So you’ve been on your HBCU campus for a couple of months now, finally started to get in the rhythm of things, and maybe have even become interested in joining a sorority or fraternity on campus. Maybe you saw them step in the yard show or the step show, you went to an event and really enjoyed yourself, or you met some of them on the courtyard. Now what? HBCU Buzz has got you covered. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in joining a Divine Nine Sorority or Fraternity at an HBCU.
Do Your Research
Firstly, do your research and ask yourself why you want to join this particular sorority or fraternity. What is it about the organization that attracts you to it? Do their mission and values align with you or are you just going off of popularity and aesthetics alone? Make sure that you’re joining for the right reasons. All Divine Nine organizations have official websites with public information about their history and mission that will aid you in your decision to join. Looking at these websites and seeing what these organizations stand for is a great first step in deciding whether or not you want to seek membership.
Discretion is Key
Once you decide what organization you want to seek membership in, please be discreet about it. No one on campus should know what organization you’re interested in seeking membership in. This a rule everyone should follow unless they want to get blackballed. That means that you should not just randomly walk up to a member and tell them that you want to join their org.
If you are fortunate enough to become a member of your desired sorority or frat, the information within the organization is sacred and private and so your desire to become a member should also be private. Not only does it speak volumes of the kind of member you will be to that chapter but it also makes it all the more special when you present yourself to the campus during the New Member Presentation.
Go To Events
You may be asking yourself how can I show that I’m interested in an organization if I have to be discreet about it? The answer is to go to that organization’s events and support chapter initiatives. It’s important to show your face and speak to members of the organization you’re interested in at their events. Not only will this help them to remember you when it’s time to select who made line, but it will also give you a chance to get to know your potential prophytes. A lot of times going to events will help solidify whether or not you really want to seek membership, so go, introduce yourself, make an impression and thank them for a wonderful event when it’s over.
Make Yourself An Attractive Candidate
You know why you want to seek membership but why should they choose you? What makes you stand apart and what can you bring to the chapter? These are the questions you should be asking yourself and finding the answers to. At this point, you should’ve already researched the organization’s values and mission so it’s best to take part in activities that reflect that. All Divine Nine organizations require you to obtain a certain GPA, so it’s important to keep your grades up. It’s also important to partake in community service and get active on campus.
A lot of times sororities and fraternities are looking for students who display leadership on campus, so it would be good to join a non-greek organization or student group at school where you can take on a leadership role. This shows that you have certain tangible skills and experience that you can bring to the table if permitted membership into their frat or sorority.
Respect Greek Culture
If you’re seeking membership into a black sorority or fraternity it’s important to respect their culture. This means do not step on their plots or any other types of displays on campus, throw up their signs, or try to imitate their strolls or calls. In this case, imitation is not taken as a form of flattery, it is considered highly disrespectful. The Greeks on your campus have worked hard to become members and seeing someone who is not a member imitate something they don’t know the history of is not taken lightly.
Also never break a stroll line. If you’re at a party and see or hear the Greeks coming to the floor to stroll, it’s best to move out of the way. Just wait till it’s over to get where you’re trying to go, and again don’t replicate the strolls.
The Divine Nine sororities and fraternities are a staple part of HBCU culture. The more you see them on campus and learn more about them, the more you’ll want to join but remember these tips when seeking membership so you don’t get blackballed. Also, remember that becoming a member of a Divine Nine is a lifetime decision, they all have a similar mission to serve and uplift the community, not just to look cool in a line jacket or flex on campus. There’s a long rich history that you should be seeking to add to, not subtract.
Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard is speaking out eighteen Shaw University students were stopped and searched while riding to an economic conference in Atlanta on Oct. 5.
Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard is speaking out after eighteen Shaw University students were stopped and searched while riding to an economic conference in Atlanta on Oct. 5.
On Monday, Dr. Dillard released a statement saying students from the university were racially profiled by South Carolina law enforcement officers when their bus was stopped for a minor traffic violation and drug-sniffing dogs were used to search their luggage.
