Nashville, TN — July 25, 2025: In a historic announcement, a coalition of leading Black faith organizations and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) unveiled a strategic partnership and plan to confront systemic disparities impacting African American communities nationwide.

Dr. Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Pre- siding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC); Dr. Samuel Tolbert, President of the National Baptist Convention of America; and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., veteran civil rights leader and President of the NNPA, are leading this collaboration between the Black church and Black Media.

“There is strength in unity. There is power in our collective voice. There is hope in our actions,” said Dr. Boise Kimber.

For generations, African American communities have endured deep-rooted inequities in healthcare, education, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and access to capital. These challenges are not new. The coalition intends to put an end to fragmented responses and speak with one clear, concise and consolidated voice.

The Black Church and Black Media, two institutions that have long anchored and uplifted Black America, are now coming together with renewed focus and purpose.

This partnership is grounded in shared values, spiritual conviction, cultural empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and progress.

The coalition will focus on five core initiatives:

• Shaping a unified national narrative that challenges harmful stereotypes and amplifies stories of Black resilience, excellence, and innovation
• Mobilizing faith-based and media networks to address community disparities through solutions-focused advocacy and outreach
• Holding corporate America accountable by demanding responsible reinvestment in Black communities through sustainable partnerships, economic equity, and community-led development
• Empowering the next generation by reclaiming our narratives and creating new pathways for education, leadership, and entrepreneurship
• Holding elected officials accountable by spotlighting those whose policies do not align with the interests of the Black community. To earn our votes, they must heed our voices.

“This is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic and spiritual alignment.” When the Black Church and Black Media speak as one, we can ignite a movement. When we organize as one, we can shift the narrative. When we act as one, we cannot be ignored or denied,” the coalition stated.

The coalition invites all stakeholders, faith leaders, media professionals, community organizers, educators, business leaders, and concerned citizens to join this movement for unity, justice, and progress.

Coalition Leaders,

Dr. Boise Kimber, President
National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.

J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop
Church of God in Christ

Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert, President
National Baptist Convention of America

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. President and CEO
National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)
Civil Rights Leader and Publisher

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) concluded its annual media day, which featured all twelve member schools. It was announced that the Jackson State Tigers and the Southern Jaguars would finish first in their respective divisions. The Southern Jaguars had the most first-place votes with seventeen.

2025 SWAC Football Predicted Order of Finish

SWAC East

1. Jackson State – 126 points (16)
2. Florida A&M – 99 points (3)
3. Alabama State – 91 points (2)
4. Alabama A&M – 62 points
5. Bethune-Cookman – 45 points (1)
6. Mississippi Valley State – 24 points

SWAC West

1. Southern – 120 points (17)
2. Alcorn State – 90 points (2)
3. Prairie View A&M – 72 points (1)
4. Texas Southern – 60 points
5. Grambling State – 55 points
6. Arkansas-Pine Bluff – 28 points (1)

*First place votes listed in parenthesis ( )

Preseason Football Selections

Jackson State quarterback JaCobian Morgan was named to the Preseason All-SWAC Team and is the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Morgan finished off the 2024 campaign by winning the HBCU National Championship and securing MVP honors in the Celebration Bowl. Conversely, Ckelby Givens, a defensive end from Southern, was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Givens finished the 2024 season by leading the nation in tackles for loss with 27½ and was third with 12 sacks. Given’s efforts helped Southern to an 8-5 record and secured the SWAC West Division title. Givens also had 12 sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and a pass breakup.

