POLICY & JUSTICE — Truth Initiative and the NAACP announced an expansion of their partnership to address the disproportionate toll of tobacco and nicotine addiction on Black communities, launching the Breath of Freedom Movement at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago July 18–22, 2026. At the convention, Truth Initiative debuted the Rise Together EXperience: Culture, Community, and Nicotine-Free Lives, an immersive mobile exhibit exploring the impact of tobacco use and industry marketing tactics on Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities. Approximately 45,000 Black Americans die each year from smoking-related illness.
The nation's most influential HBCU gathering opens today in Atlanta with over 1,000 leaders including record numbers of current and former college presidents, establishing strategic priorities for Black higher education.
Unemployment for Black and Hispanic college graduates is disproportionately higher than the broader graduate population, compounded by labor market weakness and AI-driven hiring changes.
The eHBCU consortium partnered with Acadeum to expand course access across institutions, helping students graduate on time without transferring.
Black Americans owned around 14 million acres by 1910, but by 2022 that had dropped to 1.1 million acres—a 90 percent decline representing about $326 billion in lost value.
Cincinnati hosted Black Tech Week July 14–16 with founders, investors, and creators convening for sessions on capital, AI, corporate partnerships and career pathways in technology.
UNCF renewed calls for Congress and the White House to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, a landmark bipartisan bill, at its UNITE 2026 conference.
Original cast member Jasmine Guy will join new series stars for a special UNITE 2026 panel celebrating the Netflix sequel premiering September 24, honoring HBCU legacy and pride.
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Detroit-based trichology studio offering steam treatments, loc maintenance, and a new low-porosity product line. Book via Instagram, ships nationally.
First-time clients mention Drumbeat for 15% off.
Visit Business →Open to sophomores+ at HBCUs majoring in STEM with 3.0+ GPA. Requires transcript + 500-word essay on community impact.
Apply →Mahogany Yacht Charters, a Black woman-owned luxury yacht charter company based in Washington DC, offers daily charters on the Potomac River with breathtaking views of DC's historic monuments and waterfronts. Founder Sharah Connor is passionate about creating opportunities for women of color to enter the boating industry through mentorship programs and partnerships with organizations like Miss Black USA.