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Category: Valleys

African Americans
Kathleen Untalan

A Casualty of the War on Drugs and Two Decades After His First Arrest, Charles Finally Received Help

Charles found himself on the receiving end of one of the most punitive periods in U.S. legal history: the War on Drugs. What began in part as an attempt by then-President Richard Nixon to get reelected, ended up accelerating during the crack-cocaine epidemic of the 1980s that affected millions. During this time, federal and state lawmakers across the country defaulted to punishment, creating and passing laws with draconian penalties for drug possession and sales. 

Kathleen Untalan April 6, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Brooklyn Academy of Music Names Jamaican-Born Tamara McCaw as President

The renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has announced the appointment of Jamaican-born cultural executive Tamara McCaw as its new president, marking a historic leadership transition for one of the United States’ most influential performing arts institutions.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

How Resilient Black Women Turn Job Loss into New Ventures

In the aftermath of mass layoffs in 2025, many Black women are turning uncertainty into opportunity by launching businesses, strengthening professional networks and being innovative. Through resilience, creativity and community support, they are carving paths to stability and success in a shifting economy.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026
Los Angeles
Kathleen Untalan

Experience Takes Center Stage in Women’s Final Four

For just the second time in NCAA history, the same four programs have reached the sport’s final weekend in consecutive seasons. No. 1 seeds UConn Huskies women’s basketball, UCLA Bruins women’s basketball, Texas Longhorns women’s basketball, and South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball return to the Final Four, bringing with them lessons learned, unfinished business, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to win on the biggest stage.

Kathleen Untalan March 31, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

New Research Shows the Many Benefits of Early Learning

While the evidence is clear that pre-K makes a meaningful difference for children in the short and long term, children need access to high-quality programs to experience these benefits. Access, however, remains unequal, particularly to programs that provide high-quality experiences.“An Updated Look at Pre-K in Large American Cities,” research findings include:

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

A Head Start Administrator’s Story

My name is Marcia Claggett. I reside in Calvert County, Maryland , and work at the United Planning Organization’s (UPO) Office of Early Learning in Washington, D.C. As a child at the age of 3, I was enrolled in the Head Start program located at the Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee. The year would be 1970. I completed two years of Head Start with the program and I have to add that my mother was introduced to much-needed services that assisted her in making ends meet. 

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026