North Carolina A&T Alum Kenneth Gorham makes history as the youngest principal at Movement Freedom Middle School, located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
North Carolina A&T Alum Kenneth Gorham makes history as the youngest principal at Movement Freedom Middle School, located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The motto at Movement School is “preparing a new generation of leaders” and Principal Kenneth Gorham is leading by example, breaking the mold of what many think a principal should look like.
“I’m 24 years old. I’ll actually be 25 next week,” Gorham told WCNC Charlotte. “I was in my head absolutely about my age, I was in my head absolutely about my years of experience, for sure.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average age of public school principals is 48, however, despite Gorham’s age, parents at the Movement School say they love him and the attention he gives each individual student.
“He always gives every student a walk through Movement Middle School’s doors, he gives him a hug every morning. If not a hug, a high five,” Moya Montgomery, a parent at Movement School, said
WCNC Charlotte reports that students at Movement School say they also love Principal Gorham and that he’s caring and supportive of their goals.
Parents and students at the Movement School are not the only ones impressed by Principal Gorham’s leadership skills. The Movement School’s administration team also expressed their admiration. Superintendent Jenika Mullen said Principal Gorham’s impressive test results contributed to his appointment.
“When we think about hiring, it is really about like your leadership competencies,” Mullen explained. “Are you someone that people will want to follow and be inspired by? The answer is yes [for] Mr. Gorham.”
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, during the 2017-2018 school year, about 78% of public school principals were White, 11% were Black, and 9% were Hispanic. Mullen said she hopes Gorham’s story will help change these statistics and inspire a change in the biased view of what a public school principal looks like.
“What I hope people see is not only inspired by Mr. Gorham’s story but also have this mindset shift, and how were you holding on to almost like these expectations of what you think someone should look like and when you think someone should be and what’s the right fit? Because honestly, a lot of it comes with a bias,” she said.
Gorham said he hopes his story will empower students to be trailblazers as well.
“As a black male educator, as a black male leader, my job is to really empower our children, to show them how beyond what the world may believe or perceive. You can change that narrative absolutely any day,” he said.
Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) welcomes actress and comedian Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell to deliver the keynote address at this year’s Fall Convocation on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) welcomes actress and comedian Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell to deliver the keynote address at this year’s Fall Convocation on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
Pretty Vee rose to success through her stint as a cast member for MTV’s Wild ‘N Out, where she became a regular cast member for over six seasons and was also featured on Nick Cannon Presents “The Women of Wild ‘N Out” in 2021. She is also a 2015 alumna of SAU, where she is coming home to will deliver the keynote address.
“Saint Augustine’s University is honored to welcome Vena Excell home,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “Her success as an entrepreneur and in the entertainment industry is living proof that SAU never makes admissions mistakes.”
Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell is a celebrity comedian, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who has established herself in business and entertainment. She graduated from SAU in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, preparing her for her future success. At SAU, she launched her radio show, “Lounge 22,” on the WAUG network, the nation’s first HBCU-owned radio and TV station.
Pretty Vee is a woman of many talents, allowing her to elevate her career beyond her time on Wild ‘N Out.
Her ambition has allowed her to become a comedian, actress, influencer, and businesswoman crossing over into multiple industries.
After Wild ‘N Out Pretty Vee ventured into the music industry and has been featured on various albums and songs by top-selling artists and musicians, including Chance the Rapper, Queen Naija, and Lil’ Kim.
Pretty Vee has released several songs via Apple Music and other music streaming services that include collaborations with artists such as Pardi, and Polo G. Pretty Vee has a social media following of more than 6 million and partnerships with international and national companies. She has landed deals with major companies such as Citi Trends, Mielle Organics, Luc Belaire, and Fenty Beauty. She also has graced the covers of multiple magazines such as Sheen Magazine, Alpha Magazine, Rolling Out, Grind Pretty, and Hype Hair.
As a true jack-of-all-trades, Pretty Vee successfully transitioned onto the silver screen and stage as an in-demand actress. Her first live stage play was Married to a Cheater in Love with a Husband, and she has been featured in movies such as American Gangster Presents Big Fifty – The Delrhonda Hood Story, A Hip-Hop Christmas, and Miracles Across 125th Street. Most recently, she’s starred as Deja in the HBO Max Show Rap Sh*t produced by Issa Rae.
In an Instagram post announcing her role as SAU’s Convocation keynote speaker, Pretty Vee says that she is “honored to come back home” and can not wait to share her story.
Emmy award-winning American actress, singer, author, and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph is set to deliver the keynote speech at Jackson State University for its annual Mary E. Peoples Scholarship Luncheon on Sept. 29, 2022 at the Jackson Convention Complex.
Emmy award-winning American actress, singer, author, and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph is set to deliver the keynote speech at Jackson State University for its annual Mary E. Peoples Scholarship Luncheon on Sept. 29, 2022, at the Jackson Convention Complex.
