Grambling State Alum Morgan Simon Creates Empowering Wellness Platform ‘Mentally Pretty’

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Photo Credit: Steven Grant & Armando Martinez 

By: E’Vonne Gipson

Author and Entrepreneur, Morgan Simon says it is time to help end the stigma and lift some barriers surrounding mental health! The ‘Mentally Pretty’ founder created the mental health platform focused on helping create a life that’s pretty in every area! She uses her knowledge, her personal mental health experiences and her heart to assist in creating the opportunity for more individuals to live pretty in wealth, lifestyle, mind, fitness and relationships! This platform launched at a time where according to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are increasing worldwide. Mental Health Awareness Month is held in May, but Simon and her team are making it their business to provide resources and funding for more accessible and affordable mental healthcare along with life-saving research all-year round!

With the current pandemic and tragedies in and out of our country it has never been more imperative than right now to recognize the role mental health plays in our overall well-being and the importance and the urgency to help those in need receive proper treatment.

Unfortunately, research says suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 15–29-year-old demographic. This indicates an increase in internalizing symptoms in girls. These symptoms are linked to distress such as fear and sadness which may exacerbate depression, loneliness, anxiety, and somatic complaints. The Lake Charles native was able to learn more about some of these areas while attending Grambling State University studying Recreational Therapy. With that, the now 29-year-old has a plan and a goal to make a positive social impact by better educating individuals young and old nationally about available services, highlighting different ways to receive treatment and advocate.

That ball is now rolling, as Simon has partnered with licensed therapists to create a mentally pretty therapy service. This is a free therapy session offered to evaluate where one stands in the area of mental health and to determine what additional services may be needed. This is extremely important to Simon because she is aware of the misconceptions about mental health, the fear behind discussing mental health out loud and more importantly how financially straining receiving treatment for mental health can be. These few things can cause many to suffer in silence and allow their mental health conditions to remain untreated. ‘Mentally Pretty’ was created so that nobody feels like they are going through a mental health challenge alone, they’re here to not only inform, but to ensure support!

Simon’s purpose continues and her efforts to educate never stops! In addition to becoming a growing mental health advocate, she became an equally passionate author. She released two children’s books in January 2022 entitled ‘Timothy Buys Real Estate’ and ‘Timothy’s Lego City’ in honor of her son, Timothy. In this series she wanted to introduce money, investing and ownership in a fun and educational way that’ll help create a brighter financial future.

She chose children’s books because she believes that the first years are the most important for learning basic skills in every child, as they set the basis for overall success in life. She wanted to be apart of building a strong foundation in young minds.

Ultimately, her main focus is to assist in improving lives and building stronger communities. Along with her children’s books, ‘Mentally Pretty’ will produce weekly podcast episodes, in-person mental health events, scholarships and apparel to positively bring about awareness and intentional wellness change.

Discussing mental health might be uncomfortable, but that one conversation can make all the difference. Let’s do it along-side ‘Mentally Pretty’ where they believe mental health is not something you have, but it’s something you practice!

We asked Simon some questions to learn more about becoming an author, about the platform ‘Mentally Pretty’ and how we can all better understand mental health. Check it out:

  • What inspired you to become an author?
  1. After graduation I worked as a recreational therapist for children with disabilities. I enjoyed the aspect of finding creative ways to teach them and found myself often creating scenarios or personal stories to help the lessons stick. From there, I had the idea that I should start to write my stories out, but never took it seriously. After getting pregnant with my son, I would think about all the lessons and things I wanted to teach him and that’s when I was inspired to actually write and publish educational children’s stories dedicated to him.
  • What is the book about? What are a few of the main things you would like for readers to take away from the book?
  1. I have a handful of activity books for children introducing them to numbers, letters, shapes, animals, counting and simple words, responsible for developing their motor and recognition skills. Those specific activity books are targeted for children between the ages 3 and 5 and they include Letter Tracing, Simple Math Workbooks, Maze Word Searches and Dot to Dot Coloring Books. I also have two titles for children ages 9 to 12 coming soon! The books entitled ‘Timothy Buys Real Estate’ and‘Timothy’s Lego City’ focus on an early introduction to money lessons, ownership and investing for a bright financial future.
Photo Credit: Steven Grant & Armando Martinez

Q) How do you feel that your education helped prepare you to become a successful author and entrepreneur?

A) My undergraduate degree is in Recreational Therapy and as a recreational therapist I helped people reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic physical and mental abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. I was taught to use interventions, such as exercise, mental stimulation, creative projects, and other fun activities to help patients. So, although I didn’t graduate in business or English, I think most skills were transferable when it comes to the mental and creative parts of entrepreneurship and becoming an author. 

Q) In addition to becoming a new author you started the platform, ‘Mentally Pretty’, in a few sentences tell us about the purpose of the platform and what inspired you to create it?

A) Mentally Pretty is a platform designed to help women establish healthy mental practices and achieve an elevated state of wellbeing. I was inspired to create this platform because I always focused on achievement and spent very little time making my mental health a priority. I was so focused on scholastic achievements, my career success and outward appearance, but I found that I was still struggling inwardly. Anxiety and depression started to overtake me at times and I realized accomplishments and success mean nothing if we aren’t mentally, physically and emotionally healthy enough to enjoy it. I wanted to create a platform where I would be able to help other women find peace and balance when it came to their mental health. 

Q) In recent years, unfortunately many lives have been lost due to poor mental health and suicide, what do you believe can assist in helping individuals improve their mental health and decreasing the number of deaths?

A) I believe education is the key factor in helping decrease these numbers. 

It’s hard to change what we don’t know. Mental health education provides necessary awareness and resources for individuals and their loved ones. It helps break the stigma associated with mental health. Additionally, it can promote efforts for treatment and recovery. It’s important to spread the word on resources and any helpful information associated with educating the community in mental health.

Q) We know, ‘Mentally Pretty’ is geared toward women, but proper mental health is important for both genders, however, do you believe mental health affects men and women differently? Why?

