UNCF’s Post

Here’s What You Need to Know About Colorado’s Primaries

HBCUs & the US Election. I am a bit upset, but not surprised, by the lack of acknowledgement of NC A&T State University (Aggie Pride!) by the BBC and Howard University by the Democratic presidential candidate. Monday, a BBC reporter failed to even mention the NAME of the university, even as she stood in front of the February One monument that honours the iconic Civil Right Movement sit-in by four students! Then, last night, the Presidential candidate did not personally address the huge crowd gathered on Howard's campus to support her, instead allowing a representative to off-handedly tell the group to 'go home' as the unfavorable election results rolled in. For nearly 190 years of existence, the HBCU faculty, staff and students have been similarly dismissed. We are ignored until someone with an agenda wants to use our minds and bodies, play on our loyalties. When they have accomplished their goals, we are almost disdainfully ignored again. Rarely are words of validation or gratitude spoken publicly. I just want to say . . . I SEE YOU. I know the strengths you possess. I know the contributions you make to the canons. I know the wisdom you impart. I feel the love you share. I know what you have done for this world and continue to do. I know your impacts will be felt for generations. I appreciate you more than you will ever imagine. HBCUs. https://lnkd.in/dPyKj7dk

Big news in the political sphere today as President Joe Biden announces he will not seek reelection, and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination. This marks a historic and pivotal moment in American politics. Vice President Harris, already a trailblazer as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President, now has the potential to break even more barriers as she seeks the highest office in the land. As we witness this significant shift, it's important to reflect on the leadership and policies that have shaped our country over the past few years. President Biden's tenure has been marked by efforts to address the pandemic, rebuild the economy, and champion social justice. His endorsement of VP Harris underscores a continuity of these values and a commitment to progress. This transition could bring new opportunities and challenges for those of us in higher education and advancement services. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying informed and engaged in the political process, as the decisions made at the highest levels can have profound impacts on our institutions and the communities we serve. The policies and priorities of a potential Harris administration might influence federal funding for education, support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and initiatives aimed at increasing access to higher education. We have to stay informed and proactive, understanding how shifts in the political landscape can affect our institutions and the communities we serve. The emphasis on social justice and equity, which has been a hallmark of the current administration, may continue to shape the higher education sector under VP Harris's leadership. This could translate into more robust support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as increased funding for programs that benefit underrepresented students. The advancement services field will need to adapt to potential changes in philanthropy and fundraising. An administration that prioritizes education and social equity could inspire new philanthropic trends and opportunities. Understanding and leveraging these trends will be key to our success in securing resources and support for our institutions. As we navigate this evolving political environment, collaboration and innovation will be essential. By staying engaged and informed, we can better advocate for the needs of our institutions and contribute to shaping a future that supports and uplifts all students. Looking forward to seeing how this historic campaign unfolds and the conversations it will inspire across the nation. #Leadership #Politics #HigherEducation #AdvancementServices #KamalaHarris #JoeBiden #Election2024

A Canadian’s Take on Trump and the Failure of the US Education System. As a Canadian, 90% of my stream seems to revolve around what’s happening south of the border. I cannot help but form opinions on the news I get. whereas most of my opinions are complete crap based largely on false news I can't help but see a larger undeniable phenomenon raise it's head again. like Hitler did, Trump is again leveraging a broken education system that has been creating dissatisfied disillusioned Americans for decades. The percentage of overall voting population these folks represent is rising as the system is failing. Trump is capitalizing on an systemically overlooked resource to fuel his personal goals of glory. For years, according to the news, the U.S. education system has been leaving behind large segments of the population. From my perspective it feels like this problem has been building for decades, and these effects are becoming more visible in politics. i feel when people aren’t properly educated, they’re left with limited tools to navigate complex political and economic issues. They don’t have the full picture, In the U.S., this failure to provide a solid education has left people vulnerable to emotional appeals. Complex policy discussions don’t resonate because the education system hasn’t prepared them to engage with these ideas. Instead, they’re drawn to messages that are easy to grasp, emotionally charged, and promise immediate change. Disney style politics. This is where Trump, Hitler or any folks of that persuasion step in and start leveraging this group. These are the nazis, these are the maga. What Trump is tapping into is a lack of understanding—He offers simple answers to complex problems, knowing that for many, the intricacies of policy don’t matter as much as the feeling that someone finally hears them. The worrying part is that these poor folks are increasing in numbers. As the education system continues to fail, more and more people are being left behind by a capital system and are looking for any new system that will change thier lives. A huksters dream opportunity. To be King! Trump’s betting on the fact that there are enough disillusioned, undereducated voters out there who feel let down - let the people dance, that's all they really want and train them to vote and then not to. Trump’s rallies are a perfect example of how he doesn’t need to get into the weeds of policy—he just needs to energize his supporters, it’s not rhetoric—it’s validation with a scary overtone of military training. It’s clear to me that the real issue isn’t about Trump, there will always be someone like him —it’s about the long-term consequences of a broken education system. This problem will persist there, here and everywhere in societies that don't put education of secondary school students as their highest priority to ensure successful societal succession and it's assurance of centuries of socio-serentiy. :) I.m.o. Gerald Shaffer 2024