This year’s goal is $150,000 and proceeds will benefit the Mary E. Peoples Endowed Scholarship, which provides supplemental financial assistance to high-achieving students in need. The luncheon is named in honor of the wife of JSU’s sixth president, Dr. John A. Peoples Jr., who served from 1967 until 1984.
“Mrs. Mary E. Peoples, first lady emeritus, is a longtime educator best known for her community leadership and service to humanity. Because of her lifelong service in education, the JSU Division of Institutional Advancement is pleased to host this annual scholarship luncheon that bears her name,” says Yolanda Owens, assistant vice president of institutional advancement and external affairs. “ Proceeds will help create educational pathways for students at JSU. We invite all alumni and friends of JSU to partner with us, and we look forward to hearing from our keynote, the highly esteemed Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph.”
From performing in both films and television to performing on Broadway, producing, and being a best-selling author, Ralph has earned her spot as a seasoned vet in the entertainment industry.
Ralph is a Tony Award nominee, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and an Independent Spirit Award-winner with an acclaimed career spanning over three decades. She most recently earned her firstEmmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in the hit series “Abbot Elementary.”
Additional credits for Ralph include starring in “Moesha,” “Instant Mom,” Showtime’s “Ray Donovan,” and appearances in “Barbershop,” “ER,” “It’s a Living,” “New Attitude,” and “Designing Women,” just to name a few.
On the big screen, Ralph starred in “The Mighty Quinn,” opposite Denzel Washington; “Mistress” with Robert de Niro; “To Sleep with Anger” with Danny Glover; and “The Distinguished Gentlemen” with Eddie Murphy. Most recently, Ralph completed four back-to-back movies, including “Just Getting Started” opposite Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, and Rene Russo.
Ralph is also an accomplished writer with her debut book “Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl” instantly becoming a national bestseller in 2012. The novel gave readers a personal look into her triumphs and tribulations, navigating life with courage, wit, and strength over the years.
In theater, Ralph is well known for her award-winning work, especially her breakout role as Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.
Ralph is also a passionate health advocate and honored AIDS activist in her philanthropy work. She is the founding director of the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed) Foundation 501(C)3 which she created in memory of the many friends she has lost to HIV/AIDS.
Jackson State University is pleased to welcome Sheryl Lee Ralph as the keynote speaker for the Mary E. Peoples Scholarship Luncheon and is selling tickets for $100.
Howard University has announced that U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, will be serving as the university’s orator for its 155th Opening Convocation, an annual tradition that officially signals the beginning of the academic year.
Howard University has announced that U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, will be serving as the university’s orator for its 155th Opening Convocation, an annual tradition that officially signals the beginning of the academic year.
Congressman Clyburn is the Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives. He previously served in the post from 2007-2011 and served as assistant Democratic leader from 2011-2019.
When he came to Congress in 1993 to represent South Carolina’s sixth congressional district, Congressman Clyburn was elected co-president of his freshman class and quickly rose through leadership ranks. He was subsequently elected Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Vice Chair, and later Chair, of the House Democratic Caucus.
Although Congressman Clyburn did not attend an HBCU, he is an avid supporter of the institutions.
Congressman Clyburn has worked with colleagues to secure over $4.9 billion in direct aid to HBCUs and minority institutions and over $1.6 billion in debt relief to HBCUs through the Federal HBCU Capital Financing Program and other COVID-19 response legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act.
In 2019, He reintroduced his legislation to reauthorize the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation program, an initiative he has championed his entire career in Congress. The passing of this bill provided $10 million annually for seven years to ensure the preservation of HBCUs across the nation. It also ensures the protection of the great legacy of HBCUs for years to come.
His efforts have restored scores of historic buildings and sites on the campuses of historically Black colleges and universities. His legislation created the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, elevated the Congaree National Monument to a National Park, and established the Reconstruction Era National Monument in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
On Wednesday, the Propel Center went live with HBCU Buzz on Instagram to inform the masses about their $1,000,000 scholarship fund and the awarded HBCU scholars.
On Wednesday, the Propel Center went live with HBCU Buzz on Instagram to inform the masses about their $1,000,000 scholarship fund and the awarded HBCU scholars.
FAMU alum and Revolt TV contributor, Brianna Harmon hosted the IG Live alongside Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium. The triple Howard Alum and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. discussed the impact and benefits of the 2022 Student Impact Scholarship.
The scholarship fund was created by the Propel Center in collaboration with Apple and Southern Company, to whom Gibbs made a shoutout to, thanking the two companies for supporting the scholarship.
Each student will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship for the Fall 2022 semester and the opportunity to participate in highly coveted work-based learning experiences.
Dr. Gibbs states that the key to the program is making sure each student is prepared and possesses the necessary skills to enter a global, diverse workforce after graduation, which will support building the Black talent pipeline. “I don’t subscribe to the notion that there’s no talent, that there’s no one to do the job. Well then you haven’t visited an HBCU because we are in a hotbed of culture creators, innovators, world thinkers, problem solvers and we get it done,” said Gibbs.
