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Anime in Our Dorms

Jayda J

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Megan Thee Stallion's Instagram

Let’s talk about anime. Why? How many people do you know that have anime posters in their dorm? How many people do you know on campus that have a favorite anime? What’s your favorite anime? If you don’t watch it, why don’t you watch it? 

Megan Thee Stallion started wearing her cosplays and all your favorite rappers started calling it cool and now every Black person you know is supposed to watch an anime and get into it. Here’s the thing though…this wasn’t always cool for Black people, but Black people have always been into anime. We are always looking into what the rest of the world is doing because the US tends to make us feel boxed in. And being boxed in by a country that changes its mind by the day whether it likes you or not is awful. Anime comes in many forms but the ones that are the most popular tend to have a protagonist who is the “chosen one” or has emerged from a terrible backstory, and they are sent on a quest to save the day or avenge their oppressor. Can you see why Black folks might be interested in such a story? 

The idea that someone has to go through literal hell to get the righteousness they deserve is extremely cathartic. Long story short, Tanjiro sets out on a mission to heal his now demon sister and become a demon slayer to protect everyone from the pain he’s endured. 

An independent child off to save the day with a noble purpose, that’s already amazing, but the real seller are the incredible fight scenes. A lot of people get into anime for the fight scenes, because they are like no other. Sword choreography, incredible weapons you’ve never seen before, martial arts, magic powers, or anything else you could imagine. One of the most popular anime in the world is just about a pirate, his gang and his goal of becoming king of the pirates. Why do people love this anime? The main character has stretching powers, which creates some of the most unique and incredible fight scenes you’ve ever seen. 

Why do young Black people cling to these kinds of stories and fight scenes? It’s an expression. If you’ve had a hard day, which could mean, not passing a test, getting passed over for a job or an opportunity, experiencing a micro or macro aggression, being misunderstood by your parents, or facing an unrelenting political climate. Once a day, you can put on your favorite anime and watch a protagonist work on their craft, become great and defeat their enemy in a flourish of moves that could leave you breathless. And for those 30 minutes or 2 hours, if you’ve decided to binge for a while, you feel just as triumphant as that protagonist. You also work hard, you are also honing your craft and one day you will be great, proving to yourself and the ones who doubted you that they were wrong. Even though that’s not the point. When you become great, it’s you becoming great in your own eyes. 

“Demon Slayer”by Koyoharu Gotouge

This is where anime shines. There is always another enemy but the anime about the pirates reminds you that your friends believing in your dreams is the best kind of treasure. You may want revenge but Demon Slayer reminds you that there is no greater love than family. Jujutsu Kaisen reminds you that the light you have inside is stronger than the darkness, and it requires discipline to maintain it. One Punch Man is a reminder, not to take life so seriously because you will have to move forward, past those who wish you harm. My Hero Academia reminds you that talent is never enough, you must work hard and constantly improve. That is to “Live Ultra!” And my favorite, HunterxHunter reminds you that even though your parents may not have treated you kindly along your journey you will find those who will. 

Epic fight scenes, cool characters, and incredible lessons make for a genre young Black people have become enamored with. And trust me, there are plenty more than the ones I’ve just named. If you’re feeling low, I suggest you check one out. And for all you old heads, most of them have versions that are in English. Sit with your young person, you might find something you like. 

Jayda J is a talented writer and proud graduate of the University of Delaware. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for captivating prose, Jayda has made a name for herself in the literary world. Her academic background and diverse experiences have shaped her unique voice, making her work both relatable and thought-provoking. Jayda continues to inspire readers with her insightful narratives and dedication to the craft of writing.

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Top 10 Cities for Science & Tech Jobs in 2025: Insights for HBCU Students | Midsize and Small Cities Included

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Top 10 Cities for Science & Tech Jobs in 2025: Insights for HBCU Students

With tech roles projected to grow significantly through 2033, here are the best cities to consider for launching a career in science and technology. These cities offer diverse job opportunities, competitive salaries, and strong networking ecosystems.