The group of students and two advisors were on their way to the Center for Financial Advancement Conference when the incident happened in Spartanburg County.
Dillard attributes race as a deciding factor to search the bus.
“In a word, I am ‘outraged,’” Dillard wrote. “This behavior of targeting Black students is unacceptable and will not be ignored nor tolerated. Had the students been White, I doubt this detention and search would have occurred.”
Dillard noted that nothing illegal was found in the search and that the driver was issued a warning ticket for improper lane use.
She called the situation “reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s — armed police, interrogating innocent Black students, conducting searches without probable cause, and blood-thirsty dogs” and the deputies’ actions “unfair and unjust.”
Dillard said she has reached out to Shaw University’s general counsel and is exploring legal action against South Carolina law enforcement.
Florida A&M has hired Tiffani-Dawn Sykes as the school’s new Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
She previously served as the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Varsity Sports and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.
“I’m honored to have been chosen to lead one of the nation’s most historic athletic programs,” said Sykes. “With this being the 50th anniversary of Title IX, I recognize the significance of my joining the FAMU family in this role. I look forward to working with all of the Rattlers in continuing the outstanding legacy that resides on the “Highest of Seven Hills,” Sykes added.
Sykes has held many sports roles in her experienced athletic background.
Sykes served two stints as the interim Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at Grambling State University, where she earned her master’s degree in sports administration.
According to Sports Illustrated, during her well-established career, she has held the roles of:
Sports information in 2002 at Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, and accepted the role of the Senior Woman Administrator.
Sports Information Director and SWA at Virginia Union University.
Sports Management Specialist in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference office.
FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said, “We are happy to welcome Ms. Tiffani-Dawn Sykes into the FAMUly. Her credentials are impeccable, and her demonstrated commitment to excellence is what we need to move our program forward.”
“I am excited about this hire and look forward to working with her to take FAMU to the next level. I must also extend a special thank you to Interim VP/AD Michael Smith for his exemplary service during his tenure,” Robinson added.
On Tuesday Jackson city council leaders unanimously approved a resolution for the construction of a new stadium for the Jackson State Tigers football team.
According to Sports Illustrated, on Tuesday Jackson city council leaders unanimously approved a resolution for the construction of a new stadium for the Jackson State Tigers football team.
Sports Illustrated reports that the city council’s approval to build a new football stadium is rooted in their hope to have Jackson State University’s head coach Deion Sanders remain at the university.
Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes spoke highly of Coach Sanders and the positivity and “success” he has brought to the program.
“We’ve had so much success with our coach, Deion Sanders Prime Time, and it’s just the perfect time, if we’re going to get a new stadium, to start talking… and let’s try to make it a reality,” Councilman Stokes told WLBT-TV. “We’re all hoping that Coach Prime stays in the city for a long period of time, but a lot of colleges and universities are trying to get his talents.”
Last season, the Tigers defeated Prairie View to win the 2021 SWAC Championship Title.
“The atmosphere for football has not been this high in a long, long, long time,” Stokes said. “He’s a good coach. He’s good for the community. He’s good for the SWAC… It’s just a blessing to have someone like Deion Sanders, Coach Prime, in the city of Jackson.”
– Councilman Kenneth Stokes
Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley shared similar sentiments as Stokes, praising Sanders for everything he has done for Jackson State and his ward since taking over the football program in late 2020.
“We’re talking economic impact in the millions,” Hartley said. “If and when he decides to move on, it’s going to be a loss. We need to go ahead and take advantage of all the things we can do right now.”
On Oct. 3, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring the month as HBCU Month.
According to AL.com leaders say that the signing makes Alabama the first state in the country to dedicate a month to recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“The recognition of these elite historic institutions by Governor Ivey is significant,” Dr. Quinton Ross, President of Alabama State University in Montgomery, said in a press release Wednesday. “No other State has dedicated an entire month in recognition of HBCUs. This speaks volumes to the Governor’s understanding of the value of these institutions to the state and nation.”
There are more HBCUs in Alabama than in any other state in the nation.