A) I believe mental health affects everyone differently, man or woman. Mental health is an individual journey. I chose women specifically because I am able to educate and identify with women more than I would male individuals. In doing research, I found that women experience depression rates twice that of men and the need is particularly acute among disadvantaged groups, who experience lower treatment rates and poorer outcomes. I am working to see a change in the accessibility for treatment in these groups. I believe access to help is critical for improving mental health outcomes in both men and women.

Q) Why do you believe people normally avoid receiving the proper mental health treatment that they may need?

A) Speaking for our mentally pretty community specifically, financial barriers to receiving mental healthcare has been one of the leading concerns that our community has reported facing. Research also shows that affordability is still a top barrier to care. This is why we introduced scholarships for receiving therapy sessions.

Q) That is awesome! Tell us more about the “Therapy Scholarship’ opportunity. How can individuals apply and how those who would like to support can donate?

A) This opportunity was put together to give underserved women the opportunity and access to reliable and consistent treatment. Therapy is a positive way to deal with trauma, pain, or any issue you have in life.  Healing leads to becoming a healthier, happier, more peaceful person. Unfortunately, this can be pricey and not as affordable to those who may need it the most. This is why we try to make it as assessable as possible! Our therapy scholarships are on a rolling basis. Anyone is free to apply and can do so on our website at mentallypretty.com Anyone who wishes to donate can also reach out on our website via the let’s connect section or email msimon@mentallypretty.com.

Q) What has the experience been like collaborating with licensed therapists? What have you learned and what role have they played in ensuring that ‘Mentally Pretty” is a success?

A) Working with licensed therapist has been an amazing experience! The Mentally Pretty platform solely connects recipients with certified and trained mental health professionals. I am not a licensed medical professional, so to have a long and trusted list of medical professionals to send people who are in need has been the most rewarding part of starting this platform. 

Q) What signs and symptoms do you believe are good to look out for that can suggest that someone may need to seek assistance for their mental health?

A) This is a resource from The National Alliance on mental health on the most common signs of mental illness: 

  • Excessive worrying or fear
  • Feeling excessively sad or low
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
  • Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
  • Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
  • Avoiding friends and social activities
  • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
  • Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
  • Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
  • Thinking about suicide
  • And many many more (etc.)

Q) Many actually say that poor mental health can begin to affect you physically? Have you ever experienced this or how do you feel about that statement?

A) I believe this statement to be true. I have experienced physical affects from poor mental health specifically after giving birth to my son. Dealing with postpartum depression included having mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Luckily, I have an enormous support system and I was blessed to have access to resources that helped me through it. Although the mind and body are often viewed as being separate, mental and physical health are actually closely related.

For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Q) What are some key things (lifestyle changes) that you incorporate in your daily life to assist with keeping your mental health in shape?

A) One of the main lifestyle changes I would say helps with keeping your mental health in shape is exercising regularly. Followed by having a healthy diet, getting enough quality sleep, spending time doing things that bring you joy, making time to relax and some form of meditation. Taking the time out to quiet my mind and meditate has also been a huge help to me when starting my mental health journey.

Q) You are a mom, entrepreneur, author, former NFL cheerleader and so much more, how do you and how important is it for your mental health to balance all of these such important roles in your life?

A) It’s not always easy to find balance but what helped me find a sense of balance was putting myself first. Taking the time to nourish myself physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally helps me to show up better for the roles that I hold in my life. That means setting boundaries, getting organized, and asking for help when I need it. It is also important to me that I give myself grace, and not put so much pressure on myself to be perfect in every role. 

Q) What are some things you would do or some tips you can give to someone who discovers that their friend or family member is going through a challenging time with their mental health?

A) It’s important to educate ourselves on the signs and symptoms so that we are more equipped to help someone who is in crisis. Support goes a long way, be a non-judgmental listener and know that there are resources specifically for people who are having a challenging time. On our website we have a list of specific resources such as therapy assistance, prescription assistance, financial assistance, addiction screenings, LGBTQ help center, domestic violence assistance, and suicide prevention. 

If more information is needed please check out our list on our website, Mentallypretty.com under the mental resources tab.

Q) Was mental health ever discussed in your home as a child? Now, as a parent yourself, how important do you feel it is to have these kinds of conversations?

Mental health wasn’t spoken of specifically as a child. At the time mental health wasn’t as prevalent and talked about as it is now. I was taught to draw to my faith when feeling down or low. As a parent I think it’s important to teach our children these things early in life so that they know mental health is just as important as our physical health and nutritional health. Teaching healthy mental health habits early in life can lead to improved recognition, earlier treatment, greater understanding and compassion, and decreased stigma around the topic.

Q) Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the entrepreneur aspect and in life overall? Why do you feel that they inspire you the most?

A) My most recent inspiration in this space is writer and wellness educator Alex Elle. 

She’s a mother, author, podcast host, business owner, and self-care advocate who made a name for herself writing empowering poems that lift up women and girls. I am inspired by her work because she is extremely passionate about wellness and teaching women how to prioritize their healing and wellness through her work. She took this passion of hers and turned it into a thriving business, while helping so many people along the way. It’s the representation that I love to see, an African American women making an impact in this wellness space, shows me that it’s possible. 

18)  What are a few mental health resources (apps, books, speakers, techniques, videos etc.) you personally use that you believe can be helpful to others?

  1. I believe that healthy mental health habits should be practiced daily and one thing I know that many people do daily is social media. What we consume is important and has an impact on us mentally. I try to follow positive, and motivational healthy accounts on social media. Some accounts that I enjoy following @mentalhealthcoalition @alex @chopra @morganharpernichols @yasminecheyenne @balancedblackgirlpodcast 

Q) Let’s talk a little bit about the upcoming ‘Mentally Pretty’ podcast. Podcasts have become more and more popular over the years, what topics do you plan to discuss, when can we expect the first episode and where can everyone check it out?

A) We have so many exciting episodes recorded and ready to be released! Our first season is almost complete and will be released all at one time on Spotify before the end of this year. The following season will begin January 2023, episodes will be released every Sunday and Wednesday. Our Sunday episodes are specifically tailored to prayer while our Wednesday episodes cover topics from wealth, wellness, business, relationships and lifestyle. 

