It sounds like a bit of poetic justice, street-protest style: there have been widespread reports on social media that activists opposed to mass deportation raids were using trucks loaded with rock salt, which is typically used to clear frozen roads, to obstruct the work of agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the organization that is, […]
Aallyah Wright
Aallyah Wright is the rural issues reporter for Capital B. From farmers to land fights to health care and jobs, her reporting explores the issues that matter most while celebrating culture and joy.
Follow her on Bluesky @aallyahpatrice.bsky.social and Instagram @journalistaallyah.
Posted inCulture, History
Mississippi Festival Puts Black Blues Elders in Spotlight
CLARKSDALE, Mississippi — On a summer Saturday in the Mississippi Delta, Australia “Honey Bee” Jones sat calm and reserved in a chair on the MLK Park Stage in downtown Clarksdale. The weather was mild. A light wind blew, but the sun shone brightly, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature of 90 degrees. It was […]
Posted inCulture
After ‘Sinners,’ Clarksdale Locals Used the Spotlight to Build Unity
CLARKSDALE, Mississippi — Dave Houston still can’t believe what he helped bring to life in his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi. For three days last week, he, along with a small committee, hosted the first ever Clarksdale Day Festival to unify the city and celebrate the culture, history, and traditions of the people who live in […]
Posted inExtreme Weather, Partner Content, Uncategorized
What Was Lost: Neighborhood Sounds After Hurricane Katrina
As part of Capital B’s coverage of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina later this month, we’re proud to present “What Was Lost,” a series of reflections by Louisianans who survived the storm, produced by our collaborators at Verite News. When I snuck into New Orleans after Katrina, the city was absent of sound. Not […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Black Alabama Mayor Once Blocked by White Town Leaders Wins Reelection
NEWBERN, Ala. — On a quiet, sunny morning, Gabrielle Cook and her 20-year-old son Mark Cabil walked into their town hall to cast their ballots in an election that would decide the future of their rural Alabama town. For the first time in Newbern’s history, the citizens of this majority-Black town got to participate directly […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Voting
Black Voters ‘Finally’ Get Win After Federal Judge Strikes Down Mississippi Map
In Dyamone White’s rural Mississippi town, churches long served as the gathering spot for community events. As a millennial, she recognized the need to bring those events elsewhere as a way to increase civic engagement and host important community discussions. Over the years, she’s seen the participation grow in Edwards and Bolton, towns near her […]
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, Rural Issues
Medicaid Cuts Endanger Life-Saving Care for Black Families in Rural America
Over the past few months, Marcia Dinkins’ eldest child has been hospitalized frequently. A serious infection swept through her daughter’s body, affecting her pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder. Fortunately, Dinkins’ daughter, Marshale Malone, was able to afford and receive life-saving surgery, thanks to Medicaid. But without it, Dinkins said, the health emergency could have meant either […]
Posted inBlack Businesses, Black Farmers, Economy, Politics & Policy
Black-Owned Businesses Confront Rising Costs Amid Trump’s Tariffs
Sweeping tariffs took effect Thursday, and while President Donald Trump has said the tariffs would lead to factories and jobs moving back to the United States, for Black Americans and small-business owners, it is not that simple. Prices are expected to dramatically rise for clothing and shoes; electronics like cellphones and computers; cars and auto […]
Posted inBlack Businesses, Economy, Partner Content
For Black Women, Seeds of Wealth Start With Homeownership
After she moved into her first apartment in 2021, a one-bedroom unit in East Baltimore, Saj Dillard realized her rent wouldn’t have gotten her much once her lease ended. The recent college graduate wanted to grow her capital, build wealth and have the chance to own something. So, she set a goal for herself — […]
Posted inHealth, Maternal Health, Partner Content
A Brain-Dead Pregnant Black Woman Was Kept Alive in Georgia. It’s Unclear if State Law Required It.
Originally published by KFF Health News A Georgia woman declared brain-dead and kept on life support for more than three months because she was pregnant was removed from a ventilator in June and died, days after doctors delivered her 1-pound, 13-ounce baby by emergency cesarean section. The baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit. […]
