Spelman Alum Teaches Kids About HBCUs and Black Wall Street In Book Series 

Claudia Walker is an educator and Spelman alum teaching the youth about the importance of HBCUs and financial literacy through her book series “The ABCs of HBCUs” and “ABCs of Black Wall Street.”

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Claudia Walker is an educator and Spelman alum teaching the youth about the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and financial literacy through her book series The ABCs of HBCUs and ABCs of Black Wall Street. 

Before Walker entered the education arena, she worked on Wall Street as a financial analyst but decided to move to California to pursue her passion for teaching. She became a teacher at the American Indian Public High School in Oakland, California and eventually became the school’s principal.

Today, she is the owner of the publishing company The HBCU Prep School, a family-owned multimedia education company that amplifies Black voices and Black joy through children’s literature and videos.

Claudia Walker

While teaching, Walker noticed a gap in the school system regarding educating students about HBCUs and finance and saw fit to close it.

“From having conversations with my students, with their families, and then when I started with my own family, I realized that I could complain about the things that I thought were missing from the education system or I could be that bridge. And that’s when I decided to start my own publishing company, and really create the materials, the curriculum and all of the things that I felt were missing” Walker said.

In 2020, she released The ABCs of HBCUs with the goal of teaching kids of all ages the history and continued relevancy of HBCUs. Walker describes the book as a “VIP experience that takes you onto the different campuses of different historically black colleges.” From FAMU to Howard, the Divine Nine to Battle of the Bands, children learn about the love, lifestyles, and legacies that built these incredible institutions.

Walker’s time as a student at Spelman College helped influence her to create The ABCs of HBCUs.

She says that Spelman gave her a sense of confidence and provided a great support system. It was this support system that encouraged her to enter the world of finance as an English major. “I didn’t necessarily think that I had the background to do it,” Walker said about becoming a financial analyst. “But I did, I was successful, and it was a life-changing experience.

As a former Wall Street analyst, Walker wanted to educate children about financial literacy, investing, the stock market, and real estate, so she created her second book series The ABCs of Black Wall Street.

Released earlier this year, the book educates readers about the innovators, activists, and establishments that created one of America’s wealthiest Black communities, Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District. Walker wanted to highlight the success of Black Wall Street instead of its destruction to inspire kids and show them that they can also be successful, and serve their communities and families. 

“I wanted to write a book that celebrated the pioneers, the entrepreneurs, the activists, doctors or lawyers or architects, the librarians,” she said. “I wanted to tell that story because it’s often a story that is not told.”

After launching The ABCs of Black Wall Street, The HBCU Prep School did a giveaway contest distributing free stocks to Black children all across the country, giving them an early start in their financial literacy journey.

They also launched their first Black Wall Street stock market camp for kids over the summer. During the 4-week program, Walker taught 4th-12th grade students how to make money and build wealth in the stock market, one of the ways she’s seeking to remedy what’s not being taught in the education space. 

Both The ABCs of HBCUs and The ABCs of Black Wall Street book series feature a board book, coloring book, flashcards, and full-color activity books by grade level. The HBCU Prep School also features magazine-inspired notebooks that pay homage to Black Wall Street and Black College culture, puzzles, and other activity books. Walker says you can expect some exciting partnership announcements soon as well as more stock market classes.

Walker hopes that readers will leave feeling inspired after reading her books.

“The goal is for children to see themselves reflected in history, to see themselves reflected in literature, and to recognize that they too can use the gifts that they have to create the lives that they want, that there are resources, that there are people that are here to support them and to encourage them.”

DIAGEO Supports The Next Generation of Diverse Leaders Through HBCU Grants Program

DIAGEO is helping shape a more inclusive world by donating to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

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DIAGEO is helping shape a more inclusive world by donating to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The alcoholic beverage company made a $10 million pledge to fund permanent endowments at more than two dozen HBCUs across the country, allowing them to provide financial assistance to thousands of students.