Q) What’s next?! What is upcoming for ‘Mentally Pretty’, where do you hope to see your platform in the next two years?

A) Just putting one foot in front of the other and continuing to grow. Providing for and supporting good mental health is a public health issue. Unaddressed mental health problems can have a negative influence on homelessness, property, unemployment, safety, and the local economy, which is why we are working continuously to provide education, promote mental health awareness and break the stigma associated with getting help. Communities prosper when the mental health needs of the community members are met, and within the next two years I plan on Mentally Pretty being a valuable resource in multiple communities!

The information shared within this interview is generalized and is not medical advice. If ever in a Mental Health Emergency Crisis, please call 9-1-1, 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741.

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @mentally.pretty and @morgands_

Website: https://www.mentallypretty.com/

Five Tips to Survive Homecoming

Whether you’re a homecoming veteran or a newcomer, there are a few survival tips that every HBCU homecoming-goer outta know. Here are five tips for surviving an HBCU homecoming.

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The most wonderful time of the year for HBCU students and alumni is here. That’s right, it’s officially homecoming season! Anyone who has experienced an HBCU homecoming knows that it is truly an event unlike any other. It’s a time when students and alumni come together to celebrate their love for their university through a week of exciting events.

HBCU homecoming is a special time-honored tradition that can only be compared to a Black family reunion but on a much wider scale. Everything about homecoming is a whole experience. The tailgating, the pep rally, the parade, the big game, the band, the parties, it can be a lot. There are so many moving parts that go into an HBCU homecoming, sometimes it can be hard to keep up. Whether you’re a homecoming veteran or a newcomer, there are a few survival tips that every HBCU homecoming-goer outta know. Here are five tips for surviving an HBCU homecoming.

Plan Ahead

We’ve already established that homecoming is a big deal and there’s a lot that goes into it so plan ahead. Don’t wait till the last minute to get book your hotel because you’ll most likely be out of luck. Buy your tickets early for any event or party you’re planning on going to and find your moves beforehand. 

Part of planning ahead is getting your outfits together early too. There’s nothing worse than filling your SHEIN or Fashion Nova cart with all your homecoming fits just to see that it’s not gonna get there in time. You’ve had all year to plan for this, order those clothes book that hair appointment EARLY.

Don’t Forget Your Essentials

Homecoming can get pretty hectic and you never know where the day or night might take you with all the moves going on. Make it easier on yourself and keep your essentials on you at all times. I’m talking phone charger, an extra pair of shoes, and most importantly your ID.

There’s a good chance that you’re going to be out all day so the last thing you need is a dead phone. Whether it’s a portable charger or just a regular one, bring it! Also, bring a pair of flats or some other sensible shoes, yes we all want to look cute for homecoming but you’re going to be doing a lot of walking so it’s better to be comfortable. Get your cute Instagram-worthy pic with your heels then throw on those flats. Lastly, don’t forget your ID! You do not want to be the friend who ruins everyone’s night because you forgot your ID at the hotel and can’t get into the party.

Stay Hydrated

Don’t party so hard that you forget to drink some water. Just because it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean you can’t easily get dehydrated.  In fact, a study from the University of New Hampshire found that your chance of dehydration actually increases during the colder months. 

You don’t want to end up in the hospital because you drink too much alcohol and not enough water, not only will you miss out on homecoming but your friends will probably never let you live that one down. Whether it’s water, Pedialyte, or Gatorade, stock up on enough for the whole week. You can even bring your own custom travel cup displaying your university or fraternity/sorority, whatever makes you more inclined to drink up. 

Move In Groups

The most important part of homecoming survival is to move with your crew. Not only will spending time with your friends during homecoming enhance your experience and make for some lifetime memories but it can also protect you from getting into any danger. You might think you know your campus but during homecoming, it’s hard to decipher who’s a student, who’s an alumnus, who’s a visitor from another university, and who’s a local, so be aware of your surroundings and move accordingly. Moving with your group will help you do this.

Beware of Locals

As much as homecoming is a time for celebration and family coming together, there will be people at events and parties whose intentions are not that. Like I said before in the last tip, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings because you never know who’s on your campus to have fun and who’s there to stir up trouble. Just last year there was a string of campus shootings during homecoming week at several HBCUs including Grambling State, Southern University, and FAMU. Most of the time these shootings are caused by non-student locals bringing violence to the yard so be aware of that and know when to leave the party. 

There may be a lot that goes into homecoming but it is all worth it. There truly is nothing like an HBCU homecoming and the joy it brings, it’s the pinnacle of HBCU culture. It doesn’t matter what HBCU you attended, homecoming connects us all together and celebrates Black joy, Black excellence, and the importance of these great Black institutions. Remember these survival tips and enjoy homecoming season!

Why Kevin Durant Wants to Build A Call of Duty Team

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Kevin Durant is an American men’s professional basketball player who currently plays in the NBA for the Brooklyn Nets. When speaking to David Letterman in a recent interview, he briefly talked about wanting to build a Call of Duty eSports team. 

Durant is a prominent investor in the esports organisation NYXL – a collective esports and gaming organisation. Back in 2021, he invested in Andbox, the ownership group of the Call of Duty League’s New York Subliners. Here’s a closer look at why Kevin Durant wants to build a Call of Duty Team. 

Who is Kevin Durant?

Kevin Durant is an NBA player who currently plays in the small forward/power forward position for the Brooklyn Nets. The 33-year-old was born in Washington D.C. in September 1988, and he stands at 6 ft 10 in tall. He played college basketball for Texas from 2006-2007 before being picked second overall in the first round of the 2007 draft. He then went on to play at Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder until 2016. He played for the Golden State Warriors for the next three seasons before moving to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. 