Top 10 Cities for Tech Jobs in 2025

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that tech jobs will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2033. While the largest cities lead the charge in tech innovation, midsize and smaller cities are increasingly offering compelling opportunities for tech professionals. Here’s a look at the top cities for tech roles in 2025 and some additional cities worth considering.


1. San Francisco, California

  • Overview: The global tech epicenter with innovative startups and tech giants.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $159,696
    • Software Developer: $150,387
    • Information Security Analyst: $76,554
  • Top Companies: Meta, Salesforce, Google
  • Networking Events:
    • Build With Code – West Coast
    • San Francisco and Bay Area Data and AI

2. New York City, New York

  • Overview: Thrives in finance, media, and e-commerce, with abundant opportunities.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $130,032
    • Software Engineer: $148,138
    • Information Security Analyst: $104,705
  • Top Companies: IBM, JP Morgan & Chase, Verizon
  • Networking Events:
    • Build With Code – New York City
    • Women in Software Engineering NYC

3. Seattle, Washington

  • Overview: Home to Amazon and Microsoft, with a focus on cloud computing and biotech.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $141,118
    • Software Developer: $135,287
    • Information Security Analyst: $88,146
  • Top Companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing
  • Networking Events:
    • New Tech Seattle
    • North Seattle Tech Talks

4. Austin, Texas

  • Overview: A startup haven with a lively tech and music scene.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $130,313
    • Software Engineer: $103,862
    • Information Security Analyst: $99,343
  • Top Companies: Dell Technologies, Apple, IBM
  • Networking Events:
    • Austin Code Mentorship
    • Austin AI/ML/Data Developers Group

5. Boston, Massachusetts

  • Overview: Biotech and education hub fostering innovation across domains.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $128,659
    • Software Engineer: $116,612
    • Information Security Analyst: $91,132
  • Top Companies: Dell Technologies, Apple, IBM
  • Networking Events:
    • Boston Code and Coffee
    • The Boston Python User Group

6. Denver, Colorado

  • Overview: A thriving cultural scene with a growing tech footprint.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $119,334
    • Software Engineer: $112,644
    • Information Security Analyst: $96,643
  • Top Companies: Lockheed Martin, Lumen, Comcast
  • Networking Events:
    • denhac – The Denver Hackerspace
    • Let’s Talk Software Security

7. Atlanta, Georgia

  • Overview: A diverse ecosystem thriving in healthcare, logistics, and cybersecurity.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $105,541
    • Software Engineer: $99,178
    • Cybersecurity Analyst: $102,589
  • Top Companies: AT&T, The Home Depot, IBM
  • Networking Events:
    • Atlanta Java Users Group
    • PyAtl: Atlanta Python Programmers

8. Chicago, Illinois

  • Overview: A fintech, healthtech, and logistics hub with rich cultural offerings.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $108,618
    • Software Engineer: $102,348
    • Cybersecurity Analyst: $96,514
  • Top Companies: Accenture, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase
  • Networking Events:
    • Data Science Dojo – Chicago
    • EvolveSec – Chicago Cybersecurity

9. Nashville, Tennessee

  • Overview: Focuses on healthcare technology, music tech, and startups.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $111,085
    • Software Engineer: $93,597
    • Information Security Analyst: $82,421
  • Top Companies: Amazon, Dell Technologies, Apple
  • Networking Events:
    • Data Science Nashville
    • PyNash

10. Raleigh, North Carolina

  • Overview: A growing hub for research and startups in the Research Triangle.
  • Salaries [Indeed, Oct 2024]:
    • Data Scientist: $98,863
    • Software Engineer: $101,170
    • Cybersecurity Analyst: $84,780
  • Top Companies: Cisco Systems, IBM, SAS
  • Networking Events:
    • RTP Python Meetup
    • Data Science Raleigh

Bonus: Midsize and Smaller Cities to Consider

  1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: A rising star in robotics and AI, benefiting from Carnegie Mellon University’s influence.
  2. Salt Lake City, Utah: Gaining traction for startups in fintech and e-commerce.
  3. Madison, Wisconsin: Known for healthtech and biotech innovation.
  4. Richmond, Virginia: Emerging as a hub for data analytics and cybersecurity.
  5. Boulder, Colorado: Focused on renewable energy and environmental tech.