According to Dr. Danielle Robinson, Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at DIAGEO, this is a part of their Society 2030 action plan, which seeks to help create a more inclusive and sustainable world. “In that vein, to make sure that we are changing the complexion of our industry, to reflect our consumer base, we wanted to support this constituency, most importantly black people and black communities, and closing the generational wealth gap,” Dr. Robinson said. “And so in doing that, we thought going back to higher ed, where many obtain loans and such and come out in debt into corporate America, we thought creating endowment funds would help remedy that.”

DIAGEO Presents Presidents from Grambling State University and Southern University Each with $250,000 to Create Permanent Endowment Funds During the 49th Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans. (L-R: President of DIAGEO North America Supply, Perry Jones; President Rick Gallot of Grambling State University; President Dennis Shields from Southern University; Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at DIAGEO, Dr. Danielle Robinson; Head of Diverse Investments DIAGEO – Pronghorn, Malcolm Ellis )
Photo Credit: Malcolm Johnson Jr.

During the Annual Bayou Classic game on Nov. 26, DIAGEO showed their support for HBCUs by presenting the president of Grambling State University, Rick Gallot, and the president of Southern University, Dennis Shields each with a $250,000 check to create permanent endowment funds.

Dr. Robinson said that they wanted to show their commitment and support not only for the schools but also for the local community.

In addition to advocating for HBCUs, DIAGEO is working to diversify the spirits industry as well.

Through their “Pronghorn” initiative, they have partnered with spirits industry innovators Dia Simms and Erin Harris to create a dedicated standalone business with a sole focus on expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion within the beverage alcohol industry.

“No time in history has a black own spirit been procured or acquired by a major producer or manufacturer. So we wanted to change that narrative. And so it’s a transformative initiative to support and grow and sustain black-owned businesses in the spirit industry”

Dr. Danielle Robinson, Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at DIAGEO on the Pronghorn Initative

HBCU students are also a part of their diversity efforts within the spirits industry, as DIAGEO plans to include the creation of Innovation Hubs at select HBCUs and internship platforms to help drive diversity within the industry, according to their website. The company intends to provide HBCU students with opportunities to gain valuable work experience, as Dr. Robinson explained that one of the most important things for them was to “not just be a check writer.”

The endowment funds will be available for HBCU students across different disciplines and majors and distributed according to each institution’s financial aid process.

Dr. Robinson says all 25 of the endowment funds are about to mature and believes that as they distribute the funds there will be more announcements and initiatives in the next coming months. She also revealed that they will be announcing a second round of grants within the next 90 days for additional schools.

The current program will provide funding to support students at the following institutions: Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Delaware State University, Dillard University, Fisk University, Fort Valley State University, Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Harris-Stowe State University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Kentucky State University, Morehouse College,  Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Virgin Islands, Winston-Salem State University, and Xavier University.

HBCU Alumni Association List

Interested in joining a Black college alumni association? Here’s your complete guide to the national HBCU alumni associations.

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Whether you just graduated college, are a long-time graduate, or are approaching graduation, joining the alumni association for your university is an important thing to look into and get involved with. Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) alumni associations not only provide a sense of community between alumni of all different generations but is also a great way to give back to your university.

Through scholarships, events, and student initiatives, a welcoming alumni chapter can be a deciding factor for prospective students. In addition to serving and recruiting students for your alma mater, there are countless personal benefits of joining an alumni association as well. This includes networking opportunities, ticketed special event invites, travel opportunities, and more.

Finding the national alumni association for your HBCU has never been easier thanks to the guide we’ve compiled below.

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Did we miss an alumni association website? Feel free to reach out to update us.

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Texas Southern Grad Megan Thee Stallion Makes History With New Forbes Cover

Grammy-Award winning rapper and Texas Southern University alum, Megan Thee Stallion is the first Black woman to to cover the Forbes 30 Under 30 issue.

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Grammy-award-winning rapper and Texas Southern University alum, Megan Thee Stallion is the first Black woman to cover the Forbes 30 Under 30 issue.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 issue highlights trailblazers under the age of 30 who have made impressive and tremendous strides in their respective fields.