At Propel we don’t compete, we complete.
– Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium
Students from over thirty HBCUs were selected as recipients of the scholarship program; four of whom joined the live to discuss what the scholarship means to them.
Sanaa Rowser, a sophomore English major with a minor in film and visual culture at Spelman College, and Zuri Williams, an Xavier University student majoring in public health science with a minor in chemistry were the first two students to join the live.
Sanaa Rowser says Propel helped her discover her passion for journalism through an opportunity to attend The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation Inaugural Gala as a Propel Ambassador back in May. This event was conceived to honor Congressman John Lewis and his wife’s enduring legacies around civic engagement and social justice.
“Propel has given people the ability to see places that they didn’t think they would ever be seen, so I think that it’s not just about getting to the table but it’s about owning the table, it’s about asserting yourself at the table.”
– 2022 Propel Scholarship Recipient, Sanaa Rowser
According to Rowser, Propel encourages its scholars to have the assertiveness and confidence to dominate any room they walk into. “Propel hasn’t just given me money…Propel has truly shown me what it means to be a leader.”
Rowser’s advice to future Propel scholars is to just be yourself because “every room needs a you.”
Zuri Williams says she applied for the Propel scholarship because “both of our purposes align.”
She cites the lack of representation of black health care workers, the disparities in black women’s health, and the lack of resources available for marginalized communities as the reason she chose to major in public health.
For Williams, this scholarship will help her be a part of the representation she wants to see in the medical field. “Outside of the investment into my education going into the medical field, it’s going to help me uplift and set the standard for what is supposed to be with black excellence.”
The next two guests that joined the live show were Julian Ross, a senior music major at Morris Brown College, and Jeremiah Armstead, a freshman studying kinesiology at Fisk University.
Julian Ross shared that he wanted to attend an HBCU because of the “amount of nurturing and the amount of care that was put in us by our own people.”
The young scholar currently serves as the Student Government Association President for Morris Brown College. He says one of the reasons he applied for the Propel scholarship is to lead by example for the student body to be steadfast and diligent about their education.
“My big thing is each one, teach one. You always reach behind and bring the next person up and that’s what Propel’s done for me.”
– 2022 Propel Scholarship Recipient, Julian Ross
Ross is not only a Propel Scholar but also a Propel Ambassador. Like Rowser, he attended The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation Inaugural Gala and got the opportunity to be the announcer for the event alongside Emmy award-winning actress Alfre Woodard. As a music producer, he says he was grateful to attend an event that was also attended by actor and rapper, Common. Propel puts you in rooms that are geared toward your career aspirations.
Ross wants to work at a record label and says that the scholarship will help him reach his goals immensely.
Lastly, Jeremiah Armstead took a moment to share his story which recently circulated in the news. Armstead shared that after coming to California, from his freshman to senior year he experienced homelessness with his family, and lived in between their car and hotels. “I’m six-five, being that tall, being in a car, I had to crunch up or make space for my siblings so that was a struggle.”
Armstead added that Propel’s support has been amazing, “I never had anything like that, my support my whole life was my mom, brother and sister, now that I have other people that can build me up…that’s really big for me.”
For J. Armstead, Propel will help him fulfill his goal of leaving a legacy behind for his family. He offers words of encouragement for anyone who has been in a similar situation to not give up. “God doesn’t put any obstacles in life that you can’t overcome.”
Next on the agenda for Propel is taking fifteen scholars to Washington, D.C. to participate in HBCU Week at the White House. For students interested in applying for the scholarship, Dr. Gibbs notes they are anticipating opening the application process again in the spring for the second cohort of scholars. Dr. Gibbs advises students to follow Propel on social media and tag them at @propelcenter for updates on when the next scholarship application period opens or if interested in becoming a Propel ambassador.
Chadwick Boseman’s legacy continues to live on after a recent historic win. The Howard University alumnus posthumously won an Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for his role in What If…? during the recent Creative Arts Emmy Awards over the Labor Day weekend. However, the important accomplishment amid Emmys season has left us reflecting on just how much of a gem he really was.
Although Chadwick Boseman tragically passed from colon cancer in August 2020, his life’s hard work has created a lasting legacy. Just late last month, it was revealed that he would be among severalDisney Legends selected for their immeasurable impact across The Walt Disney Company’s brands. Along with Boseman, other awardees like fellow Howard alumnus Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Idina Menzel, and Patrick Dempsey were honored at this weekend’s D23 Expo near Disneyland in California.
