For Olanda Fontin, things are starting to look up. The 31-year-old recently obtained a work permit and is starting a new job as a homemaker — she is on her way to securing a better life for herself and her family.

Student protests over deadly Israeli military strikes in Gaza have roiled college campuses across America, resulting in fierce debates over free speech, the right to assemble and the responsibility of college administrators to ensure the safety of all its students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community.

Emerson University sophomore Juwaria Jama was aware of the risks confronting students demonstrating against Israel’s lethal campaign in Gaza with the arrests of students at Columbia, University of Texas and Ohio fresh in activists’ minds.

In a life dedicated to teaching, writing and organizing as a behind-the-scenes political strategist, Bill Strickland had an outsized presence that belied his soft-spoken, even-tempered nature.

Last week’s draft marked a historic moment in the National Football League. Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels — both winners of the coveted Heisman Trophy — became the first Black quarterbacks to be selected as the top two picks in pro football history.

Ensuring a safe, positive birthing experience for black women: Health information brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Dressing up is steeped both in fantasy and reality. Children dress up as cops and queens and bring their fantasy selves to life with badges and tiaras. In adulthood, sartorial choices tend to be less about play and become more pragmatic.

This is the 19th interview in a weekly series presenting highlights of conversations between leading Black visual artists in New England. In this week’s installment, artist James Perry talks to artist Rob “Problak” Gibbs.

Black insurance professionals meeting in Boston last week vowed to increase minority representation in the industry by ending the pattern of haphazard and accidental entry into the potentially lucrative field.