Learning How to Better Serve African American Children and Families – BlackPressUSA

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The National African American Child and Family Research Center (NAACFRC) at Morehouse School of Medicine is designed to provide national leadership and excellence in community-engaged research to better serve African American children and families served by the Administration for Children and Families, including those enrolled in Head Start.
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By National Head Start Association
The National African American Child and Family Research Center (NAACFRC) at Morehouse School of Medicine is designed to provide national leadership and excellence in community-engaged research to better serve African American children and families served by the Administration for Children and Families, including those enrolled in Head Start. The National Head Start Association spoke with Dr. Azaliah Israel, NAACFRC’s co-lead for dissemination and communication, about the Center’s work since its inception.
Narratives are the stories we tell to make sense of the world. As a graduate student, I became fascinated with the influence narratives have in our everyday life, the power they have to create and sustain meaning. As practitioners, narratives influence how we perceive the families we serve. Unfortunately, narratives about Black families have often been told through a lens that highlights dysfunction but ignores historical and cultural context.
In my exploration of Black families, I found that the recurring narratives around “deadbeat fathers” and “welfare queens” influenced how service providers interacted with them. While completing my dissertation, I conducted dozens of interviews with practitioners in the federal and non-profit sectors, seeking to use research to change how Black families are viewed in society. One of these interviewees shared something that completely shifted my own perspective and the direction of my research: “Instead of focusing on changing the narrative, we must change the narrator.” It reminded me how important it is to elevate the voices of Black families that are not often heard.
The majority of research centered around African American families has been conducted using a comparative framework where the behaviors, experiences, and outcomes of white Americans are viewed as the standard. And it has largely been conducted by individuals outside of the African American community with very little input from the community itself. This framework often ignores the important historical and cultural context of African American life and, inevitably, places these families at a disadvantage compared to white families. It’s long past time for change. The National African American Child and Family Research Center (NAACFRC) prioritizes community-engaged research to learn how to better serve African American children and families.
The Center seeks to change the cultural and institutional narratives about African American families by conducting research that takes into account their unique experiences and the existing social inequalities. This requires a broad scope of research, including:
Early Head Start and Head Start, whose service population is 30% Black or African American, are a primary focus for the Center’s early childhood education research. NAACFRC’s primary goal is to illuminate the assets, needs, and experiences of African American families and parents participating in Head Start programs to improve the provision of services.
To do so, the Center partners with parents, teachers, and administrators to better understand the needs of African American children and families. The Center is particularly interested in learning from and supporting Head Start families who live in rural areas, have family members who are involved in the criminal justice system, and have health/disability issues. In addition, NAACFRC highlights the experiences of African Americans in the child care and early education workforce. Changing the narrative around Black families by lifting up their voices and shifting the research framework is essential to changing our society’s perceptions. NAACFRC’s research with Head Start is an important piece in working towards this goal.
PRESS ROOM: Black Church and Black Press Unite to Empower Black America

PRESS ROOM: Black Church and Black Press Unite to Empower Black America
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Bill Cosby Pays Tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner
IMAX Brings Back Prince’s Genius in ‘Sign O’ The Times’
Health Costs Explode Under Trump’s Big Ugly Law
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — “This is more than a symbolic gesture, it is a strategic and spiritual alignment.” When the Black Church and Black Media speak as one, we can ignite a movement. When we organize as one, we can shift the narrative. When we act as one, we cannot be ignored or denied,” the coalition stated.
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Nashville, TN — July 25, 2025: In a historic announcement, a coalition of leading Black faith organizations and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) unveiled a strategic partnership and plan to confront systemic disparities impacting African American communities nationwide.
Dr. Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Pre- siding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC); Dr. Samuel Tolbert, President of the National Baptist Convention of America; and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., veteran civil rights leader and President of the NNPA, are leading this collaboration between the Black church and Black Media.
“There is strength in unity. There is power in our collective voice. There is hope in our actions,” said Dr. Boise Kimber.
For generations, African American communities have endured deep-rooted inequities in healthcare, education, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and access to capital. These challenges are not new. The coalition intends to put an end to fragmented responses and speak with one clear, concise and consolidated voice.

