This week’s headlines remind us that Black stories are not only powerful but pivotal, driving change in education, justice, culture, and community. Shonda Rhimes is reshaping history at Dartmouth with a $15 million gift that will put her name on the first building honoring a woman and a Black alum. MacKenzie Scott stepped in with a staggering $70 million donation to the United Negro College Fund, moving HBCUs even closer to their billion-dollar campaign milestone.
On the justice side, two Boston men who were falsely accused in a racially charged 1989 case finally received restitution, while Maurice Hastings, who endured 38 years wrongfully imprisoned, secured California’s largest wrongful conviction settlement at $25 million. And in a brighter moment, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky introduced their first daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers, adding another chapter to their growing family and proving that joy belongs in the headlines too.
Boston Men Wrongfully Accused Finally Receive Restitution
More than 30 years after being falsely tied to one of Boston’s most infamous murder cases, Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett are finally seeing justice. The two men, wrongfully accused in the 1989 killing of Carol Stuart, will receive a combined $150,000 settlement from the city, BET.com reported.
Bennett will receive $100,000, and Swanson will receive $50,000. City officials said the payments are part of a broader effort to acknowledge the racial harm caused by the case.
Shonda Rhimes Makes History With $15M Gift to Dartmouth
Shonda Rhimes is leaving her mark on more than just TV. The Emmy-winning creator has pledged $15 million to fund a new Dartmouth residence hall that will carry her name, BET.com reported…