Rural Infrastructure Authority hands out $1.65M in ‘building reuse’ grants to rural communities 

NC Newsline This week, the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved eight grant requests to local governments worth $1.65 million. The grants will support infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition and site improvements in rural communities across the state. The requests include commitments to create 297 jobs and are expected to attract more than $234 million in public and private investment. "These grants continue to help create great jobs in

SAU Secures Credit Agreement from Gothic Ventures to Ensure Fall Semester Success

RALEIGH, NC- One of North Carolina's historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs) starts its school year with a big win thanks to a new partner in the Triangle. Saint Augustine's University (SAU) announces the closing of a credit agreement with Gothic Ventures, making it eligible to receive up to $30 million. An initial allocation consists of a $7 million term loan funded at closing. Additional allocations may be provided in the future.

N.C. County Pursues Experimental Plan To Revive Hospital 

NC Health News-It has been little over a year since Martin County, a rural community of 22,000 in eastern North Carolina, lost its hospital. Martin General served generations of local families during its seven-decade run in Williamston, the county's seat of government. People born at the hospital returned to witness the births of their own children and grandchildren. Some lifelong residents drew their first - and last - breaths at

Brief History Of The Black Church’s Diversity, And Its Role In US Political History

By Jason Oliver Evans University of Virginia With religious affiliation on the decline, continuing racism and increasing income inequality, some scholars and activists are soul-searching about the Black church's role in today's United States. For instance, on April 20, 2010, an African American Studies professor at Princeton, Eddie S. Glaude, sparked an online debate by provocatively declaring that, despite the existence of many African American churches, "the Black Church, as

Data-Privacy Law Could Backfire On Small Businesses

The Conversation-Orion Brown started Black Travel Box to serve Black female travelers who find hotel lotions and shampoos inadequate. Randel Bennett co-founded the insurance startup Sigo Seguros for underserved Spanish-speaking drivers. Bill Shufelt and John Walker founded Athletic Brewing Company so athletes and nondrinkers in social situations could drink tasty nonalcoholic beer. What do these three successful businesses have in common? In each case, the entrepreneurs built their businesses on

FAQ’s For Voting In North Carolina In The 2024 Election

Carolina Public Press-North Carolina voters looking to either register to vote or cast their ballots in the 2024 general election are navigating new requirements and election rule changes. Carolina Public Press put together a list of frequently asked questions to help voters with this process. How do I look up my North Carolina voter registration? And how do I register? You can check your voter registration, status, party affiliation, sample

SAU Receives $10K Donation From Wayne County Group HBCU Alliance at St. James AME Zion Church

The Wayne County HBCU Alliance in Goldsboro is the latest organization to offer a generous gift to Saint Augustine's University (SAU), continuing the outpouring of love and support the 157-year-old university has received from the community. In a St. James Church AME Zion Church service on Sunday, July 28, 2024, the Wayne County HBCU Alliance presented a $10,100 check to SAU Interim President Dr.  Marcus H. Burgess. "We are responsible

Bloomberg Philanthropies Gifts $600M To HBCU Med Schools

NNPA-In a monumental move to address the underrepresentation of Black physicians in the United States, Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced a $600 million donation to the endowments of four historically Black medical schools. Officials said the donation is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Greenwood Initiative, which aims to advance racial wealth equity and address systemic underinvestment in Black institutions and communities. Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School

Black Men Emerge As Key Constituency In 2024 Race, Bringing Dynamic Views to the top of politics

  ATLANTA (AP) - Every Monday evening, the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA basement becomes a sanctuary for men who, local leaders say, have too often been denied one. The Black Man Lab, which for nearly a decade has sought weekly to create a "safe, sacred and healing space" for Black men in metropolitan Atlanta, regularly gathers more than 100 men to pray, meditate and talk through challenges and

DEI Backlash Spreads To More States

Stateline-Shortly after taking office in 2023, Republican state Rep. Katy Hall heard from constituents complaining about how their adult children were required to write diversity, equity and inclusion statements while applying for medical and dental schools and other graduate programs in Utah. "It doesn't seem right," Hall said. "It doesn't seem like it belongs in an application." It took two legislative sessions, but Hall successfully sponsored a new law that