Black Family Purchases Historic Lincoln School In Missouri To Transform A Segregated Past Into An Inclusive Future
The Oaks family of West Plains, Missouri, has acquired the historic Lincoln School, with plans to transform it into a vibrant cultural center.
In a remarkable effort to preserve history and foster cultural exchange, the Oaks family of West Plains, MO, has acquired the historic Lincoln School, once a symbol of segregation, with plans to transform it into a vibrant cultural center, Essence reported.
Lincoln School holds significant historical importance as the educational institution that served Black students in West Plains before the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education deemed segregation unlawful, leading to the school’s closure.
Crockett Oaks, Jr., the last living alumnus of Lincoln School, has a deeply personal connection to the institution. His father, a descendant of slaves, migrated to Missouri from Arkansas in the 1920s, seeking employment. Now, decades later, Oaks Jr.’s son and daughter-in-law, Crockett, and Tonya Oaks III, have purchased the school from the City of West Plains, embarking on a mission to restore and repurpose it.
In an interview with Essence, Oaks Jr. expressed pride in his son’s commitment to preserving the school’s legacy, stating, “Lincoln School is worthy of preservation; its rich history should continue to serve as a source of remembrance for all.”
Oaks III, the founder of the Lincoln School Project, envisions the cultural center becoming a hub for dialogue and exchange. He believes that the community will benefit from guest speakers covering a range of topics, particularly racial reconciliation. The project has gained momentum, with the hashtag #WeAreLincolnSchool capturing the essence of the community’s involvement and support.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Tonya Oaks, co-founder of the Lincoln School Project, shared, “The feedback that we have received gives us a clear signal of this project’s impact. Lincoln School reminds us of past wrongs, but most importantly, it provides us with a great opportunity to change the narrative.”
The Oaks family’s dedication extends beyond familial ties; they aim to ensure that the rich history of Black individuals in the Ozarks is not erased. As efforts to distort the past persist, preserving the original school takes on a broader significance—it’s about telling the authentic story of West Plains and preventing history from repeating itself.
“Lincoln School was founded through the lens of segregation,” noted Oaks III. “I think those remaining citizens who attended Lincoln School, and certainly those who were aware of Lincoln School’s use as a facility for Black folk, would be grateful and smile that now it’s providing education for all folk.”
In their pursuit of cultural restoration, the Oaks family is not only reclaiming a piece of their own history but also ensuring that Lincoln School becomes a beacon for inclusivity and understanding in West Plains.
Detroit Man Uses Social Media To Support Single Father For The Holiday Season
Donald Wilson is a father of three who recently lost the mother of his children.
A kind-hearted man is looking out for his neighbors this holiday season. A user known as ColinDetroit, whose real name is Colin McConnell, turned to social media for support after learning that his downstairs neighbor, Donald Wilson, lost the mother of his three children.
In a video posted to Instagram last week, Colin showed what the love and support of people coming together can do for those in need. He began by explaining that the man who lives in the duplex below him shared some distressing news.
“He told me that the kids are going to be around a lot more because their mother had passed,” McConnell said in the video, “And the kids were walking up the stairs at the time. I just saw their little legs, and my heart just broke instantly. I wanted to do something more for them. And he said, ‘We don’t really have winter coats.’ I thought he had three daughters because the son was wearing his sister’s clothes — it was because he didn’t even have clothes.”
At first, when he offered the single father’s help, he admitted that Wilson told him no. However, after persisting, Wilson finally agreed to let McConnell set up an Amazon wishlist for the children in time for the holidays. He shared it on his TikTok, hoping to drum up attention, but only thought a few people would see it.
Fortunately, people came together quickly for Wilson and his family. McConnell said the very next morning, packages were already showing up on his porch when he woke up. The video sparked such a movement that hundreds of boxes of supplies were being sent to their duplex.
He said in his video, “I didn’t think it would do that big and all of a sudden, it was thousands! I was like, ‘What! Oh my God!'”
The gifts donated to Donald Wilson’s kids, Honesty, Poetry, and Donald Jr., were food, toys, and clothes.
McConnell continued, “I want him to feel that he’s supported, not just by me, but now, these kids have thousands of aunties and uncles all over the world.”
Wilson admitted that it was difficult to accept all the gifts, but McConnell helped him through it. He explained, “That was the biggest thing for me, not feeling like I’m able to do it, or I’m not capable of doing it, but Colin made it easy. He made me feel at home. He made me feel like a brother, like family.”
Although Honesty, Poetry, and Donald Jr. will have to spend Christmas without their mother, Wilson said the loss has been made easier with those like McConnell.