As he was honored in the D23 opening ceremony Saturday, his brother Derrick Boseman accepted the honor on behalf of the Boseman family. “Chad was an amazing person,” he said. “Plato is credited with coining the phrase that ‘art imitates life.’ But Oscar Wilde came behind him and said, ‘Life imitates art.’ And in Chad’s case, it seems that life is imitating art. If we pay attention in this thing called storytelling, a story is being told to us all…” His words tell a larger story for the impression that Boseman left and how it continues to inspire us all.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12: Actor Chadwick Boseman gives a Wakanda salute to the crowd as Howard University holds its’ commencement ceremonies on May, 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo Credit: Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
During his career, Boseman made waves with exemplary performances of Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, James Brown and more. But Perhaps Boseman’s most iconic work was in his roles as T’Challa, also known as the Black Panther. He held the landmark Marvel Cinematic Universe roles across several films and other projects, with the What If…? seriessadly being the last. By embodying the regalness of an African warrior, he breathed life into a character that the world had never seen before. As Wakandan legend has it, T’Challa inherited the throne from his aging father, former King T’Chaka. In order to protect the people of Wakanda and the land’s precious vibranium, T’Challa followed his legacy by becoming the stealthy Black Panther.
Leading up to his role on What If…?, Boseman first filled the iconic roles of T’Challa and the Black Panther in 2016’s Captain America: The Civil War, which also featured Marvel Superheroes like Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.), and Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson). That film was of course followed up by 2018’s blockbuster Black Panther, which broke box office records and became one of the highest grossing MCU films, currently sitting at over $1.3 Billion. Avengers: Infinity War was released that same year, and finally, Avengers: End Game premiered in 2019. Throughout each of those films, the Black Panther fought alongside other super heros, hardly escaping an untimely demise.
WithWhat If…?, however, the events in those films were able to be ceremoniously flipped and reversed across nine episodes. Led by head writer A.C. Bradley and directed by Bryan Andrews, the 2021 Disney Plus anthology series was created to turn everything fans thought they knew about the MCU on its head. As Marvel Studios’ first animated series, the project spotlighted different MCU heroes and hypothesized how things would be different in scenarios unheard of for these franchises. For example, episodes included: “What If… Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?” in episode one; “What If… Zombies?! in episode five; and “What If…Thor Were an Only Child?” in episode seven. Viewers could expect appearances from heros like Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in the show.
Boseman himself was featured as a voice actor in a total of four episodes, including “What If… T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?” in episode two, and “What If…Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?” in episode six. Unfortunately, by the time the series had aired, Boseman had sadly passed away. As an unprecedented tribute, episode six actually featured an emotionally gripping funeral for T’Challa that prompted a social media blitz.
“[Chadwick] really enjoyed the idea of being able to play this slightly different version of T’Challa,” Bryan Andrews shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “The events are so extremely different, but the galaxy doesn’t change T’Challa; T’Challa changes the galaxy. There are a few more times where he pops up briefly in a couple other episodes, so we were able to record with him a little bit during the pandemic. Those records were over Zoom calls, and in the last record, when we were done, I, selfishly, was able to tell him how much I personally thought of him… He touched his heart and he was very thankful, but we had no idea he was going through what he was going through.”
At the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony, Boseman’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, was present to accept her late husband’s well-deserved award. “Chad would be so honored, and I’m honored on his behalf,” said Ledward according to The Hollywood Reporter. “When I learned that Chad was nominated for this award, I started thinking about everything that was going on when he was recording — everything that was going on in the world and in our world and just being in such awe of his commitment and his dedication,” she reflected. The Howard alumnus’ work on What If…? was something that was particularly meaningful for her, in more ways than one. “What a beautifully aligned moment it really is that one of the last things he would work on would not only be revisiting a character that was so important to him and his career and to the world, but also that it be an exploration of something new, diving into a new potential future,” she said. “You can’t understand your purpose unless you’re willing to ask, ‘What if’ unless you’re willing to say, ‘What if the universe is conspiring in my favor, what if it’s me?’”
The Carolinas Football Classic is back and in full effect at Benedict College.
The Carolinas Football Classic celebrates the brilliance, impact, and athleticism of HBCUs in North and South Carolina. This year the Benedict College Tigers went head to head with the Elizabeth City State Vikings for the first time in 55 years.
Ahead of the kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 3, fans filled the Charlie W. Johnson Stadium for the electrifying Carolinas Fanfare Tailgate Experience. The event hosted by TV personality Rocsi Diaz and celebrity DJ Jae Murphy, featured interactive experiences for fans with roll calls for D9 organizations, fans from the east or west coast, and international students.
There was also a giveaway from Pepsi, who sponsored the Classic this year, and a word from Benedict College’s President, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis. The event was not complete without an appearance from Mister and Miss Benedict College and their royal court, along with Mister Benedict College stepping to the mic to rap a bar. DJ Jae Murphy kept the energy high spinning records from the 90s to the early 2000s to now and hyping the crowd during an obligatory swag surf.
The event lasted from 4 pm – 6 pm, as the energy carried into game time. Benedict and Elizabeth City State battled it out for the first time since 1996, resulting in the second win for Benedict with a score of 58-14.
