Is Black History Month A Catalyst for Bomb Threats?

Early Morning on Feb 1, 2022, more than 16 historically Black colleges and universities received bomb threats triggering mandatory lockdowns prompting students to stay inside of their dormitories.

Edward Waters University, Florida Memorial University, Spelman College, Howard University, and Xavier University of Louisiana were amongst the first schools to receive the unknown threats. 

Immediately law enforcement had been contacted and by the end of the day Tuesday, most of the schools had announced all-clear notices to their communities.

Similarly, the threats can be dated back to the midst of winter break as student officials were also maintaining safety protocol amid the pandemic. 

Although there were no leads as to why these HBCU’s were targeted others have questioned if the attacks were acts of terrorism. 

In a statement made by Mr. Na’im Brown, a member of Edward Waters University’s Campus Activism Coalition stated that racial motivation is still prevalent today. “That’s a very heinous act, it just shows the racial motivation that’s still in this country from years ago. It shows that the same issues are still prevalent even though they might be viewed a different way, or they might be presented a different way and it’s just sickening to be honest”. 

To ensure student safety Mr. Na’im Brown functioned as well. Every communication officially sent out by the institution had been reposted and communicated to its students via social media platforms. “Our ultimate goal is wellness of the students and part of wellness is safety, so we communicated those updates just like the school did and just like other organizations did.”

It has not been clear as to what Edward Waters University’s president A. Zachery Faison has stated regarding the recent bomb threats. 

Alternatively, online sources have stated that FBI have been investigating the bomb threats as violent extremism and hate crimes. According to NBC News, The FBI has now identified six “tech savvy” juveniles as persons of interest in its investigation into the bomb threats scandal. 

It has been reported that the threats may have come from neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division. 

As for this situation, HBCU’s should do more when it comes to the constitution of making sure security officials are provided additional training if a threat arises in the future. “Its sickening that a child or a student has to wake up early in the morning and be in fear of their life from a bomb threat when their whole goal is to go to school and get an education. I just hope that whoever is doing it and the people that are involved are prosecuted properly and that students can have a piece of mind again,” attested Mr. Brown.

Kameelah Brown

 Edward Waters University

(BSMN Student Intern)

This year's Jazz Festival was nothing short of entertaining. Thousands, including families from near and far gathered at Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Jacksonville to enjoy great music, art , shopping with local vendors and of course a taste a variety of food and drinks!

For 40 years,  the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has staged some of the world's most influential jazz and R&B artists; and years line up was no filled with award winning and Grammy nominated artist. 

This year, the two stage festival featured local artist such as singer, songwriter and actress, Melissa Case and Douglas Anderson's Jazz Ensemble as well as National Award winning artist Bob James,   

Lalah Hathaway, Stanley Clark, Jeffery Osborne, Terry Lyne & Social Science and many more. The Festival closed out on Sunday with musical genius and icon

Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. The large audience song word for word as Baby face sung some of his fan favorite to such as Whip Appeal, Soon as I get Home, Every time I close my eyes and the list goes on!

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival also offers the Jazz Marketplace where artists and makers showcase their original wares in a unique shopping experience and jazz eats and drinks, the Piano Competition, Jazz Jam, Sacred Jazz Brunch featuring Camille Thurman and The Darrell Green Quartet. 

If you missed the Jacksonville Jazz Festiva

For information about the history and future festival, visit Jacksonville Jazz Festival.