From the tragic story of a Brown University student’s death to the untold story of Somalis in Minnesota, here are some of the stories shaping our communities.

1.  The surprising antidote to hate crimes: Communities are fighting rising hate crimes not with fear, but with connection and healing. Health equity leaders say racism harms mental health, yet 74% of Americans believe common ground is possible. The solution? Rewrite harmful narratives and lead with love. Keep reading at URL Media.
   
   
2. Brown student’s dream cut tragically short:  An 18-year-old Brown University freshman from Uzbekistan was killed in an unexplained shooting at the university while helping a friend study for finals. Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon. His family learned of his death hours after the shooting, and a GoFundMe has been launched in his memory. Keep reading at AsAm News.
   
   
3. Selena’s dad kept her spirit alive: Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Selena’s father and the architect behind her legendary career, has died at 86. More than just a stage dad, he spent decades championing Tejano music and preserving his daughter’s legacy for new generations. His friend calls him a silent helper who believed survival depended on family, work, and relentless belief. Keep reading at URL Media.
   
   
4. How Black journalists rewrote the news: From Max Robinson breaking barriers in 1978 to today’s digital trailblazers, Black journalists have transformed American media. The National Association of Black Journalists turns 50 with a legacy of firsts that changed how we see news, sports, and culture. These moments prove representation isn’t just important. It’s everything. Keep reading at Capital B.
   
   
5. The untold Somali Minnesota story: Minnesota’s 80,000+ Somali residents make it home to the largest community outside Africa. It started in the ’90s when word spread fast about job opportunities, and Somali cultural values of sharing reliable information did the rest. Here’s the full story. Keep reading at Sahan Journal.
   

PLUS:

Former President Barack Obama revealed his top culture picks for 2025 this week. Are your favorites on his list?

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