He has been an NBA Championship winner on two separate occasions (2017 and 2018), and he was also the NBA Finals’ most valuable player (MVP) in the same two years. Durant has been an NBA All-Star a total of 12 times, high-scoring champion, and rookie of the year, to name just a few personal honours. He also considers himself an avid video game player, and one of his favourite games is the Call of Duty series. He even appears as himself in some of today’s best mobile games, one of which is a popular basketball game called NBA 2K. 

Building an eSports Call of Duty team

Kevin Durant will build a Call of Duty team to rival some of eSports best ever teams, such as CompLexity/Evil Geniuses (Ghosts), CompLexity (Black Ops 2), Atlanta FaZe (Cold War), Fariko Impact (Black Ops 2), and OpTic Gaming (Advanced Warfare). It may take time, but he plans to invest wisely in a team and reach the top. If his venture into the world of eSports can be half as successful as his basketball career has so far been, then he should certainly be able to create a team that can rival esports’ best-ever teams. 

What is Call of Duty?

The Call of Duty video game franchise is one of the most successful video game series in the history of gaming. The series consists of 19 individual titles, some of which include Call of Duty, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Call of Duty: WW II, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. You can play these popular first-person shooter games across multiple devices (e.g., Xbox, Playstation, PC and mobile/smartphone), and the cost of individual games tend to range from around $10 (preowned) up to around $80 (brand new). The aim of these games is to defeat your enemies by using your weapons while trying to avoid getting killed by your enemies. 

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ASU to Receive $100,000 Donation From Accomplished Alumnus During Homecoming Game

Music Executive, Entrepreneur, and Humanitarian Courtney Stewart to Donate $100,000 to ASU During Homecoming Game

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Founder and CEO of Right Hand Co, Right Hand Foundation, and The Network ATL, Courtney Stewart is giving back to his alma mater Alabama State University in a big way.

The school reports that Stewart is donating $100,000 to create scholarships for communication students and multiple enhancements to ASU’s communication department.

The presentation will occur during the Homecoming game between ASU and Jackson State University on Saturday, Oct. 8.

“It’s so important to give back, and it’s a blessing and an honor to be able to do that and help support the growth of HBCUs and prepare the current students with resources and an education to thrive after college,” said Stewart.

Stewart explained the importance of the funds mostly going toward the communications department for scholarships and other departmental and student needs.

“I’m passionate about supporting the communications department,” added Stewart. “Not only did it teach me the curriculum of my major, but it also was the catalyst to lead me on my path in the entertainment industry. Believe it or not, what I learned still impacts my business daily.”

The music executive, real estate developer, tech investor, and humanitarian graduated from ASU in 2003 with a B.A. in communications. Today he has been recognized on Billboard’s prestigious “40 Under 40,” Variety’s 2018 and 2019 “Hitmakers” list, Billboard’s 2020 “Power List,” and ASU’s 50 under 50 class. He is also best known for discovering and developing multi-platinum selling, Grammy-nominated singer Khalid.

Stewart said from his childhood growing up in Atlanta to his college days at ASU, he always loved music, film/television, and the arts. 

“What I didn’t know during my time at ASU, I was becoming an entrepreneur,” shared Stewart.

“Whether I was throwing parties or selling CDs on campus, everything was feeding my soul’s purpose and my entrepreneurial spirit even back then. It all came together and put a spotlight on my true talent all sparked by my love of the arts, communication, and music.”

– Courtney Stewart

Audrey Parks, Director of Development, Office of Institutional Advancement at Alabama State University said that the university appreciates Stewart’s support for ASU students and his alma mater. 

“We are very proud of the wonderful example he is to our community and young people. He is the kind of individual we hope to nurture at Alabama State University,” said Parks. 

Stewart said he is committed to the advancement of HBCUs and plans to continue to support ASU scholars. 

“This isn’t the end of my support for Alabama State. This is just the beginning. I’m so grateful that I attended ASU. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I made lifelong friends, and I was groomed to become the man I am today,” Stewart concluded. “I learned valuable lessons inside and outside of the classroom which to this day still influences me as the leader, mentor, and businessman I am today.”

Savannah State and Michigan’s Grand Valley State University Partner for Enrollment Pipeline

Savannah State University and Grand Valley State have partnered to allow undergraduate students at Savannah State to eventually qualify for in-state tuition at Grand Valley in one of three master’s degree programs not offered at Savannah State.

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Some students at Savannah State University now have the opportunity to pursue their master’s degree at a lower cost thanks to a new partnership between the university and Grand Valley State.

GPB reports that on Tuesday, the universities signed an agreement that allows undergraduate students at Savannah State to eventually qualify for in-state tuition at Grand Valley in one of three master’s degree programs that are currently offered at Savannah State. These programs include cybersecurity, criminal justice, and communications.

Per the agreement, there will also be funding for campus visits to Grand Valley, scholarship opportunities, internships prior to transfer, graduate assistantships, and industry-sponsored fellowships.

Savannah State University president Kimberly Ballard-Washington speaks at a signing ceremony at the HBCU’s campus, as Grand Valley State University president Philomena Mantella watches remotely from her office near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Credit: Benjamin Payne / GPB News

Savannah State vice president and interim provost Sametria McFall said that Grand Valley State is interested in diversifying its programs. “And we’re interested in making sure that our students have opportunities for programs that take them to and fro as they get to experience the world and share their talents around the world” McFall added.

“In this day and age, it’s just so important for our students to have the opportunity for additional professional development, additional academic development with little or no expense so that they can start their careers fresh and not under the weight of debt.”

– Sametria McFall, Savannah State Vice President and Interim Provost

According to GPB, the two universities are planning to add engineering and biomedical science to the agreement by the end of the current academic year. The agreement also will include full-ride scholarships for at least two Savannah State students.

“Agreements such as this are near and dear to my heart,” said Grand Valley State Dean of Engineering Paul Plotkowski at a signing ceremony held at Savannah State. “I’m a first-generation college student myself, and I went to school at the school I went at in large [part] due to finances.”

“No institution offers everything, but together we can open up a great deal of more avenues for success [and] opportunity for the students,” Plotkowski said.

