The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder congratulates staff writer and On the Radar host Damenica Ellis on her graduation from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media, Journalism and Film.
Howard University
Posted inFashion
The future of fashion: Howard and U of M experts decode 2026 trends
Two fashion professors from Howard University and the University of Minnesota break down the clothing trends defining 2026, from bold graphic prints and jellies to elevated athleisure, the messy girl aesthetic and a growing push for sustainability.
Posted inOdds and Ends
HBCUs still fighting for respect in March
HBCUs made the 2026 NCAA Tournament field in historic numbers for the first time since 1994, with five programs earning wins and sparking a conversation about long-overdue recognition.
Posted inBlack History
Meet Charlotte Ray, first licensed African American woman lawyer
Charlotte Ray became the first Black woman licensed to practice law in the United States after overcoming racism and sexism in the 19th century.
Posted inCommunity Voices
Why are Black men disappearing from HBCUs?
Black men are disappearing from historically Black colleges and universities, which is a systemic issue that starts with traditional schooling and is exacerbated by structural, societal, and peer influences.
Posted inEducation
Why Free Tuition Alone Won’t Get Black Students Into Harvard
Elite colleges such as Harvard University are expanding access to their institutions, but the barriers for Black youth begin long before the Common App, with systemic inequality and wealth disparities making it difficult for them to compete.
Posted inAnother View
Do complex NCAA selection criteria disadvantage HBCUs?
The NCAA’s NET ratings have made it difficult for HBCUs to advance past the first round of the NCAA tournament, but coaches such as Kevin Blakeney and Tim Eatman are pushing for more teams to be selected.
Posted inSports
Administrator athlete enjoys best of both worlds at St. Thomas
Amy Olson-Cooper, a former multi-sport athlete and lupus survivor, has made history in athletic administration, receiving the 2025 Wilma Rudolph Courage Award for her efforts in ensuring opportunities for girls and women in sports, and is now the only Black female in senior athletic administration at St. Thomas University.
Posted inBlack History
Pioneers in Chemistry: The Legacy of Mary Elliott Hill and St. Elmo Brady
Mary Elliott Hill and St. Elmo Brady were pioneers in chemistry who broke barriers and made significant contributions to their field, becoming the first Black women and PhD chemists in the United States.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
Howard University men’s and women’s basketball teams continue winning streaks
The Howard University basketball teams are on a roll, with the women’s team extending their win streak to three and the men’s team ending a five-game losing streak, both improving their overall records and earning MEAC weekly honors.
Posted inOpinion
New Howard law prof among deadly air collision victims
Kiah Duggins, who was set to begin her tenure as a professor at Howard University School of Law in the fall, tragically lost her life in the mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan International Airport.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
Howard freshman guard on a historic roll
Blake Harper earned his 12th straight MEAC Rookie of the Week honor, averaging 14 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in two games last week, while fellow Howard player Joshua Strong was voted team co-captains this season.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
TSU’s Playoff Return Under Eddie George and Ty Grace’s Rising Legacy at Howard
Tennessee State clinched a share of the Big South football Championship, and head coach Eddie George has received a four-year contract extension, while Howard University head women’s basketball coach Ty Grace has also received a four-year contract extension.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
Fighting in Black college FB is not alright
The MEAC and SWAC conferences have issued suspensions and fines to players and coaches involved in post-game incidents, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
Howard Bison Shine: NEC Titles, Player Honors, and Milestones
Brent Leiba of Howard University achieved a historic trifecta in a remarkable season, leading the team to its first NEC regular season crown, winning the league tournament, and reaching the NCAAs for the fourth time.
Posted inSports
Howard soccer
Howard University’s 1974 soccer team, the only NCAA team to go undefeated, was honored 50 years later with induction into the school’s athletics hall of fame and a special dinner.
Posted inNews
New funding for HBCU ‘educational powerhouses’
The Biden-Harris administration has committed a record $17 billion in federal investments to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) since FY 2021, providing unprecedented support to these institutions that produce a significant percentage of Black professionals in critical fields.
Posted inSports
Twins expand relationships with HBCUs to provide opportunities for students
The Twins organization is expanding its relationships with HBCUs to provide summer internships and opportunities for students to make a career in sport.
Posted inSports
Black college volleyball competes at national level
Howard University’s volleyball team, led by Coach Shaun Kupferberg, has become one of the top teams in the MEAC conference.
Posted inArts + Culture
Howard University revokes Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ honorary degree as mogul’s legal troubles grow
Howard University has revoked the honorary degree awarded to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in 2014 due to allegations of abuse.