The key to their win according to football coach Chennis Berry, was dominating all three phases of a football game – offense, defense, and special teams. “We talk about winning all three phases,” said Berry. “There were times last year where we might play well on defense and didn’t play as well on offense, and so-so on special teams or vice versa. At the end of the day, I think all three phases found a way to win this football game.”
The University reports that Benedict racked up 550 yards of total offense; held Elizabeth City State to 243 yards of offense, 0-for-10 on third and fourth downs; and had several big plays on special teams, including a blocked punt which helped lead to a Benedict touchdown.
“The Carolinas Football Classic was the next BEST thing to Homecoming, said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “What a wonderful opportunity to bring together two neighboring HBCUs along with our alumni, students, and fans all in the name of scholarship and sportsmanship.”
Kiarah Michelle Williams, a senior print journalism major at Bowie State University senior has written a new book called “Forever Friends” to help teens navigate the ups and downs of friendship.
Kiarah Michelle Williams, a senior print journalism major at BowieState University senior has written a new book called “Forever Friends” to help teens navigate the ups and downs of friendship.
The book is currently available at Barnes and Noble stores across the nation and on Amazon. It follows two teenage girls who learn what it means to be true friends as new people come into their lives and circumstances change. Throughout the book, Williams offers advice on how to deal with new conflicts, jealousy, solving problems through communication, and eliminating avoidance behavior.
“Our society is in a dangerous place right now and I’m hoping “Forever Friends” will inspire and motivate young people to solve their problems through dialogue with each other,” said Williams. “The bottom line is that I wrote this book to show people how to problem solve and I believe it all begins with communicating.”
The university reports that Williams started writing the book when she was 13 or 14 years old growing up outside of Baltimore. She had the first manuscript for the book written after graduating high school in 2019, but didn’t move forward with the project until early in 2021 when she was introduced to a writing coach.
Williams discovered her love for writing at the AME Church where she served as editor of the monthly Young People’s Division newsletter. “After serving as the YPD editor, I knew I wanted to go to college and become a journalist,” she said.
According to Bowie, while visiting schools to speak with students about her book, she tells them that problems with friends will not last forever and that they must be honest and tell their peers how they feel.
“My primary audience for this book is 5th and 6th graders through sophomores in high school,” said Williams. “My goal is to always help the younger generations find peaceful solutions to solve problems they may have with their peers and eliminate physical confrontation.”
Williams’s future as a writer is bright she just began working as a freelance high school sports writer at the Baltimore Sun. Her ultimate goal is to publish a magazine like Cosmopolitan in the future.
“I love to write and “Forever Friends” is just the beginning,” she said. “I will always be devoted to helping young people solve their problems regardless of where my journalism career takes me.”
An anonymous donor from Howard University’s College of Medicine has gifted the university $1 million to enhance students’ campus experiences.
The school reports that the donor attributes his personal and professional success to his days as a student at Howard and wants students to benefit from similar experiences at the university.
“It has opened many doors not only providing me a solid foundation as a young graduate but also a new career, meeting new friends, even met my wife in D.C. and to have a new family. I am forever grateful,” said the donor on how Howard has changed his life.
The donation will support renovations and upgrades of facilities and equipment that will enhance the whole student experience. “The Howard experience is defined not only by classrooms or residence halls, but also in all the spaces throughout campus in which they spend their time,” according to the university. From computer laboratories, libraries, and research centers to social, health, and wellness areas, Howard students take full advantage of a holistic approach to living and learning on campus.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous gift, which allows Howard to grow and maintain a standard of excellence in our campus facilities,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, university president. “We expect every student matriculating at Howard to learn and live in first-in-class environments where they not only transform themselves, but also our communities.”
The Propel Center has announced the recipients of the 2022 Student Impact Scholarship.
The $1,000,000 scholarship fund was created by the Propel Center in collaboration with Apple and Southern Company to fund the education of HBCU students interested in pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, arts & entertainment, agri-tech, social justice, and health.
Propel Center is a global HBCU technology and innovation hub committed to developing a diverse talent pipeline. Its virtual campus provides access to top-level learning opportunities and master classes through a state-of-the-art online digital platform.
Through this scholarship, Propel is building upon its vision of building generations of Black leaders who advance equity and justice through technology, entrepreneurship, education, and social impact.
“Bold and innovative programs such as these are essential to prepare HBCU students for the global workforce and careers of the future,” said Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium. “We were honored to launch this competitive scholarship program that will unlock opportunities and level the playing field.”
Students that were eligible to participate in the program include sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
Students from several HBCUs across the nation were selected as finalists for the program.
Each student will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship and the opportunity to participate in highly coveted work-placed learning opportunities.
“Making investments in HBCU students is critical to providing them with equitable access to industries in this current information and technology-driven age,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. “We’re committed to opening career pathways to help students realize their full potential and academic dreams.
Creating pathways for HBCU students to succeed is a major objective for the Propel Center. The virtual campus is committed to transforming HBCU students into “civic-minded leaders capable of dismantling systemic injustice while shaping the future through innovation and entrepreneurship.”
