FAMU Funding Fight Explodes. DeSantis Maps Stand. Fisk Data Center Backlash

Florida A&M University (FAMU) students and alumni have revived a lawsuit against the state of Florida, seeking over $2 billion in damages for decades of alleged underfunding. This mirrors a broader issue across 16 states, where the Biden administration identified $13 billion owed to land-grant HBCUs due to states diverting federal funds meant for these institutions to predominantly white universities. The attorney, Josh Duven, emphasizes that FAMU's campus infrastructure and unique programs have suffered significantly, linking the underfunding to historical de jure segregation.

The Biden administration sent letters to states, including Florida, identifying $13 billion owed to HBCUs. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, argues that 'lingering effects of the state's dual education system has deprived FAMU of critical resources.' Attorney Josh Duven stated, 'the campus is falling apart. The supplies in their science labs don't work.'

Roland Martin strongly criticizes CNN for allegedly sidelining its chief fact-checker, Daniel Dale, from on-air appearances for three months. Martin asserts this is a 'conscious decision by executives' to avoid antagonizing Donald Trump, who dislikes being fact-checked. He views this as a 'complete capitulation of mainstream media,' sacrificing journalistic integrity for corporate interests and political appeasement, contrasting it with the independent media's role.

Roland Martin states, 'He hasn't been on the air in three months. Now, mind you, still works at CNN. They still post his stuff on the website. He's posting on social... but he literally has not been on any show at all in three months. Guys, I worked at CNN for six years. Do you understand that? That is a conscious decision by executives.'

Black Voters Matter has launched a new initiative to strengthen Black political power and civic engagement by reimagining America's governing documents. The 'Declaration of a New Nation' series will involve community town halls, starting in Galveston, Texas, to facilitate discussions on whether existing constitutional amendments are sufficient and what new legislative or constitutional reforms are needed to enshrine Black protections regardless of who is in power. The initiative also includes a four-part docuseries and a social media campaign to spark widespread debate.

April England Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, explains, 'We need to start reimagining what this country and it and its governing documents look like.' She details plans for 'town halls and community conversations' to 'facilitate a conversation with community members where we're going to record and document... The conversations that black folks are going to have about any of the protections that we have right now enough.'

Bishop William Barber outlines a comprehensive, data-driven strategy for Black voter mobilization, focusing on micro-level organizing and sustained engagement beyond election cycles. The strategy involves educating people on what's at stake and state-specific laws, registering voters, and mobilizing them using both technology (texting, report cards) and door-to-door outreach. A key tactic is organizing 'marches on the polls' on the first day of early voting in every state, particularly where same-day registration is available, to create mass awareness and participation.

Bishop Barber states, 'We're going to show them the numbers, the actual numbers in about 16 states and how just 10 to 12% shifting would change.' He proposes 'marches from HBCUs, from churches, from lodges, from community buildings, just marches right there straight to the polls, particularly in the states where you can register and vote the same day.'

Fisk University's proposal to build a data center on its campus has sparked significant backlash from students and community members, including State Representative Justin Jones. Concerns revolve around potential environmental impact, the ethical implications of placing industrial infrastructure in the heart of a historically Black institution, and the perceived prioritization of 'quick money' over community well-being, linking it to the broader issue of HBCU underfunding.

Roland Martin notes, 'Fisk University says they want to put a data center on campus. A lot of people say they don't want that on their campus. One of them, State Representative Justin Jones said his class on the dangers of AI was cancelled by Fisk as a result of his criticism of this data center.' Cameron Trimble adds, 'You're going to spoil the land. You're going to spoil the water. The emissions that come out of this.'