With the 2026 midterms in full swing, May is shaping up to be the busiest month of the primary season. From deep-red strongholds to critical “purple” battlegrounds, voters across more than a dozen states are heading to the polls this month to shape the future of Congress and state houses.
Whether you are watching the return of familiar faces or the rise of new challengers, here is your roadmap to the elections that matter this May.
Early May: Setting the Pace
The month kicks off with a flurry of activity in the Midwest and South, focusing on local leadership and statewide power dynamics.
Texas (May 2): The month began with local races across the Lone Star State. These non-partisan municipal elections often fly under the radar, but they determine the leadership of Texas’s rapidly growing cities and school boards.
Indiana & Ohio (May 5): Today marks a major shift to statewide stakes.
Ohio: All eyes are on the Senate and Governor races. Former Senator Sherrod Brown is attempting a high-profile comeback, facing newcomer Ron Kincaid in the Democratic primary. Meanwhile, the GOP field to succeed term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine features biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who holds a significant polling lead.
Indiana: Republican primaries for state house and senate seats are the main event here, with several “Trump-endorsed” challengers looking to unseat incumbents.
Michigan & Tennessee (May 5): Local elections and special general elections (including Michigan’s State Senate District 35) are also being decided today.
Mid-May: The Heart of the Heartland
As we move into the second week, the focus shifts to the Great Plains and the Appalachian mountains.
Nebraska & West Virginia (May 12): Both states will hold their full statewide primaries. In Nebraska, keep an eye on the nonpartisan primary system for the state legislature, while West Virginia voters will be finalizing their tickets for key House seats.
Louisiana (May 16): Louisiana typically holds its municipal primaries this weekend. Note that while many local races are proceeding, recent court challenges regarding redistricting have caused shifts in the scheduling of some congressional primary contests.
May 19: The “Super Tuesday” of Spring
Mark your calendars: May 19 is the biggest Election Day of the month. Voters in five states will head to the polls simultaneously, offering a massive snapshot of the national mood heading into the summer.
Pennsylvania: As a premier swing state, Pennsylvania’s primaries for the U.S. House will be scrutinized for clues about voter turnout and enthusiasm in suburban districts.
Georgia: Following years of intense political focus, Georgia’s primaries remain a central pillar of the 2026 map.
Oregon, Idaho, & Kentucky: These states will also hold their primary elections, finalizing their candidates for the general election in November.
The Grand Finale: Texas Returns
Texas (May 26): The month concludes where it began—in Texas. However, the stakes are higher this time. May 26 is Primary Runoff Day. In races where no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote during the March primaries, the top two finishers will face off for the final spot on the November ballot.
Why It Matters
May’s results will largely dictate the “flavor” of the 2026 general election. By the time June arrives, the matchups for the most competitive Senate and House seats in the country will be set.
Pro-Tip: Before you head out, double-check your local polling place and registration status, as some states have implemented new voting procedures or redistricted boundaries for this cycle.
May is the biggest month yet for the 2026 Midterms! 🗳️ From Ohio’s statewide races to the massive May 19 “Super Tuesday” slate, stay informed on who is heading to the polls. Check out our full May election guide here: [Link]
In our pursuit of being Crowned in Black Love, we recognize that our sovereignty is built on the strength of our institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have always been the engines of our progress. However, keeping these engines running requires more than just community support; it requires navigating the complex halls of federal power.
When we look at the recent historic levels of funding—specifically the shifts seen under the Biden and Trump administrations—it’s important to ask: Was this money just sitting there, or was it fought for?
Federal HBCU Funding by Administration & Term
President
Term
Approximate Total Funding
Key Accomplishments & Status
Joe Biden
2021–2025
$17+ Billion
Current Record Holder. Includes $11.4B in federal grants and debt relief, and over $4B in student financial aid.
Donald Trump
Term 2 (2025–Present)
In Progress
Executive Restructuring. Re-established the White House Initiative on HBCUs in the Executive Office of the President (April 2026).
Donald Trump
Term 1 (2017–2021)
$5+ Billion
The FUTURE Act. Permanently restored $255M in annual funding and forgave $322M in capital financing debt.
Barack Obama
2009–2017
$4–5 Billion
Consistent Support. Averaged $1.8B to $2.4B annually in total federal appropriations, grants, and contracts.