According to Chris Womack, chairman, and CEO of Georgia Power, his company shares the same objective. “We take great pride in helping to shape our nation’s future by working with the best and brightest minds at HBCUs, propelling them to be future leaders, innovators, and trailblazers,” said Womack.
To learn more about the program and how it will benefit students, Propel will host an Instagram Live conversation with HBCU Buzz on Wednesday, September 7th at 1 pm ET. Guests will include Revolt TV host and FAMU Alum Brianna Harmon; Dr. Charles Gibbs, president of the Propel Center-HBCU Consortium; and the HBCU student finalists. Tune into the conversation by following @hbcubuzz and @propelcenter and the hashtag #PropelForward.
See the full list of the 2022 Student Impact Scholarship recipients below:
Alabama State University – Leon Payne and Guy Samandari
Alcorn State University – Acacia Calvin, Narkeshia Green, Tylah Magee and Isaiah Muhammad
Benedict College – Akil Dyson
Bethune Cookman University – Amari Carthan, Destanee Clark, Anjae Levias, Keeon Miller, Ty’Ron Mills, Christopher Hendrix Merriweather and Sophie Soius
Bishop State Community College – Celyse Drew-Robinson
Bowie State University – Ky’Shaun Bradford and Tyren Walker
Clark Atlanta University – Madysen Forney, Victoria Guerrero, Cameron Randle and Essence Spears
Dillard University – Victoria Hardy
Edward Waters University – LaDonna Milton and Obiajuru Triumph Nwadiokwu
Florida A&M University – Jalyn Baker, Jacqui Paige, Aniyah Sparks and Mya Wright
Fisk University – Jeremiah C. Armstead
Grambling State University – Destney Johnson
Howard University – Gavin Kelley and Christina Littlejohn
Huston Tillotson University – Ckyra Anthony, Idris Oyebamiji and Samuel Oyetakin
Jackson State University – Alexandria Williams
Johnson C. Smith University – John Josiah
Meharry Medical College – Elizer Harris
Miles College – Stephen Barclay, Deja Brooks, Jaeden Henderson, Ty’Janae Livers, Ronald Moore Jr, Destiny Shepherd and Jeremy Turner
Morehouse College – Jacobi Mitchell, Robert Norwood, Dwayne Pittman III, Kye Sabbath and David Totty
Morgan State University – Cierra Robinson
Morris Brown College – Julian Ross
Norfolk State University – Indya Richards
North Carolina A&T University – Jeremiah Smith, Thaddeus Stewart, Christen Daniel and Tamyah Johnson
North Carolina Central University – Tyler Fisher
Oakwood University – Makayla Monroe-Owens
Paul Quinn College – Darion Barrie
Prairie View A&M University – Devaughn Pryor
Savannah State University – Camille Gladney
Southern University Law Center – Marina Castro
Spelman College – Jalyn Bradford, Alana Burrell, Dakota Carter, Zoe Carter, Aiyana Edwards, Mckenzie Franklin, Michelle Herring, Harmony Hicks, Brianna Latham, Gabriella Lee, Simaya Larry, Nadya Lopez, Raven May, Sanaa Rowser, Sierra Sands, Aya Settles, Nia Turner, Jadyn Wheaton, Lauren Williams and Morgan Wills
Texas Southern University – Joshua Gibson
West Virginia State University – Cedric Caschetta
Winston-Salem State University – Morgan Woodyard
Xavier University of Louisiana – Bethani Thomas and Zuri Williams
Tennessee State University alum and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Juanita Brown Ingram has been crowned this year’s Mrs. Universe.
The TSU alum and Chatanooga native is not new to pageantry. She is the first African-American woman to compete and win the title of Mrs. Indiana United States in 2007 and has since gone on to compete and become the first African-American Ms. World International 2012, and has Mrs. Great Britain World 2011, Mrs. UK Universe 2013, and Mrs. UK International 2014 (placing Top 3 at Nationals).
Ingram received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Tennessee State University and her MBA and Jurist Doctorate from the University of Memphis. She is a US licensed attorney and a former adjunct professor of Business Law and was the recipient of the 2021 NAACP Ruby Hurley Image Award.
Ingram is a woman of many talents as she is an award-winning attorney, filmmaker, author, fashion philanthropist, and actress.
She is also a wife and a mother currently living in Singapore, and formerly residing in London and Taiwan.
Ingram founded Purpose Productions Inc. in 2018, which is a women-led production company with a mission of creating content that celebrates authentic BIPOC narratives while empowering women and youth through film. On Juneteenth 2021, she launched Purpose Streaming, a streaming platform dedicated to content that inspires, informs, and empowers through BIPOC-centric content.
The newly crowned Mrs. Universe ran on the platform “dress for success,” a platform that she says she lives by and is a nod to her service work. She is the founder and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Dress For Success Greater London, an organization that helps disadvantaged women become economically independent by styling them and giving them interview attire, career training, and support. She recently opened a Dress For Success office in her hometown Chatanooga, Tennessee.