HBCUs make up more than a quarter of the state’s four-year institutions and enroll 40% of all Black undergraduates. These HBCUs include:
Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Bishop State Community College
Concordia College Alabama
Gadsden State Community College
H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College
J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
Lawson State Community College-Birmingham
Miles College
Oakwood University
Selma University
Shelton State Community College
Stillman College
Talladega College
Tuskegee University
Ivey’s proclamation comes after a few recent initiatives to boost job growth and workforce diversity in Alabama.
For example, the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs was established in 2016 to advise the governor on issues affecting women and minorities in the state. The agency now has an HBCU Co-Op Program that focuses on establishing a pipeline of diverse talent between the state’s HBCUs and Alabama’s workforce.
Nichelle Williams Nix, Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, said the new proclamation highlights the importance of HBCUs and their impact on the state’s workforce.
“Governor Ivey supports the important role that Alabama HBCUs play in their respective communities and in the State, and this Proclamation highlights that,” she said in a press release.
AL.com reports State leaders assert that HBCUs are “well known for preparing the highest number of African-American students for science, technology engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and many of Alabama’s HBCUs have been recognized for their top performing STEM departments.”
On Friday, Clark Atlanta University announced that actor, author, columnist, and commentator, Joseph C. Phillips has joined the University as a Theatre and Communications Studies professor.
On Friday, Clark Atlanta University announced that actor, author, columnist, and commentator, Joseph C. Phillips has joined the University as a Theatre and Communications Studies professor.
CAU’s President, Dr. George T. French Jr. expressed his excitement in welcoming the new professor in a released statement.
“Joseph brings a wealth of awe-inspiring talent, meaningful engagement in the community, and a portfolio of informed, decisive commentary to the University,” Dr. French Jr said. “We anticipate that he will inspire independent thinking, civic responsibility, and a passion for interdisciplinary learning in our students—which aligns perfectly with our mantra to “lift our community by lifting our voices.”
Phillips shared his excitement for the news on his official Facebook account. “The secret is out,” reads his status update. “I’m loving my new gig.”
Phillips received his BFA in acting in 1983 from the acting conservatory New York University after transferring from the University of the Pacific as a communications major. He also served as a fellow at the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian College, the Abraham Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute, and the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. At the University of Kansas, he orchestrated, wrote, and taught a seven-week course called “Black Conservatism in America.”
Phillips has fostered an impressive career in television, film, stage play, literature, and radio.
As an actor, he is perhaps best known for his role as Lt. Martin Kendall on the hit series “The Cosby Show.” He has appeared on many other shows including the Netflix award-winning series “13 Reasons Why”, “How to Get Away with Murder,” “NCIS” and “Good Trouble.” He is a also three-time NAACP Image Award nominee for his portrayal of Attorney Justus Ward on “General Hospital.”
His feature film credits include starring roles in “Strictly Business,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “Midnight Blue.” Among his theatrical credits are starring roles in the Broadway production of “Six Degrees of Separation” and the Kennedy Center and American Playhouse productions of “A Raisin in the Sun.” He created the title role in “Dreaming Emmett,” Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison’s only theatrical play.
Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like a White Boy” and for eight years, wrote a widely syndicated weekly column titled “The Way I See It” that promoted conservative views such as traditional family, limited government, and a return to America’s founding principles. He was also a regular commentator for NPR and American Urban Radio Network.
For ten years, he served as a director on the State Board of the California African American Museum, where he chaired the accessions committee, which was responsible for approving all art or artifacts for the museum’s collection.
On Phillips’s extensive roster of civic engagements are his work as a motivational speaker with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s “VIDA” program designed to redirect the lives of at-risk youth; the Special Olympics, and The Green Chimneys Foundation, of which he was an advisory board member; The Red Cross; Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles; the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America; the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission; and Project Alpha, a partnership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the March of Dimes designed to address teenage pregnancy, sexual and physical abuse, and sexually transmitted disease.
Wiley College announced on Tuesday that head women’s basketball coach Tiffany Jackson has passed away.