The rapper has undoubtedly taken the hip-hop world by storm, proving why she deserves a spot on the list. According to Forbes, she has brought in an estimated $13 million in earnings for 2022 through royalties, ticket sales, merch, and endorsements.

“It’s really hard to be the first something in 2022, so ahhhhh,” Megan said in response to the news. “I want to be bigger than just my music. I want people to know Megan as everything that she ever wanted to be. Megan, the artist. I feel like I’ve always liked to dibble and dab in a lot of different things and I feel like I got that from my mom and my dad.”

She added, “I could be Megan Thee Stallion. I could be creative. I could be Megan, the student. I’ma get my degree.”

Megan was also featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019, but as her fame has grown, this is her first time gracing the cover.

“I can’t slow down right now,” Megan told Forbes Senor Writer Jabari Young.

“I’ll take a break when I’m dead. I’m trying to really build something. When I start sitting, I feel like I’m not doing enough or I’m giving somebody else the opportunity to pass me.”

– Megan Thee Stallion

The Houston native has scored many brand endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Cheetos, Popeyes, Cash App, and Revlon, which has added to her success. She also has collaborated with music’s biggest stars— Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, BTS, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B.

Megan added that one of the biggest lessons she’s learned in the industry is to “save your money.” “I still haven’t made a stupid, crazy purchase. My jewelry is expensive, and my house was expensive, outside of that, I’m not buying 100 cars. Learn how to make your money work for you,” she added.

Black Girl Ventures is Activating HBCU Student Visionaries Through BGV NextGen Program  

Black Girl Ventures has launched The BGV NextGen Program, an 8-week accelerator program created for the next generation of Black and Brown entrepreneurs attending HBCUs nationally. 

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Apply Now through Dec. 16th for The BGV NextGen Program

Black Girl Ventures has launched The BGV NextGen Program, an 8-week accelerator program created for the next generation of Black and Brown entrepreneurs attending HBCUs nationally. 

Black Girl Ventures (BGV), is a nonprofit social enterprise that helps provide female founders of color with access to social and financial capital. Within the BGV NextGen Program, participants gain access to capital, capacity, and community through training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.  

The program seeks to develop the entrepreneurial mindset of HBCU students and prepare them for the competitive workforce.

During the 8-week accelerator training, student visionaries will:

  • Be matched with a group of peers across the country.
  • Access culturally-centered entrepreneurial education through BGV’s 8-week JetPack Accelerator program.
  • Develop money management and business development skills.
  • Gain the opportunity to pitch for access to capital to grow their businesses. 
  • Gain the opportunity to get mentorship and feedback on your business.

According to the website, the top 7 Student Visionaries will work through a curated curriculum in preparation for a demo day to show off their business acumen. Next, they will move into a tournament-style BGV Pitch Competition, giving them a chance to win additional capital and rep their HBCUs. Additionally, they will also have access to Supplier Diversity opportunities to increase the visibility of their businesses. 

Participants will also receive a $5,000 stipend, entrepreneurship skills development training, an opportunity to showcase their business to funders, and a lifetime membership to the BGV Connect platform, Black Girl Ventures’ online incubator for Black/Brown founders. 

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

  • be 18-24 years old.
  • be enrolled at an HBCU.
  • must identify as Black or Brown.
  • have a business or viable business idea.
  • have the ability to commit to approximately 3 hours per week for 8 weeks.
  • have an interest in growing your network and being a part of a community of student entrepreneurs across the country.

BGV’s vision is to democratize entrepreneurship for the next generation of business leaders and to help change the playing field for women of color founders. They are looking to close the generational wealth gap, strengthen families, and create a more equitable society.

Applications are open now to full-time students (women or men) till December 16. Once students apply they will be required to submit a short video introduction of themselves and their business/business idea. 

Click here to apply. 

VSU Alum Ray “Misster Ray” Cunningham Creates New HBCU Board Game Yardopoly 

Virginia State alum Ray Cunnigham, better known as “Misster Ray” has created the ultimate HBCU board game experience with his new game Yardopoly.