All-SWAC First Team Offense

Quarterback: Jacobian Morgan, Jackson State

Running Back: Jacorian Sewell, Alcorn State

Running Back: Thad Franklin Jr., Florida A&M

Offensive Lineman: D’Andre Townes-Blue, Jackson State

Offensive Lineman: Charles Davis, Florida A&M

Offensive Lineman: Ashton Grable, Florida A&M

Offensive Lineman: Ronald Brown, Alcorn State

Offensive Lineman: Desmond Daniels, Alabama State

Wide Receiver: Nate Rembert, Jackson State

Wide Receiver: Joanes Fortilien, Jackson State

Tight End: Marvin Landy, Jackson State

All-SWAC First Team Defense

Defensive Lineman: Ckelby Givens, Southern

Defensive Lineman: Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State

Defensive Lineman: Bryce Cage, Grambling State

Defensive Lineman: Davion Westmoreland, Florida A&M

Linebacker: Stemarion Edwards, Alcorn State

Linebacker: Vincent Paige Jr., Southern

Linebacker: Nay’Ron Jenkins, Florida A&M

Defensive Back: Keane Lewis, Alabama State

Defensive Back: Antwone Watts, Bethune-Cookman

Defensive Back: TJ Huggins, Florida A&M

Defensive Back: Horacio Johnson, Southern

All-SWAC First Team Specialist

Place Kicker: Gerardo Baeza, Jackson State

Punter: Johnny Schifano, Grambling State

Return Specialist: Travis Terrell Jr., Jackson State

All-SWAC Second Team Offense

Quarterback: Cam Ransom, Bethune-Cookman

Running Back: Lamagea McDowell, Prairie View A&M

Running Back: BJ Curry, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Offensive Lineman: Quaveon Davis, Jackson State

Offensive Lineman: Cameron Smith, Alabama State

Offensive Lineman: Tahj Martin, Grambling State

Offensive Lineman: Dezmond Penn, Alabama State

Offensive Lineman: Tyrell Lawrence, Alabama A&M

Wide Receiver: Maleek Huggins, Bethune-Cookman

Wide Receiver: Trenton Leary, Texas Southern

Tight End: Dupree Fuller, Southern

All-SWAC Second Team Defense

Defensive Lineman: Damarcus Thompson, Texas Southern

Defensive Lineman: Adrian Hall, Bethune-Cookman

Defensive Lineman: James Gardner Jr., Florida A&M

Defensive Lineman: Nick Glenn, Alabama A&M

Linebacker: Reid Pulliam, Jackson State

Linebacker: Ashton Taylor, Jackson State

Linebacker: Malik Stinnett, Bethune-Cookman

Defensive Back: Shamar Hawkins, Jackson State

Defensive Back: Blake Davis, Grambling State

Defensive Back: Herman Brister III, Southern

Defensive Back: Jameel Sanders, Florida A&M

All-SWAC Second Team Specialist

Place Kicker: Trey Glymph, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Punter: Jeremy Ramirez, Texas Southern

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

As the Trump administration moves to eliminate key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) protections at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Democratic Congressman David Scott of Georgia has introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of Black farmers and reversing decades of systemic discrimination.

On July 17, Scott, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act of 2025. Illinois Democratic Congressman Jonathan Jackson, also a member of the committee, co-sponsored the bill, which aims to expand market access and enforce civil rights protections for farmers who have historically been denied equitable treatment by the federal government. “Generations of Black farmers have lost their land and livelihoods because of systemic discrimination and the federal government’s failures to meaningfully intervene,” Scott said. “Whereas they comprised over 14% of all U.S. farmers less than a century ago, they now represent less than 2%.”

In 1920, there were nearly one million Black farmers in the United States. But today, fewer than 50,000 remain, Jackson said. “That’s a staggering 95% decline. This did not happen by accident — it is the result of broken policies, discriminatory lending practices, and a lack of market access,” he stated. The bill establishes a competitive grant program to support new and expanding food hubs that enable Black and minority farmers to access wholesale, retail, and institutional markets. It offers a 25% tax credit for agricultural products purchased from those food hubs. It also requires the USDA to prioritize procurement from socially disadvantaged farmers and establishes an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson to assist farmers through civil rights claims. Additionally, the measure reforms USDA policies to provide monetary relief to farmers denied access to loan and payment programs due to discrimination.

