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May 07, 2025
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has unveiled its 2025 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, highlighting vital treasures facing peril. This year’s selection emphasizes the importance of resilience in preservation, showcasing efforts to repurpose historic sites while amplifying community involvement.
From Cedar Key, Florida—a quaint island community devastated by hurricanes—to the culturally rich Hotel Casa Blanca in Michigan, the list spotlights places in desperate need of support to survive and thrive. Each entry tells a story of struggle against natural disasters, economic decline, and neglect, while also showcasing grassroots efforts to revitalize these sites.
By raising awareness and galvanizing support, the National Trust aims to ensure that these unique landmarks remain integral to America’s cultural heritage for generations to come.
Gif by IntoAction on Giphy
In an era of potential cuts to Medicaid, “The Historic Dangers of Slashing Medicaid Funding” sheds light on the grave consequences of such changes. As the program, which supports 72 million Americans, faces threats from Congressional Republicans, the article explores the intricate history of California’s Medi-Cal, the largest Medicaid system.
Introduced in 1965, Medi-Cal exemplifies a hard-fought victory for healthcare inclusion amid powerful opposition. Yet, past funding slashes have shown detrimental effects on healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
From the initial battles over universal healthcare in the New Deal era to contemporary challenges, each moment underscores the ongoing struggle for equitable healthcare in America. This historical perspective reveals not just the stakes of potential cuts but emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding and enhancing programs like Medicaid, making it clear that the health of millions hangs in the balance.
The 2025 Met Gala dazzled fashion enthusiasts with its theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrating the rich heritage of black fashion in a night of glamour that gracefully sidestepped politics. The event saw A-list celebrities like Zendaya, in an exquisite ivory zoot suit, and Diana Ross, whose gown boasted an 18-foot embroidered train, paying tribute to icons like André Leon Talley and Josephine Baker.
While Vice President Kamala Harris made a low-key entrance, the focus remained on joyous expressions of creativity rather than political statements. From the revival of Harlem Renaissance styles and the iconic kiss curl hairstyle to the intricate tailoring seen on both men and women, the red carpet became a vibrant canvas showcasing the fluidity of fashion.
With its homage to diversity, the gala served as a reminder of the transformative power of style, leaving attendees captivated by the allure of black culture’s enduring influence.
The Black Voice News recently hosted its third annual Festival of Ideas, uniting over 60 local nonprofits, activists, and influencers to foster collaboration aimed at empowering Black communities amid challenging political landscapes. As key voices in advocacy and journalism, they discussed the urgent need for sustainable solutions to navigate systemic inequities, echoing historical struggles against political adversity.
The event emphasized collective action and resilience, drawing attention to the challenges posed by cuts to nonprofit funding—the safety nets for many vulnerable community members. By centering community-based solutions, the Festival aimed to rewrite the narrative, ensuring that Black voices remain at the forefront in shaping a brighter and equitable future.
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Senator Cory Booker reflects on his recent marathon Senate speech, his time as Newark's mayor, and his aspirations for the future. Booker's legendary 22-hour speech was fueled by determination and a desire to connect with his constituents, embodying his mantra: “People want to know you give a shit.
” He recounts moments from his tenure in Newark, where he learned to use unorthodox methods to ignite change amidst adversity. Now, in the Senate, Booker passionately advocates for the American dream, emphasizing the importance of listening to voters and crafting a hopeful narrative.
Amid laughter and enthusiasm, he shares his diverse interests, from sci-fi movies to music, revealing a vibrant personality behind the political facade. With thoughts on reelection and the future of his party, Booker is committed to being a voice for those often overlooked, focusing on human connection in politics.
In a pressing call to action, a coalition of over 35 organizations, including the NAACP and Black Business Association of Oregon, urges Portland Public Schools to accelerate the creation of the long-promised Center for Black Student Excellence. Voters approved the $60 million initiative in 2020, yet after nearly five years, funds remain unspent.
The coalition highlights a history of neglect toward Black students in the district, advocating for deadlines to spur progress. While acknowledging challenges like the pandemic and rising construction costs, community leaders demand accountability and transparency from the school district.
They are determined to mobilize support, emphasizing that each day of delay represents a denial of resources to children needing them. With new leadership in the district, there is cautious optimism that the call for action will finally be heeded.
The coalition awaits a response by May 20, urging PPS to fulfill its commitments and uplift Portland's Black students.
The REAL ID Act deadline has officially arrived, creating chaos at airports and raising alarm for many, especially Black Americans. This federal mandate requires travelers to show a REAL ID-compliant license or alternative ID for domestic flights and federal access.
While the TSA allows travelers without REAL IDs to still board flights, they face longer wait times due to additional screening and technical glitches—like malfunctioning scanners in states such as New Hampshire—leading to delays of up to 40 minutes per person.
Compounding these issues, systemic inequities mean that many Black Americans struggle more to acquire necessary documentation.
Historical barriers, such as lacking official birth certificates, put individuals like 76-year-old Janette Gantt in tough situations, hindering their mobility and access. Critics argue that government ID systems have long served as tools of control, emphasizing the need for equitable access and systemic accountability to empower Black communities.