 

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Lincoln Women’s Hoops Bounces Back with Statement Win Over Shaw

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Wilmington, DE – January 4, 2025 – Lincoln University (PA) women’s basketball delivered an offensive masterclass on Saturday, powering past Shaw University 89-78 in a critical CIAA showdown at Goldey-Beacom College.

Senior guard Ciani Montgomery (Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic Prep) was unstoppable, dropping 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting while adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the Lions. Fellow senior Anyssa Fields (Long Branch, N.J./Long Branch) nearly notched a double-double, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Kaziah Akinniyi (Baltimore, Md./Poly) added 18 points of her own. Freshman Hunter Conway (Belleville, MI/Belleville) chipped in 10 points in a solid supporting role.

Lincoln’s offense was in rhythm from the jump, shooting an impressive 56.7% from the floor and 50% from deep. The Lions dominated the paint with 44 points and capitalized on Shaw’s mistakes, turning 19 turnovers into 21 points. A 51-38 first-half explosion set the tone, and while Shaw made a late push, Lincoln never let the game slip out of their control.

The win moves Lincoln to 6-8 overall and 3-2 in CIAA play, helping the Lions rebound from their previous loss. Up next, they’ll face Fayetteville State University on Saturday, January 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA, looking to build on this momentum.

Player of the Game: Ciani Montgomery – 27 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds.

Key Stat: Lincoln shot 56.7% from the field, including a blistering 50% from three-point range.

Next Up: Fayetteville State University, January 6, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA.

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HBCU Original Game Recap: Lincoln Lions Extend Winning Streak to Five in CIAA Play

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Wilmington, DE – January 4, 2025HBCU Original was on the scene to witness the Lincoln University (PA) Lions remain undefeated in CIAA action, defeating Shaw University 76-68 at Goldey-Beacom College. This electrifying matchup had the crowd roaring as the Lions improved to 9-5 overall and 4-0 in conference play, notching their fifth consecutive victory.

Senior guard Bakir Cleveland showed out with a standout performance, dropping 19 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc while also grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. Reggie Hudson, another senior leader, commanded the backcourt with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Contributions from Ethan Garita (10 points, 4 rebounds) and Freddie Young, Jr., who came off the bench to score 14 clutch points, sealed the win for the Lions.

Lincoln’s offense clicked from start to finish, with the team shooting 49.1% from the field and a blistering 47.1% from three-point territory. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers (15 points) and dominate in the paint (34 points) highlighted their versatility. Even as Shaw mounted multiple runs, the Lions maintained composure, holding onto a 32-28 halftime lead and closing out strong.

Next up, the Lions will face Fayetteville State University on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA. HBCU Original will be there to bring you full coverage of another exciting conference clash as Lincoln aims to stay perfect in CIAA play. Stay tuned for game highlights, exclusive interviews, and more!

For more updates on HBCU sports, visit www.hbcuoriginal.com and follow us on social media.

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Charlamagne Tha God Opens Krystal’s Location in Orangeburg, S.C. Near HBCU

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Charlamagne Tha God returned to his home state of South Carolina, bringing a special gift to the community— a Krystal burger chain in Orangeburg. The well-known radio and TV host celebrated the restaurant’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Friday morning.

Hundreds of excited people gathered for the event, with city leaders praising the new business for creating over 40 jobs and bringing millions of dollars into the community. Charlamagne, who was born in Moncks Corner, expressed his deep connection to South Carolina, sharing, “I was raised in Moncks Corner, but I did radio in Charleston, I did radio in Columbia, I did parties in Orangeburg all the time, so it’s all just home.”

The restaurant’s opening isn’t just about business for Charlamagne. “I want to inspire the next generation of people in South Carolina,” he said. Beyond creating jobs and generating revenue, the radio personality views the restaurant as an investment in the future of the community.

