February 14th has been internationally branded as a day of love. But to many Americans, the day is recognized as the chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass, which celebrates the work and activism of the historical Black trailblazer.
The Gators’ former shortstop and sophomore second baseman Cade Kurland made up one of the most talented middle infields in college baseball in 2023.
The Gators lacrosse team (0-1) dominated the Scotland National Team 22-2 in an exhibition match. This was UF’s home opener, as well.
On Feb. 8, I listened to the United States Supreme Court oral arguments in Trump v. Anderson, a case deciding if the Colorado Supreme Court was correct that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to be on the ballot due to the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment. Many who listened, myself included, are predicting a decision in Trump’s favor.
The Gators men's basketball team survived a late push from the LSU Tigers to earn its sixth win in seven games.
Behind another strong performance from Ava Brown and a 3-for-3 night from Reagan Walsh, the Gators softball team defeated Jacksonville 10-0.
Taking the podium at Santa Fe College’s Blount Center, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward started his annual State of the City Address by talking about snow.
The Florida Gators signed head baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan to a four-year extension, which keeps him in Gainesville until 2033. He becomes the second-highest-paid head coach in the SEC.
Florida has a rich history of elite athletic programs. Although there are more than 500 student athletes at UF, only 133 of them identify as Black or African American. This Black History Month, the Florida Gators men’s basketball program is bringing awareness to the sacrifices and contributions Black athletes have endured in historically adverse situations.
Britney Deas couldn’t keep her smile hidden as she opened her email. An unassuming email, something she thought was about administration, was actually announcing one of the biggest achievements in her career: becoming the first Black woman to be chief justice of the UF Supreme Court.
Black UF students form strong bonds through diverse campus organizations at the predominantly white university.
In partnership with the Moisturizer Gallery, a nonprofit art gallery in Gainesville, the Black Space Art Exhibition will open Feb. 16 at the Thomas Center and will feature printmaking, painting, oils and ceramics created by local and out-of-town Black artists.
In Alachua County, 11.1% of the population is food insecure, according to the Florida Department of Health. In the last decade, several urban farms have sprouted in an effort to combat local food insecurity. These community gardens also tackle other issues stemming from food insecurity, including educating citizens and addressing systemic inequality.
David Canton, UF director of African American studies, calls it the “eyeball test.”
Porters Quarters is a historically Black neighborhood in East Gainesville founded in 1884 by Canadian physician Dr. Watson Porter, who only sold real estate to African Americans. As the neighborhood continues to battle gentrification among student housing and downtown expansions, the lack of communication between the city and the neighborhood worries residents. The most recent construction has left residents perplexed.
Addressing limited access to health in southeast Gainesville, community members and health care providers across Alachua County see solutions not only in improving access in policy, community engagement and education, but also in expanding food resources to the town.
It’s not easy being a biracial student anywhere. Growing up, I was often faced with challenges of finding my place, of feeling included in certain communities, of feeling accepted.
In 2022, Black journalists composed only 6% of American journalists. Sixty-three percent of Black Americans believed news about Black people are more negative than other racial or ethnic groups. Only 9% believed coverage of Black people told “the full story.”
Embedded in America’s history and tradition is that diversity has always been our strength. Appearing on the Great Seal of the United States is the Latin phrase: “E pluribus unum” meaning “Out of many, one.” The idea is that our country, unlike any other country in the world, benefits from the rich diversity of its people.
Solutions by The State News