In an interview with FOX Chatanooga, Ingram shared words of encouragement for any young ladies interested in pageantry. “I think pageantry with purpose a very powerful, so to all the young ladies who are interested in doing that I say go for it,” said Ingram. “Prepare and just be your absolute best self.”
Grammy-award-winning artist CeeLo Green has graciously donated electronic tablets to the students of Paine College
On Friday school officials announced to students during 140th Fall Convocation that all students attending the college through federal Pell Grants will receive 32-gigabyte Android tablets.
Each tablet comes with 12 months of free internet connectivity and is formatted and distributed by Atlanta-based internet service provider Moolah Wireless.
J.R. Henderson, a member of Paine’s Board of Trustees said that they reached out to CeeLo after seeing what T.I. did at Morris Brown. “We said, “OK, Atlanta has T.I. We have CeeLo,’” said Henderson. “So we picked up the phone and called CeeLo Green and said, ‘You know something? We want to do exactly what we saw another college do.’”
Green could not attend the Fall convocation but sent in a recorded video offering encouraging words for the new students.
According to the Augusta Chronicle, Paine College students who are not enrolled in the federal Pell Grant program currently and did not receive a tablet may still be eligible. Individuals also qualify if they are enrolled in other federal programs such as the National School Lunch Program or Federal Public Housing Assistance.
The Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) at Tennessee State University is setting their aspirations high by submitting an application to the Grammys to be nominated for their upcoming album “The Urban Hymnal.”
On Monday, the band announced the news on social media, documenting the moment they hit the submit button. They are vying to win in the category of Best Gospel Roots Album.
If they win, the band would make history as the first collegiate band to receive a Grammy for an entire album.
The Aristocrat of Bands is no stranger to being a band firsts. They were the first HBCU to appear on national television during the 1955 Rams vs Bears NFL game halftime show; the first HBCU to perform at the Presidential Inauguration for John F. Kennedy in 1961; the first HBCU to be appointed by the NFL in 2002 as an official band for the Tennessee Titans, and the first collegiate band to perform for the NFL Hall of Fame Halftime Show in 2014 just to name a few.
This win would be even more special for the AOB as the album was recorded right on the campus of TSU.
“The Urban Hymnal” is set to be released on September 13, as a 10-track album filled with organic sounds that were created on campus.
Several gospel music pioneers will be featured on the album including, Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more.
TSU Senior and Saxophone Section Leader Logyn Rylander expressed her gratitude to News Channel 5 in an interview. “I feel so honored to just be in the presence of such great people, such great geniuses, people who work hard,” Rylander. “I’m so honored, grateful, and thankful for everything they’ve been pouring into us — pouring into me — and it’s going to take me places that I already know: the sky’s the limit for me honestly. Pressing that button, it just solidified my future, solidified the fact that I can do this.
The band recently performed at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, which garnered even more attention from the gospel community, according to AOB director Dr. Reginald McDonald.
“And as a result of that performance, so many mega artists within the gospel community have now asked to be a part of the project,” McDonald said.
The album is executively produced by Aristocrat of Bands assistant director professor Larry Jenkins, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, and artist and TSU alum, Dubba-AA.
Sir the Baptist, who received an honorary degree at TSU last spring, said “We will bring back to life some of the hymnals, but in an urban way,” he said. “To have support from so many people and brands, it means a lot and shows us that we are on the right track. “This is really going to change culture.”
“For me to be the band director of Tennessee State is nothing short of divine intervention. This album can do something to solidify the branding of not just the band, but the university for decades”
– Dr. Reginald McDonald, Aristocrat of Bands Director
According to the Tennessee Tribune, McDonald said “This will be the first (album) from us, it won’t be our last.” He said he is grateful to have the ability to transition students, ‘from dreams to reality.’
Grammy nominees will be announced in mid-November, while the awards ceremony is set for February 5, 2023.
The University of Alabama has announced a new bridge program for students from Stillman College, Fort Valley State University, and Jackson State University who are interested in renewable energy.
UA was awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation for the program that will prepare undergraduate students for graduate programs, industry careers, and entrepreneurial opportunities in renewable energy. The five-year project was awarded through the NSF’s Bridging Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, Communities, also known as RII-BEC.
“RII-BEC is a very prestigious award that will empower us with lots of research and education resources in the next five years to enhance students’ learning and research experience,” said UA professor of chemistry and project principal investigator, Dr. Shanlin Pan.
Program participants will receive mentoring and training in UA’s state-of-the-art research facilities
The goals for the program include enhancing the competitiveness of HBCU student participants as applicants to graduate programs, preparing participants for the STEM workforce through hands-on lab experiences that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to be successful in a STEM career.
The university says that the program activities will take place through resident summer programs at UA as well as student exchanges between UA and Stillman students during the academic year.