George W. Bush
2001–2009
$1.1 Billion (5-yr est.)
Research Capacity. Focused on enhancing R&D infrastructure and transferred the HBCU Initiative to the Secretary of Education.
Bill Clinton
1993–2001
$1.24+ Billion (FY 1995)
Strategic Expansion. Oversaw a 21% jump in agency awards and research grants between 1992 and 1995.
The “Fight” Behind the Funding
Many wonder how the numbers reached such heights during recent terms. It wasn’t just “found money”; it was a combination of legislative permanence and aggressive executive action.
For decades, HBCU leaders had to lobby Congress every single year for a vital $255 million pot of STEM funding. If it wasn’t renewed, the money vanished. In 2019, after a long bipartisan battle, the FUTURE Act was signed into law, making that $255 million permanent. This provided fiscal stability that our schools had never seen before.
2. Clearing the Slate: Strategic Debt Forgiveness
A significant portion of the funding seen in the Trump and Biden eras came from Executive Action to cancel crushing debt. In 2018, $322 million in Hurricane Katrina-related loans were forgiven for schools like Dillard and Xavier. Later, the Biden administration expanded this, canceling debt for 45 public and private HBCUs to allow them to reinvest in their students.
3. Direct Access: Moving the Seat of Power
In both his first and second terms (specifically in April 2025), President Trump signed Executive Orders moving the White House Initiative on HBCUs directly into the White House. This wasn’t a financial move, but a power move—giving HBCU presidents a direct line to the President’s staff rather than being buried within the Department of Education.
4. Administrative Redirects
Sometimes, the money comes from re-prioritizing what is already there. In early 2025, the Department of Education redirected $435 million in discretionary “Title III” funds specifically to HBCUs, nearly doubling the available awards for that year.
The Bottom Line
Whether through the record-breaking grants of the Biden administration or the permanent legislative stability of the Trump years, the message is clear: Our legacy is worth the fight. As we look toward the future, our role is to stay informed, keep our institutions accountable, and ensure that the “Crown” remains well-funded and unbowed.
Here is the breakdown of how it actually happened:
1. The Strategy: “Redirection” Over New Spending
In his second term (specifically 2025–2026), much of the “historic” funding wasn’t necessarily brand-new money from the taxpayer. Instead, it was a strategic redirection of funds.
The Swap: The administration cut roughly $435 million from various minority-serving programs at other types of institutions, labeling them “ineffective and discriminatory”.
The Result: That money was moved specifically into the HBCU bucket. This allowed the administration to tout a massive funding increase for HBCUs without increasing the overall federal education budget.
2. The Pressure: HBCU Leaders at the Table
The funding didn’t happen in a vacuum. Advocacy groups like the UNCF and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund were relentless in their “fight”.
The Negotiated Win: Leaders made it clear that for HBCUs to survive, they needed “permanent” funding rather than yearly extensions.
The Signature: In 2019, Trump signed the FUTURE Act, which made $255 million in annual funding permanent. He frequently used this as proof of his commitment, often stating he “saved” these colleges after previous administrations hadn’t secured their long-term funding.
3. The Shift: Excellence vs. DEI
A major part of the “why” involves a shift in political ideology.
The Ideological Pivot: In early 2025, the administration issued an executive order that stripped away references to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
The “Innovation” Label: By framing HBCUs as “beacons of educational excellence and innovation” rather than “minority aid programs,” the administration was able to justify funding them while simultaneously cutting other social safety net programs.
4. Summary of the “Fight” vs. the “Gift”
Action
Was it a “Fight”?
The Reality
FUTURE Act
Yes
Bipartisan pressure forced a permanent funding solution.
$435M Redirect
No
An administrative choice to move money away from other minority programs.
Debt Forgiveness
Yes
HBCU presidents lobbied for relief from 20-year-old disaster loans.
White House Move
No
A symbolic and strategic move to keep HBCU leaders under direct oversight.
The Bottom Line: While there was significant funding, critics argue it was a “redirect ruse” that boosted institutional checks while cutting the broader student aid (like Parent PLUS loan caps) that families need to actually attend these schools.