Wilson said, looking over all the gifts strangers bought for his kids, “It’s like she’s here. It’s like she’s a guardian angel speaking to us from all of you.”
Black Moms Talk About The Importance Of Children Seeing Black Santa
Representation matters during the holiday season. These moms are prioritizing exposing their children to a Black Santa Claus.
These moms know that representation matters — even during the holiday season — and they’re prioritizing exposing their Black and mixed-raced children to Black Santa Clauses this holiday season.
NBC Newsspoke with mothers of Black and mixed-race children about the importance of having a Santa Claus who looks like them for the Christmas season.
Erin Carpenter, the founder of Nude Bar and a mom of two in New York City, said she doesn’t have to look far. Her five-year-old daughter Mikel is a Harlem School of the Arts dance student. The institution — according to the mom and founder of the company that offers undergarments in all shades — grants them “easy access” to find a Black Claus through its holiday programs. The mom told NBC News, “I’m hoping that I can curate more experiences for my children that don’t feel so labored.”
“Look, we’ve come a long way in the world, but there’s still a lot more work to do.”
Carpenter said her mom did the same for her growing up, “I grew up with my mom making sure that there were Black Santas on our Christmas tree or even a Black angel on top of the tree.”
Mariyah Gerber, mom to two-year-old Aiden in Queen Creek, Arizona had a similar experience with her grandmother. She said to NBC News, “When I was a kid, my grandma used to paint Santas.”
She talked about the progress made to highlight representation during the holidays. Gerber added, “Now my son gets to grow up and there’s options if he wants to get a Santa Claus that looks like him. Not only do they just have Black Santas, but they’ll have mixed race Santas.”
Her husband, Peter Gerber, who is not Black, understands how important a Black Santa Claus is to his wife. When it comes to parenting, being on the same page can make all the difference in the world.
Her husband even surprised his wife with holiday gear that features Black Santa Claus in a video on TikTok.
Jayden Daniels Wins Heisman Trophy After Magical Senior Season
Jayden Daniels put up numbers that we have never seen before on his way to becoming the second LSU quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy
Jayden Daniels has secured his position as the second LSU quarterback to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Joe Burrow, Daniels has etched his name into the annals of the sport. While this LSU team won’t be competing in the College Football Playoffs this season, Daniels’ achievements on the field will be remembered. Among Heisman Trophy winners, Daniels ranks no lower than fourth in various critical statistical categories. These rankings include yards per game, total yards per pass, total QBR, total yards per attempt, rushing yards per carry, fewest interceptions thrown, and completion percentage, where he holds the fourth position.
Even though the fashion statement on the inside of his jacket was himself striking the now infamous Heisman pose, his acceptance speech was anything but dedicated to himself. Daniels’ speech was equal parts selfless and community-minded while also showcasing the charm that has draft experts projecting him to potentially be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in April’s NFL Draft. Granted, there remains plenty of time for scouts to find holes in his game or find some reason for him to fall, like a subpar pre-draft interview or Wunderlich score, but Daniels certainly has the skill and temperament to become a star at the next level.
In his speech, Daniels made sure to thank those individuals who are often unseen, like janitors, groundskeepers, and trainers, but without whom, the game he plays would not be possible. Daniels thanked his offensive line for keeping him upright and blocking, even though he noted that he does run around and scramble a lot, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Daniels thanked all his teammates, even the ones at Arizona State, some of whom said that Daniels was “trash” after he left that university to head to Baton Rouge.
Daniels also thanked his old Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards, current Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce, and former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during his speech for their leadership and advice. Daniels thanked his high school football coach for trusting a 14-year-old freshman to lead their team before turning to his family. Daniels thanked his father, whom he credited with putting a football into his hands at an early age, before adding that he hoped his father was OK with his decision to play quarterback now despite raising him to play cornerback. Davis called his mother his rock and thanked her for always being in his corner but giving him tough love when he needed it, and reminding both his parents that he loved them for the support and guidance they showed him.
Sunny Hostin Questions Taylor Swift Being Named TIME’s Person Of The Year
The View stars debated Swift and the legacy of the "Person of the Year" position in this week's episode.
The View co-hosts chatted it up about Taylor Swift being named Time‘s 2023 Person of the Year in a recent episode.
On Thursday, Dec 7, Sunny Hostin expressed her surprise about the 33-year-old pop singer being named the Person of the Year, considering all those who held the position before her. Hostin admitted that she thought Taylor was an “incredible performer and a humanist, philanthropist, songwriter” this year, but thought others deserved the honor more.