Grand Valley State University vice president B. Donta Truss (right) speaks alongside Grand Valley State engineering dean Paul Plotkowski.
Credit: Benjamin Payne / GPB News

McFall says part of the reason the partnership came to be is due to the ties some leaders at Grand Valley have to the University System of Georgia. This includes Grand Valley State Vice President B. Donta Truss, an Atlanta native and former administrator at Fort Valley State University and Albany State University.

“I am happy to be home, I am happy to be amongst family, but more importantly I am happy to be able to help students become more successful,” Truss said at the ceremony.

PVAMU launches African American Studies Degree Program

On Wednesday, Prairie View A&M University announced a new bachelor’s degree in African American Studies.

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On Wednesday, Prairie View A&M University announced a new bachelor’s degree in African American Studies.

According to the university, the program is set to launch this fall through a $1 million initiative called Enhancing the Humanities at PVAMU. Its creation also fulfills a long-held vision of President Ruth J. Simmons as she made it a priority to establish an AAS program at PVAMU.

In a press release, the university states that “the new Bachelor of Arts in AAS Program will prepare the emerging generation of leaders to communicate effectively, think critically, research and examine any field of work through a comprehensive cultural lens.” The new program is funded in part by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, an anonymous contribution, and a matching grant.

CREDIT: THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE

“A part of the HBCU experience for many students is a journey to self-identification, Blackness, and trying to understand the Black experience better,” said Jeanelle Hope, Program Director and Associate Professor of African American Studies. “It [African American Studies] provides students with the language to understand the world around them and an opportunity to engage key theories, concepts and methods that seek to make sense of the Black experience and amplify our narratives.”  

Establishing this program is a huge accomplishment for PVAMU, as many HBCUs don’t have an AAS program.

According to the university, in 2020, over 1,200 graduates earned a degree in African American and Black studies, with the top producing universities being Yale, the University of Florida, and the University of California-Los Angeles. Only a handful of HBCUs have AAS programs, including Morehouse College and Howard, Florida A&M, Morgan State, and Claflin Universities, to name a few.

Sophomore biology major Jalen Elrod attended a majority white high school and was shocked to discover that PVAMU didn’t have an AAS program when she first enrolled. “It’s significant that Black students learn about our history at our HBCUs because it’s often bent and changed to fit other narratives in today’s social climate,” she said.

Dr. Hope expects the program to attract students interested in culture, history, and social justice but believes every student could benefit from taking an AAS course.

“African American studies differs from other disciplines because it’s about our lived experience, so it feels familiar. But there’s a lot that students don’t know about the Black experience across the diaspora, history, space, and time,” said Hope.

To learn more information about PVAMU’s African American Studies Program, visit www.pvamu.edu/bcas/departments/swbps/programs/aastudies.

Grammy Award-Winning Artist Missy Elliot Donates $20,000 to a Hampton Alumni Association

Hampton University announced that the Foundation for Grammy awarding-winning artist Missy Elliott has provided a gift of $20,000 to fund a new, current-use scholarship for the Atlanta Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association (NHAA). 

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Hampton University announced that the Foundation for Grammy awarding-winning artist Missy Elliott has provided a gift of $20,000 to fund a new, current-use scholarship for the Atlanta Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association (NHAA). 

“Missy Elliott hails from Portsmouth Virginia, and we thought it fitting that her contribution allowed us to fund this important scholarship for students. We are so excited to able to help students with the funding this contribution will allow,” said George White, President of the Atlanta NHAA Chapter.

The national NHAA President, Willie Williams, said, “We have embarked on a 12-month effort to raise funds for students who are unable to get their tuition and other fees covered. We call it our Gap Funding scholarship. Without help from generous donors, our students would be unable to remain at Hampton and; therefore, in many cases, would be unable to complete their college education. We will be forever grateful to Ms. Elliott and her foundation for their support.”

An event was held earlier this year and proceeds from that event are also being put toward the new Atlanta Chapter’s Current Use Scholarship fund

Vice President Kamala Harris Encourages Students to Vote at SC State University

The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris is set to address students and faculty at South Carolina State University’s Fall Convocation on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

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The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris addressed students and faculty at South Carolina State University’s Fall Convocation on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Harris was accompanied by US Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to welcome the largest freshman class in 15 years to the campus of SC State in Orangeburg. This comes just months after President Joe Biden delivered the commencement speech at SC State in December 2021.

This is also Harris’ third time visiting South Carolina since taking office in 2020. She visited the Greenville-Spartanburg area in June 2021 and was in Columbia for a fundraiser for the SC Democratic Party in June 2022.

“South Carolina State University is honored to welcome Vice President Harris back to our campus,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said.

“Her visit is a golden opportunity for our students to hear directly from the highest-ranking woman in this nation’s history. Her achievements are motivational for all of us at SC State, especially for our young minority women” Conyers continued.

Since Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day, the Vice President delivered remarks on the importance of participating in the election process and making one’s voice heard when it comes to causes like climate control, women’s rights, and gun violence.

“Your vote is your voice and we need your voice, we need you to lead America forward and President Biden and I will be with you every step of the way.”

– Vice President Kamala Harris

“You are students united by the pursuit of excellence,” she said. “There is no barrier that you can not break, so as Vice President of the United States to seize on that. In this moment our nation needs your leadership,” Harris said in her address.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona also spoke on how the administration is working to enhance and support HBCUs. “That’s why for us investing in HBCUs including infrastructure and research capacity is a priority for the Biden- Harris team,” he said.

Harris also held a roundtable discussion about mental health and other issues important to young Americans with students at Claflin University during her South Carolina trip.

The Vice President continues to make stops as national HBCU week kicks off hoping to encourage high school students to enroll.

Ja Rule and The Painted House Make Donations to Morehouse and Other HBCUs

The Atlanta Daily World reports that The Painted House, co-founded by Rapper, Ja Rule, and his business partner Herb Rice, is donating $25,000 from initial sales of its first NFT project Black is Beautiful to select HBCU partners.

