Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 2h

Herinah Asaah is empowered to uplift and driven to change- With support from Penn’s community and donors, Penn undergraduate and Africana Studies UAB Member Herinah Asaah is working toward a future in education equity and human rights. #educationequality

Herinah Asaah is empowered to uplift and driven to change | Penn Today

With support from Penn’s community and donors, Penn undergraduate Herinah Asaah is working toward a future in education equity and human rights.

penntoday.upenn.edu

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 23h

106 years ago, one of the deadliest race massacres in American history took place in Elaine, Arkansas after Black farmers, seeking fair payment for their crops, organized through the Progressive Farmers and Household Union of America. #workersrights

106 years ago, one of the deadliest race massacres in American history took place in Elaine, Arkansas. Black farmers, seeking fair payment for their crops, organized through the Progressive Farmers and Household Union of America.

When their meeting was attacked by a group of white men, the confrontation left one white man dead. In response, white mobs, joined by federal troops, launched a days-long assault on the Black community, killing well over 100 Black men and women.

The headlines below show the cost to Black families and how a disinformation campaign was used to justify the violence against Black Americans. The claim, all too familiar, was that the Black organizers were trying to start a socialist revolution.

42 48

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 1d

The Supreme Court hears Louisiana v. Callais tomorrow, which may strike down the last pillar of the Voting Right Act of 1965.

Today’s New York Times explains what’s at stake.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/u...

Will the Supreme Court Use a Louisiana Case to Gut the Voting Rights Act?

www.nytimes.com

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 1d

Senegal is approximately 95% Muslim, it also has one of the highest numbers of women elected in politics, with women comprising 41.2% of the parliament.
Join us tomorrow at 5:30pm to learn some fascinating insights about Senegal's women in politics.
tinyurl.com/riley-penn25

Text in front of a washed-out image of a mosque in Senegal: "Senegal is approximately 95% Muslim."

Text in front of a washed-out image of two highly decorated Senegalese women, "Senegal has one of the highest numbers of women elected in politics, with women comprising 41.2% of the parliament."

Cover for an event on October 14, 2025 entitled, "Teraanga Republic: Women’s Authority and Politics in Senegal". The locationn is Max Kade, Room 329-A, 3401 Walnut Street, at the University of Pennsylvania (Phialdelphia). There is a photo of the speaker Emily Jenan Riley, a picture of highly decorated Senegalese woman, and a promt to register today.

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 1d

Learn more about the concept of “teraanga” tomorrow at 5:30pm with Emily Jenan Riley. Did you know about this word already?
tinyurl.com/riley-penn25

Definition of a word appears in front of a photo of boats on a shore: "teraanga: a pivotal concept in the Wolof language referencing hospitality, generosity, and honor."

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 5d

He has emphasized the importance of education and mentorship in expanding diversity in STEM. His legacy demonstrates how Black excellence has always been at the core of technological advancement, often in quiet but foundational ways.

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 5d

Despite his immense contributions to hardware engineering, Dean remains relatively unknown outside tech circles, highlighting the ongoing underrepresentation of Black engineers in tech narratives.

1

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 5d

He also led the team that developed the first one-gigahertz microprocessor, a significant leap in computing speed and efficiency. Dean earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford and became IBM’s first African-American fellow, the company’s highest technical honor.

1

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 5d

Dr. Mark Dean is a computer engineer whose innovations helped shape the personal computing revolution. As one of IBM’s top inventors, Dean holds three of the company's original nine PC patents and was instrumental in developing the IBM PC, one of the first widely adopted personal computers. #tech

1

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 7d

On October 2nd, 2025, we had a great time at the Summer Institute & Africana UAB Game Night! We were glad to bring the Summer Institute & Africana UAB community together to play games and chat with one another (even having an impromptu music session we'll share more from).

