Sharon Lavigne, 'Cancer Alley' activist, granted honorary Italian citizenship
The Louisiana native received the honor while in the country for meetings with students, fellow climate advocates, and top Vatican officials.
Health
In 2025, the 'immortal' Henrietta Lacks is still receiving her due.
An October event in Maryland will help cement her remembrance in Maryland medicine—and begin a new chapter of family advocacy.
Cancer Alley rally to feature former Vice President Al Gore, Black Catholic activist Sharon Lavigne
The event, led by RISE St. James, honors the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing fight against chemical pollution in Louisiana.
XULA medical school leaders speak on health equity at 2025 Essence Fest panel
XULA President Dr. C. Reynold Verret and Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine dean Dr. Leonardo Seoane spoke on the state of Black healthcare.
Playing God with Black lives: The preventable tragedy of Adriana Smith
Alessandra Harris connects the artificial vivification of a pregnant woman to the history of U.S. medical experimentation and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The wisdom of the elders: Confronting the fear of aging and treasuring multigenerationality
Tamika Royes takes on the rising tide of ageism, raising a framework for increased community with a healthy hunger for varied life experiences.
Lillian Boutté, international jazz and gospel singer, dead at 75
The Black Catholic musician from New Orleans recorded albums across continents and genres and starred Off-Broadway during a six-decade career.
Why the pronatalism of JD Vance falls flat on these Catholic ears.
Efran Menny dissects a pernicious strain of political thought that demands a higher birthrate alongside decimation of the social safety net.
Home again: On Catholic burnout and the journey of challenged faith
Sara Chinakwe narrates her journey away from the Church and back again, fueled by a pursuit of authentic encounter with God.
Say 'Amen': A guide for self-care in a perilous age
Dr. Paula Langford gives holistic wisdom for unprecedented times, noting the importance of self-care even as the cares of the world seem overwhelming.
Fundraiser benefiting Detroit Black Catholic battling rare cancer in Dominican Republic
Juan Rosario, caretaker for two siblings after the recent death of his mother, asks donations to cover chemo treatments in his native country.
ESSENCE Festival panels cover health equity at future XULA medical school campus
The event was hosted by the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), announced two years ago and currently seeking accreditation.
Review: 'Inside Out 2' is a fun, not-too-emotional adventure
Samantha Smith calls the new Disney/Pixar flick a well-made sequel that strikes the right chords—emotional and otherwise.
Henrietta Lacks family can sue over use of immortal 'HeLa' cells, judge rules
The new ruling out of Maryland could set up her descendants for another large settlement, this time from California bioscience firm Ultragenyx.
Xavier University of Louisiana unveils name of forthcoming medical school with Ochsner Health
Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is still years from accepting students, but stakeholders gathered for a signing ceremony this week in New Orleans.
New Vatican doc on human dignity draws mixed reaction from Black Catholics
Theologians, bishops, and a transgender Black Catholic have responded to the latest bombshell declaration from the Church's doctrinal office.