June 8, 2025

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. This week we will highlight the UNCF’s plan for strengthening HBCUs, Xavier University of Louisiana’s generous gift from a basketball legend and a Congresswoman introduces legislation to protect federal funding for land grant colleges and universities.

Together We Lead: A New Era of HBCU Transformation

By Michael L. Lomax, Harry L. Williams and Jim Runcie

Amid growing challenges in higher education—declining enrollment, financial pressure, and rapid technological shifts—Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are charting a new course. Thanks to the HBCU Transformation Project, launched in 2020 by UNCF, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and Ed Advancement, more than 40 HBCUs are strengthening institutional sustainability, improving student success, and modernizing operations. While national college enrollment dropped during this period, participating HBCUs saw a 5.1% increase, proving that with the right investment and support, transformation is both achievable and scalable.

Through shared services, new technology platforms, and enhanced student support systems, the initiative is addressing deep-rooted challenges and building long-term infrastructure for growth. Dr. Michael Lomax and Dr. Harry Williams emphasize the need to move beyond just degrees—students need real pathways to careers, leadership, and advancement. By upgrading outdated systems and equipping schools with the tools to thrive, the Transformation Project is enabling these institutions to better serve their students and communities while aligning with 21st-century workforce demands.

HBCUs contribute $16.5 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support over 136,000 jobs, yet their impact has often been overlooked. The HBCU Transformation Project is changing that narrative, shifting focus from proof-of-concept to proof-of-impact. UNITE 2025, UNCF’s flagship convening, will highlight this progress and call on more investors, policymakers, and global partners to join in. As the transformation gains momentum, the message is clear: strengthening HBCUs is not just about education—it’s a smart, strategic investment in the future of American and global communities.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

NBA legend and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson has pledged $500,000 to Xavier University of Louisiana in honor of President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis, recognizing his 47 years of transformative leadership at the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic university. The announcement came during Xavier’s 100th anniversary celebration, where Johnson praised Dr. Francis for his enduring impact. Known for his post-basketball business success—including ownership stakes in the Washington Commanders, L.A. Dodgers, and L.A. Sparks, as well as numerous restaurant franchises—Johnson continues to give back through the Magic Johnson Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and community empowerment. His donation underscores a deep commitment to HBCUs and to honoring legacy through meaningful investment.

Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, and Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) have introduced the Land-Grant Institution Parity Act, a bill designed to protect federal funding for all land-grant colleges and universities, including the 19 historically Black 1890 Institutions. The legislation follows the USDA’s controversial suspension and later reinstatement of the 1890 National Scholars Program, which supports HBCU students studying agriculture and related sciences. The bill prohibits federal officials from cutting or suspending funding for these institutions without Congressional approval, ensuring greater equity and long-term stability for land-grant HBCUs. Both lawmakers emphasized the importance of fair treatment, with Rep. Figures highlighting disparities under the previous administration and Rep. Adams calling for consistent investment in institutions that have historically done more with less. 

North Carolina A&T, the nation’s largest HBCU, has announced a transformative multi-year partnership with Mielle, a leading textured hair care brand, which includes a $200,000 investment in the university’s nationally ranked track and field programs. As the official textured hair brand of A&T track and field, Mielle will provide annual product donations, educational resources on hair health, and critical funding for training, travel, and equipment—addressing long-standing funding gaps in HBCU athletics. This collaboration, driven by Mielle CEO Monique Rodriguez’s commitment to community reinvestment, reflects a shared mission to empower Black student-athletes through wellness, representation, and opportunity. With a legacy that includes national titles, NCAA honors, and a recent CAA championship under Coach Allen Johnson, the Aggies continue to embody HBCU excellence—now elevated through a partnership that blends culture, performance, and purpose.

black history in quotes 

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culture

Ryan Coogler has become the first Black director to have four films gross over $100 million domestically. His films include: 

Creed (2015) – $109.8 million 

Black Panther (2018) – $700.4 million 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – $453.8 million 

His newest horror film “Sinners” has earned $283.4 million worldwide, including $215.4 million domestically. The film is on track to potentially gross over $300 million worldwide. It has also become the highest-grossing R-rated film released in April. 

This accomplishment places Coogler ahead of other prominent Black directors such as F. Gary Gray, Jordan Peele, and Tim Story, each of whom has directed three films that crossed the $100 million mark domestically. Sinners, a genre-blending vampire thriller set in 1930s Mississippi, stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles. Coogler’s consistent box office success underscores his significant impact on the film industry, particularly in bringing diverse stories to mainstream audiences. 

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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