The Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action — one year later
When the court handed down its decision, Michael Kippins, a litigation fellow for Lawyers for Civil Rights, along with others in his organization, worried about the impact the decision would have on the “racial climate on campuses” and admissions rates for people of color.

Safeguarding summer: Boston’s initiatives for swim safety
As summer unfolds and temperatures rise, Bostonians are eagerly anticipating days spent cooling off in local pools, beaches and rivers. While swimming offers a refreshing escape from the heat, ensuring safety should be a top priority for everyone, from families to individuals seeking relaxation and recreation.

Harvard Street Health Center program centers dignity for Boston-area veterans
Kathryn King, program director of the Veterans Outreach Center at the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, poses for a picture at the center’s offices in Dorchester, June 27.

Prospect of new liquor licenses brings hope for business renaissance in BIPOC neighborhoods
If passed, the bill would create five new licenses each year for three years, in 12 ZIP codes, mostly in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park and East Boston.

After ban on race-conscious admissions, Black and Hispanic student applications are up
Colleges have seen a 9 percentage point increase in applications from Black students and a 10 percentage point spike in Hispanic students applying to fouryear colleges compared to last year, according to the Common App, the country’s most widely used college application.

Unique art installation highlights cultural identity on Boston’s basketball courts
In a city rich with history and known for its cultural tapestry, some of Boston’s basketball courts received a makeover for June. Inspired by icons like Marcus Garvey and Lebron James, a pioneering art project is taking shape under the creative vision of Glen Gaines.

“You have to be ‘Down’ to get invited.”
“You have to be ‘Down’ to get invited.”.

Fighting for our rights on July 4th
This week we shall celebrate the founding of our nation, which was created by a handful of patriots, a group of land-owning men who decided that they no longer wanted to be governed by a king.

IN THE NEWS
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced Darnell Dunn as its new director of business recruitment. Dunn will be responsible for spearheading initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses to the Worcester region while also fostering the growth and expansion of existing businesses.

Media fails by asking about 2024
During the recent debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, CNN host Dana Bash asked Trump if he would accept the results of the 2024 presidential election. It’s a question frequently asked of Trump and Trump surrogates by hosts of network television news programs.

How Black history and environmental justice shape an equitable future
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, became an official federal holiday in 2021, when President Biden signed legislation acknowledging the importance of June 19, 1865.

As SCOTUS limits federal power, healthcare suffers shockwaves
A landmark Supreme Court decision that reins in federal agencies’ authority is expected to hold dramatic consequences for the nation’s healthcare system, calling into question government rules on anything from consumer protections for patients to drug safety to nursing home care.

Boston Unity Soccer Partners, city to hold summer celebration at White Stadium
This is the second community event related to the White Stadium renovation that BUSP and the city have held. Earlier this year, they organized an open house at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, where they presented information on the project and fielded questions.

State aims to increase low-income solar access
As the state looks to transition to clean energy sources, with a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, community solar programs have been touted as a way to link renters and other residents who can’t put panels on their roofs to the technology.

Somali Flag Raising
In honor of Somali Independence, the Somali flag was raised at City Hall to commemorate 64 years of the Somali people’s independence, and declare July 1 as Somali Independence Day in the City of Boston..

Boston Black Pride Health Summit and Brunch
The Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation and the MGH Center for Community Health Improvement held their 3rd Annual Urban Pride Health Summit and Brunch on June 29 at the Bruce Bollin Building..

Boston English Baseball Champs
The English High School Division 5 State Championship Baseball Team visits Fenway Park participating in the ceremonial first pitch before the Red Sox vs Padres game. (From left) Jordani Marcano, Lermany Santana, David Castillo, Wilberg Pina, Alonzo Garcia, Sebastian Garcia, Anthony Gonzalez and Maleek Haley.

Witherspoon Gala
Last week,the Witherspoon Gala celebrated arts and culture in the heart of Roxbury. The event included a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Library Gallery at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. The space’s inaugural exhibit features artist-photographer, Don West.

UHS Graduation
School (UHS) crossed the graduation stage with diplomas in hand and plans for the future. UHS is ABCD’s alternative high school for Boston students ages 16 to 22 whose needs aren’t met in traditional academic settings.

Black residents are less prosperous in Boston compared to suburbs, says study
Generally, the report “found that outcomes almost everywhere lag for Black residents against white peers,” said Dominic Williams, an associate partner at McKinsey and leader at the institute.

AAPI businesses in Massachusetts: Significant challenge and immense potential
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) businesses in Massachusetts face unique challenges and opportunities, as highlighted in the recent report by the Asian Business Empowerment Council (ABEC) at the Asian Community Fund and The Boston Foundation.

Celtics score big with two new standouts
For the second year in a row, the first player drafted came from the country of France as the Atlanta Hawks drafted Zaccharie Risacher, forward who played for JL Bourg-en-Bresse. He follows countryman Victor Wembanyama, last year’s top pick in the league draft.

Next stop Paris
Two names with significantly different purposes yet identical goals highlight the roster of the United States Olympic team that will compete in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, beginning on July 26.

Larry J’s BBQ Cafe
Jimerson’s journey into the world of barbecue began on a beach in Jamaica. As he sat in the sand, the idea of either starting a hot dog or barbecue restaurant came to him.

Spend a summer evening with ‘The Winter’s Tale’
“It’s a play we need right now — one that becomes a tale of redemption,” says Elliot Norton Award-winning director Bryn Boice, who will direct “The Winter’s Tale” in this summer’s 27th annual Free Shakespeare on the Common production by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company.

Myth, monsters and multitudes fuel Hakeem Adewumi’s photographic installation at the Gardner Museum
In “Possession of A Recalcitrant Dream,” Hakeem Adewumi’s photographic installation on the exterior of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, myth, monsters and identity merge.

It’s Disability Pride Month at Museum of Science
During family gatherings, Andre Robinson used to observe as his cousin embodied the role of DJ, placing the needle on the records as he stood behind the tables.