The Black Church and Black Media, two institutions that have long anchored and uplifted Black America, are now coming together with renewed focus and purpose.
This partnership is grounded in shared values, spiritual conviction, cultural empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and progress.
The coalition will focus on five core initiatives:

Shaping a unified national narrative that challenges harmful stereotypes and amplifies stories of Black resilience, excellence, and innovation
Mobilizing faith-based and media networks to address community disparities through solutions-focused advocacy and outreach
Holding corporate America accountable by demanding responsible reinvestment in Black communities through sustainable partnerships, economic equity, and community-led development
Empowering the next generation by reclaiming our narratives and creating new pathways for education, leadership, and entrepreneurship
Holding elected officials accountable by spotlighting those whose policies do not align with the interests of the Black community. To earn our votes, they must heed our voices.

“This is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic and spiritual alignment.” When the Black Church and Black Media speak as one, we can ignite a movement. When we organize as one, we can shift the narrative. When we act as one, we cannot be ignored or denied,” the coalition stated.
The coalition invites all stakeholders, faith leaders, media professionals, community organizers, educators, business leaders, and concerned citizens to join this movement for unity, justice, and progress.
Coalition Leaders,

Dr. Boise Kimber, President
National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.

J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop
Church of God in Christ

Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert, President
National Baptist Convention of America

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. President and CEO
National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)
Civil Rights Leader and Publisher
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) concluded its annual media day, which featured all twelve member schools. It was announced that the Jackson State Tigers and the Southern Jaguars would finish first in their respective divisions. The Southern Jaguars had the most first-place votes with seventeen.
2025 SWAC Football Predicted Order of Finish
SWAC East

SWAC West
*First place votes listed in parenthesis ( )
Jackson State quarterback JaCobian Morgan was named to the Preseason All-SWAC Team and is the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Morgan finished off the 2024 campaign by winning the HBCU National Championship and securing MVP honors in the Celebration Bowl. Conversely, Ckelby Givens, a defensive end from Southern, was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Givens finished the 2024 season by leading the nation in tackles for loss with 27½ and was third with 12 sacks. Given’s efforts helped Southern to an 8-5 record and secured the SWAC West Division title. Givens also had 12 sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and a pass breakup.
Quarterback: Jacobian Morgan, Jackson State
Running Back: Jacorian Sewell, Alcorn State
Running Back: Thad Franklin Jr., Florida A&M
Offensive Lineman: D’Andre Townes-Blue, Jackson State
Offensive Lineman: Charles Davis, Florida A&M
Offensive Lineman: Ashton Grable, Florida A&M
Offensive Lineman: Ronald Brown, Alcorn State
Offensive Lineman: Desmond Daniels, Alabama State
Wide Receiver: Nate Rembert, Jackson State
Wide Receiver: Joanes Fortilien, Jackson State
Tight End: Marvin Landy, Jackson State

Defensive Lineman: Ckelby Givens, Southern
Defensive Lineman: Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State
Defensive Lineman: Bryce Cage, Grambling State
Defensive Lineman: Davion Westmoreland, Florida A&M
Linebacker: Stemarion Edwards, Alcorn State
Linebacker: Vincent Paige Jr., Southern
Linebacker: Nay’Ron Jenkins, Florida A&M
Defensive Back: Keane Lewis, Alabama State
Defensive Back: Antwone Watts, Bethune-Cookman
Defensive Back: TJ Huggins, Florida A&M
Defensive Back: Horacio Johnson, Southern

Place Kicker: Gerardo Baeza, Jackson State
Punter: Johnny Schifano, Grambling State
Return Specialist: Travis Terrell Jr., Jackson State

Quarterback: Cam Ransom, Bethune-Cookman
Running Back: Lamagea McDowell, Prairie View A&M
Running Back: BJ Curry, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Offensive Lineman: Quaveon Davis, Jackson State
Offensive Lineman: Cameron Smith, Alabama State
Offensive Lineman: Tahj Martin, Grambling State
Offensive Lineman: Dezmond Penn, Alabama State
Offensive Lineman: Tyrell Lawrence, Alabama A&M
Wide Receiver: Maleek Huggins, Bethune-Cookman
Wide Receiver: Trenton Leary, Texas Southern
Tight End: Dupree Fuller, Southern
Defensive Lineman: Damarcus Thompson, Texas Southern
Defensive Lineman: Adrian Hall, Bethune-Cookman
Defensive Lineman: James Gardner Jr., Florida A&M
Defensive Lineman: Nick Glenn, Alabama A&M
Linebacker: Reid Pulliam, Jackson State
Linebacker: Ashton Taylor, Jackson State
Linebacker: Malik Stinnett, Bethune-Cookman
Defensive Back: Shamar Hawkins, Jackson State
Defensive Back: Blake Davis, Grambling State
Defensive Back: Herman Brister III, Southern
Defensive Back: Jameel Sanders, Florida A&M

