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The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University marks a significant milestone this December, celebrating 40 years of preserving and highlighting the expansive narrative of the global Black experience.

Founded by Charles L. Blockson—who dedicated his life to documenting the Black Diaspora—the collection now boasts over 700,000 items, providing a vital resource for understanding African American history as an integral part of American and world history.

Curator Dr. Diane Turner emphasizes the collection’s importance, especially amidst contemporary challenges like book banning and the erasure of Black history.

The vision for the future includes a dedicated space to expand its offerings and community engagement. The collection remains a testament to Blockson’s legacy and a beacon for all seeking to understand and appreciate the richness of African American contributions to history.

In the quest for sustainability transitions, effective policy change is crucial, and coalitions play a pivotal role in this process. A recent article dives into the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), which emphasizes the importance of coordinating these advocacy groups to foster significant policy shifts.

Through a systematic review of over 700 papers, the authors narrowed their focus to 45 key documents, elucidating how coalition coordination influences sustainability efforts. They propose a comprehensive typology that highlights coordination's role across different transition phases, offering insights on how to enhance collaboration and strengthen these coalitions.

This exploration not only sheds light on the mechanics of coalition-building but also lays groundwork for accelerating impactful sustainability transitions. In a world where environmental urgency looms large, understanding and implementing these dynamics could be a game-changer.

Get ready for a whirlwind year in 2025 New York politics! As the dust settles from a tumultuous 2024, the stage is set for a high-octane mayoral race, with incumbent Eric Adams facing seven challengers—all while gearing up for his trial on serious charges including bribery and fraud. Meanwhile, the battle for three coveted downstate casino licenses is heating up, promising intense lobbying and fierce competition among developers eager to tap into an estimated $2 billion in annual revenue.

With pressing housing challenges still on the table, the Adams administration looks to push forward new zoning changes amidst potential voter backlash. As if that’s not enough, whispers of an early gubernatorial fight begin to stir, with possible challengers eyeing Governor Hochul's spot.

The African American Historical & Cultural Museum in Waterloo is gearing up for a transformation under new leadership, reviving its mission to celebrate and preserve the rich history and culture of the local Black community. Founded by Ada Treadwill and Ruth Anderson in 1996, the museum is currently housed in a donated railroad boxcar—an homage to the area's historical significance during the Great Migration.

The newly appointed board, led by Ryan Madison, envisions relocating a historical schoolhouse to expand the museum's offerings, though they face a $400,000 fundraising goal. The team is eager for community support to enhance this cultural beacon, which plans to open three days a week and offer future exhibits reflecting the experiences of African Americans.

As Madison emphasizes, “It’s time for the community to grab on and support the mission” to capture and celebrate local history for generations to come.

In his thought-provoking commentary, James Bradshaw examines the seismic shifts in American political dynamics following Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, where he garnered significant support from minority groups traditionally aligned with Democrats. With 46% of Hispanic and 40% of Asian voters backing him, Trump's coalition challenges prior notions of inevitable Democratic dominance.

The author emphasizes that the GOP's embrace of working-class values and critiques of “woke” ideologies resonate across diverse communities. Drawing parallels to Europe, he urges European conservatives to adapt by embracing multi-racial coalitions and prioritizing economic opportunity and cultural understanding.

Bradshaw argues for a conservative agenda that champions strong borders, traditional values, and the empowerment of the working class—revealing that a similar political renaissance could be on the horizon for Europe, enriching its historical and cultural tapestry as it navigates demographic changes.

Celebrate Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1—a vibrant cultural holiday that honors the achievements of Africans and African Americans! Originating 55 years ago, Kwanzaa was created to illuminate Black contributions to history and society. This non-commercial celebration focuses on bringing families and communities together, emphasizing reflection on the past year and setting positive intentions for the year ahead.



Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven guiding principles—unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith—symbolized by colorful candles and meaningful gatherings. While gifts are minimal, simple educational tokens are appreciated, fostering learning and growth.

Join us at the Temple City Library on February 7, 2025, for "Empower Through Poetry," an inspiring program celebrating African American and Black History Month! Designed for teens aged 13 to 17, this workshop explores how Black and African American poets have expressed their identities through the powerful medium of poetry. You'll engage with iconic works, discover the art of imagery in poetry, and understand its historical significance, dating back to influential figures like Phillis Wheatley.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the richness of Black literary heritage and find your own voice.

Get ready to dive into the whirlwind that was 2024 in U.S.

politics! CBS Miami's Jim DeFede takes us on an exciting journey through the year’s most unforgettable political stories. From seismic shifts in leadership to gripping grassroots movements, 2024 was marked by intense debates and eye-opening moments that will be remembered for years to come.

This engaging recap showcases the highs and lows of the political landscape and highlights the pulse of democracy in action. As we look back at a year ripe with intrigue and drama, it’s clear that the narratives of 2024 have set the stage for the future.