In April 2026, representatives of African-descended communities from around the world gathered at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, for the Fifth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. The official theme was “Expanding the human rights of people of African descent under the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.” From April 14–17, discussions addressed reparatory justice, cultural heritage, the human rights

When disaster strikes a community, surviving the storm is only the beginning. What happens in the days, weeks and years afterward can be just as important. Who gets electricity restored? Who can afford to replace spoiled food? Which businesses survive? Who receives assistance? And which families have enough resources to remain stable until normal life returns? Those questions have become painfully real in Gary, Indiana. On August 11, 2026, severe storms tore through northwest

A BLXCR Community Business Spotlight Sometimes entrepreneurship begins with a simple decision: believe in your ability, take a chance on yourself, and turn a talent into something tangible. Inside Iverson Mall in Temple Hills, Maryland, BLXCR had an opportunity to speak with Brother Antoine, owner and chef of Pro Cakes, a local business celebrating a decade of serving customers throughout the community. Brother Antoine said Pro Cakes has been going strong since 2016. Reaching

Sometimes improving our health doesn't begin inside a gym. It can begin with a pair of walking shoes, an open conversation, and brothers willing to make time for one another. I had the opportunity to spend time with Brother Hawk, Brother Smitty, Brother Jamie, and other loving brothers during their Hour of Power. What I witnessed was simple but meaningful: men getting active while creating room for conversations that don't always happen in everyday life. As we walked, the sub

The story of Black farmers in America cannot begin in 2026. To understand why the concerns raised by National Black Farmers Association President John Boyd Jr. deserve our attention, we have to understand the history that brought us here. For generations, Black people provided labor that helped build America’s economic foundation. During the brutal institution of slavery, enslaved Africans and their descendants worked agricultural land and produced valuable commodities—includ

CREWS brings residents, organizers, faith leaders and community partners together for service, recognition and a vision for transformation BLXCR Community Report “Something good can come out of Ward 8.” Those words captured the spirit of a tenant appreciation gathering at the Vista, where residents, seniors, children, organizers, volunteers and community partners came together with CREWS — Communities Respecting Everyone’s Will to Survive. Brother Edward Tate Addressing The C

BLXCR Community Tribute | August 16, 2026 Some stories are difficult to write because, somewhere along the journey, the people you are watching no longer feel like strangers. For those who followed Nathan and his mother, Sister Sherri, known across social media as Purple Gaia, that feeling became very real. She lovingly called her son “Nate Dawg.” Through videos, photographs, music, laughter, dance battles, difficult days and beautiful moments, they allowed people around the

A BLXCR Tribute There are champions remembered for the trophies they won, the medals they wore, and the opponents they defeated. Then there are those whose greatest victories cannot be placed inside a trophy case. Grandmaster Albert Cheeks was both. BLXCR extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, students, and all those whose lives were touched by Grandmaster Albert Cheeks. His passing represents the loss of a respected martial artist, teacher, spiritual leader,

Sometimes changing your life means being willing to leave what is familiar and step into something completely different. For Sister AlQamar, that step took her thousands of miles from the United States to Tanzania, where what began as a major transition has now become home. After living there for two years, Sister Al Qamar describes the experience as spiritual, peaceful, and life-changing. But her story isn't about telling everybody in America to pack their bags and move to A

Brother Edward Tate on healing, unity, ownership, and the work required to rebuild our communities. A BLXCR Exclusive There are interviews where you learn about an organization, and then there are interviews where you begin to understand the heart of the person behind the work. Our conversation with Brother Edward Tate was one of those moments. For years, Brother Edward has poured his time, energy, and spirit into community service, including his work through Message in the

By BLXCR Staff Every community has people whose stories deserve to be heard—not because they lived perfect lives, but because they found the strength to rise after life knocked them down. Their experiences become more than personal memories; they become roadmaps for others who are still searching for hope. When Sister Petergay sat down with BLXCR, she did not come seeking sympathy or attempting to rewrite history. She came with a testimony. Throughout our conversation, she sp

A death in Mississippi has reopened painful memories—and renewed an important conversation about transparency, accountability, and public confidence. Every family deserves answers when a loved one dies under unexplained or troubling circumstances. For the family of 29-year-old Sister Tasia Fortune, that search for answers became part of their grief after she was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant home in Jackson, Mississippi. Authorities have confirmed that Sister Fort

Every generation reaches a moment when ordinary people begin asking extraordinary questions. Are our elected leaders truly serving the public, or have they become too dependent on the interests of those with the deepest pockets? Are our tax dollars improving our neighborhoods, schools, healthcare, and infrastructure, or are everyday Americans carrying more of the burden while receiving less in return? To many observers, the recent Democratic primary victory of Dr. Abdul El-Sa

Some stories deserve more attention because they remind us that faith, perseverance, and vision can overcome even the greatest obstacles. At BLXCR, we believe these are the stories that strengthen communities, inspire future generations, and restore hope where it is often in short supply. Sister Adenah Bayoh’s life is one of those stories. As a young child, Sister Bayoh fled the civil war in Liberia with her family in search of safety and a better future. Like so many immigra

Health Is Not an Expense—It's an Investment We live in a world where people will spend thousands of dollars on vehicles, vacations, electronics, and entertainment without hesitation. Yet when it comes to investing in their health, many people begin asking, "Is it worth it?" The truth is, there is no greater investment than the one you make in your own body. Every dream you have, every goal you pursue, and every person who depends on you relies on one thing—you being healthy e

One of the most common conversations we hear today is that the community needs to come together. We hear it from leaders, social media influencers, religious institutions, and everyday people who genuinely want to see positive change. While that statement carries truth, perhaps we've been starting the conversation in the wrong place. Before we ask an entire community to unite around economics, business, and ownership, maybe we should begin with something much smaller but far

By BLXCR Editorial Staff There are moments in history that deserve reflection long after the headlines fade. The COVID-19 pandemic is one of those moments. It altered the lives of billions of people around the world. Families mourned loved ones, businesses closed, schools were disrupted, and communities experienced uncertainty unlike anything seen in generations. During that time, Americans looked to elected officials, scientists, physicians, and public health agencies for gu

A Healthy Discussion About Education, Presentation and Institutional Pride Tuskegee University has sparked an important national conversation after updating its student dress code for the 2026–2027 academic year. Under the updated policy, bonnets, durags, bedroom slippers and excessively revealing clothing are prohibited in classrooms, dining facilities and certain official university spaces. University President Dr. Mark A. Brown said the changes are intended to help prepare

The answer to displacement is not simply resistance—it is ownership, organization, business development, and rebuilding. By BLXCR | One Village, One Fight There is an uncomfortable conversation that communities across America need to have. Gentrification may be the biggest gangster on the block. Not because every person moving into a changing neighborhood is an enemy, and certainly not because improving neighborhoods is wrong. The deeper issue is what happens when longtime re

A BLXCR Special Report There are some stories that require us to do more than simply report what happened. They require us to study. They require us to understand history. And most importantly, they require us to know the difference between asking responsible questions and creating conclusions before the evidence is complete. The death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells is one of those stories. Brother Nolan was a young Black man, a promising athlete, a son and a loved one who