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Virginia State alum Ray Cunnigham, better known as “Misster Ray” has created the ultimate HBCU board game experience with his new game Yardopoly.

Misster Ray is a multitalented, author, host, TV personality, community advocate, and actor. He is also an HBCU alum as he received his bachelor’s in public relations from Virginia State University and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in media management from there as well. His love for his alma mater and its Mass Communications department is part of the reason he decided to create Yardopoly. 

“I want this game to just be a tool and just a remembrance,  a great keepsake for where we went to school, the experiences that we had, and who it made us to be,” he said.

Misster Ray came up with the idea for the game during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

During the lockdown, he says he was playing a lot of board games to pass the time and discovered the lack of African American experience-centered versions of Monopoly or black characters featured within games. To remedy this he created Yardopoly, the only historically black college board game highlighting student life on the yard. 

While answering HBCU culture and history-related trivia questions, paying fines, and collecting fees, players experience both fall and spring semesters at an HBCU with the goal of completing the game by graduating. 

Misster Ray wanted players to get a feel for HBCU campus life and what it entails including new student orientation, freshman week, homecoming, campus pageants, student elections, and more. 

“I just wanted to have a tool for us that was educational and fun, but also celebrated our culture”

– Misster Ray on Yardopoly

Misster Ray sees Yardopoly as a recruitment tool for middle and high school students, so that they may be educated about the history of HBCUs prior to their senior year. The game also targets students, alumni, and supporters of HBCUs as well. 

You can play as eight quintessential HBCU student characters including the University Mascot, Band Dancer, Drum Major, University Queen, Jock, University Cheerleader, Fraternity Brother, and Sorority Sister.

Misster Ray provides a variety of black characters with the idea that “representation matters” in mind. As a proud uncle of nine nieces and nephews, he wants them to be able to see themselves in the game.  

“It was important for me to have all sizes, all shades, all types of hair textures, and just showing that black kids can aspire to be all these student things within student life,” Mister Ray said.  

“You can become anything you want to be at your HBCU of choice. It’s a matter of how you apply yourself, how you position yourself, and what you align yourself with, and I just wanted this game to give them the inspiration to do that.”

Misster Ray revealed that a Greek edition of Yardopoly is currently in the works and encourages students to come out to the Black College Expo for which he is an ambassador, to gain scholarship opportunities. You can also catch Misster Ray in an upcoming film coming to Tubi called “The Assistant.”

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Beats Uplifts Black Creatives Through HBCU Beats Black Creators Program

Beats continues to help current HBCU students and recent HBCU graduates further their talents and skills through the continuation of their HBCU Creators Program, a three-month paid cultural immersion learning program.

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Over the summer, Beats announced the continuation of their HBCU Creators Program, a three-month paid cultural immersion learning program designed to help current HBCU students and recent HBCU graduates further their talents and skills. 

The program ran from July to September and allowed Black creatives to “gain mentorship and exposure from industry leaders through a world-class curriculum that supports the full creative process from ideation to design development,” according to Beats. 

Students were welcomed into a “village of creators” and were encouraged to lean on and support each other to reach their highest potential.

The program was split into two tracks: Content Creators and Custom Creators. 

Content Creators included filmmakers, scriptwriters, photographers, videographers, content editors, etc., while Custom Creators were reserved for illustrators, digital artists, fashion designers, painters, graphic designers, mixed media artists, cartoonists, and graffiti artists.

The Content Creators were able to sharpen their storytelling skills by learning to create branded content. They were given a creative brief and worked in teams to create two 60 to 90-second-long social films. 

Under the theme ‘Black Futurism,’ the creatives produced unique short films titled “Maze” and “Black Star” for Beats’ social channels. “Maze,” is a psychological thriller about coping with loss with technology, while “Black Star,” is described as “a person and a place, is an insightful story of creative liberation by facing one’s fears and trusting in oneself.”