Systemic & Equity Rollbacks
Critics, including groups like the NAACP, argue that while he “cut checks” to institutions, his broader policies dismantled the protections Black individuals need to succeed:
Eliminating DEI and Equity Doctrine: In 2025, he signed executive orders revoking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and eliminated “disparate impact liability”—a legal tool used to prove when policies (like housing or hiring) unintentionally harm Black people.
Educational “Loyalty” Requirements: In late 2025, his administration proposed a “Compact for Academic Excellence” that tied federal funding to requirements that schools freeze tuition and suppress certain types of social criticism. Most HBCUs refused to comply, viewing it as an infringement on their academic freedom.
Rollback of Civil Rights Protections: His administration rolled back guidance on school discipline policies meant to address racial disparities, which critics say puts Black students at higher risk for the “school-to-prison pipeline”.
Weakening Consumer Protection: Orders that loosened environmental and mortgage regulations may increase lender participation but also heighten the risk of predatory lending and discriminatory practices that have historically stripped wealth from Black families.
The “Legacy” Conclusion
Ultimately, the debate boils down to a choice of philosophy:
Critics argue he is a hindrance because he removed the safety nets—stripping away the civil rights protections and equity strategies that prevent Black individuals from being marginalized in the broader economy.
As you build your own legacy, ask yourself: Is a strong foundation for our colleges enough if the protections for the students attending them are being removed? True progression likely requires both the funding for the institutions and the protection of the people.
Money doesn’t just appear; it’s fought for. 👑 Today we’re looking at the legislative wins and executive actions that fueled record HBCU funding from the 90s to 2026. #HBCU #Legacy #BlackExcellence
To build our Generational Legacy, we must understand exactly what has been taken and why it matters for our families.
1. The Elimination of DEI Initiatives
On his first day in office and through subsequent orders in 2025 and early 2026, the administration banned DEI practices across the federal government and among federal contractors.
The Argument: The administration claims DEI programs are “racially discriminatory” and prioritize “immutable characteristics” over merit.
The Reality: These programs were designed to open doors that were historically shut. By removing them, the administration is effectively bullying employers into abandoning legal efforts to promote equity. It signals a waning commitment to ensuring our workplaces actually look like America.
What it is: Disparate impact is a legal tool that allows you to prove discrimination even if a policy looks neutral on its face, but results in a disproportionately negative outcome for Black people.
The Impact: Without this tool, it becomes nearly impossible to challenge housing or hiring policies that unintentionally—but effectively—harm our community. Intentional “animus” or hate is notoriously hard to prove in a courtroom; disparate impact was the only way to uncover hidden prejudices.
What We Can Do: Community Action Plan
While the federal government has retreated from its role as a civil rights enforcer, our power as a community remains. Here is how we protect our legacy:
Support Local and State Legislation: Federal orders do not always override state and local anti-discrimination laws. Advocate for your state to maintain its own disparate impact standards and DEI protections.
Monitor Private Sector Commitments: Hold private employers and contractors accountable. Even without federal mandates, many private organizations recognize that diversity is a business necessity. Use your voice and your dollars to support companies that remain committed to equity.
Legal Vigilance and Advocacy: Support organizations like the NAACP and the ACLU who are currently filing lawsuits to challenge these orders as unconstitutional.
Protect Truthful Education: Oppose efforts to ban the teaching of Black history and systemic racism in schools. An informed generation is a resilient one.
Economic Stewardship: Focus on Black entrepreneurship and homeownership. Strengthening our own economic base reduces our reliance on systems that may no longer be designed to protect us.
Building the Future We Deserve
The dismantling of these legal protections is a stark reminder that progress is never guaranteed; it must be constantly defended. While the executive actions of 2025 and 2026 have altered the battlefield, they have not extinguished our collective agency. By grounding ourselves in legal literacy, economic independence, and local advocacy, we transform from a community under pressure into a movement of resilience. Our “Crown” is not given by the government—it is forged through our commitment to one another and the legacy we leave for those who follow. Now is the time to stay informed, stay organized, and remain unapologetic in our pursuit of equity.
The removal of DEI and Disparate Impact liability in 2025 is a direct hit to our community’s safety and progress. 👑 Learn why these legal tools matter and how we can fight back. #CivilRights #HBCU #Legacy #Equality
In the story of the Black experience in America, 1868 stands as a monument. If the 13th Amendment broke the physical chains of slavery, the 14th Amendment attempted to build the legal floor we stand on today. For our community, understanding this amendment isn’t just a history lesson—it is about recognizing the constitutional armor that protects our families, our excellence, and our right to exist.
