March 1, 2026

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter.

This week’s stories highlight the impact of how a HBCU educational environment may contribute to long-term brain health, Chicago being named as the host city for a yearly baseball classic and Octavia Spencer speaks up about her health.

Study Finds HBCU Attendance May Be Linked to Lower Dementia Risk Later in Life

A new Rutgers University study highlights that attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU) may be linked to better cognitive performance and lower dementia risk decades later among Black adults. Researchers, including Min Hee Kim from the Rutgers School of Nursing, analyzed data comparing older Black adults who attended HBCUs with those who attended predominantly white institutions, finding stronger memory and language performance in the HBCU group.  

Published in JAMA Network Open, the research is believed to be the first large national cohort study to explore how the educational environment—beyond just years of schooling—shapes cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease risk. The findings suggest that unique institutional and social conditions at HBCUs, such as cultural affirmation, support, and reduced exposure to discrimination, may contribute to long-term brain health.  

Researchers emphasize that dementia risk is influenced by experiences across the lifespan, and that supportive, affirming educational environments may help build resilience against cognitive decline. These insights point to the broader importance of addressing systemic inequities in education as part of efforts to promote health equity and positive aging outcomes. 

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Wrigley Field will make history on May 2 as it hosts the first-ever Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic, featuring Prairie View A&M University versus Alabama A&M University, inspired by the tradition of HBCU football classics. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the matchup a milestone moment for the city and the future of baseball. The game carries special meaning because Wrigley Field is the only existing Major League ballpark where Jackie Robinson once played—linking this new chapter of HBCU excellence to the enduring legacy of Black baseball history.

The nonprofit 15 White Coats is bringing its national HBCU Tethered Tour — designed to inspire and support underrepresented students pursuing medical careers with storytelling, mentorship, scholarships, and resources — to Spelman College. The tour, part of a multi-city effort powered by Genentech, aims to connect pre-med and STEM students with physicians and guidance on pathways into medicine. This visit is part of a broader initiative to empower future doctors and diversify the healthcare profession by engaging students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

Meharry Medical College is expanding its reach beyond its Nashville campus by sending clinics and mobile health units into rural Tennessee to provide much-needed dental and medical care to underserved communities facing a shortage of providers. This outreach, led by faculty including Dr. Julie Gray, offers services like cleanings, fillings, extractions and dentures while also giving students real-world experience treating patients in areas with limited access to oral health care. The initiative aims not only to meet immediate dental needs but also to build trust and improve overall health outcomes in rural regions that have long struggled with health care deserts.  

black history in quotes 

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culture

Octavia Spencer recently shared how prioritizing her health, including managing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, has shaped her wellness journey as she continues to work on meaningful creative projects that uplift diverse stories. She wants to educate others about the importance of mental and physical well-being and how aging has made health awareness an even bigger focus in both her personal life and professional outlook.  

In addition to her ongoing producing work, Spencer highlighted her participation in a major Super Bowl ad campaign that uses humor and star power to raise awareness about preventive health care and kidney screening. By teaming with others on this high-profile platform, she aims to make health information more accessible and encourage people to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.  

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

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