“Participants will receive outstanding hands-on lab training and be engaged in summer research activities related to clean energy and materials science
– Dr. Shanlin Pan
According to Pan students will also have access to the university’s “state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities” This well help to build “more than sufficient knowledge and skills for future graduate school study and the energy industry” Pan added.
The program will sponsor nine undergrads from the three HBCUs each summer of the five-year project by providing stipends, on-campus housing, and travel expenses.
According to the university, it is estimated that 70 Stillman students will participate in exchange activities each year during the fall and spring semesters.
“This NSF award represents a significant accomplishment for UA,” said Dr. Emmett Lodree, director of the UA Graduate School’s Strategic Graduate Partnerships. “It really moves the needle forward with regard to UA’s strategic efforts to cultivate partnerships with bachelor’s and/or minority-serving institutions, particularly HBCUs in the southeast.”
“Recently, the Graduate School launched its Strategic Graduate Partnerships Initiative to coordinate these efforts and has since facilitated the renewal of a 50-year-old institutional agreement with Stillman College. This award further solidifies the institutional agreement between UA and Stillman and represents a promising future of mutually beneficial collaboration between the two institutions. The NSF award also enriches UA’s relationships with Fort Valley State University and Jackson State University.”
“We are thankful for the partnership with Grant Thornton and the continued support they have provided to HBCU golf programs,” saidKendra Greene, NCCU interim head golf coach. “The support by Grant Thornton will provide opportunities to enhance our golf programs in ways we previously couldn’t imagine. We especially look forward to the internship opportunities they will provide for not only our NCCU student-athletes but the NCCU campus community.”
Visibility and outreach for HBCU golf programs have been on the rise recently.
Earlier this year United Airlines and PGA Tour permitted travel grants for 51 HBCU programs to help them get to and from golf tournaments. Each school received $10,000 each in an effort to allow HBCUs to recruit and compete at the highest levels of collegiate golf.
In May, Wells Fargo provided opportunities for HBCU golfers to learn from and play golf with PGA Tour players at the Wells Fargo Championship.
NBA Basketball champion Steph Curry is sponsoring the Howard University golf team, committing to fund the program for six years, and ex-NBA star J.R. Smith is currently a student-athlete playing for the North Carolina A&T Aggies golf program.
Having major corporations supporting HBCU golf programs is extremely significant as it may increase the representation of African Americans in the golf world. According to The Atlanta Voice, there are currently only fourBlack golfers with PGA Tour status out of around 260 Tour regulars. Last year, Mariah Stackhouse was the LPGA’s only full-time black golfer on tour.
Grant Thornton hasn’t announced the terms of the new program yet but according to Rashada Whitehead, National Managing Director of Culture, Immersion & Inclusion diversity is a part of the goal.
“It’s time to go beyond what’s expected in golf,” Whitehead said.
“Grant Thornton is supporting HBCU golf programs around the country to help reimagine and expand the game. This opportunity will build connections that empower the future of the sport and, most importantly, amplify diverse and valued voices. Together, we can create a game that is enjoyed by all.”
– Rashada Whitehead, National Managing Director of Culture, Immersion & Inclusion at Grant Thornton
Saint Augustine’s Univesity (SAU) has partnered with the International Informational System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity.
(ISC)² is the world’s leading and most prominent non-profit organization that provides security training and certificates for cybersecurity professionals.
“This partnership is a critical step forward in reimagining the core competencies of an SAU graduate in the areas of Science, Technology, Research, Arts, and Mathematics,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail.
“We are now positioned to meet the diversity, equity, and inclusion needs of a rapidly growing cybersecurity workforce.”
– Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, SAU President
This partnership will help grow the cybersecurity workforce as it is experiencing a critical shortage of highly trained and certified professionals.
Veronica Creech, Vice President for Economic Development & External Engagement at SAU said “According to (ISC)²’s 2021 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the Cybersecurity Workforce Estimate and Cybersecurity Workforce Gap suggest the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow 65% to effectively defend organizations’ critical assets.”
“Saint Augustine’s University is uniquely positioned to train today’s talent for today’s cybersecurity workforce. Our leadership is honored to be blazing a trail in closing these gaps in partnership with (ISC)².”
According to the university, SAU students can receive any (ISC)² certification to diversify the talent pipeline of cybersecurity professionals and the skill and validation needed for the field. This certification will also demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for an entry-level cybersecurity job.
This partnership comes as a precursor for SAU’s relaunching of their Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Students will have an opportunity to focus their degree in four key areas: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Simulation and Game Design.
“Cybersecurity is national security,” said Dr. Terry Kidd, Vice President of Strategic Planning, Research, Technology and Innovation. “With this synergistic partnership, SAU will equip students with the knowledge, research, and skills needed not only for their careers, but for making a lasting impact on the nation’s security across industries and organizations. We, at SAU, are proud to announce this initiative alongside so many others who share a strong commitment to addressing our cybersecurity workforce challenges. We look forward to building more public-private partnerships needed to accomplish this shared goal.”
