CRIMINAL JUSTICE — A jury found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur, marking the first conviction in a case that has gripped hip-hop fans for decades. The 63-year-old was convicted Monday of a single count of murder with a deadly weapon and could be sentenced to life in prison. The jury deliberated for less than 3 hours after a weekslong trial in Las Vegas. After the verdict was read, Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, cried and hugged the prosecutors. Sentencing is scheduled for October 13.
LAND & LEGACY — In the majority-Black city, 55% of the population lives in poverty, more than double the rate in the state and nationwide. While there's currently no agreement in place to build a data center in Clarksdale, the city projects a hyperscale data center could bring in millions in local tax revenue. Such a project could take up to six years to complete, but could create 1,000 temporary jobs and between 200 to 300 permanent positions. But residents like Walker said they're worried a data center would strain Clarksdale's water, electricity, add pollution, and further burden a community whose resources are already stretched thin. Approval for the data center project has not been given yet.
BLACK EXCELLENCE — The connection between the Negro Leagues and Japan spans more than a century, influencing the development of professional baseball in both nations. From the barnstorming tours of the 1920s and 1930s to postwar exchanges and the rise of Japanese superstars like Ichiro Suzuki, the impact of Black baseball pioneers in Japan is undeniable. The Philadelphia Royal Giants made a barnstorming trip to Japan seven years before the famous 1934 tour by a team of future Hall of Famers, going 23-0-1 in 24 games against Japanese clubs. It's been said that even the tie was disputed. In 2027, JAFA and its partners will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Philadelphia Royal Giants Baseball Tour to Japan.
HBCU SPORTS — The Howard Bison defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, 31-24, in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Saturday night at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, giving White his first win at Howard and the program its first victory of the 2026 season. Ja'Shawn Scroggins threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns, including a 51-yard go-ahead strike with 2:41 remaining, as Howard gave Ted White his first victory as a head coach. The game, the official start of the HBCU football season, took place Saturday at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta and aired nationally on ABC. The nationally celebrated season-opening matchup marks one of the most anticipated traditions in Black college football.
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Several $1,000 scholarships available for students who attend or plan to attend a Historically Black College or University. Funds can be applied to tuition or books for the semester received, typically within 3 weeks of submission.
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