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders joined U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Greg Casar at Texas State University on Tuesday to focus on the state’s burgeoning field of young progressive energy ahead of this year’s presidential election.⁠ ⁠ The appearance, which also included former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, came during a three-city swing for Sanders through Casar’s Central Texas district. Their rallies targeted young voters along the fast-growing I-35 corridor, which swung sharply towards Democrats in recent cycles and has seen explosive growth in registered voters. Casar, a first-term Austin congressman, is expected to win in November and take up Sanders’ former mantle as the House Progressive Caucus chair next year. Democrats see college campuses in places like San Marcos’ Hays County as key to their dreams of flipping Texas blue and capturing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s seat this November. The county has outpaced the state in population growth and has 67% more registered voters compared to ten years ago. https://bit.ly/3N7sXYH

Here are the biggest takeaways from Tuesday's primaries! #GOHRMC

The March 19 primaries in Illinois didn't quite go my way. But here are three lessons I learned: 1. Money is only necessary for elections because we, the people, don't take the time to learn about the candidates or the issues of importance. If everyone knew the candidates and their positions on war and social, economic and climate justice (including what the research says is the best way to solve these inequalities and injustices), no amount of money from a PAC would change your vote; 2. People of color and young people simply do not vote at the same levels as the older generations and non-minorities. Ironically, the former lose the most by the status quo, and the latter stands to inherit all of the problems we are creating; and, perhaps most importantly: 3. If only people of color and young people got involved, they could change the outcome of nearly every US election and alter the course of history. Sigh, if only they knew….

As we approach Election Day, I’m reminded of the profound impact each vote holds—not only for individuals but for institutions like Coe College and the communities we serve. Working in higher education, I see firsthand how policy decisions shape the futures of our students, impact educational funding, and support vital resources that make higher learning accessible and transformative. When you cast your vote, you’re shaping a landscape where future leaders, innovators, and changemakers are empowered. At Coe, we don’t just teach; we nurture voices that will drive tomorrow's business, policy, and community decisions. Tomorrow, on Election Day, I encourage everyone—especially those in the business community—to make their voices heard. Together, let's champion a future where education continues to thrive, opening doors to opportunity for all.

Why Vote? Let us just give you ten reasons. Vote to: Protect HBCUs: Ensure our historically Black colleges and universities receive the support they deserve. Support Public Education: Advocate for quality education for all students, regardless of their background. Address Systemic Racism: Stand up against injustices and work towards equality for every community. End Gerrymandering: Demand fair representation and an end to district manipulation. Restore the Voting Rights Act: Fight for fully restoring protections that safeguard our voting rights. Expand Access to Voting: Ensure early and mail-in voting options are available to everyone. Protect Voting Rights: Defend the right of every U.S. citizen to vote without barriers. Address Wealth Disparities: Work towards closing racial income and wealth gaps. Protect Healthcare: Advocate for healthcare access for the most vulnerable among us. Safeguard Social Security: Ensure that Social Security remains a lifeline for those who need it. Your vote is your voice! Let’s make it count on November 5th, 2024. Together, we can create the change we want to see! ✊🏾🗳️

From developing a renewed focus on racial equity and justice to addressing COVID-related learning loss, school funding, and culture wars, the Center's Associate Director, Jonathan Collins, offers four major education policy questions that we should be asking ahead of the upcoming election season. "The K-12 American school system is being handed a policy Rubik’s Cube. It will take thoughtful planning and maneuvering to align solutions that can resolve these different quandaries. So, if education is going to play a prominent role in the election, it is our responsibility to get people talking about policy, not the politics." Read more: https://lnkd.in/e_E3sPcx