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DC's only full service YMCA named after man who helped shape city before the Civil War
YMCA Anthony Bowen is named after a man who helped shape D.C. before the Civil War. News4’s Tommy McFly takes a trip through history and how Bowen’s strategy in the 1800s help young men and boys of color today.
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Dumfries home to only all-Black council in Northern Virginia
Since 2020, every elected member of the Dumfries, Virginia, town council has been African American. Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports on the message they send and the plans they have for Dumfries’ future.
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Students use artistic talents to celebrate Black history
A group of Maryland middle school students are using their artistic talents to celebrate Black History Month. News4’s Walter Morris reports they have been working on their pieces for weeks to showcase Saturday at a special art show.
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James Farmer Multicultural Center helps students become agents of social change
When you think of a college education, you might focus on academics and career preparation. But for more than three decades, a special center at the University of Mary Washington has worked to help students become agents of social change and engaged citizens. Growing up in Fairfax County, Owen Chong graduated from Mount Vernon High School, where he was...
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University of Mary Washington multicultural center helps students become agents of social change
A multicultural center at the University of Mary Washington thrives in diversity, equity and inclusion helping students become agents of social change. Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports.
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Caps host Rising Stars Academy for Black History Month
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin met with players and coaches of the Rising Stars Academy, part of the team’s celebration of Black History Month that includes a special jersey that has style and purpose. News4’s JP Finlay reports.
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These women are teaching transracial adoptive parents how to do Black hair
Tamekia Swint is the founder of Styles 4 Kidz, a non-profit salon in Illinois that focuses on textured hair education for transracial adoptive parents and their children.
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National Black Movie Day is a celebration — and a call for action
Several cities across the country will participate by hosting events that include film screenings and highlighting the importance of supporting Black films.
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76 years since desegregation of US military, Black veterans honored
Black veterans are being honored in Montgomery County. One Vietnam War veteran says he shares the stories of current and former service members to “pass the baton of history.” News4’s Dominique Moody has the details.
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‘The Dream Whisperer' film tracks HBCU basketball team's story of triumph, fight for recognition
Before Dick Barnett rose to basketball stardom in the NBA, he led an HBCU team to three championships in the shadows of the civil rights movement. “They basically were forgotten about in history,” filmmaker Eric Drath told News4’s Tony Perkins about his documentary airing on PBS.
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Cooking nonprofit combines Black History and healthy food
Black Girls Cook is a Miami and Baltimore-based nonprofit helping young girls embrace the farm-to-table concept while also learning about Black Diaspora history.
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Fredericksburg added to US Civil Rights Trail
A three-mile trail dedicated to the stories of Black residents of Fredericksburg has been added to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. News4’s Dominique Moody reports.
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Cooking nonprofit combines Black history and healthy food
Black Girls Cook is a Miami and Baltimore-based nonprofit helping young girls embrace the farm-to-table concept while also learning about Black Diaspora history. Founder Nichole and her 6-year-old daughter Madison share how the nonprofit has helped more than 3,500 girls and their families learn the importance of cooking and eating healthier meals. Also, Nichole’s student Logan and her mom Winifred...
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Why are Black women only 2% of tenured professors?
Dr. Sonya Grier’s Race in the Marketplace class at American University is at capacity and started this semester with a waitlist. She said both undergrad and MBA students are interested in the importance of diversity in the marketplace – but that’s not always reflected in the classroom or the teaching ranks. Only a small percentage of tenured professors on...
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How a Maryland teen's Harvard dream came true after affirmative action was struck down
“Dear Abigail, Congratulations. I am delighted to inform you that the committee on admissions has admitted you to the Harvard Class of 2028.” Abigail Taylor grinned as she read her Harvard University acceptance letter out loud. The senior at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland, was laser-focused on getting into Harvard and was admitted through the school’s early action…
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How a Harvard dream came true for a DC-area student after affirmative action decision
The class of 2024 is the first to apply to college since the ruling. NBC4’s Molette Green spoke to a local high school student who kept Harvard University as her top choice. Even though Abigail Taylor’s grandparents attended Harvard Medical, she did not use legacy. So, how did she approach the application process?
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Inequality in American education: A call to action
Inequality in American education dates back to before the birth of our nation. From the time in the 1700s when anti-literacy laws were on the books, to the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court Decision. This Black History Month, News4 is exploring the state of education now, and the leaders who are making change.
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Why are Black women only 2% of tenured professors?
Inequality remains an issue in higher education, not just with the student population but with professors. Only a small percentage of professors on most college campus are Black women. Those we spoke with say part of the problem is in the pipeline.
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New book tells stories of enslaved ancestors
What started as an educational field trip for a mother and daughter turned into a two-year journey to unearth the truths of enslaved descendants at Mount Vernon. They wrote a book called “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future.” News4’s Dominique Moody spoke with the authors and one of the enslaved descendants and family member of President James Madison.
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Here's how you can celebrate Black history this February
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month.