December 22, 2024

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. We will highlight trailblazer’s in action: A’Ja Wilson makes basketball history, HBCUs lead in AI innovation and Tyler Perry champions healing through therapy.

A’ja Wilson Makes History On and Off the Court

By Lisa Tinsley

WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson continues to solidify her legacy as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball. Since being drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, Wilson has led her team to back-to-back national championships and earned multiple MVP awards, including one in 2024. This year, she made history as the first player to score 1,000 points in a single WNBA season, a milestone she described as “surreal” and a testament to living her dream.

Wilson’s impact extends beyond the court, as she becomes a trailblazer in the world of athletic endorsements. After signing with Nike as a rookie, she has now joined an elite roster of athletes, launching her own signature shoe collection set to debut in 2025. “From my logo to the design, every detail reflects my game and style,” Wilson shared, highlighting her creative collaboration with the iconic brand.

Capping off an extraordinary year, Wilson signed a six-year contract extension with Nike, reportedly one of the most lucrative shoe deals in women’s basketball history. The deal underscores her influence in sports and culture, with Wilson calling the partnership “top-tier blessings.” Whether breaking records on the court or elevating the game off the court, Wilson is shaping the future of women’s basketball.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Coppin State University has launched the “Live Near Your Work” program, offering grants starting at $50,000 to help full-time employees purchase homes near campus and revitalize West Baltimore neighborhoods. Eligible staff can receive up to $90,000 in combined assistance for down payments and closing costs, with special support for first-time homebuyers. University President Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins called the initiative a transformative effort to support employees, foster homeownership, and strengthen the West Baltimore community.

Registration is now open for the inaugural HBCU AI Conference and Training Summit, taking place April 1–3, 2025, at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. The event will bring together AI researchers, educators, students, and industry leaders to explore inclusive pathways in artificial intelligence through workshops, networking, and discussions. Under the theme “Lead Future of AI,” the summit aims to empower underrepresented communities.

Southern University at New Orleans has launched Louisiana’s first bachelor’s degree in data science, designed to equip students with practical, in-demand skills for data-driven careers across industries. The program features flexible online and hybrid learning options, open educational resources to reduce costs, and strategic partnerships offering internships and workforce alignment in key sectors like healthcare and IT. By fostering innovation and championing diversity, SUNO aims to empower students, particularly adult learners and underrepresented minorities, to become trailblazers in the evolving tech landscape.

black history in quotes 

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culture

Tyler Perry recently revealed on The View that he started therapy at 54, inspired by co-host Joy Behar’s suggestion during a previous interview. Perry shared how therapy has helped him process the trauma and pain from his past, calling it the “freest, best part” of his life. He emphasized the importance of finding the right therapist, noting how it transformed his healing journey. Perry’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of therapy, particularly for Black men working to overcome generational trauma.

Our editor, Lisa D.Tinsley, would like to thank you for spending part of your day with KISA News Radio.

See you next Sunday.

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