Kennedi Williams|Staff Writer The Cosby Show spinoff A Different World premiered Sept. 24, 1987. The show began with Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, attending her parents’ alma mater, Hillman College, which was based off of historically black colleges and universities. Although Hillman was a completely fictional HBCU, its impact was very real and still resonates with many today. After Bonet’s exit from the show, Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), two totally opposite characters, ended up getting into a relationship. This attracted the attention of millions of viewers who tuned in every week to see this … Continue reading A Different World turns 31: How it impacted HBCUs

Chevmonay Gaines | Staff Writer A new law in New York took effect July 1, requiring public schools to include mental health education in their health curriculum. The state’s revised and improved legislation is expected to not only teach students about mental health but also help them notice the signs of struggle among themselves and others. MaryEllen Elia, New York’s education commissioner, shared her stance in an email issued to NBC News: “When young people learn about mental health and that it is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, the likelihood increases they will be able to effectively … Continue reading The Empire State of Mind

Kennedi Williams | Staff Writer “You owe me an apology.” These words – spoken by tennis legend Serena Williams to an umpire who accused her of cheating during the U.S. Open women’s final Sept. 8 – will be remembered forever. Because of these words, Williams has faced countless attacks where she has been called “out of control” and “a bully.” Critics also say she has “set back the cause of women’s equality.” However, Williams has also received an outpouring of support from fellow athletes. “When a woman is emotional, she’s ‘hysterical’ and she’s penalized for it,” said Billie Jean King, … Continue reading The gender divide in sports

Ryland Staples | Staff Writer Growing up, I always felt I had to be interested in football. I personally never took any interest in it, and I was always more of a basketball person. Even as a child, football just looked too rough to me. The whole idea of “tackling” someone was just excessive. When I went to high school, football was thrown at me from every direction. Not only through my going to football games, but coaches would walk up to me and ask if I “ever thought about tossin’ the pigskin.” My older brother played football while he … Continue reading Should we allow kids to play football?