The videographer and editor for the film “Maze,” Bria Dickerson said being amongst other HBCU creatives was a fulfilling experience. “It’s a breath of fresh air to have HBCU students be together, create together because we are the story, we have always been the story,” Dickerson said. 

Under the Customs Track, creators were able to learn about product design and development and had the opportunity to assist the Customs Product Team in developing an idea for a future custom product seeding. Creators were responsible for gathering and presenting insights for a Custom Headphone and its respective packaging design. 

The HBCU Creators Program is a part of Beats’ pledge to continuously build a platform that uplifts the next generation of young Black creatives.

“In a world that needs to be redefined and reconstructed, empowering Black imaginations are more important than ever,” Beats stated in a release. “We are more than participants in a moment. We are pioneers in a movement. The core of Black Future starts with you!”

10 HBCU-Related Nonprofits To Support This Giving Tuesday

As Giving Tuesday approaches on Tuesday, November 29, we our highlighting some nonprofit organizations that are making the world a better place and helping HBCU students in the process. Here are 10 HBCU-Related nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday!

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It’s the season of giving as Giving Tuesday approaches on Tuesday, November 29. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement created in 2012 with the simple idea of encouraging people to do good. Every year various nonprofits, community organizers, grassroots groups, and mutual aid networks from all over the world use Giving Tuesday as a moment to continue to uplift their communities.

There are hundreds of different ways to participate in Giving Tuesday and several nonprofit organizations doing the work to serve their communities. We want to highlight some of those organizations today that are making the world a better place and helping HBCU students in the process. Here are 10 HBCU-Related nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday!

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. Their mission is to ensure student success by promoting educational excellence and preparing the next generation of workforce talent through leadership development. Their member-schools include the publicly-supported HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), both of which they support through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships. To date, TMCF has awarded more than $300 million in assistance to its students and member-schools. The organization distributes 98% of its awards exclusively to HBCUs and PBIs, which is more than any other organization that supports the Black College Community. TMCF has achieved the highest level of accreditation from two major non-profit review groups: Charity Navigator and Guide Star.

HBCU Night

HBCU Night is a 501c3  nonprofit organization and a multifaceted experience that creates awareness for HBCUs and advocates for progression in the Black and Brown communities. Through their programs and events they are seeking to educate, advocate, matriculate, and celebrate black/brown communities with HBCU excellence, and impact. HBCU Night consists of 5 experiences including HBCU Talks Fair, DEI Career Fair, HBCU Talks Panel, HBCU Alumni/D9 Fundraiser, and live entertainment. Their vision is to increase HBCU matriculation statistics by helping navigate scholarship funds, creating employment pipeline initiatives, and creating a lucrative space for all Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

More Than Miles

More Than Miles is a 501c3 nonprofit by the Mad Miles Run Club, aimed to build and strengthen the community. The Mad Miles Run Club is an organization created for runners across various states to challenge themselves and grow through running. It was created to offer runners a safe place to learn, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and catch goals. The More Than Miles nonprofit includes three pillars of focus which are to provide resources to our communities, promote educational advancement, and encourage acts of service. Their 2022 More Than Miles scholarship was created to provide collegiate students the opportunity to develop professionally and socially while highlighting the importance of community in building successful networks.

Make it Out Foundation


The Make It Out Foundation (MIOF) Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for individuals who intend on pursuing a post-secondary education. The MIOF provides services such as scholarship assistance, mentoring, educational workshops, internship/job placement, back-to-school drives, volunteer opportunities, and more.  To date, they’ve awarded over $25,000 in scholarships and to community efforts throughout the country.  In addition to raising funds for scholarships, MIOF’s Board of Directors and volunteers travel around to neighboring facilities, mentoring and empowering children and teens.

HBCUVC

HBCUVC is a nonprofit organization that trains students attending HBCUs in venture capital and technology entrepreneurship. Their vision is to build a global innovation economy where Black and historically excluded innovators can boldly create, fail, invest, and thrive. They are fulfilling their vision through their programs which include their Fellowship Program, Lab Fund program, and The Emerging Venture Leaders (EVLs) program. HBCUVC is actively reimagining the innovation economy by developing the next generation of venture capital leaders in communities where entrepreneurs face barriers accessing capital.