The bill’s release follows a sweeping policy reversal by the USDA, which recently announced it will no longer use the term “socially disadvantaged” to define farmers affected by racial, ethnic, or gender-based discrimination. That designation, first adopted in the 1990 Farm Bill, had been a critical foundation for programs that served Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian producers. According to Capital B News, the agency’s decision came in response to executive orders issued earlier this year by President Donald Trump that eliminated any mandates or programs supporting DEI. The USDA stated that it has “sufficiently” addressed its history of discrimination and that moving forward, it will adhere to a race- and gender-neutral framework.

Lloyd Wright, a Virginia farmer and former USDA official, stated that the change will disproportionately affect Black farmers. “They’re eliminating socially disadvantaged and anything else dealing with DEI,” Wright told Capital B. “[The government] is going to take back the money — the little bit we were getting—and some of the outreach money will be clawed back.” Rep. Shontel Brown of Ohio, a vice-ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee, added that the USDA’s decision was part of “Trump’s resegregation agenda.” She called the rule “a deliberate and disgraceful step backward,” and said the “socially disadvantaged” label was long overdue recognition of the systemic denial of land, credit, and opportunity. Rep. Shomari Figures of Alabama said the administration should be working to ensure Black farmers are never subjected to such discrimination again, not reversing policies that acknowledged that history.

Tiffany Bellfield El-Amin, founder of the Kentucky Black Farmers Association, noted that while the label itself may have had flaws, its removal leaves Black farmers more vulnerable. She said Black producers are often left to navigate USDA programs without the same outreach given to white farmers, and that many with large operations were never disadvantaged to begin with. The USDA’s move comes in response to pressure from white farmers and conservative legal groups. A Wisconsin farmer, Adam Faust, has sued the administration, claiming he faced reverse discrimination in multiple USDA programs. Faust previously led a successful lawsuit against the Biden administration in 2021, halting a $4 billion loan forgiveness program aimed at aiding farmers of color.

Black farmers continue to challenge federal agencies in court. The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association recently sued the USDA for allegedly excluding them from the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, which provided help to over 43,000 farmers who suffered discrimination before 2021. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia said the administration’s actions amount to political theater. “Instead of working to create more certainty for our nation’s farmers and adopting a stable trade agenda, this administration is focused on divisive publicity stunts that will hurt our agriculture industry long-term,” he said.

Scott’s bill builds on years of advocacy, including his efforts to expose that just 0.1% of a $26 billion USDA pandemic relief package went to Black farmers. As Farm Bill reauthorization talks continue in Congress, Scott said this moment must be used to embed equity into agricultural policy. “Congress has a responsibility to reverse the decades of inaction by restoring trust, creating new market opportunities, and ensuring USDA supports our Black and socially disadvantaged farmers,” Scott said.

By April Ryan
Black Press USA Washington, DC Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent

A packed White House briefing room of reporters heard the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, lay out her claim against former President Barack Obama and his top officials. Gabbard offered that the nation’s first Black president worked to subvert a Trump 2016 presidential win with claims that Russia negatively impacted that presidential election, almost 10 years ago.

Even though Donald Trump defeated his opponent Hillary Clinton, Gabbard told reporters that Obama and his National Intelligence officials “knowingly lied” in their 2017 intelligence assessment of Russian election collusion.

During Gabbard’s speech to the press, familiar names were dropped on the mic like Hillary Clinton, who Gabbard alleged was on “tranquilizers daily.”

During the briefing, several warnings were issued from the podium over this latest Trump administration controversy.  Gabbard, wearing all white before the press, concluded her statement by saying, “The implications of this are far-reaching and have to do with the integrity of our Democratic republic.”

President Obama refuted the allegations this week through a press representative, calling it “ridiculous.”  However, Gabbard says, “It has to do with an outgoing president, taking action to manufacture intelligence to undermine” Donald Trump.

