Baldwin Richardson Foods’ Post

Kresge has committed to expanding access to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with two new permanent $1 million endowment funds at Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF, both renowned for creating pathways to higher education for underrepresented students. We shared this news this week at the TMCF CEO awards, which went to our own Rip Rapson on behalf of his and the foundation's longtime support for HBCUs. In addition, Kresge is offering both organizations a $500,000 challenge grant if they raise matching funds. We hope these grants will be a game-changer for Detroit high school graduates aiming to attend HBCUs, which have long been pivotal in advancing educational equity, economic mobility, and leadership opportunities for Black students. HBCUs have produced incredible success stories for over 150 years. Today, 6 of the top 10 out-of-state colleges that Detroit high school graduates matriculate to are HBCUs. Yet, many students need help to afford these life-changing institutions. Kresge’s investment and ongoing support from TMCF and UNCF will help bridge this gap and build a stronger pipeline to educational and career success.

Empowering Local Impact: Highlighting the Crucial Role of HBCUs In Oklahoma and across the nation, the underfunding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Langston University remains a critical issue. Today, Oklahoma House Democrats, including Representatives Jason Lowe and Regina Goodwin, have brought attention to this disparity, advocating for equitable funding that reflects the vital role HBCUs play in our educational landscape. - Ensuring Support: HBCUs, such as Langston University, are not just institutions of higher learning but pillars of support within their communities. Despite facing financial challenges, these universities continue to provide invaluable opportunities for students to thrive academically and professionally. - Impact on Business Education: For HBCU Business schools, this advocacy underscores the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering innovation. By championing equitable funding, we ensure that future business leaders receive the resources they need to excel and drive economic growth in their communities. - Local Engagement: As students and faculty at HBCUs advocate for fair funding, they exemplify the values of community impact and resilience. Their efforts highlight the integral role that educational institutions play in shaping not only individual futures but also the broader economic landscape. Let's continue to support initiatives that uplift HBCUs and empower students to make a lasting impact. Together, we can foster an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to our shared future. #HBCU #HigherEducation #CommunityImpact #EquitableFunding #LangstonUniversity #BusinessEducation #StudentAdvocacy #SupportLocal

41 years ago today, Ariel was awarded our first institutional client: a Historically Black College & University (HBCU). According to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), HBCUs are the most successful group of institutions in the country at providing both opportunity for low-income students and pathways for their future advancement. Protecting HBCU’s endowments is therefore a critical need to improving the wealth gap.    Yet, according to a recent study, HBCUs on average collaborate with just one asset manager and one consultant for external investment support and decision-making, compared to an average of five asset managers and/or consultants among non-HBCUS.     By providing additional investment education, access to diversification solutions and risk management expertise, asset managers can responsibly set up HBCU endowments for future success.     Read more here about strengthening HBCU endowments via UNCF and PGIM: https://lnkd.in/e4drGjci   #ShareAriel    📸: UNCF 

These Are The Top 10 HBCUs In The Country—Did Yours Make The List? HBCUs are the cornerstone of many Black communities, but a new list reveals all schools aren’t created equally. The U.S. News & World Report released its ongoing list of the nation’s top colleges and universities which ranks the institutions based on a myriad of factors. “In total, 77 HBCUs that were eligible to be included on the list were ranked,” the outlet states. “Among the 77 ranked HBCUs, schools that place in the top 90% display their individual ranks.” Here are the top 10 HBCUs according to the outlet: Spelman College Howard University Florida A&M Tuskegee University Morehouse University Xavier University Of Louisiana Hampton University North Carolina A&T Claflin University Delaware State University

The first-ever HBCU Early College Prep High School is launching in NYC in September 2025! 🎓✨ It’s the first HBCU Early College Prep in a major metropolitan city where an HBCU does not exist, and it’s giving students an incredible opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma AND an Associate’s Degree—for FREE! 💼📚 This historic initiative, led by DSU alumna Dr. Asya J., is a true game-changer for education and HBCU excellence. We can’t wait to see the positive impact on students and the community! Repost @radioshach: 🚨 Breaking HBCU News‼️ 🚨  In September 2025, history will be made with launching the first-ever HBCU Early College Prep High School in New York City, @hbcuearlycollegeprep! 🎓✨️ In partnership with Delaware State University, this groundbreaking initiative offers an accelerated high school experience where students will graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree—all for FREE! 💼📚 Led by DSU Alumna, Interim Acting Principal @dr._ajohnson, this innovative educational model will be the first of its kind in any major metropolitan school district nationwide. 🌍🏫 Get ready to see HBCU excellence thrive in NYC! 🗽🖤❤️🧡💚🗽

Forever Kings Inc. has received a $30,000 Educational Success Renewal Grant from GCF to support its mission of fostering a culture of brotherhood among young men of color across Greater Cincinnati. The organization invests in young people through various educational and social programs by providing them with the tools, resources, and strong relationships necessary for success. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02_8PqZ0

Wake Up Everybody “I am utterly disgusted by University of Florida decision and the precedent that it sets. Without the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs. We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case. Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UFlorida has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time, To the MANY, minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about the decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight. And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the side lines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.” -Emmit Smith, former NFL player Pro Football Hall of Fame In 2023, the Florida football program made $93,206,919 in total revenue and paid out $60,894,176 in expenses. The program raked in a net profit of $32,312,743 for the university. 32 million dollars. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the ONLY reasons Florida athletics is able to compete in the Southeastern Conference. The ONLY reason. In a related (fantastic) story, what if all 67 Black players on the 2024 Florida football roster decided to leverage the transfer portal for playing opportunities at Florida A&M, Alabama A&M, Prairie View A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Howard, Southern and Grambling Universities. ‘Day of Absence’ wants to be reality.

Course Sharing continues to take root. If you aren't familiar with Course Sharing, it's a way for students to take classes at other institutions within a system/consortia without having to transfer or navigate the typical red tape. It's a really innovative approach by UNCF and one that will benefit students.

But of course!!

Last year, 65.6% of all Indiana 3rd grade Black students passed IREAD. Our Gary school was behind the state average at 60.8%. But this year, 71.1% of our 3rd graders passed the reading test while the state average is 68.6%. We improved by 10.25 pts, more than 3X the state’s improvement rate of 3, and 5X the local district’s improvement rate of 2 points. What did we do to improve? We worked with Marian University Indianapolis Center for Vibrant Schools for “science of reading” training for the past two years. We tested our second graders, too. And, we made a concerted effort to hire stronger (and licensed) teachers. Great leadership. Great teachers. Great partners. Great results. And, we will do better this year. Before signing off, I think it is important to note our Gary school also beat Indianapolis Public Schools in both performance and improvement on IRead. IPS came in at 59.8% pass rate which is down .7 points from last year. Why do I bring this up? Because Gary does not receive the same philanthropic and education-improvement supports Indy schools receive. Imagine what scores would look like if Gary schools received similar attention. Katie Jenner Bob Behning Betsy Wiley Charter School Growth Fund