Coach Jackson signed on as head coach on April 20, 2022, and was preparing for her first season before passing away after a battle with breast cancer.
“We were extremely saddened at the passing of Coach Jackson, she was an incredible light for our students and an amazing member of the Wiley College family. Her dedication to Wiley College was evident in how she interacted with the students and her community. She will be sorely missed. We are praying for her family and friends,” said President and CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr.
Jackson had a well-established professional playing career.
She rose to stardom during her time at the University of Texas from 2003 to 2007 where she helped the Longhorns to 83 wins during that span and a Sweet 16 berth in 2003-04. After her freshman season, she was named National Freshman of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association and ESPN.com.
She is the only Longhorn to record at least 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals and 150 blocks. Jackson was a three-time All-American and was selected to the All-Big 12 team in all four seasons, including three first-team selections.
In 2007 she broke into the WNBA as the No. 5 pick in the draft. She played nine seasons in the WNBA before returning to her alma mater as an assistant coach in 2018. There she helped develop Charli Collier, who ended up being the top overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Jackson tutored Brooke McCarty, who was named an All-American by USA Today in 2018. She guided five players to All-Big 12 honors with three landing on the first team.
“Coach Jackson became a valued member of the Wildcat family the day she stepped on campus,” said Bruce Peifer, Associate Vice President of Athletics. “She greatly impacted the lives of our young ladies. We send our thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.”
The school says that they plan to honor Coach Jackson at the first women’s home game of the season.
Alcorn State University alum Kescha Wilson is using her voice to teach women in high level executive careers to extinguish exhaustion and balance their personal and professional commitments.
Alcorn State University alum Kescha Wilson is using her voice to teach women in high-level executive careers to extinguish exhaustion and balance their personal and professional commitments.
Wilson has a decorated career path including mentoring both FBI agents and members of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and serving as a nuclear scientist which helped her dismantle meth labs. She is now using her experience in the workforce to help other women wanting to reprioritize their work-life structure.
Wilson details the strategies in her book ‘The Power of Ease: A Blueprint For Women Leaders To Put Yourself First While Managing A Thriving Home Life And A Legacy-Driven Career.’ The book and resources were birthed from her own experience of feeling T.I.R.E.D (like Turning In Resignations Every Day). She says some of her clients express they feel the same after experiencing microaggressions, workplace trauma, fatigue from being resilient for too long, and even feeling like they have to sacrifice their well-being in order to have it all.
Former FBI Special Agent Kescha Wilson is the author of ‘The Power of Ease: A Blueprint For Women Leaders To Put Yourself First While Managing A Thriving Home Life And A Legacy-Driven Career’. She also creates strategies for individuals wanting to reprioritize their work-life structure through her Design Her Queendom® personal development company.
“I know firsthand what it is like to seemingly have it all but feeling like I would be buried under the weight of it sometimes… it’s even more challenging to have a demanding career, manage the responsibilities of home, and navigate some of life’s devastating and unexpected events.” said Wilson.
Despite the pressures that come with balancing all of life’s responsibilities, Wilson assures that it can be done.
It is possible to have it all. You have to define what having it all means to you. Burnout can happen but understanding your individual recipe for it and customizing a plan to get ahead of it is vital.”
– Kescha Wilson
From a young age, Wilson was destined for greatness and has established an impressive career in Chemistry.
Wilson grew up in Crystal Springs, Mississippi where she was raised by parents who were education professionals. She graduated with honors from Alcorn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society. She is also a former member of MAMP (Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation), a program dedicated to advancing the talents of STEM students in underrepresented groups.
Wilson became the front-line supervisor as a chemist in Tennessee’s Nuclear Fuel Services. Her duties involved conducting lab testing on nuclear fuel for naval submarines and aircraft carriers as well as other enriched uranium products. She later joined the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent and Forensic Chemist. Wilson was an expert witness in drug chemistry and was certified in dismantling clandestine laboratories used to make methamphetamine.
