February 23, 2025

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. This week we dive into Nat King Cole’s timeless legacy and give you everything you need to know about a new soap opera that includes wealth, power and secrets that could destroy everything for one family.

Nat King Cole’s Role In The Civil Rights Movement

By Donna M. Cox

Six decades after his passing, Nat King Cole remains one of the most celebrated musicians in history. His smooth baritone voice, impeccable piano skills, and magnetic charisma secured him international fame, transcending generational and racial boundaries. As one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Cole’s impact went beyond music—he was a quiet yet firm advocate for social justice. While he never publicly labeled himself an activist, his mere presence in the mainstream entertainment industry during an era of rigid segregation challenged societal norms. Beneath his polished public persona was a man deeply committed to confronting racism and advocating for equality in ways that were both overt and subtle. His story is one of resilience, artistry, and a determination to carve out a space for Black excellence in an industry and society that sought to limit it.

While Cole’s music was not overtly political, his success as a Black artist in a white-dominated industry was itself a statement. In a time when African Americans were largely relegated to subordinate roles in entertainment, Cole presented an image of dignity, elegance, and refinement. His impeccable diction, tailored suits, and sophisticated stage presence countered the stereotypes that sought to dehumanize Black people in popular media. His presence on national television was particularly significant, as he was the first African American to host a network television show, The Nat King Cole Show, in 1956. Despite its groundbreaking nature, the show struggled to secure sponsors due to racial prejudice, leading to its cancellation after just one season. Nevertheless, its existence marked a pivotal moment in the fight for Black representation in media. Cole was also no stranger to personal racism—when he purchased a home in Hancock Park, an affluent white neighborhood in Los Angeles, in 1948, he faced hostility from the local homeowners association and endured threats. Rather than backing down, he stood his ground, proving that Black success would not be confined to the margins.

Though Cole did not identify as an activist, he engaged in forms of quiet resistance that disrupted systemic racism in meaningful ways. In Las Vegas, where he frequently performed, he was often denied access to the very hotels and restaurants that showcased his talent. On one occasion at the Sands Hotel, he refused to perform when the maitre d’ attempted to deny service to his Black bandmates, forcing the establishment to change its discriminatory policies. Beyond his personal experiences, Cole supported the Civil Rights Movement financially and through performances at benefit concerts for the NAACP. His most direct political statement came in 1956 when he recorded We Are Americans Too, a song demanding recognition of Black Americans as equal citizens. Though the song did not achieve commercial success, its message was powerful, underscoring the hypocrisy of a nation that preached democracy while denying full rights to Black citizens. Cole’s life and career exemplify the quiet yet profound ways Black artists have historically used their platforms to challenge injustice. His legacy remains not just in his timeless music but in his quiet defiance against racial inequality, making him a vital figure in the ongoing struggle for justice and representation.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Albany State University’s University College recently opened its doors to acclaimed hip-hop journalist and chess historian Adisa Banjoko. Banjoko led two enriching events to highlight the intersections of chess, critical thinking, and self-representation.  The hands-on workshop delved into chess’s strategic and analytical elements. Participants strengthened their critical thinking abilities through gameplay, engaged in conversations and fostered relationships among staff, faculty, and peers. With this interactive style, students learned about chess and how these methods may be applied to their academic adventures.

Fayetteville State University has embarked on a groundbreaking journey toward educational enhancement. On February 12th, the school signed an Education Partnership Agreement with Fort Bragg and the XVIII Airborne Corps. This agreement, set against the backdrop of FSU’s Center for Defense and Homeland Security, highlights the two institutions’ shared dedication to promoting education and innovation in fields vital to national security. It also cements the long-lasting partnership between the university and the military installation.    

“When we began in 2021, we set out to be more than the closest four-year public university to XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg. We wanted a relationship that had less to do with proximity and more to do with intentionality,” said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. “Today, Fayetteville State University boasts one of the largest percentages of military-affiliated student populations in the state and nation at 33% while also one of the few non-military institutions in the nation to offer four-year tuition-free scholarships to military-affiliated students.”

Lincoln University has announced that finance student Travis Primrose has been awarded the Denny’s and Getty Images Hungry for Education Stipend, a $500 grant designed to support HBCU students and aid in the digitization of historic archives. As a dedicated contributor to Lincoln University’s Special Collections & Archives, Primrose has played a vital role in preserving the institution’s legacy by digitizing photographs that highlight Black excellence, including images of historical protests and distinguished alumni like Langston Hughes and Kwame Nkrumah. 

Library director Tiffany Davis praised Primrose’s meticulous work, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding the university’s history for future generations. Expressing his gratitude, Primrose shared that working with these images deepened his connection to Lincoln’s rich past, providing him with a profound sense of community and appreciation for the institution’s historical impact.

black history in quotes 

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culture

Nestled in a wealthy Maryland suburb just outside Washington, D.C., Beyond the Gates unfolds in one of the most affluent African American counties in the country. The heart of this prestigious, gated community is defined by winding, tree-lined streets, opulent mansions, and an air of exclusivity. At its center stands the Dupree family, a multi-generational powerhouse that epitomizes Black excellence and prestige. However, beneath the polished exteriors and manicured gardens, secrets lurk, and scandals simmer, threatening to disrupt the façade of perfection. While those within the gates enjoy their lavish lifestyles, outsiders observe closely, yearning for access to a world where wealth and influence dictate the rules. This series delves into the lives of the powerful and the aspiring, exploring love, ambition, and the complexities of navigating privilege.

Developed and produced by CBS Studios in collaboration with the NAACP Venture, Beyond the Gates is a groundbreaking addition to the daytime television landscape. Sheila Ducksworth leads the production alongside P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble, ensuring the show’s vision aligns with its mission to amplify Black narratives in mainstream media. With a storyline rich in drama, intrigue, and cultural significance, the series captures the intersection of power and identity within an elite Black community. Viewers will witness the triumphs and betrayals that unfold behind these exclusive walls, challenging notions of success and belonging.

Marking a historic milestone in television, Beyond the Gates is the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap opera and the first new daytime drama to debut since Passions in 1999. This achievement signals a shift in representation, bringing a fresh and compelling perspective to a genre long dominated by predominantly white narratives. With its dynamic characters and high-stakes storytelling, Beyond the Gates promises to captivate audiences while redefining what it means to “make it” in a world where privilege comes at a cost. As the drama unfolds, the show invites viewers to step inside the gates and witness the complexities of power, family, and ambition like never before.

Beyond the Gates begins airing on Monday, February 24th at 2:00 pm EST/ 1:00 pm PST.

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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