:

Charlie Sifford became the first African American to earn a PGA Tour card in 1961, later winning two events and earning a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Pete Brown was the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event in 1964.
Lee Elder made history in 1975 as the first Black player to compete in the Masters Tournament.
Calvin Peete, known for his accuracy, won 12 PGA Tour events, including the 1985 Players Championship.
Jim Thorpe secured three PGA Tour wins and 13 on the Champions Tour.

Modern Black golfers continue to carry the torch:

Tiger Woods, with 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 majors, remains one of the most dominant and influential golfers of all time.
Harold Varner III made history as the first Black golfer to advance to the PGA Tour via the Web.com Tour.
Joseph Bramlett became the first Black player to graduate from PGA Tour Q-School since Tiger.
Cameron Champ, a rising star, is known for his long drives and advocacy for racial equity in the sport.
Cheyenne Woods, Tiger’s niece, has competed on the LPGA Tour and earned international victories.

Organizations like the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour are also working to provide competitive platforms for aspiring Black professionals, seeking to increase diversity at golf’s highest levels.

Tiger Woods is presented with his Green Jacket by the Tournament chairman Hootie Johnson after Woods’ 3rd victory in the US Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia on 14th April 2002. (Photo by Leonard Kamsler/Popperfoto via Getty Images)© GETTY

Inside Augusta National: Membership and Milestones

Perhaps no course is more symbolic of golf’s complex relationship with race than Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters since its debut in 1934. Known for its tightly guarded membership and tradition-heavy culture, the club did not admit its first Black member—Ron Townsend, a television executive—until 1990. This move came amid national pressure after a similar exclusion scandal at Alabama’s Shoal Creek Club drew widespread backlash.

Since then, Augusta has added other Black members, including Condoleezza Rice, who also broke barriers as one of the club’s first two female members in 2012, and former NFL great Lynn Swann. The exact number of Black members today remains confidential, in line with Augusta’s longstanding policy of secrecy. Still, reports suggest several African Americans now hold roles in membership and business operations.

Augusta’s exclusivity persists: membership is by invitation only, with estimated initiation fees between $100,000 and $300,000, and annual dues under $30,000. The club typically hosts around 300 members, often referred to as “green jackets.”

Masters Champions: Legends of the Tournament

In its 89-year history, only a few players have won the Masters multiple times—a rare achievement that cements their place in golf legend.

Jack Nicklaus leads with 6 victories (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986).
Tiger Woods, the most dominant Black golfer in history, has won 5 times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019).
Arnold Palmer claimed 4 wins (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964).

Tiger Woods’ historic 1997 win not only redefined the sport but also symbolized a new chapter in its racial history. His enduring legacy continues to inspire young golfers of color across the globe.

The 2025 Masters added yet another chapter to the tournament’s historic legacy when Rory McIlroy won after a dramatic sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose. With the victory, McIlroy became the sixth player—and the first European—to complete the modern career Grand Slam, doing so on his 11th attempt. His long-awaited triumph underscored the global prestige of the Masters and highlighted how the event continues to shape the narratives of golf’s greatest champions.

By Milton Kirby East Lake Golf Course Atlanta, GA – Location of Ryder Cup 1963

The Masters and Georgia’s Economy: A Championship Boost

The Masters isn’t just a sporting event—it’s an economic juggernaut. Held each April, the tournament injects between $120 million and $140 million into Augusta’s local economy. From luxury rentals to booming restaurant business, the city transforms into a hub of global commerce during Masters Week.

Across Georgia, golf drives even larger gains. In 2022, the industry generated a $5.3 billion statewide economic impact, supporting over 55,000 jobs and contributing $2.7 billion in wages.

Hospitality rates spike dramatically during the tournament:

Hotel rates surge up to 800%, averaging $500 per night.
Local hotels generate about $26 million in revenue.
Short-term rentals average $5,300 per week, with some homeowners earning up to $28,000, often enough to pay a year’s mortgage.

Transportation sees a bump too. Augusta Regional Airport handles over 2,100 private flights during Masters Week—more than five times its normal daily volume.

And then there’s merchandise. Augusta National’s iconic shop generates an estimated $50 million in sales annually during the event, with items like Masters-themed gnomes becoming collector’s favorites.

The Legacy and the Future

Despite Augusta National’s secretive culture and its late adoption of inclusive practices, the club and the Masters remain fixtures in American sport and business. But the story of Black golfers—past, present, and future—is still being written.

The legacy of exclusion still casts a long shadow. Yet with champions like Tiger Woods, pioneers like Charlie Sifford and Lee Elder, and grassroots efforts like the APGA Tour pushing for change, the fairways are slowly becoming more welcoming.

Golf, like America, is a work in progress—full of tradition, potential, and the constant challenge to do better.

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AARP’S Vision For Aging

AARP urges a national aging plan as states adopt strategies to support older adults with health care, housing, caregiving, and financial security amid rising senior populations.

America needs a plan to help its older citizens—and soon

By Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO

Most Americans understand the importance of planning to secure their economic futures and advance directives to prepare for their health care as they age. But for too long, there has been no federal action plan to protect our nation’s growing older population.

By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older. Yet many government policies and programs have not addressed the unique needs of the aging population.

AARP has a plan to help change that.

The good news is that a growing number of states are developing and adopting comprehensive plans to support their aging population. AARP has been deeply involved in supporting those efforts. About half the states have implemented, developed or initiated multiyear strategies, commonly known as multisector plans for aging (MPAs). Although state MPAs vary in scope—and in their goals and target populations—they all encourage collaboration among governments, private entities and people.

Yet there is no comparable national plan. The federal government has recently taken steps toward developing such a strategy. The Older Americans Act reauthorization of 2020 set up an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities (ICC). The committee issued a Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging in May.

Among other things, the report focused on age-friendly communities, housing, increased access to long-term support and better health care services, especially for people with low incomes. To get input from older Americans, the ICC holds listening sessions across the country. AARP helps organize these discussions, which kicked off in Washington, D.C., in May.

AARP wants to play a more critical role in this process. We recently released our own vision for a national plan on aging—part of our Aging Well in America Initiative.

AARP’s report emphasizes four goals that can help guide efforts to establish a national plan, along with the policies for implementing those goals.

Promote healthy living and access to affordable, high-quality health care.
Support family caregivers and affordable, high-quality longterm care with dignity, independence and security.
Provide ample opportunities to achieve financial security.
Create age-friendly, livable communities that enable people to age in place.

AARP will continue to work with states and expand our own initiatives that have helped make our communities more livable for older residents and have fostered better aging policies at the local and state level. We’re committed to the development of a national plan on aging that will enable all people to maintain good health, build financial resilience and remain in their homes and communities as they age.

With the population aging at a rate never seen in history, it’s time for policymakers, government officials and organizations involved in aging to seize the opportunity to address the needs of older Americans now and into the future.