ConsultEd

04/02/2026

Congrats on Artemis II.

Congratulations to Brother Victor Glover ahead of the historic launch of Artemis II on April 1st. As part of NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, he continues to break barriers in space exploration, STEM, aerospace leadership, and service beyond Earth! 🚀 Our prayers for a safe launch and return.

04/02/2026

They did some good.

In 1969, the Black Panther Party launched what would become one of the most impactful community programs in American history, the Free Breakfast for Children Program. What began in Oakland, California quickly spread to cities across the United States, providing free, nutritious meals to thousands of children before they went to school each day. At a time when many families faced economic hardship and limited access to basic resources, this initiative addressed a critical need that had largely been ignored.

The program was built on a simple but powerful idea. Children cannot learn effectively if they are hungry. By ensuring that students started their day with a proper meal, the Panthers were not only feeding bodies but also supporting education, focus, and long term development. Volunteers prepared and served food in churches, community centers, and local spaces, often relying on donations and community support to keep the program running.

The success and visibility of the program drew national attention. It demonstrated how grassroots organizing could directly improve lives and highlighted gaps in government support systems. In response, federal authorities began to take notice. The FBI identified the program as influential because it strengthened community trust and engagement with the Black Panther Party. In several cities, local law enforcement disrupted these efforts through raids, inspections, and other forms of interference aimed at shutting the programs down.

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04/01/2026

Aging well!

Born in 1832, Jonathan the tortoise turned 193 today. Yes… 193. This dude is literally the oldest land animal alive. He survived 2 world wars, outlived 40 U.S. presidents, 8 British monarchs, and probably watched more drama on Earth than all of us combined.

He can’t see and smell anymore, but he still recognizes his caretakers just by voice and touch like a wise old gangster. Think about this: Jonathan was alive before the lightbulb existed… and there is a high chance he might still be here AFTER some of us are gone. Happy birthday legend... keep confusing time, history, and all of us… and may you live many more years!

More images/info: https://hja.li/8rpa

03/28/2026

Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, made a significant philanthropic move in 2025 by pledging $50 million to four Atlanta-based historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College. This donation, aimed at closing the financial gap for students nearing graduation, focuses on providing essential gap scholarships to those struggling with tuition costs in their final years.

Blank's commitment is poised to benefit thousands of students, helping them overcome financial barriers that often prevent them from walking across the stage at graduation. The donation, which marks one of the largest scholarship gifts to Georgia’s HBCUs, reflects Blank's longstanding dedication to education and community upliftment. His generous gesture serves as a reminder of the powerful role that philanthropy can play in breaking down systemic inequalities and creating lasting opportunities for underserved communities. Through his vision, Blank is paving the way for a more inclusive future for students in Atlanta’s historic institutions.

03/14/2026

The he Black and Third World Student Science Association became the Benjamin Banneker Society at Long Island University in the 1960’s during the time I was president of the Black Student Association, SOBU, Student Organization for Black Unity.

On March 12, 1791, Benjamin Banneker began working alongside Pierre Charles L'Enfant on the early survey and planning of Washington, D.C., helping to lay the groundwork for the future capital of the United States.

Benjamin Banneker was born in 1731 in Maryland to a free Black family. Largely self-taught, he developed a deep interest in mathematics, astronomy, and science. Despite having limited access to formal education, Banneker became known for his remarkable intellect and scientific skill.

One of his earliest achievements came when he constructed a wooden clock entirely by hand after studying the inner workings of a pocket watch. The clock reportedly kept accurate time for decades, earning him recognition for his mechanical and mathematical abilities.

In 1791, Banneker joined the surveying team tasked with helping define the boundaries of the new federal capital. Working with Major Andrew Ellicott, he used his knowledge of astronomy and mathematics to assist in surveying the land that would become Washington, D.C. His astronomical observations were especially useful in establishing precise measurements and boundaries.

Beyond surveying, Banneker was also known for publishing a series of almanacs between 1792 and 1797. These almanacs included astronomical calculations, weather predictions, and other scientific information, demonstrating his advanced knowledge of the natural sciences.

In 1791, Banneker also wrote a famous letter to Thomas Jefferson, challenging the contradictions between the ideals of liberty expressed in the United States Declaration of Independence and the continued existence of slavery. Jefferson responded respectfully and even shared Banneker’s work with scientific institutions in Europe.

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03/14/2026

Yardbird!

On March 12, 1955, legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker passed away at the age of just 34. One of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz, Parker died in his suite at the Stanhope Hotel while watching The Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show on television.

Known by the nickname “Bird” or “Yardbird,” Parker was a pioneering figure in the development of bebop, a revolutionary style of jazz that transformed the genre in the 1940s. With his rapid tempos, complex harmonies, and improvisational brilliance, Parker helped reshape modern music and influence generations of musicians across jazz and beyond.

Born in Kansas City in 1920, Parker began playing the saxophone at a young age and quickly developed into one of the most innovative performers of his era. Alongside fellow jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Parker pushed the boundaries of traditional swing music and introduced new musical ideas that would define modern jazz.

Despite his extraordinary talent, Parker struggled with addiction and health problems throughout his life. Yet his musical genius remained undeniable. His recordings, including classics like Ko-Ko, Ornithology, and Now’s the Time, are still studied and celebrated by musicians today.

Although he died young, Charlie Parker’s influence on music is immeasurable. His groundbreaking style helped lay the foundation for modern jazz and inspired countless artists who followed.

03/14/2026

I would have loved to be part of the conversation.

In this rare moment of ease and laughter, legendary singer Nina Simone is seen spending time with her close friend, writer and intellectual James Baldwin.

Both were towering voices of the 20th century — artists whose work spoke powerfully about race, identity, freedom, and the Black experience in America. Simone used her music as a form of protest and truth-telling, performing songs like Mississippi Goddam and Four Women, which challenged injustice and demanded change. Baldwin, through his essays, novels, and speeches, confronted America with its deepest contradictions about race and democracy.

Their friendship was rooted in shared purpose. They were not only artists but also witnesses to their time, deeply engaged in the Civil Rights Movement and the global struggle for human dignity. Baldwin admired Simone’s fearless honesty, while Simone respected Baldwin’s ability to articulate the pain and complexity of Black life with unmatched clarity.

Moments like this photograph reveal another side of these two icons — not only as public figures and cultural critics, but as friends. In between the speeches, performances, and political battles, there were conversations, laughter, and mutual encouragement.

Together, Nina Simone and James Baldwin helped shape the intellectual and cultural language of the Civil Rights era. Their work continues to inspire new generations to question injustice, defend dignity, and speak truth without apology.

02/07/2026

It was a wonderful international ceremony with a Black woman at the forefront.

I just came here to say that our beloved Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics has been picked as the US flag bearer for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Let's gooooooo! Clap it up!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
We See You Sis! 🫶🏿

12/23/2025

Obama Foundation

The American story is told more completely, our history is known more fully, and our understanding of the experiences of Black women is richer because of Betty Reid Soskin. A mother, businesswoman, federal worker — and the nation’s oldest National Park Ranger when she retired at 100 years old — Reid Soskin dedicated her life to making sure stories that might otherwise go untold were lifted up.

She embodied trailblazing service. With poise and grace, she contributed meaningfully to the development of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. There, she shared memories of sorting index cards for the war effort because racial discrimination kept her from doing the shipbuilding she’d aspired to. In addition to telling her own stories, also ensured the stories of countless people of color who faced discrimination at home during the war were added to our collective understanding of that time.

We are grateful for her service to all Americans.