HBCU Society

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

07/30/2026

He disappeared without a trace. Weeks later, his family couldn't even recognize his body.

Jelani Day was only 25 years old.

A graduate student. A son. A brother. A young Black man with dreams of helping others through speech-language pathology.

Then, in August 2021, he suddenly vanished.

His family knew something was wrong the moment they stopped hearing from him. They reported him missing and desperately searched for answers.

Days later, his car was found abandoned near a wooded area in Illinois.

Soon after, a body was discovered in the Illinois River.

The nightmare didn't end there.

Jelani's family says the condition of his remains was so severe that they couldn't identify him themselves. They waited weeks before authorities officially confirmed it was him.

Investigators ruled his death a drowning and said they found no evidence of homicide.

His family has never stopped asking questions.

His case quickly became larger than one family's tragedy. It sparked a nationwide conversation about whether missing Black Americans receive the same urgency, media attention, and investigative resources as others.

For those who loved Jelani, this was never about headlines.

It was about a son whose future was stolen.

A family still searching for answers.

And a reminder that every missing person deserves the same commitment to finding the truth.

Do you believe every missing person receives the same level of attention, or are some families forced to fight harder just to be heard?

07/28/2026

One thing about it, Stillman College is on the come up with this $2.24 million STEM grant! This funding is all part of the HBCU-UP initiative to level up STEM education. It's not just about the dollars—it's about turning those dollars into real opportunities for students on campus. Can't wait to see what new and innovative projects pop up next in Tuscaloosa! Thoughts on what this means for the future of STEM at Stillman?

07/27/2026

Howard sent “you’re no longer enrolled” emails to 502 incoming freshmen weeks before classes started.

Students say some scholarships and financial aid were already documented...they just hadn’t posted yet. Howard says the July 10 deadline had been communicated for months, and families were responsible for completing payment arrangements or properly reporting pending aid.

And that’s where the sides split:

Is money that’s on the way the same as an unpaid bill? Or should Howard be expected to keep holding spots when deadlines have passed?

UPDATE: July 24: Howard reinstated 46 students after reviewing cases individually, including Isabella Williams. That proves some students had legitimate issues...but it doesn’t automatically mean all 502 were mishandled.

Did these families drop the ball or did Howard create a crisis by unenrolling students before reviewing the details?

07/27/2026

Let's be for real...what's happening at Tennessee State speaks volumes! Athletic Director, Dr. Mikki Allen is on administrative leave while the concerns from six head coaches get investigated. We talkin bout serious stuff like communication issues and leadership. Reggie Barlow and Candice Dupree are openly challenging his ability to lead.

Tennessee State recently appointed Jennifer Bell, a 30-year vet with strong ties to TSU, to lead.

This is real impact on students and the entire athletic department. Big Blue needs answers but Ms. Bell is steering the way forward for now.

07/26/2026

Howard just sent "you’re no longer enrolled" emails to 502 freshmen. But some of their financial aid wasn't even accounted for yet. 💭

Imagine being some one like Isabella Williams...almost on her way to Howard from Alabama when the notice hit. She was reinstated...but what's up with everyone else?

How would you feel learning your spot disappeared because of a system lag? Thoughts on Howard's handling?

(🎥 educated.barbie/Instagram)