She said, “The other people that were up for this award were the Hollywood strikers, the Trump prosecutors. The Trump prosecutors may be able to save our democracy.”
Although Hostin said she didn’t want to undermine Swift, she continued, “They also had a couple of other people that seemed to me, if the motto for the magazine is the person or persons who most affected the news in our lives.”
Whoopi Goldberg jumped into the conversation to defend Swift. She recalled all the times they had talked about the singer on The View.
Goldberg told her co-star, “You have — we have — sat at this table and talked about this girl and everything she’s done. Her gravitas is different.”
She acknowledged Swift’s influence during her most recent Eras Tour, which brought in so much economic revenue that it’s being cited as one of a kind.
A vocal Swiftie, Alyssa Farah Griffin, added that Swift was a “phenomenon and a power.”
“She has the ability to make a major impact for good in this country, and she always uses it when she has the opportunity,” Griffin added.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Swift has been in the media often lately for her relationship with NFL tight-end Travis Kelce.
Here’s How To Turn Create A STEM Rich Environment For Black Girls
Approaching science, technology, engineering & math with intentionality is the best way to ensure future generations of women are well-represented in STEM.
Originally Published Mar. 30, 2017
The benefits of early exposure to foreign languages, music, travel, and sports on a child’s developing brain are well-studied. The early years become the architecture of future learning. The same holds true of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM exposure at an early age becomes an integral part of the intellectual scaffolding upon which other disciplines and interests thrive.
But what if the girls in your life–your daughters, nieces, even neighbors–are past those early, formidable years? What if they wear headphones instead of footie pajamas and are more likely to crack open a Geometry book than Dr. Seuss? Brain architecture in late-blooming STEM Gems is no less impressive. All women, regardless of age, are capable of erecting skyscrapers of the mind.
Early is good. Now is even better.
Talking STEM
STEM is all around us. STEM is in the car that takes your daughter to soccer practice, in the pink hair dye your niece uses to assert her independence, and in the street angles where your neighbor girl does trick skateboarding. Having adults around who point out the greater STEM picture in everyday life can leave a tremendous impact on a child’s STEM perspective. And you don’t have to be a STEM-oriented person to help your daughter, niece, or neighbor recognize the STEM possibilities in the world around her.
Raising four children, my mom always looked for the best deal. She was a walking calculator. Mentally calculating percentage-off prices during holiday shopping and gratuity when dining out became a fun ritual she passed on to my siblings and me. When a delivery came inside a cardboard box, we made a game of the volume and dimensions, creating units out of everything from foam peanuts to stuffed animals. We figured out how many boxes we needed to construct the cities in our minds.
My dad was a firm believer that girls should work with tools and throw balls, not just play with dolls. My sisters and I were often outside with my brother, helping dad fix his car. We passed him tools and lay on the ground beside him, looking at the car’s undercarriage to understand what he was doing. After, we tossed baseballs and dribbled basketballs in the backyard. Without us knowing, my dad was teaching us the fundamentals of physics. After these experiences, learning about force and acceleration in high school was intuitive.
My parents didn’t simply sit us down one day to teach us about how to be an engineer. Through their actions and words, they intentionally demonstrated the fundamentals of STEM all around us. This foundation helped us to find our way into STEM careers.
Talking STEM means deconstructing life, one small moment, one small experience at a time. Every piece of technology, every tool, every food, every event has a basis in STEM. Pick the moments and experiences that speak to your daughter, neighbor, or niece. Help her to realize that someone in a STEM field had a hand in making those ideas a reality.
Seeing Women in STEM
Not every girl is fortunate enough to build cardboard cityscapes and share a nightly dinner table with a woman in STEM. It’s important to remember, however, that STEM role models are closer than you might think. Pediatricians, science and math teachers, and web designers for your small business. They can also be found in books, magazines, online, and local events.
Media can be an amazing source of STEM inspiration, but it can also send mixed messages to young women. Overwhelmingly, STEM roles are portrayed by men in television and movies. The few women who fill STEM roles in the media are often eccentric, goth, socially awkward, or just stereotypically nerdy. While some girls can relate, most girls cannot picture themselves cast in that type of role in their lives. The media has only just begun to embrace women of all shapes, sizes, and colors in science, tech, engineering, and math roles. Pay attention to these STEM messages and guide the young women in your life into meaningful conversations about the perception of STEM and how perceptions might influence her and her peers.
Seeing women in STEM roles is critical to combatting the inevitable disparaging remarks that girls who show an interest in STEM sometimes face. If girls have an established mindset from a trusted source that women can excel in STEM fields, they will be better equipped to respond to naysayers who tell them they’re not good enough or that girls can’t succeed in STEM fields.