Following the September 11th, 2001 attacks, Wilson enlisted in the FBI as a Special Agent. She conducted highly sensitive investigations assigned to multiple divisions including Louisville, New York City, and Washington, DC. She also mentored and counseled hundreds of high-performing professionals through the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Today, Wilson has added the role of wife, mother, and caregiver to her aging mother to her resume, while teaching women to live authentically through her personal development company, Design Her Queendom®. Through this company, she challenges women to look deep inside and redefine who they are and what they truly want in their lives. She has led high-achieving professionals through burnout recovery and guided them to realign their lives to their value systems.
“I want to help resilient women leaders reprioritize themselves while managing the demands of career and responsibilities of home,” Wilson says. “While it is great to perform well, we must also learn to prioritize ourselves so that we can give our best to others.”
CHI St. Vincent is a regional health network serving central and southwest Arkansas since 1888 with the mission of improving the public’s health while advancing social justice for all. They have generously donated money to UAPB to address the nation’s nursing shortage.
According to the university, they have signed an agreement with the health network for a five-year recruitment, educational, and training partnership that supports the CHI St. Vincent Nursing Pathway Program.
The partnership will provide the UAPB Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program with:
Student educational and financial support and faculty professional development.
21st Century onsite medical training.
Funding to help recruit and place the next generation of registered nurses.
According to UAPB Chancellor Dr. Laurence Alexander, the collaboration addresses the shortage in the profession faced by nursing programs and medical institutions across the nation. “UAPB has been on the front lines in preparing nurses for the changing demographics and cultural shifts of the profession,” said Alexander. “We are uniquely prepared to recruit and train nurses who can immediately impact their communities.”
The partnership allows UAPB to serve as a logical training point for nurses and medical professionals.
The university will work with CHI St. Vincent to provide hands-on internships and job placements for student nurses who advance through the program.
VeLois Bowers, Owner and Principal Consultant, VHB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consulting Firm and UAPB alumnus, assisted in facilitating the partnership.
“As a proud alumnus of UAPB, I’ve always felt a strong commitment to reach out to my corporate relationships and share the incredible talent UAPB produces. And like CHI St. Vincent, the responses have been amazing. This partnership is an example of what the future holds for creating the diverse pipeline of talent organizations like CHI St. Vincent are looking to obtain,” stated Bowers.
The gift will also help the university expand talent and research opportunities into the nursing program. According to Diann Williams, MSN, RN, CNE, Associate Professor, and Chair of the Department of Nursing, this grant will bolster UAPB in a competitive market, enabling the program to recruit and retain highly qualified nursing faculty with advanced degrees.
“This opportunity is an educational game-changer for our nursing program,” said Williams.
“As we prepare the next generation of skilled nursing professionals, it is encouraging to know that UAPB will have these real-time learning resources for our students.
– Diann Williams, UAPB Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing
According to CHI St. Vincent Market CEO Chad Aduddell, the collaboration represents a logical partnership between the two institutions. “CHI St. Vincent has a historical mission of compassionately serving the communities in which we work. Given the rich legacy of UAPB and its impact on the state, it’s only natural that the two institutions would create such a partnership.”
Visit the [N7] Kream Lab Nitrogen Ice Cream Lounge in Atlanta Today!
An HBCU alumna in Ellenwood, Georgia has found a way to make ice cream better than it already is. As owner of the successful [N7] Kream Lab Nitrogen Ice Cream Lounge, Kelli Bain has attracted customers from far and wide. She uses one special ingredient to help her sweet treats rise above all the competition: liquid nitrogen! Unbeknownst to many, the unusual choice cuts down on freezing times and unnecessary ingredients.