Last Bison Standing

Last Bison Standing is Student Run-Alumni Advised 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Charitable Organization. They raise money through social media campaigns and have turned photography, community service, and Howard apparel into a fundraising movement.  With the money they’ve raised they have been able to provide scholarships, pay off student balances, adopt high school and elementary classrooms, and so much more.

NAACP Youth & College Division

Since 1936, the NAACP Youth & College Division (NAACPYC) has grown to become one of the largest groups of organized young people in the country.  The NAACPYC aims to inform youth of the problems affecting African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities, as well as develop intelligent, effective youth leadership. The college chapters provide training and fine-tune leadership skills to support an increased level of social and political activism. 

NASAP

The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) is a professional student affairs organization founded on the campus of Howard University, that promotes excellence, professional development, and advocacy. NASAP’s mission is to promote professional development training, research, and advocacy for student affairs professionals and student leaders who serve at HBCUs and professionals who serve in other diverse settings of higher education. They address administrative challenges and strategies in the professional world while fostering an environment for professional collaboration and networking.

Lifting Our Voices, Inc.

Lifting Our Voices, Inc. (LOV) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the goal of combatting social and economic issues exacerbated by the pandemic. LOV is focused on creating create spaces for students to develop both socially and civically and empowering the voices of the most vulnerable populations in their communities through need-based service projects. Their ongoing initiatives include the AUC Sandwich Run, toiletry drives, voter registration, and the Cover the Hood Clothing Drive. 

United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization with the mission of building a  robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who become highly-qualified college graduates with UNCF’s support. They have helped produce thousands of college graduates and leaders by awarding more than 10,000 students scholarships, worth more than $100 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 HBCUs, and by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement. Since their founding in 1944, they’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. 

10 HBCU-Founded Brands You Should Support This Black Friday and Cyber Monday

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaches we’re encouraging our readers to buy Black and support an HBCU-owned brand or business. Here at 10 HBCU-owned brands that you can support this Black Friday!

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As we look forward to the holiday season, we also look forward to the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

According to the latest research from Finder, an estimated 140 million Americans plan to shop this year, and an average spend of $362 will part with roughly $51 billion trying to score a deal this year.  

With so many choices of where to spend your money, we’re encouraging our readers to buy Black and support an HBCU-owned brand or business. Here at 10 HBCU-owned brands that you can support this Black Friday!

 Dosso Beauty

Founded by Hampton alumna Kadidja Dosso, Dosso Beauty is a Black-owned organic beauty brand & wholesaler. Dosso Beauty is a one-stop shop for several beauty needs, selling everything from skin products and cosmetics to braiding hair, durags and hair products. Its pre-stretched braiding hair is hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-itch. Dosso Beauty’s best-selling items include, their pre-stretched hair, whipped shea butter, organic edge control, and their fresh face skin care products (detoxifying charcoal mask, perfect 10 oil cleanser, hydrating face moisturizer.) According to Dosso Beauty’s website, the company’s mission is more than selling organic beauty supplies, it’s about providing a platform for people of color to reinforce the confidence that they have within themselves. Dosso Beauty products can be purchased through their official website, Amazon Prime, Walmart.com, Gopuff, and Faire.com.

The Proud Black Brand

The Proud Black Brand is a multi-media, clothing, and lifestyle brand that focuses on “Representing Black Culture With Positivity and Taste.” It was created in 2019 by North Carolina A&T alum, Jalan Ward, who told CBS17, that the company is “dabbling into everything.” “It’s not apparel. It’s not clothing. We are trying to convey experiences and show these kids for sure about what it means to be a proud black person,” he said. The company does everything from storytelling to clothes to books. According to the website, The Proud Black Brand’s goal is to connect all generations of black people through unique concepts, designs, and visual broadcasting, while aiming to tell the story of what it means to be ‘Proud Black’.

