ECONOMY & WORK — A Center for Responsible Lending report finds that predatory loan terms and dealer tactics drive delinquency and default for Black borrowers, who face high-pressure sales tactics, misleading claims, and aggressive upselling that obscure true vehicle costs. Hidden fees, interest rate markups, and remote vehicle disablement traps Black consumers in cycles of auto loan debt. Black borrowers disproportionately pay the highest interest rate markup, resulting in more than $3,000 in additional interest over the life of the loan.
HBCUS & EDUCATION — Houston-area teenagers board a bus each summer to retrace the Civil Rights Movement's roads, visiting Selma, Tuskegee, Montgomery, Birmingham, Memphis, and New Orleans through the Freedom Tour, an immersive journey organized by the Expose Excellence Youth Program. Since its founding in 2021, Expose Excellence has reached more than 2,000 students through mentoring, after-school programs, leadership academies, cultural activities, and career exposure.
BLACK EXCELLENCE — James Beard-nominated restaurateur Chef Chris Williams is behind new culinary and cultural concepts at the Historic Eldorado Ballroom, one of America's oldest Black music venues, marking his first Houston concepts outside his acclaimed restaurant Lucille's. A sister concept called Hogan Brown Gallery will highlight African American art and artists. Williams opened Lucille's in 2012 as a tribute to his great grandmother, Lucille B. Smith, considered Texas' first African American businesswoman.
The League of Women Voters will host a nationwide day of civic action on August 8 to honor the Voting Rights Act anniversary, with hundreds of activations focused on voter engagement, turnout, education, and youth participation.
Forbes released its first ranking devoted exclusively to HBCUs, with Howard University earning the top position among private institutions and North Carolina A&T leading the public-school ranking.
Jillian Jackson, Ronald Wabomnor, Kevin Reese, and Charles E. Stallworth have been appointed dean of students at Shaw University, North Carolina A&T State University, Morris College, and Talladega College respectively.
From Drake to Beyoncé, the slowed-down aesthetic DJ Screw pioneered through his chopped and screwed technique remains a defining element of Southern music culture, with his influence spanning decades after his 2000 death.
The Commonwealth Fund's 2026 State Health Disparities Report shows racial and ethnic disparities continue throughout the U.S. healthcare system in access, quality, experience, and outcomes, with no state having eliminated disparities.
Black August, observed each year as a period of remembrance on Black resistance and political struggle, has expanded beyond prison walls to become a community opportunity to study African American history and examine the meaning of freedom.
Luminary is hosting two days of curated programming, powerhouse speakers, and actionable insights for Black business owners and allies, with August 13 open to the public for shopping and networking with local Black-owned businesses.
A new feature explores major companies across retail, technology, food service, and entertainment that operate with Black ownership or majority control, highlighting economic power often invisible to mainstream consumers.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund continues to uplift HBCUs and Black students through variety of awards and scholarships designed to ensure academic achievement is rewarded and higher education remains accessible.
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Chef Chris Williams' nationally acclaimed restaurant in Houston's Museum District honors his great grandmother, Lucille B. Smith, an educator and entrepreneur considered Texas' first African American businesswoman. The restaurant serves refined Southern cuisine rooted in 100+ year-old family recipes.
Visit Business →Available to current HBCU college juniors and seniors who are permanent residents of Washington or Oregon pursuing careers in Communications. Administered by Waggener Edstrom Worldwide through UNCF.
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