Place Kicker: Trey Glymph, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Punter: Jeremy Ramirez, Texas Southern

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Even though Donald Trump defeated his opponent Hillary Clinton, Gabbard told reporters that Obama and his National Intelligence officials “knowingly lied” in their 2017 intelligence assessment of Russian election collusion.
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By April Ryan
Black Press USA Washington, DC Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent

A packed White House briefing room of reporters heard the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, lay out her claim against former President Barack Obama and his top officials. Gabbard offered that the nation’s first Black president worked to subvert a Trump 2016 presidential win with claims that Russia negatively impacted that presidential election, almost 10 years ago.
Even though Donald Trump defeated his opponent Hillary Clinton, Gabbard told reporters that Obama and his National Intelligence officials “knowingly lied” in their 2017 intelligence assessment of Russian election collusion.
During Gabbard’s speech to the press, familiar names were dropped on the mic like Hillary Clinton, who Gabbard alleged was on “tranquilizers daily.”
During the briefing, several warnings were issued from the podium over this latest Trump administration controversy. Gabbard, wearing all white before the press, concluded her statement by saying, “The implications of this are far-reaching and have to do with the integrity of our Democratic republic.”
President Obama refuted the allegations this week through a press representative, calling it “ridiculous.” However, Gabbard says, “It has to do with an outgoing president, taking action to manufacture intelligence to undermine” Donald Trump.
White House press Secretary Karoline Leavitt weighed in several times during Gabbard’s question and answer period with the White House press. The 27-year-old Leavitt said, “While publicly pretending to engage in a peaceful transfer of power, in private, former President Obama went to great and nefarious lengths to…sabotage his successor President Trump.”
Leavitt went as far as to chastise the press, particularly those who won awards for reporting on the Obama Russian intelligence report. Speaking for the administration,, Leavitt said those winning journalists must be “stripped” of their awards.
And when asked if Friday’s Obama report from the DNI was to help heal her relationship with President Trump, Leavitt said, “The only people who are suggesting that the Director of National Intelligence would release evidence to try to boost her standing with the President are the people in this room who constantly try to sow distrust and chaos amongst the President’s cabinet, and it is not working.”
Leavitt said, “He [President Trump] has the utmost confidence in Director Gabbard. He always has.” That statement stems from the recent rift with Gabbard and President Trump when Gabbard disagreed with the intelligence that Trump received in the lead-up to the US military strikes against Iran.
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Bill Cosby—long regarded as television’s most iconic father figure—shared his thoughts on the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who portrayed Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show
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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
In a wide-ranging and reflective appearance on the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known, Bill Cosby—long regarded as television’s most iconic father figure—shared his thoughts on the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who portrayed Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Warner, 54, reportedly drowned, and his passing has struck a deep chord with generations who grew up watching the groundbreaking series. Speaking with his trademark blend of intellect, personal memory, and cultural clarity, Cosby honored Warner’s legacy while revisiting the impact of The Cosby Show, a series that helped reshape how Black family life was portrayed on television.
“I heard about Malcolm’s drowning,” Cosby said. “And then Pam [Warner’s mother] called me about a day after Malcolm drowned… She picked up the phone. I said, ‘Hello.’ And then I heard a sound… it was weak. She didn’t say a word at first. Then she said, ‘Oh, Bill.’ I did not stay on the phone much longer. That was enough.” Cosby described Warner’s mother, Pamela, as a devoted parent who played a central role in guiding her son’s life and career. “She laughs and she jokes, but she doesn’t play,” Cosby said. “She was very hands-on. And her love for Malcolm was unwavering.”
He also shared that Phylicia Rashad, who played Claire Huxtable, reached out to him following the news of Warner’s death. “There was a call from Claire Huxtable—that is, Phylicia. She made the same call,” Cosby recalled, providing a sense of the emotional toll the loss has taken on the close-knit cast. Cosby explained that the character of Theo was drawn directly from his real-life son, Ennis, and their conversations about education, responsibility, and identity. “Ennis once said, ‘I just want to be regular people,’” Cosby said. “Smoke began to form between both ears.” That real-life experience became one of the most famous on the show— with Cosby’s character telling Warner’s, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
