Ricky Jones

1 month ago | rickyljones.substack.com | Ricky Jones

Members of Louisville’s Black community will come together at St. Stephen Baptist Church on Thursday, May 8th at 6:00pm for the first “Ascension Citywide Black Graduation Ceremony.” We are encouraging Black undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to don their regalia and join classmates and faculty from Bellarmine University, Simmons College of Kentucky, Spalding University, and the University of Louisville.

1 month ago | courier-journal.com | Ricky Jones

A community-organized Black graduation ceremony called "Ascension" will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, in response to predominantly white institutions (PWIs) canceling similar events. PWIs offer insufficient support to Black students and faculty and follow discriminatory laws without challenge. "Ascension" is an independent celebration of Black graduates, organized and funded by the Black community.

2 months ago | courier-journal.com | Ricky Jones

University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel abruptly resigned and Provost Gerry Bradley was appointed as her replacement without a national search. The University of Louisville board's actions are part of a larger pattern of disregard for higher education in Kentucky. The University of Louisville is no longer a serious educational institution, and the board of trustees is to blame.

2 months ago | rickyljones.substack.com | Ricky Jones

This isn’t about DEI. It’s about racism. Trauma is the tactic but rolling back each and every gain made during the civil rights movement in education and beyond is the goal. Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. “He lies. He’s complicit. He’s a coward.”The Free Mind of Jones is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Mar 6, 2025 | courier-journal.com | Ricky Jones

Republicans are employing a strategy of trauma to silence opposition, particularly targeting diversity initiatives in higher education. Many university presidents are complying with these attacks, removing diversity programs and failing to protect their faculty and students. This lack of resistance will have dire consequences for diversity and equity in higher education, ultimately harming American society.