Kenya Downs

Global Nation Multiplatform Editor and Reporter

The World

Kenya Downs is an editor and reporter for Global Nations' education coverage.

I was a multiplatform editor and reporter focused on education for PRI's Global Nation. 

My area of concentration is on issues of race and social justice, as well as news updates and features from throughout the African Diaspora, particularly the Caribbean. I love exploring the nuanced, going behind the headlines to uncover the why and how. But I especially enjoy being a catalyst for people of color to share their stories in their own words.

I left PRI in 2018.

A woman looks at photographs on the wall.

It was once easier to go unnoticed, but some DACA recipients from Europe and Canada say they are ready to join the immigration fight

Most DACA recipients are from Mexico, but those who are not say it’s important that they speak up.

It was once easier to go unnoticed, but some DACA recipients from Europe and Canada say they are ready to join the immigration fight
Camila Duarte rallies her fellow students at Pompano Beach High School

For immigrant students, joining the ‘March for Our Lives’ is a fight for their own

For immigrant students, joining the ‘March for Our Lives’ is a fight for their own
(Left to right): Indira Marquez Robles, Dustin Henderson, Maria Geneva Reyes, Mwewa Mwange and Jasiel López (left to right) are recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Nearly 40 percent of DACA recipients are high school or college students. Now their future is in limbo.

Nearly 40 percent of DACA recipients are high school or college students. Now their future is in limbo.
A woman riding the train looks out of the window.

DACA gave her courage to fight anti-immigrant bias and white supremacy

DACA gave her courage to fight anti-immigrant bias and white supremacy
A man leans on a colorfully painted wall and looks over his right shoulder.

On his commute to campus he could soon risk a ticket — and deportation

On his commute to campus he could soon risk a ticket — and deportation
Haitian TPS Family

Trump administration decision forces Haitian families to confront an uncertain future in the US

President Donald Trump's decision to end temporary protections for Haitian immigrants shocked recipients, many of whom are now faced with returning to a country they haven't seen in years.

Trump administration decision forces Haitian families to confront an uncertain future in the US
Window with poster about how to handle immigration raids, man behind at table

The deadline to renew DACA is here, but 36,000 people still have not applied

About 154,000 people are eligible to renew. As of Thursday morning, many still had not applied — cost, the difficulty in getting legal help and fear of how the government will treat them are likely reasons.

The deadline to renew DACA is here, but 36,000 people still have not applied
Howard International Students

How do tensions with the White House impact HBCU diversity?

After a scaled-down annual summit, tensions between the Trump administration and leaders of historically black colleges and universities continue to mount. And some worry it’s their ethnic diversity that could take the biggest hit, a diversity some don’t even know exists.

How do tensions with the White House impact HBCU diversity?
Dominica Hurricane Maria

After pummeling Dominica, Hurricane Maria forces Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands to brace for impact

“I am at the mercy of the hurricane. My roof is gone. House is flooding,” Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit posted on Facebook.

After pummeling Dominica, Hurricane Maria forces Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands to brace for impact
DACA protests

How can a ‘sanctuary school’ protect its DACA students?

As DACA recipients grapple with their legal options, many universities are now assessing how their “sanctuary” status can go from symbolic to proactive.

How can a ‘sanctuary school’ protect its DACA students?
Hurricane Irma over Puerto Rico

After Hurricane Irma, Puerto Ricans and Virgin Islanders want more relief from fellow Americans

While Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands clean up after Hurricane Irma, many residents of these US territories say the challenge of storm relief is not just the devastation, but neglect from their fellow Americans in the continental US.

After Hurricane Irma, Puerto Ricans and Virgin Islanders want more relief from fellow Americans
College graduation

How H-1B work visas transformed tech and education in the US and India

A new study suggests the H-1B visa program is creating a positive impact on American and Indian economics, and isn’t contributing to an Indian “brain drain” as much as some critics fear.

How H-1B work visas transformed tech and education in the US and India
large flag of Ireland hanging in building rafters

In Boston, an Irish immigrant’s arrest highlights the role of race in immigration enforcement

What does an immigrant look like? The arrest of an undocumented Irish immigrant in Boston is challenging racial bias in immigration enforcement.

In Boston, an Irish immigrant’s arrest highlights the role of race in immigration enforcement
College international students

Is Trump's immigration rhetoric causing a drop in international student applications?

One survey suggests that some foreign-born applicants may soon be saying "no thanks" to studying in the US.

Is Trump's immigration rhetoric causing a drop in international student applications?
Graduating students attend USC's Commencement Ceremony at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California, May 15, 2015.

President Trump, some 20% of this year’s college grads will be immigrants. What careers can they have in the US?

For immigrants, who the Migration Policy Institute estimates are 20 percent of all U.S. college students, graduation day may be met with a different type of post-grad anxiety.

President Trump, some 20% of this year’s college grads will be immigrants. What careers can they have in the US?