The iconic television star praised Warner’s discipline, intellect, and dedication. “Malcolm was very intelligent, very efficient, and he loved life,” Cosby recalled. “He and Ennis became close friends. We developed Theo’s character together, based on real life.” The conversation expanded beyond individual memories to a larger examination of The Cosby Show’s cultural mission. Cosby spoke in detail about the importance of platforming Black professionals, Black family structure, and historically Black colleges and universities. “We didn’t buy tickets to get here,” Cosby said, referring to the historical journey of Black Americans. “Our ancestors were brought here to work for free. And for Cliff and Claire Huxtable to come from one floor in the South and become a doctor and a lawyer—this was about dignity, about love, and about excellence.”
Cosby, who broke barriers in the 1960s with the television show, “I Spy,” also spoke about education as a life-long pursuit—both in and outside the classroom. He recounted his son’s challenges with dyslexia and how those experiences shaped the show’s themes, particularly in episodes focused on learning styles and academic self-confidence. And he credited Warner for bringing those stories to life on screen with care and truth. “He was free,” Cosby said. “And that tape needs to be heard,” referencing a performance Warner gave with the Minnesota Symphony. “He called me after the concert and said, ‘I did exactly what I wanted to do.’” When asked about the possibility of remakes of classic films like Let’s Do It Again or Uptown Saturday Night, Cosby didn’t hesitate.
“There’s no sense in remaking something just because you liked it,” he said. “Talk about your own life. You’d be surprised how interesting your own life is.” Cosby closed the interview not with sorrow, but with purpose. “This is not to get angry,” he said. “This is to celebrate a man—54 years old, asphyxiated, swept out to sea. His life, and where he wanted to go, should be remembered.” He added, “It’s difficult to work against heaven.” Cosby also acknowledged civil rights legends like Dick Gregory and Rachel Robinson and spoke about why he has always stood with the Black Press. “Dick Gregory told me, always remember the Black Press,” Cosby said. “Take out ads, do the interviews, support them. And I have.”
In one of the most striking moments of the interview, Cosby shared a lesson from his grandmother—an uneducated woman in formal terms, but, as Cosby made clear, a profound thinker. “She asked me, is the glass half full or half empty?” Cosby recalled. “I told her that’s what we were discussing in class. And she said, ‘Well, it depends on if you’re pouring or drinking.’ That’s the kind of wisdom we come from.” He ended the conversation with a charge to everyone: to reflect, to create, and above all, to tell their own stories.
“All you have to do is celebrate,” he insisted. “And do the correct thing.”
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — For one night only, fans can relive Sign O’ The Times in stunning IMAX. On August 28, AMC theaters across the country will host opening night screenings of the iconic 1987 concert film, and attendees will receive a collectible, concert-style ticket.
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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Prince is back—this time in a format as epic as the artist himself.
For one night only, fans can relive Sign O’ The Times in stunning IMAX. On August 28, AMC theaters across the country will host opening night screenings of the iconic 1987 concert film, and attendees will receive a collectible, concert-style ticket. The film’s official IMAX release begins globally on August 29, but early access showings are reserved for those ready to celebrate the Purple One in his full glory. Directed by Prince and originally released in 1987, Sign O’ The Times captures the artist at the height of his creative power—blending jaw-dropping live performances with cinematic storytelling. Thanks to IMAX’s proprietary remastering process, the film has been transformed with precision surround sound, crystal-clear visuals, and immersive theater geometry that puts fans in the middle of the magic.
The re-release features some of Prince’s most unforgettable tracks: the sultry “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” the fiery duet “U Got The Look” with Sheena Easton, and the anthemic title track “Sign O’ The Times,” which speaks to the social and political chaos of its era—lyrics that still resonate today. Prince’s stagecraft, musicianship, and style shine through in every frame. With longtime collaborator Sheila E. and a full band of elite talent, the concert film isn’t just a time capsule—it’s a masterclass in performance and artistry.
Born in Minneapolis on June 7, 1958, Prince Rogers Nelson was a musical prodigy whose work shattered boundaries. After teaching himself to play piano, drums, bass, and guitar as a child, Prince recorded his debut album For You at the age of 20—producing, composing, and performing nearly every part himself. What followed was a run of genre-bending albums from 1980 to 1988 that made Prince a global force. 1999, Purple Rain, Parade, and Sign O’ The Times pushed the limits of pop, funk, soul, rock, and everything in between. His 1984 film Purple Rain became a cultural phenomenon, and in 1987, Prince opened his own creative headquarters: Paisley Park Studios. Prince’s legacy is about more than hits and headlines. He fought publicly for artists’ rights, famously protesting Warner Bros. by changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol. He demanded ownership of his masters—and ultimately won. He also used his platform to address racism, injustice, and freedom in songs like “Dreamer,” “Baltimore,” and “Colonized Mind.”