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The Atlanta Daily World reports that The Painted House, co-founded by Rapper, Ja Rule, and his business partner Herb Rice, is donating $25,000 from initial sales of its first NFT project Black is Beautiful to select HBCU partners.

ICONN Media, the live streaming entertainment marketplace founded by Ja Rule, will match the donation with an additional $25,000 for a total of $50,000 split equally amongst five HBCUs including Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Hampton University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.  

The Painted House hosted its first check presentation, donating $10,000 to Morehouse College for their “Morehouse in the Metaverse” initiative.   

The donation presentation happened during HBCU NY week at the “On The Yard,” A Celebration of the Black is Beautiful NFT project by artist Nick Davis event hosted by The House of First and The Painted House. Taking place at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club, it consisted of a digital art exhibit showcasing the Black is Beautiful NFT art on all 8 large screen TVs in the Jay Z suite of the club.

In partnership with House of First, The Painted House’s project Black is Beautiful features 1,000 unique, one-of-one collectible NFTs that depict the raw emotions of Black Americans navigating both the joys and struggles of everyday life in America.

According to The Atlanta Daily World, The Painted House has vowed to support HBCUs to further help communities of color with access, education, and insights to empower the next generations of creative minds. Additionally, ten percent of secondary sales will be allocated to an HBCU impact fund which will be selected by community voting and community proposals. 

Cynthia Warrick, The First Female President of Stillman College Announces Retirement

U.S. Newsweek reports that Stillman College’s first female president, Cynthia Warrick, has announced plans to retire after five years of service.

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U.S. Newsweek reports that Stillman College’s first female president, Cynthia Warrick, has announced plans to retire after five years of service.

Warrick said she’s looking forward to relaxing and spending more time with family, especially her grandchildren. She plans to return to her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

“I … didn’t expect to be here this long,” Warrick said during a news conference to announce her plans. “But you know, the job called me, God called me and we were able to accomplish miracles. Believe me, we were able to accomplish a lot in a short period of time … I’m ready to pass the torch on to the next person to take up the race.”

Warrick was originally appointed as an interim president but said the role began to feel like a mission she was called to fulfill, The Tuscaloosa News reported. She became Stillman’s seventh president in April 2017. At the time the college faced many financial and academic challenges.

“I was tasked with a real challenge, and my husband’s a finance guy and he said, ‘You’ll be home in three months.’ It was just that bad,” Warrick said. “But I figured God didn’t send me here to close the college down. And we were going to do what we had to do, to make sure that the college was going to be strong again and flourish. And now, after five and a half years, we’re there.”

According to a news release, Stillman is now debt-free after $40 million of debt has been either paid off or forgiven under her leadership.

“The college has gone through some very rocky times and she has been the anchor that has kept us on track. She has raised the brand of the institution and enhanced the college’s reputation,” said Donald Comer, chair of the school’s board.

Warrick has held various positions in higher learning prior to her tenure at Stillman

She was named Interim President for both South Carolina State University and Grambling State University. She has also served as Assistant Professor in the Division of Management, Policy, and Community Health at the University of Texas School of Public Health, Center for Health, Promotion and Prevention Research, and then Associate Professor and Director of Environmental and Occupational Health at Florida A&M University. She also served at Elizabeth City State University as a Tenured Full Professor of Pharmacy, Dean, and Chief Research Officer.

Warrick was then appointed a Senior Fellow at the Howard University School of Pharmacy, Center for Minority Health Services Research, and was elected county-wide to the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Colleges where she served as Vice-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.

Prior to entering the field of higher education, Warrick had an illustrious career as a pharmacist and health services researcher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Howard University and is a Registered Pharmacist in Texas and Indiana. She earned a Master of Science in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University.

Warrick said she will continue to play a role at Stillman after her departure and cherishes the memories she made there.

“I will cherish the outpouring of support from the local community, the state and the alumni that has contributed to the success that we have achieved during my tenure,” Warrick said. “Stillman is now a place where a new president can build on the teaching, research and the community service that we established in the past five years.”

The HBCU Founders Initiative Launches HBCU Look Book to Benefit HBCU Entrepreneurs

HBCU student and alumni-founded businesses are now able to access potential investors through the new HBCU Founders Initiative Look Book. 

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HBCU student and alumni-founded businesses are now able to access potential investors through the new HBCU Founders Initiative Look Book. 

The HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI), a nonprofit organization committed to supporting HBCU entrepreneurs and their businesses, launched the Look Book in early July.

The HBCUFI Look Book is a first-of-its-kind database that showcases HBCU student or alum-founded startups to investors. The goal is to make it easier for investors to discover the diverse talent coming out of HBCUs and for companies to promote their business to investors from all over the world. 

 HBCUFI’s President and Nex Cubed CEO Marlon Evans

The database is composed of the company’s name, summary, industry, funding stage, funding history, the amount raised, website, founder names, and LinkedIn profile for investors to see. 

Marlon Evans, President of HBCUFI says that they are encouraging all companies founded by an HBCU student or alum to join the HBCU Look Book.  “Whether they’re a Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, B, or C Company, I think it’s important for all of those companies to be reflected,” said Evans. He’s looking to shift the mindset of the investor community around what’s possible for HBCU-led companies. “If we can show, hey, look at these four or five companies led by HBCU founders that are now raising Series C rounds, that gives a level of comfort when they [investors] see another HBCU group come to them.”

The Look Book is an extension of HBCUFI’s work supporting HBCU founders on their entrepreneurial journey. HBCUFI supports HBCU founders by offering programs, events, and financial and advisory resources. 

The HBCU Founders Initiative’s current program is the new Pre-Accelerator program.

HBCUFI partnered with seven HBCUs for the first time for their new Fall and Spring Pre-Accelerator program. Students from Elizabeth City State University, Spelman College, Prairie View A&M University, Morgan State University, and North Carolina A&T University have the opportunity to complete an eight-week program designed to help them build their businesses. At the end of the program, students will be eligible to receive non-dilutive program awards in support of MVP development. Students and alumni who didn’t attend one of the seven participating universities will be able to participate in a Fall-only virtual accelerator. 