Exposure to STEM
When I applied to MIT to pursue a chemical engineering degree, I never dreamed so many girls had the mentality that STEM was a boys-only endeavor. Beyond the tremendous role models I had in my childhood, I participated in countless programs that exposed me to STEM. By the time I reached college, my rightful place in STEM was so ingrained that no one could crush my determination.
Participating in STEM programs geared toward girls unleashes something powerful in young women. Being part of a room full of like-minded individuals engaged in a unifying project or experience, energizes. Once girls are surrounded by peers who are excited about robotics or creating software, or studying animal species so that we may better preserve them, our daughters and nieces and neighbor girls find their tribe–a group of individuals who share common passions.
Many universities, corporations, and non-profit organizations are trying to remedy the lack of a solid STEM pipeline for girls and other underrepresented populations by offering programs and initiatives, both in summer and year-round, often fully or partially funded to the participant. I highly encourage participation in these local STEM opportunities. Not only does the content open up the STEM world to girls, but it also fosters discussion about STEM and models for women in STEM roles.
Talking STEM, seeing STEM, and exposure to STEM should be consistent. These three factors are doorways to the enriching world of a STEM career. Above all, approaching science, technology, engineering, and math with intentionality is the best way to ensure future generations of women are well-represented in STEM fields.
ABOUT STEM GEMS:
STEM Gems: How 44 Women Shine in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, And How You Can Too, is designed to inspire possibilities in girls and young women of all ages. Profiles of forty-four successful women in each of the four STEM disciplines–science, technology, engineering, and math–highlight vastly different paths, but three factors consistently made an impact on their willingness to consider a STEM career.
Norfolk State Basketball Coach Robert Jones Says His Player Was Called N-Word During Illinois State Game
Overshadowing Norfolk State's Dec. 9 64-58 win against Illinois State was an ugly incident that occurred during the second half of the game.
Norfolk State’s men’s basketball program has been quietly having a stellar season competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), compiling a 7-3 record including an upset win against VCU. Overshadowing the team’s Dec. 9 64-58 win against Illinois State was an ugly incident that occurred during the second half of the game. As HBCU Sports reported, at the 8:15 mark of the second half, Norfolk State guard Jamarii Thomas exchanged words with some Illinois State fans while the ball was out of play. The officials later ejected the fans after they had determined that the fans crossed a line when jawing at Thomas from their seats. Thomas finished the game leading all scorers with 31 points while shooting 7/18 from the field and 15/17 from the free throw stripe.
On the broadcast, the commentary team said that the fans made comments of a “racial nature” and following the incident, both head coaches received technical fouls after getting into a shouting match. Jones had stepped onto the hardwood during the stoppage in play, presumably to obtain clarification from the officials about what was going on, when for some reason, Illinois State Head Coach Ryan Perdon started an altercation with Jones and the two men had to be separated as their respective benches were cleared.
Ryan Pedon felt he needed to correct Norfolk State Robert Jones for confronting referees after his player was called the N-word. Then, while claiming the high road, used HIS ethnicity as an explanation.
I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur . Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game. https://t.co/hoyJ9VfSAx
Jones, in an effort to clarify exactly what happened, posted on Twitter/X following the game, “I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur,” Jones wrote. “Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at [a] college basketball game.”
For his part in the scuffle, Perdon addressed the media after the game, attempting to explain why he was upset that Jones came onto the floor, saying, “I was upset he was on the floor and I was raising hell with the referees. It was never personal towards him. I’ll just leave it at that. I’ll take the high road on that.” Perdon continued, “I’m a competitor, man. I’m an Italian, so sometimes my emotions can get the best of me at times, but I don’t apologize for my competitive edge and that’s how I want our teams to play.” Illinois State University has yet to condemn the alleged actions of the fans at the game against Norfolk State.
Black Woman Aims To Diversify Book World With Packaging Business
Dhoinelle Clayton, the founder of book packaging business Electric Postcard, is helping to improve the publishing industry by promoting ideas that center around diverse characters.
A Black woman is taking matters into her own hands to help diversify the book industry. Through her packaging business, Dhonielle Clayton is selling book ideas that promote diverse characters.
Her company, Electric Postcard Entertainment, is shifting the media space by encouraging buyers to develop these plot lines that center upon underrepresented protagonists. According to TheNew York Times, Clayton hosted her own event in the fall that gathered an expansive network of media executives, agents, and novelists to spark inquiry into these intriguing book ideas and leverage their power.