The Tuskegee University graduate’s passion for ice cream took root in Indianapolis, where she learned the tricks of the trade from her grandfather. Affectionately called “Papaw,” the educator and gourmet chef would host sprawling Sunday dinners complete with his signature homemade vanilla ice cream. It’s very likely none of those who enjoyed the Sunday treat knew just how long it took to prepare it. Bain often came over her Papaw’s house to get started on Saturdays because the dessert took 24 hours to freeze. “I would be so excited to see all the things that he put into the pitcher to make the ice cream base, even though it would take so long to freeze,” shared Bain. “Papaw would say ‘Kelli, this is a family recipe passed down from generations, so we have to make sure we get it right.’ We’d add the liquid to the metal insert, put the top on it, add it to the bucket with the ice, then begin the churning. Papaw would say ‘add the ice slowly around the can, then sprinkle the salt evenly over the top of the ice.’ I would reply ‘why,’ and he would say, ‘because that’s the only way to freeze the ice cream.’”
These treasured experiences with her grandfather would soon influence many important stages of Bain’s life. She was so inspired by the ice cream process that she pursued a degree in chemistry at Tuskegee University in Alabama. She considers that to be one of the best decisions she ever made. “While attending Tuskegee, I developed a genuine love for chemistry and all the opportunities that a career in the field could offer,” she said. “During my freshman year, I even discovered the real science behind my Papaw’s homemade ice cream and why we needed to add salt to the ice. I was finally able to answer the “why” to his delicious ice cream – it was chemistry!”
Bain excelled in her studies so much that she earned a full ride to attend graduate school for a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry. She married a fellow Tuskegee graduate, and moved to Atlanta. Kelli and her husband have four children, and two graduated from HBCUs – one of which being Kameron Bain of Morehouse College. Kelli has had a successful career as a chemistry instructor/lecturer, quality assurance technician and battery materials chemist. However, her purpose has led her to something bigger. “Walking in your purpose and passion rarely lines up with business, at least in the beginning,” said Bain. “I believe that the creator put a gift and/or talent in each of us. That gift or talent should be nurtured and developed accordingly.”
After working with fellow Tuskegee alumnus, NASA scientist, and Super Soaker inventor Lonnie Johnson in 2014, Bain had an “ah ha” moment. She was struck by the idea that now as a chemist, she could put a special spin on her grandfather’s treasured recipe. “I decided that it was time to pass down the tradition of ice cream making, but I needed to make it interesting and fun,” she said. She decided to look further into the cryogenic freezing process, where materials could quickly be frozen to less than -285 fahrenheit. The process can be done using liquid nitrogen. Ultimately, Bain discovered how to cut down her ice cream freezing time from 24 hours to 60-90 seconds. “So, equipped with my grandfather’s homemade ice cream recipe, my children and husband as taste testers, a Dewar purchased on eBay and some nitrogen from Mr. Johnson, [N7] Kream Lab was born,” said Bain. “We took a family tradition and made it a family business.” She was ultimately able to make a healthier and more customizable product. It has no preservatives or emulsifiers and is made-to-order. Her ice cream also doesn’t need eggs, which are often included in ice cream just to hold it all together. Each premium base utilizes high-quality ingredients and can be made with dairy, lactose free, and plant-based options.
Bain and her family started small hosting chemistry demonstrations for local school districts, catered corporate events and sold at local festivals. By 2018, the family opened a small kiosk inside a nearby mall and saw much success. By 2021, the family was finally able to open their first brick and mortar location in the Atlanta suburb of Ellenwood, the community they called home for 18 years. Staying local meant the world to them. Today, one year after the grand opening, [N7] Kream Lab sells flavors like Bubbling’ Brown Sugar, Birthday Cake and Wild Berry Sorbet. “Kelli the Khemist” also includes cool food-grade syringes filled with chocolate or strawberry sauce to each cup!
Bain turned her childhood experiences making ice cream into a successful business, but neither that nor a career in chemistry is her biggest flex. “One of the proudest moments for my career by far is when I got a chance to open my first brick and mortar with my 88-year-old grandfather on Facetime,” she smiled. “Sometimes we don’t get the chance to honor our elders for their hard work, dedication nor the commitment to family while they are living. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the good times spent in my grandparent’s kitchen.”
To learn more about [N7] Kream Lab and even try it yourself, click here. You can also follow this tasty business at @n7kreamlab.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
