February 8, 2026

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter.

This week’s stories spotlight highlights powerful stories shaping Black excellence across culture, education, activism, and innovation. From NASA Astronaut Victor Glover to Howard University students leading social justice movements, these stories showcase leadership and impact across generations.

NASA Astronaut Victor J. Glover — Breaking Barriers in Space Exploration

NASA astronaut Victor J. Glover is helping shape the future of space exploration while inspiring a new generation to dream bigger. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013, Glover has quickly become one of the agency’s most notable space pioneers, known for his leadership, scientific contributions, and historic achievements in orbit and beyond.

Glover first gained global recognition when he served as pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission — the first operational crewed flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). During that mission, he spent about 168 days in space, helping conduct scientific research, technology experiments, and performing spacewalks that supported the station’s operations and future exploration goals.

His time aboard the ISS marked a historic milestone. Glover became the first Black astronaut to live on the space station for a long-duration mission, a breakthrough moment that expanded representation in human spaceflight and highlighted the importance of diversity in science and technology fields.

Today, Glover continues pushing boundaries. He is assigned as the pilot of NASA’s Artemis II mission — a groundbreaking mission designed to send astronauts around the Moon, helping pave the way for future human exploration of deep space and eventual missions to Mars.

Before joining NASA, Glover built an impressive career in aviation and military service. As a U.S. Navy captain and test pilot, he logged thousands of flight hours across dozens of aircraft and flew combat missions, experiences that helped prepare him for the demands of space travel.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Glover is recognized for his commitment to education and mentorship. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of STEM education and often encourages young people — especially those from underrepresented communities — to pursue careers in science, engineering, and aviation.

As NASA prepares for humanity’s next era of lunar exploration, Victor J. Glover stands as a symbol of progress, perseverance, and possibility — proving that space exploration belongs to everyone.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recently showed support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities by wearing Florida A&M-inspired Nike LeBron 23 sneakers during a win against the Brooklyn Nets. The player-edition shoes highlight his ongoing partnership with Florida A&M, which began in 2021 when Nike and James signed a six-year deal with the university. The collaboration outfits all of FAMU’s athletic programs and its famous Marching 100 band in LeBron-branded apparel and gear. James’ public support continues to bring national attention and visibility to HBCUs through sports and culture.

A group of Buddhist monks traveling on a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” recently visited two Virginia HBCUs, turning campus spaces into hubs for reflection, dialogue, and community healing. The monks stopped at institutions including Virginia State University and Virginia Union University as part of their nationwide journey promoting unity and compassion. The pilgrimage began in Texas and is expected to conclude in Washington, D.C., while drawing community support and engagement along the way. Organizers say the walk aims to inspire mindfulness and encourage conversations about peace across diverse communities.

Howard University students organized a large anti-ICE march through Washington, D.C., bringing together hundreds of demonstrators calling attention to immigration enforcement policies and their impact on communities. The student-led protest included a campus walkout before participants marched through the city, urging changes to federal immigration practices and expressing solidarity with immigrant families. Organizers said the demonstration was designed to amplify youth voices and encourage civic engagement among students and neighboring universities. The march also connected to broader nationwide protests focused on immigration enforcement and calls for policy reform.

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culture

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture recently opened a new exhibition titled “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs,” highlighting the cultural, educational, and historical impact of historically Black colleges and universities. The exhibit, which opened to the public on January 16, showcases collections from five institutions — Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University — and emphasizes how these schools have served as pioneers in preserving African American history and culture. Curators developed the exhibition over roughly four years, working closely with partner universities and the HBCU History and Culture Access Consortium, a multi-year initiative launched in 2021 to strengthen HBCU archives and ensure their contributions are recognized nationally. The exhibit was designed to demonstrate how HBCUs have historically safeguarded important artifacts, artwork, archival papers, and records documenting Black scholarship, student activism, and artistic innovation, highlighting their long-standing role as leaders in documenting the Black experience in America.

The exhibition features more than 100 historical objects, including rare books, scientific journals, multimedia displays, archival photography, and works from notable Black artists, offering visitors a deeper look into the intellectual and cultural legacy cultivated on HBCU campuses. Curators noted that many of these materials were preserved through the intentional work of HBCU librarians, archivists, and faculty members who protected these records despite limited funding and institutional support. Organized around themes such as academic advancement, student activism, and artistic expression, the exhibit also highlights HBCUs’ influence in major social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement and Black student organizing efforts. The exhibit will remain on display in Washington, D.C., through July 19, 2026, before beginning a national tour scheduled to travel to multiple cities through 2029.

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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