Talley & Twine Watch Company


Talley & Twine is the largest Black-owned luxury watch company according to The Atlanta Voice, and was co-founded by Albany State alum Randy Williams. Williams is the president of Talley & Twine and formed the company to increase the representation of African-Americans in the watch industry. According to the company’s website, the goal was to create a quality, detailed, attention-grabbing timepiece that spoke to a market that has been ignored by mainstream companies. “We like to operate outside of the “norms” and away from the long-standing gatekeepers of the watch industry.”  Talley and Twine sells Men’s and Women’s metal, leather, and canvas watches with a unique design on the face of the watch with only the number seven showing. The company says that the number seven is used on their watches because it represents completion in that there are 7 days in a week,  and serves as a reminder to finish what you start.

More Life Clothing Brand

More Life is an up-and-coming clothing brand created by Bowie State University student, Jaivien Kendrick. As the idea for More Life was born during the pandemic, Kendrick was motivated by the lack of hope, intellect, and motivation across the youth in his community and decided he wanted to create a brand that would empower and embrace young minds. Through More Life’s clothing, Kendrick seeks to spread the message that “you have the power to do anything you put your mind to.” Right now, the company sells hoodies and graphic tees that don the name of the company as well as other motivational messages. They are releasing their Winter 2022 ‘Dreamers Division’ Collection soon.

 Kimbria’s Kollection

Kimbria’s Kollection is a top-quality hair supplier that sells luxury wigs, bundles, frontals, and closures. Florida A&M University student, Kimbria Michel is the CEO of Kimbria’s Kollection and the hairstyling business, Kimbria’s Kreations in which she acts as a popular hairstylist on FAMU’s campus. All of Kimbria’s Kollection products have been tested and worn by Kimbria herself.  Their services include worldwide shipping and their best-selling wig units include silky straight, deep curly, deep wave, water wave, and loose deep wave.

Ghetto Scholars

Ghetto Scholars is a clothing brand founded by Hampton University student, Matthew Neree. Ghetto Scholars is more than a brand, but is a lifestyle and a movement that takes back the word “ghetto” and strips it from its negative and stereotypical connotations. The brand believes that everyone is capable of succeeding and becoming scholars and of no letting the world limit you because of the color of your skin or where you are from. The goal of Ghetto Scholars is to be a voice throughout communities for those who don’t see their full potential through mentorship and service.  They’re seeking to prove stereotypes wrong through their clothing, which includes shirts, hoodies, and trucker jackets. 

 Mack’s Ties

Mack’s Ties is a suit accessory and luxury lifestyle brand founded by Hampton alum, Chad Gayle in 2018.  Gayle believes ties allow you to express yourself through fashion and, most importantly, they are the centerpiece of your professional appearance. According to the website, Mack’s Ties’ purpose is to provide affordable products that will give customers extreme confidence, happiness, and joy. “Our biggest goal, to provide accessories that will compliment any suit.” They don’t only sell ties but tie clips, pocket squares, lapels, socks, bracelets, polo t-shirts, and bags.

Romance On The Go

Romance On The Go is a full-service romance concierge business that specializes in planning and executing romantic occasions for couples. It was founded in 2012 by Xavier University of Louisiana alumna, Ta’Veca Collins after several years of planning and executing “numerous romantic rendezvous” for her husband, family, and friends. 

Romance On The Go’s motto is “We Bring Romance To ANY Space Or Place!”, and their services include proposal planning, romantic suite experiences, date night planning, honeymoon suites, “just because” gift subscriptions, and more. They create a customized one-of-a-kind romantic experience for their customers and design everything from start to finish.

Decor Ones, LLC

Decor Ones, LLC is a handmade rugs & wood decor company created by 2x Howard alumna Skylar Buchanan. “When it comes to tufting and wood decor, I started my journey with the will to expand my creativity beyond graphic design,” Buchanan said. Her custom handmade rugs include vibrant eye-catching colors and designs that are the perfect gift for any occasion. Her products are completely unique and redefine the possibilities of rug making. Her versatility shows as she has made afrocentric-themed rugs, Greek-themed rugs, HBCU-focused rugs, and more. 