1. From “Property” to Citizen: Birthright Citizenship
Before 1868, the highest court in the land (in the infamousDred Scottcase) claimed that Black people had “no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” The 14th Amendment was the definitive “No” to that lie.
By establishing Birthright Citizenship, our ancestors went from being considered “chattel” to being recognized as legal citizens of the United States.
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States… are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
This meant that our belonging was no longer up for debate; our breath on this soil became our legal claim to the flag. It ensured citizenship was a right of birth, not a gift to be granted or taken away based on the color of our skin.
2. The Great Shield: Equal Protection
The Equal Protection Clause is the most vital tool in our community’s legal arsenal. It prohibits states from denying any person “the equal protection of the laws.” It is the backbone of every major civil rights victory that has allowed us to thrive:
Desegregating Education: It was the key to unlocking the doors in Brown v. Board of Education, ensuring our children could access the same quality of learning as anyone else.
Defending Our Vote: It serves as the primary defense against voter suppression, ensuring that every Black vote carries equal weight.
Ending Discrimination: It provides the grounds to challenge systemic bias in hiring, housing, and the justice system.
3. Protecting Our Liberty: Due Process and Incorporation
The amendment’s Due Process Clause ensures that a state cannot snatch away our “life, liberty, or property” without a fair legal process.
Through a doctrine called incorporation, the Supreme Court used this amendment to force individual states to respect the Bill of Rights. This means your right to free speech and protection against unreasonable searches applies everywhere, from Mississippi to New York. In a world that has historically tried to devalue Black life and ownership, this clause is a vital boundary.
The 14th Amendment’s Modern Legacy
The 14th Amendment is a living document. It is the reason we can walk into courtrooms and demand dignity. When we celebrate Black Love, we do so knowing that we are not “guests” in this country—we are its architects and its citizens. We are protected by a revolutionary shift in the law that was written specifically because our ancestors refused to be anything less than free.
1868 wasn’t just a year; it was our “second founding.” 🛡️ From birthright citizenship to equal protection, see how the 14th Amendment serves as the legal armor for Black excellence and freedom. #BlackHistory #CivilRights
The year 1868 marked a profound “second founding” of the United States. While the original Constitution focused on the structure of the federal government, the 14th Amendment pivoted the nation’s legal compass toward the individual, forever changing what it means to be an American.
1. Birthright Citizenship: Defining the “Who”
Before 1868, the definition of a citizen was murky and often exclusionary, most notoriously highlighted by the Dred Scott decision. The 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause cleared the air with one definitive sentence:
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
This established birthright citizenship. It ensured that citizenship was no longer a gift to be granted by the state based on race or heritage, but a right acquired simply by being born on U.S. soil.
2. The Great Shield: Equal Protection
Perhaps the most litigated and influential phrase in the entire Constitution is the Equal Protection Clause. It prohibits states from denying any person “the equal protection of the laws.”
Initially intended to protect the rights of formerly enslaved people, its reach has expanded over 150 years to become the primary tool for fighting discrimination. It serves as the legal foundation for:
Gender Equality: Prohibiting laws that treat men and women differently without a compelling reason.
Voting Rights: Ensuring that every vote carries equal weight.
3. Due Process and Incorporation
The amendment also includes aDue Process Clause, which forbids states from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
Through a legal doctrine called incorporation, the Supreme Court has used this clause to apply the Bill of Rights—which originally only restricted the federal government—to the states. This means your First Amendment right to free speech and your Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches are protected regardless of which state you are standing in.
The 14th Amendment’s Modern Legacy
Today, the 14th Amendment acts as the “living heart” of the Constitution. It is the bridge between the high ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the practical reality of the courtroom. Whenever a group feels marginalized or a law feels unjust, the 14th Amendment is almost always the first line of defense.
It didn’t just change the law; it changed the American identity, asserting that the law must see people not as members of a class, but as equal citizens.
The 14th Amendment wasn’t just a legal update—it was a “second founding.” From birthright citizenship to equal protection, see how 1868 redefined what it means to be American. 🇺🇸⚖️ #History #CivilRights #Constitution
Crowned in Black Love 