After emancipation, formerly enslaved Black Americans built communities of their own, acquired land, raised families and created places where they could live with greater independence from racism. Known as freedom colonies, these historically significant settlements were established during Reconstruction and to escape Jim Crow. Residents created support systems that allowed families to live more independently, establishing churches, schools and homes. Today, descendants are working to preserve these communities by maintaining family land, organizing reunions and passing histories to younger generations, ensuring these important places and stories are not forgotten.

Rick Ross caught a major break in his Miami domestic violence case after prosecutors dropped the felony battery charge against him due to insufficient evidence. According to court documents, prosecutors filed two misdemeanor charges instead: one for battery and another for battery/domestic violence. Ross had previously pleaded not guilty to felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an incident where an ex-girlfriend alleged he slapped, struck, and choked her.

Popular conservative blogger Samuel Sey, who ran the blog @slowtowrite and spent years defending aggressive immigration enforcement, was taken into custody in Ohio and booked into Butler County jail under a "Hold for ICE" warrant, facing potential deportation to Ghana.

Black people thrive in community, building bonds and creating safe spaces both within and beyond bloodlines. For Black women living with breast cancer, turning that community into a circle they can count on can make all the difference, especially as research suggests social connections impact cancer outcomes. A recently published study found that participants who maintained frequent contact with family and friends had a lower risk of death.

From classrooms to voting booths to hospital delivery rooms, Black Texans are urging politicians to address issues shaping their communities, including educator pay, school funding, voting access, affordability and maternal health. Their message is clear: political participation means more than casting a ballot. Candidates must listen, demonstrate accountability and deliver on their promises.