Black Legislative & Community Knowledge

Three brothers in California discovered a rare first edition Superman #1 comic from June 1939 while clearing out their deceased mother's attic during Christmas last year. The comic, which had been stored in pristine condition under old newspapers since their mother and uncle purchased it between the Great Depression and World War II, received an unprecedented 9.0 rating from a professional grading service. Heritage Auctions facilitated the sale in Texas, where the comic sold for $9.12 million, surpassing the previous record by $3 million. The brothers, who wish to remain anonymous and are in their 50s and 60s, had been told about their mother's valuable collection but had never seen it before her passing. # Key Takeaways

On November 14, hundreds of participants from three San Diego schools—Gage Elementary, Pershing Middle, and Patrick Henry High School—participated in the fourth annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a student-organized commemoration. Approximately 400 students, families, and community members walked to school wearing purple shirts and carrying lunchboxes to honor Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all-white Louisiana elementary school in 1960 at age six. The event featured student-led activities including reflection, art projects, and discussions focused on promoting unity and celebrating diversity. Additional San Diego Unified schools, such as Hamilton and Ibarra Elementary, also participated in this district-wide initiative aimed at fostering inclusive school environments and strengthening community bonds.

Several historically Black colleges and universities secured significant victories over the weekend in MEAC and SWAC conference play. South Carolina State defeated NC Central 34-27 on a late touchdown run by Josh Shaw, maintaining their perfect 4-0 conference record, while Delaware State also stayed unbeaten in MEAC play with a 26-13 win over Howard. Jackson State dominated Bethune-Cookman with three running backs each surpassing 100 yards in a 28-13 victory, and Alabama State cruised to a 41-3 win over Mississippi Valley State to secure their first eight-win season since 2018. Prairie View A&M claimed the SWAC Western Division championship with a decisive 56-9 triumph over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, earning a spot in the upcoming conference championship game.

BasBlue, a Detroit community hub supporting women and gender-diverse individuals, has launched a free weekly Community Supper program to address growing food insecurity affecting city residents. The initiative responds to increased grocery costs, reduced SNAP benefits, and strained household budgets by offering complimentary Monday dinners from 5-7 p.m. without any eligibility requirements or paperwork. Local Detroit chefs, including teams from Folk Detroit, Baobab Fare, and Fried Chicken and Caviar, prepare rotating menus that celebrate the city's diverse culinary traditions. The program has already served over 100 meals and operates with support from Plum Market, providing a dignified, welcoming space where families, elders, and individuals can gather for nourishment and community connection. # Key Takeaways

Fred Durhal Jr., a highly respected Michigan legislator and community advocate, died at age 73 on November 19, 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy of public service spanning several decades. Throughout his career serving Detroit in the Michigan House of Representatives from various districts and terms, including 2008-2014 as Dean Emeritus, Durhal earned recognition for his compassionate advocacy for working-class families, marginalized populations, and Detroit's most vulnerable residents. His leadership extended beyond legislation to community revitalization efforts, youth programs, and affordable housing initiatives, while he maintained a reputation for integrity and bipartisan cooperation. The father of current Detroit City Councilmember Fred Durhal III, he is remembered by family, colleagues, and former political opponents alike as a mentor, tireless fighter for equity and justice, and devoted family man who exemplified genuine commitment to improving lives in his community. # Key Takeaways

The Rx Kids program, which provides direct cash payments to expectant and new mothers, has expanded to six Wayne County communities but excludes Detroit due to jurisdictional reasons. The initiative offers eligible mothers $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for six months after birth, targeting areas with high child poverty rates. Detroit was not included because it operates its own independent health department, while the county-administered program only serves municipalities without their own health departments. Since launching in Flint in 2024, the program has distributed $17 million to over 3,900 families and will now serve 17 Michigan municipalities total. Wayne County selected the six participating cities—River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn—based on demonstrated need and their reliance on county health services.