June 29, 2025

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. This week we will highlight HBCUs that are leading in AI and find out which biopic hits pause on production.

Mississippi HBCUs Receive $9.1M Grant to Boost AI, Jobs, and Innovation

Three Mississippi HBCUs — Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, and Alcorn State University — have been awarded a share of a $9.1 million higher education grant to expand entrepreneurship, job training, and artificial intelligence (AI) education across the state.

🗓️ Announced June 12, 2025 by Governor Tate Reeves, the funding comes through the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP) and will help prepare students and communities for success in the digital economy.

🔍 Key Highlights:

• Jackson State University

• Received $1.3 million for its Executive On Roster (XOR) program

• JSU students will assist small businesses using AI technology

• Focus on real-world tech experiences and entrepreneurship

• Tougaloo College

• Awarded $1.08 million to start an AI Ideas Fund

• Will hire new faculty in AI and machine learning

• Open to students across all majors

• Alcorn State University

• Granted $1.15 million to expand digital literacy and telehealth access

• Will train rural communities in AI and healthcare tech through its School of Nursing

• The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State, and Mississippi College also received funding for tech and workforce initiatives

🌟 Why This Matters:

• Investing in HBCUs = Investing in the Future

These schools are producing the next generation of tech leaders, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs.

• Workforce-Ready Graduates

The programs are designed to ensure students graduate with cutting-edge, job-ready skills in AI and emerging technologies.

• Stronger Communities

From rural healthcare to small business support, this grant puts resources directly into underserved communities. “This isn’t just about classrooms — it’s about careers, communities, and closing the digital divide,” said Jackson State Interim President Dr. Denise Gregory. “We’re building a future where HBCU students lead in AI, healthcare, and innovation.”

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Students in grades 6–10 participated in a dynamic HBCU-style band camp in Alaska from June 11–13, learning music fundamentals and marching techniques from top instructors, including Alabama A&M’s Director of Bands, Carlton Wright. The camp ended with a spirited performance during the Citywide Juneteenth Celebration, blending mentorship, music, and cultural pride.

JetZero is investing $4.7 billion to build a next-generation aviation facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, creating over 14,500 jobs in the largest economic development announcement in state history. North Carolina A&T, the nation’s largest HBCU, is playing a central role by providing engineering talent and launching the state’s first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. This project not only transforms air travel with the innovative Z4 aircraft but also reshapes education and workforce development through strategic partnerships with HBCUs and local colleges.

In honor of Juneteenth, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Savings Collaborative announced a new partnership to launch the National Financial Resilience Program at public HBCUs, aiming to build generational wealth and economic justice. The initiative is informed by research showing that while many HBCU students face financial challenges, they also demonstrate strong commitment to financial stability and long-term success. The program will offer financial education, peer mentorship, career support, and policy advocacy, starting at select campuses before expanding nationwide.

black history in quotes 

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culture

The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, is unlikely to hit theaters before the end of 2025, according to Lionsgate. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Bohemian Rhapsody’s Graham King, the film stars Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the pop icon. The cast also includes Coleman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as attorney John Branca

The film has faced additional delays due to reshoots triggered by legal concerns over a 1993 settlement between Jackson and accuser Jordan Chandler. According to reports, the screenplay initially included dramatizations of the Chandler case, which violates terms of the settlement agreement prohibiting such portrayals. Although inflammatory headlines suggested the production was in trouble, Lionsgate insists the film is still moving forward, with reshoots scheduled and plans to split the project into two parts.

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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