JUSTICE & ACCOUNTABILITY — The NAACP's Office of General Counsel announced Monday it will join the legal team representing Nolan Wells' family, which includes civil rights attorney Ben Crump. General Counsel Kristen Clarke said the organization is "taking up this fight to search for truth and transparency" surrounding Wells' death. On Aug. 12, members of the Congressional Black Caucus also issued a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, urging a federal review of the circumstances surrounding Wells' death. NAACP President Derrick Johnson said: "The world is watching, and Nolan Wells' family deserves a thorough accounting of what happened."
EDUCATION MILESTONE — Wheatley High School, where a string of F ratings triggered the ongoing state takeover of Houston ISD, earned an A for the first time. The school's STAAR passing rates in English I and English II were up by 15% and 9% percentage points, respectively, in 2026 when compared to the passing rates in 2023 before the takeover began. Wheatley High School celebrated its first "A" accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency on Aug. 14, 2026. The achievement comes four years after the school's F rating set off the legal process that led to state intervention in 2023.
EDUCATION POLICY — Starting July 1, Donald Trump's student loan overhaul takes effect and eliminates or restricts how much students and parents can borrow for college. HBCUs are especially vulnerable because they enroll large numbers of students whose families depend on federal aid and Parent PLUS or Grad PLUS loans. Starting July 1, 2026, the federal government will implement strict limits on Parent PLUS loans. The new limits are set at $20,000 per year and a lifetime aggregate cap of $65,000 per student, with the disproportionate impact on HBCUs, where for many students the average Parent PLUS loan already exceeds the new annual cap.
Stephen A. Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media. Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives and undermines fair representation of Black women in public discourse.
D.C. quietly put a legal escape hatch in place months before Trump issued the vaccine order. The Community Health Amendment Act of 2026 ended the District's exclusive dependence on federal vaccine recommendations, allowing health care providers to order vaccines based on CDC Advisory Committee recommendations or another competent medical organization.
Texas Southern President Crawford has presented former Prairie View AD and current Jackson State AD Ashley Robinson for the vacant job and Seton Hall assistant Corey Lowery for the basketball job, with the Board of Regents set to vote.
Morehouse's New Student Orientation is designed to prepare new students for life at the only HBCU for Black men, with new students becoming immersed in the learning and living environment while engaging in programming designed to empower them as Men of Morehouse.
"Hijacked Faith: Power, Politics, and the Church" will feature a screening of the documentary Bad Faith and faith leadership discussion, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston.
The 2026 Stellar Awards brought gospel and glamour to Uptown Charlotte with performances from PJ Morton, Tye Tribbett, and others. In its 41st year, the show was hosted by gospel superstar Kirk Franklin and started at 4:30 p.m.
For over four decades, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Harlem Week have awarded approximately $3 million in scholarships to help students pursue higher education and career opportunities. Youth programs expand access through scholarships, leadership development, technology initiatives and family-centered programming.
Multiple women-owned business grants remain open this month, including the Hey Helen Grant Program providing $10,000 and the Women Founders Grant offering $5,000, both welcoming applications through August 31 for women-owned ventures under $1 million in revenue.
Austin's Maternal Infant Outreach Program hosts the Chocolate Milk Summit in recognition of Black Breastfeeding Week, aiming to address stigma, provide education, connect families with resources and promote positive health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Angel's Eyes of Beauty is a Black-owned natural hair salon in Delray Beach specializing in restoring healthy hair. With more than 20 years of experience, the salon's team of stylists is the leader in natural hair care in the region.
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Award-winning Black-owned natural hair specialist offering customized hairstyles, nourishing 100% natural products, and targeted scalp treatments. Founded to help every client embrace their flawless self through excellence and community care.
Visit Business →Microsoft scholarships for Black students pursuing technology degrees. Five select winners receive $5,000 annually (renewable up to 3 years); 55 additional recipients receive one-time $2,500 awards. Open to students of all education levels.
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