White House press Secretary Karoline Leavitt weighed in several times during Gabbard’s question and answer period with the White House press.  The 27-year-old Leavitt said, “While publicly pretending to engage in a peaceful transfer of power, in private, former President Obama went to great and nefarious lengths to…sabotage his successor President Trump.”

Leavitt went as far as to chastise the press, particularly those who won awards for reporting on the Obama Russian intelligence report. Speaking for the administration,, Leavitt said those winning journalists must be “stripped” of their awards.

And when asked if Friday’s Obama report from the DNI was to help heal her relationship with President Trump, Leavitt said, “The only people who are suggesting that the Director of National Intelligence would release evidence to try to boost her standing with the President are the people in this room who constantly try to sow distrust and chaos amongst the President’s cabinet, and it is not working.”

Leavitt said, “He [President Trump] has the utmost confidence in Director Gabbard. He always has.”  That statement stems from the recent rift with Gabbard and President Trump when Gabbard disagreed with the intelligence that Trump received in the lead-up to the US military strikes against Iran.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

In a wide-ranging and reflective appearance on the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known, Bill Cosby—long regarded as television’s most iconic father figure—shared his thoughts on the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who portrayed Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Warner, 54, reportedly drowned, and his passing has struck a deep chord with generations who grew up watching the groundbreaking series. Speaking with his trademark blend of intellect, personal memory, and cultural clarity, Cosby honored Warner’s legacy while revisiting the impact of The Cosby Show, a series that helped reshape how Black family life was portrayed on television.

“I heard about Malcolm’s drowning,” Cosby said. “And then Pam [Warner’s mother] called me about a day after Malcolm drowned… She picked up the phone. I said, ‘Hello.’ And then I heard a sound… it was weak. She didn’t say a word at first. Then she said, ‘Oh, Bill.’ I did not stay on the phone much longer. That was enough.” Cosby described Warner’s mother, Pamela, as a devoted parent who played a central role in guiding her son’s life and career. “She laughs and she jokes, but she doesn’t play,” Cosby said. “She was very hands-on. And her love for Malcolm was unwavering.”

He also shared that Phylicia Rashad, who played Claire Huxtable, reached out to him following the news of Warner’s death. “There was a call from Claire Huxtable—that is, Phylicia. She made the same call,” Cosby recalled, providing a sense of the emotional toll the loss has taken on the close-knit cast. Cosby explained that the character of Theo was drawn directly from his real-life son, Ennis, and their conversations about education, responsibility, and identity. “Ennis once said, ‘I just want to be regular people,’” Cosby said. “Smoke began to form between both ears.” That real-life experience became one of the most famous on the show— with Cosby’s character telling Warner’s, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

The iconic television star praised Warner’s discipline, intellect, and dedication. “Malcolm was very intelligent, very efficient, and he loved life,” Cosby recalled. “He and Ennis became close friends. We developed Theo’s character together, based on real life.” The conversation expanded beyond individual memories to a larger examination of The Cosby Show’s cultural mission. Cosby spoke in detail about the importance of platforming Black professionals, Black family structure, and historically Black colleges and universities. “We didn’t buy tickets to get here,” Cosby said, referring to the historical journey of Black Americans. “Our ancestors were brought here to work for free. And for Cliff and Claire Huxtable to come from one floor in the South and become a doctor and a lawyer—this was about dignity, about love, and about excellence.”

Cosby, who broke barriers in the 1960s with the television show, “I Spy,” also spoke about education as a life-long pursuit—both in and outside the classroom. He recounted his son’s challenges with dyslexia and how those experiences shaped the show’s themes, particularly in episodes focused on learning styles and academic self-confidence. And he credited Warner for bringing those stories to life on screen with care and truth. “He was free,” Cosby said. “And that tape needs to be heard,” referencing a performance Warner gave with the Minnesota Symphony. “He called me after the concert and said, ‘I did exactly what I wanted to do.’” When asked about the possibility of remakes of classic films like Let’s Do It Again or Uptown Saturday Night, Cosby didn’t hesitate.