Evans details the hands-on approach the organization takes to help the participants be successful in building their businesses. “The founders come to us with an idea and we  help them think about their go-to-market strategy, customer acquisition and discovery, how they’re going to raise capital, and milestones they need to hit in order to raise money from different investors.”

Evans advises blossoming HBCU entrepreneur students to join the accelerator programs and to take a chance on their business idea. “I just think as a student, that’s the best time to explore, see what’s possible, it’s a great experience, you’ll learn a lot in terms of just that entrepreneurial mindset,” Evans said. “If you have an idea, give it a go. Try to flesh it out and see where you can take it.”

Talladega College Adds Two New Award-Winning Coaches to its Staff

Talladega College has added two award-winning leaders to its coaching staff.  Junior Noel has been named head soccer coach and Tim King has been named golf coach.

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Talladega College has added two award-winning leaders to its coaching staff.  Junior Noel has been named head soccer coach and Tim King has been named golf coach.

“Coach King and Coach Noel have a wealth of experience, outstanding credentials, and a proven ability to bring out the best in student-athletes. In addition to helping teams win on the playing field, they are committed to developing future leaders who are equipped to excel in life,” said Talladega College Vice President and Athletic Director Michael Grant.  “They have both been recognized for fostering academic success while simultaneously achieving impressive conference results.”

Head Coach Junior Noel is a former international soccer player and brings over 20 years of coaching experience to Talladega. He previously served as head women’s soccer coach at Alcorn State University, where he led the team to a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) tournament appearance. Prior to joining Alcorn State, he was head men’s and women’s soccer coach at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.  At Copiah-Lincoln, he led the women’s soccer team to a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Academic Team Honorable Mention.

Coach Noel immigrated from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 1994 when the University of Mobile awarded him a soccer scholarship. There he served as team captain and helped lead the Rams to a four-year composite record of 64-21-4 with three national tournament appearances. He capped off his collegiate career by collecting Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year plaudits and was drafted Number 3 in the A-League draft by the Hampton Road Mariners. 

At the University of Mobile, Coach Noel obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing/general business administration from the University of Mobile. He also earned an English FA Coaching Certificate. After graduating he played professionally in Virginia, Kentucky, and Mississippi before beginning his coaching career.     

As for award-winning golf instructor Tim King, he has an extensive coaching background that includes three seasons at Martin Methodist College. In his first two seasons at Martin Methodist, his teams finished in the top 5 eight times. In his first season, the men’s team finished second in the Southern States Athletic Conference Championship. At the time, this was the best conference championship finish in the program’s history.

Coach King is also the co-founder and executive director of North Alabama Junior Golf Association and the founder of NextGen Golf and Sports Management, a collegiate golf recruiting consulting company. He has been a member of the PGA of America since 1999 and is PGA American Development Model Certified (ADM) and PGA Modern Coach Certified. He is also a US Kids Level 1 Certified Coach and a member of the Positive Coaching Alliance.  His junior golf experience includes the First Tee Gulf Coast where he served as the tournament director for the Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association and was responsible for overseeing the Bubba Watson Divot Derby and the A. Downing Grey Cup events.

Coach King is a past recipient of the PGA Dixie Section Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award and Favorite Teaching Professional by the readers of the Tennessee Valley Golf News. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Athens State University and an MBA in sports management and leadership from Northcentral University.

Tougaloo Receives a Grant for Security and Mental Health in Wake of Bomb Threats

Tougaloo College is set to receive $420,000 from the federal government to support campus security and the mental health of students and faculty in response to this year’s nationwide bomb threats targeting HBCUs. 

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Tougaloo College is set to receive $420,000 from the federal government to support campus security and the mental health of students and faculty in response to this year’s nationwide bomb threats targeting HBCUs. 

Mississippi Today reports that the funding will come from a U.S. Department of Education initiative called Project SERV, or “School Emergency Response to Violence,” which provides short-term support to educational entities that have experienced a traumatic event. 

Tougaloo is receiving much more than the original amount promised by the department when applications opened in March. Originally, it said grants would range from $50,000 to $150,000, but Tougaloo will receive nearly half a million dollars for a year’s worth of additional staff. 

Schenika Harrison, a special projects director who applied for the grant, said the funds will cover two trauma therapists to help counsel students whose mental health was affected by the threats, three security officers to help patrol the 500 wooded acres of campus, and about 20 adjuncts to make it easier for faculty to take mental health days. 

Carmen Walters, Tougaloo’s president many people on campus still struggle with “the shock and trauma of dealing with bomb threats at 4 o’clock in the morning, being awaken out of your sleep, not being able to walk the buildings freely and having everyone say, ‘look for any packages that look unfamiliar.’” 

“That’s a lot of trauma for our kids that they shouldn’t have to deal with,” she added. 

So far, Tougaloo is the only HBCU in Mississippi that has received the funding. According to Mississippi Today, Jackson State is still working on its application with the goal of using the funds to create an “emergency central hub” on campus. 

Despite more than one-third of the country’s 101 HBCUs receiving bomb threats earlier this year, the FBI has yet to announce any arrests.

In February the FBI identified six “tech savvy” juveniles as persons of interests. 

POLITICO reported that the FBI told the House Oversight Committee in March no arrests have been made due to “‘challenges with attribution’ because ‘some of [the threats] come from encrypted platforms.’” 

According to Mississippi Today, Walters said that despite the Department of Education providing “phenomenal” support to HBCUs this year, she was frustrated with the grant application process for Project SERV because it seemed needlessly competitive.

“When you say, ‘a grant process,’ it makes me feel that it’s competitive, that I’m competing against my colleagues,” she said. 

Tougaloo is also in the process of applying for grants to replace keyhole locks in the campus dorms with scan-and-swipe technology. 

Morgan State Makes History with New Medical School Proposal

For the first time in 45 years, a new medical school at an HBCU is opening and it’s proposed at Morgan State University.

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CBS Baltimore reports that for the first time in 45 years, a new medical school at an HBCU is opening and it’s proposed at Morgan State University.