Three local cheerleaders were particularly inspired by meeting Charlamagne. “It’s very inspirational because we get to meet someone very successful, and it gives us confidence on what we can do when we get older,” said Skyy Blair. Her teammate, Lon’dyn Washington, also expressed gratitude for more fast food options in the area, while Willow Brown shared how thankful she was for Charlamagne’s contribution to the community: “We’re very thankful that somebody from this community came and gave back to us, and it just gives us a bunch of opportunities on how we can be in life.”

Charlamagne emphasized the importance of the Krystal location’s design, noting that it represents the success of many notable individuals who started their journeys in South Carolina.

In closing, Charlamagne shared his motto for success: “Keep God first, stay humble, and keep working,” leaving the crowd, especially the younger attendees, with words of encouragement to carry with them as they continue to pursue their dreams.

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From Slavery to Scholarship: The Role of Food in the Birth of HBCUs and Cultural Resilience

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The story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is one of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. Long before the first HBCU campuses were built, enslaved African Americans created a culture rooted in survival, community, and hope—a culture often centered around food. From plantation kitchens to family recipes handed down through generations, food was much more than nourishment. It was a lifeline, a way to connect with African heritage, and ultimately, a bridge to a future of education and self-determination.

When slavery ended, the desire for education and a better life ignited the formation of HBCUs, places where Black people could learn freely, come together, and build their futures. And food, as it turns out, played a major role in making that dream a reality.

Food as Resistance and Connection

In the kitchens and fields of plantations, enslaved people transformed food into a powerful act of resistance. Despite harsh conditions, they held onto African traditions by growing, cooking, and even adapting native foods into something uniquely their own. Ingredients like okra, rice, black-eyed peas, and yams weren’t just foods—they were pieces of home, representing a heritage they fought to keep alive.

Through shared meals and passed-down recipes, enslaved families built a sense of community, a reminder that they could find strength in each other, even in the worst of times. The resilience they showed in creating meals from scraps is a legacy that remains in Black cuisine today, where dishes like gumbo, collard greens, and sweet potato pie tell stories of survival, culture, and unity.

The First HBCUs: Feeding the Mind and the Body

When freedom finally came, the African American community knew that education was the key to building a brighter future. HBCUs were founded as places of learning, empowerment, and safety, where the next generation could prepare for careers and leadership. Food continued to play a vital role, as early HBCUs emphasized practical skills, including farming and cooking, to help students achieve independence.

At schools like Tuskegee University, founded in 1881, students learned agriculture, culinary skills, and home economics, alongside academics. These programs weren’t just about feeding students; they were about building self-sufficiency and passing down skills that would help entire communities. Many students at HBCUs learned not only how to grow food but also how to cook it in ways that honored their heritage and strengthened their community.

From Cooking Classes to Culinary Justice

Today, food remains central to the mission of HBCUs. Students learn about food science, nutrition, and agriculture to address issues like food deserts, where it’s hard for communities to access fresh, affordable food. Many HBCUs are also involved in “culinary justice”—a movement that honors the contributions of Black farmers, cooks, and foodways, while working toward food security and health equity.

This idea of “culinary justice” means ensuring that Black communities not only celebrate their culinary heritage but also have the resources to thrive. Whether it’s through starting community gardens, running food programs, or promoting local agriculture, HBCU students are keeping the legacy of self-sufficiency alive and using food to address challenges like chronic health conditions and access to nutritious food.

Why Food Matters to HBCUs (and to Us All)

The food we eat today has traveled a long journey, much like the story of HBCUs themselves. Every recipe passed down, every family meal shared, and every vegetable grown reminds us of the journey from survival to scholarship. For students at HBCUs, food is a powerful connection to history—a way to remember the resilience of those who came before, while building a healthier future for themselves and their communities.

As we celebrate the history and future of HBCUs, let’s remember the role of food as both a symbol of survival and a tool for success. Food has always been more than just something on a plate—it’s a story, a tradition, and a path forward. And like the HBCUs that continue to inspire generations, food remains a powerful link between the past, present, and future, nourishing not just bodies, but minds, communities, and dreams.

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