“There’s no sense in remaking something just because you liked it,” he said. “Talk about your own life. You’d be surprised how interesting your own life is.” Cosby closed the interview not with sorrow, but with purpose. “This is not to get angry,” he said. “This is to celebrate a man—54 years old, asphyxiated, swept out to sea. His life, and where he wanted to go, should be remembered.” He added, “It’s difficult to work against heaven.” Cosby also acknowledged civil rights legends like Dick Gregory and Rachel Robinson and spoke about why he has always stood with the Black Press. “Dick Gregory told me, always remember the Black Press,” Cosby said. “Take out ads, do the interviews, support them. And I have.”

In one of the most striking moments of the interview, Cosby shared a lesson from his grandmother—an uneducated woman in formal terms, but, as Cosby made clear, a profound thinker. “She asked me, is the glass half full or half empty?” Cosby recalled. “I told her that’s what we were discussing in class. And she said, ‘Well, it depends on if you’re pouring or drinking.’ That’s the kind of wisdom we come from.” He ended the conversation with a charge to everyone: to reflect, to create, and above all, to tell their own stories.

“All you have to do is celebrate,” he insisted. “And do the correct thing.”

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent 

Prince is back—this time in a format as epic as the artist himself.

For one night only, fans can relive Sign O’ The Times in stunning IMAX. On August 28, AMC theaters across the country will host opening night screenings of the iconic 1987 concert film, and attendees will receive a collectible, concert-style ticket. The film’s official IMAX release begins globally on August 29, but early access showings are reserved for those ready to celebrate the Purple One in his full glory. Directed by Prince and originally released in 1987, Sign O’ The Times captures the artist at the height of his creative power—blending jaw-dropping live performances with cinematic storytelling. Thanks to IMAX’s proprietary remastering process, the film has been transformed with precision surround sound, crystal-clear visuals, and immersive theater geometry that puts fans in the middle of the magic.

The re-release features some of Prince’s most unforgettable tracks: the sultry “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” the fiery duet “U Got The Look” with Sheena Easton, and the anthemic title track “Sign O’ The Times,” which speaks to the social and political chaos of its era—lyrics that still resonate today. Prince’s stagecraft, musicianship, and style shine through in every frame. With longtime collaborator Sheila E. and a full band of elite talent, the concert film isn’t just a time capsule—it’s a masterclass in performance and artistry.

Born in Minneapolis on June 7, 1958, Prince Rogers Nelson was a musical prodigy whose work shattered boundaries. After teaching himself to play piano, drums, bass, and guitar as a child, Prince recorded his debut album For You at the age of 20—producing, composing, and performing nearly every part himself. What followed was a run of genre-bending albums from 1980 to 1988 that made Prince a global force. 1999, Purple Rain, Parade, and Sign O’ The Times pushed the limits of pop, funk, soul, rock, and everything in between. His 1984 film Purple Rain became a cultural phenomenon, and in 1987, Prince opened his own creative headquarters: Paisley Park Studios. Prince’s legacy is about more than hits and headlines. He fought publicly for artists’ rights, famously protesting Warner Bros. by changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol. He demanded ownership of his masters—and ultimately won. He also used his platform to address racism, injustice, and freedom in songs like “Dreamer,” “Baltimore,” and “Colonized Mind.”

His 2007 Super Bowl halftime performance—delivered in a downpour—remains the most acclaimed in NFL history. Until his death on April 21, 2016, Prince continued mentoring young musicians, releasing new music, and delivering unforgettable performances. Prince won seven Grammy Awards, an Oscar for Purple Rain, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. In recent years, he received a posthumous doctorate from the University of Minnesota and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Now, with the re-release of Sign O’ The Times in IMAX, a new generation can witness the brilliance, the boldness, and the beauty of Prince in full scope.

For fans who lived it the first time, and for those who never got the chance—this is not just a movie. It’s a reminder of the awe-inspiring greatness of Prince.