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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The short, handwritten note is a typical letter of reference for a man seeking a job. But the author is the president of the United States. It is also 1861, and the job seeker is a Black man. Abraham Lincoln penned the entreaty on behalf of his young friend, William Johnson, because ironically, his dark complexion caused freed Black White House staffers with lighter skin to

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The University of Alabama has suspended the publication of two student-run magazines - one primarily focused on Black students and another on women's issues - citing recent federal guidance against diversity, equity and inclusion programs on college campuses. The editors of Nineteen Fifty-Six and Alice magazines were informed Monday that the university was stopping the magazines immediately. A university official cited July guidance from Attorney General

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - In a city that has transformed dramatically over the last two decades, few voices have remained as consistent and authentic as Madison Jay, also known as "County!" A staple of the Raleigh hip-hop scene, Madison Jay has seen waves of artists come and go, but he remains grounded, driven by a philosophy of perseverance and community. I recently sat down with the

WUNC - A statewide network of museums and nature centers, among other things, is planning to launch a program aimed at helping girls learn about jobs in the technology and science industry. "Girls Who Code" clubs will launch in 10 rural counties across North Carolina. NC Science Trails, the statewide network, is partnering with nonprofit Girls Who Code International on the initiative. The clubs will be set up into semesters

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer In the years following the Civil War, when the promise of freedom demanded real institutions to sustain it, the Thompson Institute emerged in Lumberton, North Carolina, as one of the most important educational lights for African Americans in the state. Born from former slaves, the origins of the Thompson Institute trace back to the founding of the Lumber River Missionary Baptist Association in 1877 in

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer In the world of leadership-whether political, corporate, or spiritual-how one enters a role is often just as critical as how one performs in it. I was recently inspired by the installation ceremony of Rev. Dr. Darian Bouie, where a speaker noted the profound difference between a predecessor "passing the baton" versus "throwing it" at the new leader. This essential metaphor has stuck with me. It

[caption id="attachment_15144" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell preaches at 2819 Church on Nov. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)[/caption] ATLANTA (AP) - After Atlanta pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell stopped dwelling on growing his congregation about three years ago, its attendance surged. Now, lines packed with young adults snake outside 2819 Church, some arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. to secure a spot for Sunday worship. Christian rap and

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Briar Creek, NC - December 6, 1865, was profoundly symbolic; the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at The Westin Hotel-RDU was powerful as well. The 2nd Annual HBCU Triumph Gala was a celebration of the very legacy, pride, philanthropy, and endurance that keep us going today. The premier black-tie event dedicated to celebrating triumphs of Historically

KFF Health News-Bekki Holzkamm has been trying to hire a lab technician at a hospital in rural North Dakota since late summer. Not one U.S. citizen has applied. West River Health Services in Hettinger, a town of about 1,000 residents in the southwestern part of the state, has four options, and none is good. The hospital could fork over $100,000 for the Trump administration's new H-1B visa fee and hire

  The Guardian - Nnena Kalu has won the 2025 Turner prize for her colourful drawings and sculptures made from found fabric and VHS tape, becoming the first artist with a learning disability to take home the £25,000 prize. Alex Farquharson, chair of the jury and director of Tate Britain, said the win by the British-Nigerian represented a watershed moment for the international art world. "Nnena's work was very much