April 24, 2026
Vol.31, Issue 12
AframNews.com
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African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
TRUMP TAPS FORMER PUBLIC HEALTH LEADER ERICA SCHWARTZ TO RUN By: Fred Smith
SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER CHARGED OVER KU KLUX KLAN INFORMANT PAYMENTS
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
A new lawsuit filed in April 2026 is raising serious concerns across the country, especially within the Black community. At the center of it all are scholarships created specifically to help Black students— programs that, for years, have opened doors for thousands of young people chasing higher education. Now, those same programs are being challenged in federal court, with arguments claiming they violate a law meant to ensure equal rights. On the surface, the case is being framed as a fight for fairness. The argument is simple: no opportunity should be limited by race. But for many Black
families, the situation feels far more complicated— and far more personal. These scholarships were never just about money. They were created to respond to real gaps that still exist today. Black students, on average, are more likely to face financial barriers when it comes to college. From underfunded schools to limited access to generational wealth, the path to higher education has never been equal. For many, scholarships designed with their experiences in mind have been one of the few lifelines available. SPLC on pg. 3 And the need is real. Each year,
Donald Trump on Thursday nominated Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, selecting a seasoned public health official for a role that has largely been filled on an interim or part-time basis during his second administration. Schwartz previously served as deputy surgeon general in Trump’s first administration and has built much of her career in health-related roles within the U.S. military. A board-certified physician in preventive medicine, she earned her medical degree from Brown University in 1998 and later obtained a Master of Public Health from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in 2000. She also holds a law degree and is admitted to the bar in Washington, D.C. Throughout her career, Schwartz served extensively in both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, including as the Coast Guard’s chief of preventive medicine. She also played a role in the Trump administration’s AA response to the COVID-19 pandemic.