Here’s what you need to know today, delivered by the one and only Sybil Wilkes. Staying informed is a powerful tool for our community, helping us navigate the world and advocate for the change we want to see.
The Political Landscape
The political landscape for 2028 is already taking shape, with two prominent California Democrats hinting at presidential ambitions. Governor Gavin Newsom admitted to CBS News that he is considering a run after the 2026 midterms. Meanwhile, former Vice President Kamala Harris told the BBC that she could possibly be president one day. With both leaders having deep roots in California politics, their potential candidacies could set the stage for a highly competitive Democratic primary.
Homecoming Celebrations
Homecoming celebrations at two of our nation’s cherished historically black universities were tragically disrupted by gun violence, leaving communities in heartbreak and outrage. At Howard University, a Friday night step show was thrown into chaos when shots rang out, injuring five people. Just a day later, a homecoming event at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania turned deadly when gunfire erupted, killing one person and injuring six others. Investigators believe multiple shooters may have been involved in the incident at Lincoln, casting a somber shadow over what should have been a time of joyous celebration.
Taki Allen
In Baltimore, a frightening encounter highlighted the dangers of flawed technology. Taki Allen, a Black student at Kenwood High School, was sitting outside after football practice when police surrounded him at gunpoint. Officers ordered him to the ground after an AI detection system falsely identified a bag of Doritos in his pocket as a weapon. The incident raises serious questions about the use of artificial intelligence in policing and its potential for racial bias and dangerous errors.
On a celebratory note, WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson continues to make history. Following a phenomenal season, she has been inducted into the University of South Carolina’s Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Wilson’s legacy at the university is legendary; she led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship in 2017, where she was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. Her induction is a testament to her incredible impact on the sport.
Black America 250
Today’s Black America 250 spotlight shines on October 28, 1798, the birth of Levi Coffin. Known as the “President of the Underground Railroad,” Coffin, a white abolitionist, and his wife, Catherine, transformed their Indiana home into a critical station for freedom seekers. They courageously aided more than 2,000 enslaved people on their journey to freedom, including a woman named Eliza, whose harrowing escape inspired a character in the famous novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
