#NNPA BlackPress
PRESS ROOM: Chevrolet’s ‘Discover the Unexpected’ Scholarships and Stipends Top $750,000 as it Closes 2023 HBCU Fellowship Program
NNPA NEWSWIRE — During this year’s DTU program, students took a road trip in the all-new 2024 Chevy Trax to create content around the vehicle’s array of safety features, such as Chevy Safety Assist* — a standard suite of six advanced features designed to help keep occupants safe on the road.
The post PRESS ROOM: Chevrolet’s ‘Discover the Unexpected’ Scholarships and Stipends Top $750,000 as it Closes 2023 HBCU Fellowship Program first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Marketing and journalism interns develop career-building skills through immersive experiences.
DETROIT – Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) have concluded the seventh year of Discover the Unexpected (DTU), a 10-week immersive internship and scholarship program for 10 HBCU students to explore marketing roles focused on Chevrolet’s innovative vehicles and community-based journalism with the NNPA.
“Chevrolet is proud to continue our collaboration with the NNPA for DTU, providing HBCU students an opportunity to develop career skills while gaining valuable on-the-job knowledge,” said Steve Majoros, chief marketing officer of Chevrolet. “We hope this is a life changing experience for the fellows that will be carried with them throughout their careers.”
During this year’s DTU program, students took a road trip in the all-new 2024 Chevy Trax to create content around the vehicle’s array of safety features, such as Chevy Safety Assist* — a standard suite of six advanced features designed to help keep occupants safe on the road. The Marketing fellows drove impact within the Chevrolet brand through contributions to the Social, Cars/Crossover, Experiential, and CRM teams. Other immersive experiences included the NNPA National Convention, Tennessee State University DTU content shoot, MLB Swingman Classic attendance with player interview opportunities, and a Chevrolet Ride and Drive behind-the-scenes opportunity.
The 2023 DTU mentors, all of them HBCU graduates, included Terrence Jenkins (Terrence J), STEM advocate Justin “Mr. Fascinate” Shaifer, and ESPN sports journalist and HBCU Southwestern Athletic Conference alum Tiffany Greene. Mentors shared valuable marketing and communications insights to guide fellows throughout their college and career journey. Additionally, publicist and content creator Brandi Merriweather, socially known as TheGenZPublicist, presented insights on how A.I. technology is being used in the media industry.
“The NNPA and Chevrolet collaboration continues to be fruitful as we foster the next generation of aspiring journalists and infuse our newspapers with great talent,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr,. “Our publishers provide platforms serving as the community voice, allowing students to bring a future generation perspective to help bridge traditional and new storytelling.”
To date, DTU has provided 59 HBCU students from 22 different HBCUs with more than $750,000 in scholarships and stipends. Of the past DTU students, three have been hired into GM, one returned as a 2023 GM intern, and more are working for NNPA publications, aiding in a diverse pipeline of talent. Learn more about the Chevrolet Discover the Unexpected fellowship at https://www.nnpa.org/chevydtu/.
*Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for important feature limitations and information.
ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features, and easy-to-use technology all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at http://www.chevrolet.com.
ABOUT NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
NNPA is a trade association of more than 200 African-American-owned community newspapers from around the United States. Since its founding 79 years ago, NNPA has consistently been the voice of the Black community and an incubator for news that makes history and impacts our country. As the largest and most influential Black-owned media resource in America, NNPA delivers news, information, and commentary to over 20 million people each week.
The post PRESS ROOM: Chevrolet’s ‘Discover the Unexpected’ Scholarships and Stipends Top $750,000 as it Closes 2023 HBCU Fellowship Program first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
#NNPA BlackPress
Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.
Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”
The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”
#NNPA BlackPress
Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”
But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”
Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”
#NNPA BlackPress
WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event
Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed
May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.
But what has happened since?
Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?
This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.
Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:
Panelists:
- Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Activist & Attorney
- Dr. Yohuru Williams – Racial Justice Initiative,
- UST Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
- Fireside Chat with Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke
Special Guests:
- Kennedy Pounds – Spoken Word Artist
- Known MPLS – Youth Choir bringing purpose through song
This podcast episode looks at the past five years through the lens of grief, truth, and hope—and challenges us all to do more.
Subscribe to Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real wherever you get your podcasts or follow @mnspokesmanrecorder for more.
Visit https://spokesman-recorder.com for more coverage and stories from Minnesota’s trusted Black news source.
#GeorgeFloyd #BlackPress #SpokesmanRecorder #Minneapolis #BlackHistory
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