At the party, a QR code stashed within an assortment of party goodies revealed to guests the excerpts of 10 diverse narratives. All were being shopped around by Clayton, whose overarching goal is to expand from the typical white, heteronormative perspective in literature. Being a packager, the former librarian and writer herself sets the ball in motion by developing the plots and sourcing writers to further these projects.
Her ultimate goal is to create a pipeline for authors of color to write about characters that are not the standard, including those of varying racial backgrounds, in addition LGBTQIIA+, disabled, and cultural groups. Through her packaging program, she helps newer authors get established in the field, sharing that her own strenuous journey to gaining ground in the industry should not be the norm.
“It shouldn’t have taken me eight books, start to finish, to break in,” Clayton told the Times. “I wanted to shorten the runway for other people.”
Getting her start in children’s literature with her first intellectual property business, Cake Creative, her expansion into adult fiction is elevating the field while ensuring others rise with her. Beginning at a place where multicultural reading was limited and underserved, Clayton has sold 11 books under Electric Postcard since its establishment.
Nick Cannon, Zeus Network Bashed For ‘Light Skin V. Dark Skin’ Competition
Nick Cannon and Zeus Network are receiving backlash for their Bad vs. Wild Las Vegas event hosting a 'Lightskin vs. Darkskin' competition.
Nick Cannon and Zeus Network are under fire for the promotion of their Light Skin vs. Dark Skin competition. The Wild N Out host and the network posted the flyer for fans to view the live event on Dec. 7 but were met with immediate pushback given the colorist nature of its description.
The Las Vegas event was supposed to be a competition between Wild N Out stars and women from Zeus’ Baddies franchise, deemed Bad vs. Wild. However, the original flyer pictured the women divided based on skin tone, including Light Skin and Dark Skin team names. However, swiftly after the event was posted to social media, users flocked to note that it was colorist and divisive to put women of differing skin tones against each other, reported Complex.
In response to the backlash, Zeus changed the event title to “Chocolate Goddesses vs. Caramel Goddesses” but kept the same imagery that was also part of the issue.
“Hey beautiful people,” captioned the post. “Our aim at #BADVSWILDLASVEGAS is to unify, celebrate, and laugh together as we explore [the] diverse tapestry of our community. Today, we’re excited to bring you a show filled with fun, music, and empowerment with the beautiful @Sukihanagoat and her Chocolate Goddesses along with @mxrvssa and her Caramel Goddesses!”
The caption explained that the event was meant to “break down stereotypes,” but commenters were not buying it.
“This isn’t any better,” said one commenter on the revamped post. “Putting dark skin women against light skin women. Further fueling the colorism that Black women have battling against forever.”
With the women on the flyer still separated by their complexion, many were also confused about what their skin color had to do with the event itself.
“Can yall stop,” shared another user. “Wording it like that [doesn’t] make it better.”
Despite the backlash, the event still went on as planned, complete with a performance by hip-hop artist Sukihana. However, whether or not it will air on Zeus has yet to be disclosed.
Survey: Black People Anticipate Racism At Doctor’s Office
Black women noted that they were even more likely to suffer from a negative interaction.
A new survey has revealed that African Americans expect racist encounters while at the doctor’s office. The survey revealed other discrepancies regarding discrimination toward people of color in the health care system.
The study was conducted by KFF in its “2023 Racism, Discrimination, and Health Survey” to gain a deeper understanding of the relations between patients of varying backgrounds and their medical service providers. The survey garnered responses from almost 6,300 adult participants, which revealed that patients of color were more likely to note unfavorable experiences with their doctors during appointments.
“Things like a provider not listening to them, not answering a question or responding to a direct request, not prescribing pain medication that they thought they needed,” said KFF’s director of Racial Equity and Health Policy, Samantha Artiga.
According to the findings, 1 in 5 respondents reported unfair treatment or disrespect from a medical professional, with Black women more likely to have a negative interaction. Nearly a quarter of all the Black participants shared that they had a racist interaction within the past three years.
Not only are they more likely to experience such encounters, but they also expect to. The survey also found that 60% of Black adults “prepare for possible insults” from the providers as well as medical staff. Due to this expectation, they revealed that they were likely to uphold a standard of appearance in an attempt to avoid this issue. The survey also noted the importance of having diverse medical providers to combat this issue, as surveyors with doctors of the same racial background reported having more positive experiences at their appointments.
Representation in the medical field is still an ongoing problem, but patients of color are suffering the most from this deficit. The survey noted that remedying this problem by growing the number of providers of color, in addition to provide resources and initiatives to combat bias in health care, is key for Black patients and others to receive the proper medical care.