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 9d

A Christian who opposed slavery, he still owned 67 enslaved people and did not free them, not even in his will. As the U.S. approaches its Semiquincentennial, how do we honor the ideals of our history while confronting its contradictions? (2/2)

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 9d

On March 20, 2025, the White House proclaimed March 23 a day in celebration of Patrick Henry’s famous 1775 speech: “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
Henry’s words are legendary, but his legacy is complicated. (1/2)

250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death!" Speech

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation proudly commemorates the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's address to the

www.whitehouse.gov

1

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 12d

The conversation — which was the latest installment in the Africana Classics Lecture Series — was led by English professor Herman Beavers to encourage "genuine" discourse regarding Toni Morrison, her novel "Beloved", and Black experiences in the United States.
- From The Daily Pennsylvanian

Center for Africana Studies hosts lecture on Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved’ to encourage ‘genuine’ discourse

The conversation — which was the latest installment in the Africana Classics Lecture Series — encouraged ‘genuine’ discourse regarding Morrison, her novel, and Black experiences in the United States.

www.thedp.com

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 12d

The African Growth and Opportunity Act will terminate as scheduled Tuesday amid uncertainty over renegotiations and the looming impact of new tariffs announced by the White House in April. #trade #africa #tariffs #america

Thousands of jobs at risk in Africa as US trade deal expires

A major US-Africa trade deal, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, has ended, cutting duty-free access to U.S. markets for thousands of African products.

apnews.com

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 12d

On September 30th, 2025, we had an in-depth and interactive discussion of Toni Morrison’s book “Beloved”, facilitated by the excellent Prof. Herman Beavers. We very much appreciate everyone who came and participated, you all shared such meaningful thoughts and perspectives.

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 14d

Fascinating, we love to see this work 👏🏾

1

Reposted by Africana Studies at Penn

The Price Lab @pricelab.bsky.social · 14d

This summer, Ph.D. student @jdeanross.bsky.social was awarded an Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship to develop his project, Alpha Phi Alpha at Penn: Digitizing Early Black Student Experiences, 1914-1930.

2 2 4

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 14d

Dr. Ala Stanford, Penn Professor of the Practice of Biology, has just made a big announcement. Are you excited for Dr. Stanford’s run for Congress? #health #congress #politics #blackdoctors

Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, announces run for Congress

Dr. Ala Standford, a nationally celebrated public health leader and founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, officially announces run for Congress.

www.nbcphiladelphia.com

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 15d

Madagascar’s president has dismissed the government following protests led by Gen Z. What might this moment reveal about the growing role of young people in shaping politics across Africa?

Madagascar President Fires Government After Gen Z Protests

At least 22 people were killed after protests broke out power cuts, water shortages and widespread poverty. The youth-led protesters named their movement Gen Z.

allafrica.com

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 15d

Historically, Ghana has had an especially close relationship with African Americans, welcoming expatriates and becoming a symbolic homecoming site for the diaspora. But with the country now serving as a hub for U.S. deportations, does this new role complicate its appeal as a destination of return?

Ghana: U.S. Backtracks On Ghana Visa Curbs As Country Becomes Deportation Hub

The United States has reversed its visa restrictions on Ghana as the west African nation emerges as a key deportation hub in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. While Accra maintains it ha...

allafrica.com

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 16d

Namibia Deploys 500 Soldiers to Fight Fire in Etosha National Park #namibia #africa #fire
- from AllAfrica News

Namibia Deploys 500 Soldiers to Fight Fire in Etosha National Park

Namibia deployed 500 soldiers Sunday to help to fight a fire that has burned through a third of the vast Etosha National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves, officials said.

allafrica.com

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 16d

Why Trey Reed’s Death Sparks Suspicions and Calls for Transparency
- read this from @wordinblacknews.bsky.social

Why Trey Reed’s Death Sparks Suspicions and Calls for Transparency

As suspicion continues around the 21-year-old's death, family and advocates push for a thorough investigation.

wordinblack.com

1

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 16d

Lt. Col. George E. Hardy, the last surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen, has died. He was 100 years old.

The organization remembered his legacy as one of "courage, resilience, tremendous skill and dogged perseverance against racism, prejudice and other evils, in a social media post on Friday.

George E. Hardy, Tuskegee Airman, dies at 100

George E. Hardy was the youngest Red Tail fighter pilot at 19 years old and completed 21 missions across Europe during World War II.

www.npr.org

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 16d

TOMORROW! #capitalism #slavery #fugitivity #race #southcarolina

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 22d

TUESDAY, NEXT WEEK (Sep. 30, 2025), at 5:00pm - Uncover the reality of Racial Capitalism, Enslavement and Fugitivity in Charleston, SC with Lisa Brock. Register today! tinyurl.com/docbrock-pen...

1

Africana Studies at Penn @africanaupenn.bsky.social · 19d

Have you heard of the Oyotunji African Village? Also known as The Kingdom of Oyotunji, this community in South Carolina is touted as “the first intentional community based on the culture of the Yoruba and Dahomey tribes of West Africa”.