His 2007 Super Bowl halftime performance—delivered in a downpour—remains the most acclaimed in NFL history. Until his death on April 21, 2016, Prince continued mentoring young musicians, releasing new music, and delivering unforgettable performances. Prince won seven Grammy Awards, an Oscar for Purple Rain, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. In recent years, he received a posthumous doctorate from the University of Minnesota and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Now, with the re-release of Sign O’ The Times in IMAX, a new generation can witness the brilliance, the boldness, and the beauty of Prince in full scope.
For fans who lived it the first time, and for those who never got the chance—this is not just a movie. It’s a reminder of the awe-inspiring greatness of Prince.
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — With Donald Trump’s “Big Ugly” legislation now signed into law, health insurance premiums for millions of Americans are projected to spike in 2026, while critical subsidies for working families are being wiped out.
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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
With Donald Trump’s “Big Ugly” legislation now signed into law, health insurance premiums for millions of Americans are projected to spike in 2026, while critical subsidies for working families are being wiped out.
The law is a direct attack on the working class, the poor, and anyone not shielded by extreme wealth. According to multiple filings reviewed by KFF and the Peterson Center on Healthcare, premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces are poised to jump by a median of 15% nationwide in 2026. More than a quarter of insurance companies are seeking increases of 20% or more. KFF found that, at the center of this spike, is the law’s provision to end enhanced premium tax credits—financial assistance that helped more than 24 million people afford health coverage. Beginning in January 2026, these subsidies will disappear, and individual premium payments will increase by more than 75% on average for those who have been receiving them.
The impact will be especially devastating for low-income Americans. As healthier individuals exit the market due to rising costs, insurers warn that the remaining risk pool will become sicker and more expensive to cover. That’s expected to push gross premiums even higher, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting increases of at least 7.9% beyond the subsidy loss. “The enhanced premium subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025,” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont stated. “We expect that some healthy individuals with lower claims than average will forego health insurance… this will cause the premiums to increase by 6.6 percent”. Tariffs introduced under the new law are compounding the crisis. Trump’s tariffs on imported goods, including pharmaceuticals, are already pushing insurers to raise premiums beyond medical inflation. UnitedHealthcare, Optimum Choice, and other carriers cited the tariffs as justification for rate hikes ranging from 2.2% to 3.6% above their standard increases.
Prescription drugs made up 12% of private health insurance spending in 2023. With costs expected to climb under the new import restrictions, families will shoulder higher bills at the pharmacy and in their premiums. These changes hit vulnerable groups hardest. In 2023, nearly 30% of U.S. adults delayed or skipped medical, mental health, or dental care due to cost. Black and Hispanic adults, uninsured individuals, and people in poor health reported the highest rates of unmet care needs. About 16% of Black adults said they or a family member had trouble paying medical bills. Nearly half of all uninsured adults reported worrying about affording care if they got sick. That concern is now reality.
Insurers across the country are responding with steep rate hikes. Out of 105 ACA insurers reviewed, none proposed cutting premiums for 2026. Last year, at least some insurers lowered rates. The new law has erased that possibility. The United States already spends more per person on health care than any other wealthy nation—$13,432 per person in 2023, nearly twice the average of peer countries. And yet, U.S. residents remain more likely to go into debt for care, avoid treatment due to cost, and face financial ruin from an illness. “The expiration of these federal benefits increases premium costs for individuals and families and is expected to result in more people deciding to forego insurance coverage,” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont warned. “This will shrink the population with coverage and worsen the risk pool, requiring higher premiums for the remaining members”.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Location Last Seen: Ashley was last seen in the 20900 blk of Pinehurst St on January 2,…
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