Morgan State plans to partner with Ascension St. Agnes Hospital to launch a for-profit, private medical school aimed to open in 2024.

“Let’s do this for Baltimore, let’s do this for our community,” said Dr. John Sealey, Founding Dean of the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine at MSU.

According to CBS Baltimore, Morgan State will give underserved minority students an opportunity to live, learn and work in Baltimore.

“If you want to be a doctor there, you’re going to be a doctor there,” Dr. Sealey said. “That’s the whole important aspect of it. You see it, you dream it and you do it.”

The university is anticipating for 700 students and 150 employees to make up the medical school. They believe that there will be an economic impact that will go beyond the college and hospital campuses.

“The economic impact of this school over the course of the next 10 years is probably about $1.2 billion,” said Dr. Sealey.

The school and Ascension St. Agnes hope to not only give back to Baltimore but the rest of the US by producing the next generation of physicians.

“There’s a shortage in the next 10 years, anywhere between 35,000 to 120,000 physicians in the United States of America.”

We want to make sure we’re doing our part in training that next generation and we also want to make sure that the physicians we’re training are coming from the community they’re going to serve,”

– Ascension St. Agnes Chief Medical Officer, Jon D’Souza.

As a community hospital, Ascension St. Agnes said future students will receive training that you can’t find everywhere.

“It’s going to have a strong emphasis on population health. That means we don’t just fix a problem when it becomes a medical issue, we work within communities to prevent problems,” said D’Souza.

CAU Alum Returns to the University to Head Basketball Team

Clark Atlanta University welcomes back 2009 alum, Alfred Jordan as the new head basketball coach.

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Clark Atlanta University welcomes back 2009 alum, Alfred Jordan as the new head basketball coach.

Prior to Jordan’s new role, he has acted as an assistant coach at Clark Atlanta, The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and most recently he was the associate head coach at Morehouse College.

“Returning to my alma mater is an extreme blessing. I’m honored to lead, mentor, and teach such an amazing group of young men,” said Jordan.  “Working at Morehouse was surprisingly a great joy for me. Even though they are our rivals, they are still a wonderful organization, and I consider my time spent there a huge success. But now I’m ready to get to work here at my alma mater Clark Atlanta University.”

Jordan said that his foundation as a Clark Atlanta graduate has significantly impacted how he coaches and approaches life.

He says the “I’ll find a way or make one” motto is ingrained in him, and it’s how he comes to every goal and task. “It’s how I approach any obstacles that may try to stop me from achieving those goals.”

The knowledge and lessons learned here at CAU have had an unquantifiable impact on me regarding being a coach, a mentor, and an educator.”

– Coach Alfred Jordan

During Jordan’s time at CAU, he played point guard for the Panthers and graduated in 2009 with a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. He went on to spend eight seasons as an assistant coach at CAU and was part of three Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship teams, including the regular season championships in 2009-2010 and the SIAC tournament champions in 2011 and 2017.

During his last two seasons at Clark Atlanta, Jordan served as the recruiting coordinator. He lead the Panthers to a 45-18 overall record with back-to-back NCAA Division II tournament appearances.

He then followed former CAU head coach Darrell Walter to serve for two years as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. There Jordan recruited four-star guard Markquis Nowell and Ruot Monyyong, a top-50 JUCO recruit. Nowell and Monyyong earned 2019-20 first-team all-Sun Belt honors while helping lead the team to a 21-12 record and a regular season championship. Another Jordan recruit, Kamani Johnson, was named all-Sun Belt third team.  

Most recently, Jordan was the associate head basketball coach at Morehouse for the 2021-2022 season. During his time at Morehouse, the team won the Eastern Division regular season championship and tied the school’s longest winning streak (18 consecutive games). 

“What you can expect to see from Clark Atlanta Men’s Basketball is a well-disciplined, high-energy team that always leaves everything they have on the court,” said Jordan. “We are going to be ambassadors of CAU both on and off the court, and we’re going to continuously raise the bar of what it means to be a  Clark Atlanta Men’s Basketball player.”

Benedict’s President and CEO Inducted Into the National Black Alumni Hall of Fame

President and CEO of Benedict College, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis was honored by the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. during a ceremony in Atlanta on September 23.

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President and CEO of Benedict College, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis was honored by the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. during a ceremony in Atlanta on September 23.

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. is an organization recognizing and honoring distinguished alumni HCBUs for their contributions to the HBCUs.

Artis became Benedict’s first female president in 2017. Under her leadership, the university was awarded the 2019 American Council on Education (ACE) Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. This award recognizes institutions that have responded to higher education challenges in innovative and creative ways and achieved dramatic results in a short period of time. Benedict was also named 2019 HBCU of the Year by the HBCU Digest.

CREDIT: WLTX

Dr. Artis is no stranger to impressive titles and honors.

In 2018, Aris was named “Female HBCU President of the Year” by HBCU Digest. In 2019, she was named to Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s “Top 35 Leading Women in Higher Education.” In 2020, Dr. Artis was named “President of the Year” by Higher Ed Dive for her leadership in navigating the unprecedented challenges of 2020.

She spoke highly of her newest distinction of National Black Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. “I am deeply honored to be recognized by my alma mater, West Virginia State (College) University, and inducted into the National Black Alumni Hall of Fame.

“It is imperative that individuals who have matriculated through HBCUs and achieved a measure of personal and professional success be highlighted as examples of the transformative power and educational quality of these extraordinary universities.”

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis

Benedict College alumnus I.S. Leevy Johnson was also inducted into the National Black Alumni Hall of Fame along with Dr. Artis.

Johnson, who has practiced law in South Carolina for over forty years and is recognized as one of the top criminal attorneys in the state, was inducted as a Lifetime Achievement Inductee. 

The two join the esteemed list of over 300 inductees who have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Legendary Opera Singer Leontyne Price, Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall, TV Maven Oprah Winfrey, and Ambassador Andrew Young.

Benedict College also received a check for $10,000 from the HBCU Change Foundation for scholarships, internships, and career opportunities to deserving students at HBCUs.