Cozartt’s Collection

Cozartt’s Collection is a premier streetwear fashion brand that specializes in both men’s and women’s wear. Florida A&M University alum, Andrew “Cozartt” Chiwara is the creative director and owner of the clothing brand. Cozartt told VoyageMIA, that the company prides itself in providing the finest shopping experience for shoppers through “competitive pricing, superior customer service, and top-quality products.” “What sets me apart is my exceptional customer service as well as high-quality products,” he said.  Cozartt’s Collection sells everything from hoodies and jackets, to tracksuits and sets, and to women’s bikinis and dresses. 

N.C. A&T Fined Nearly $2M For Exceeding Out-Of-State Freshman Enrollment Limits

North Carolina A&T is being penalized and fined for its rising enrollment of out-of-state freshmen.

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North Carolina A&T is being penalized and fined for its rising enrollment of out-of-state freshmen.

The university will lose nearly $2 million in state funding for exceeding out-of-state freshmen enrollment limits for the second consecutive year.

Greensboro News & Record reports that the UNC System Board of Governors voted in favor reducing A&T’s budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year by $1,976,546, according to board materials available online. Per the news source, documents show the school had an over-enrollment of 171 nonresident students.

The board has a policy that penalizes any UNC System institution, except UNC School of the Arts, that exceeds its out-of-state freshman enrollment limit for two consecutive fiscal years by having its state operating budget reduced. The reduction is made in the second fiscal year connected to the violation and immediately after the board approves the annual enrollment report, according to its policy.

Years ago the UNC System Board of Governors revised the residency policy to increase the enrollment cap. North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central were allowed to admit up to 35% of out-of-state freshmen beginning in the Fall of 2022.

UNC System Board Member Joel Ford, an alumnus of North Carolina A&T and North Carolina State Senator (District 38), did not agree with the fine and asked for the vote to be pulled from the Thursday agenda.

“I cannot support this particular item punishing a HMSI (Historically Minority-Serving Institution) for ultimately, Mr. Chairman, for being successful,” Ford said. “We have out-of-state students who want to attend one of our institutions because of its history and because of their ability to make good and deliver on a promise to provide a high-quality education.”

He said while some campuses are struggling with enrollment, A&T is experiencing historical seasonal growth.

Fundamentally, I cannot support a policy that’s going to take $2 million away from a university when in reality they can use every dime they can get to continue that mission,“ Ford explained.

– UNC System Board Member & North Carolina State Senator Joel Ford

UNC System Board of Governors member, James Holmes responded by saying that the decision to penalize the university was “purely administrative and consistent with the policy that exists.”

Holmes also told the board that he spoke with A&T Chancellor Harold Martin, who he said “accepted the penalty.”

The board recommended that the funds be reallocated to its UNC Need-Based Grant Financial Aid Program for resident undergraduate students.

According to WFMY News 2, N.C. A&T spokesperson, Todd Simmons said in a statement: “The University has expressed regret over exceeding the cap. We have put oversight enhancements in place to prevent this from happening again.”

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Theraflu Helps People Get Ready For Flu Season With Hot Routines

Learn how to protect yourself this flu season with these helpful hot routines brought to you by Theraflu.

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The leaves are finally starting to fall, there’s a cool breeze in the air and the holidays are quickly approaching. 

While this may be the best time of the year for some, it can also be the worst as flu season reemerges. These are especially hard times for college students; having to worry about staying healthy while also gearing up for midterms and finals – the pressure’s on. That’s why it’s so important to implement healthy self-care practices into everyday life. 

One of the best ways to take care of yourself during this flu season is to practice “hot routines” to keep you healthy, happy, and feeling renewed.

A few people who have been taking heed of this advice are family content creator and busy father of two, La Guardia Cross, lifestyle personality, content creator, and photographer, Rosalynn Daniels, and the founder of the Balanced Black Girl podcast, Balanced Les. 

“Making sure I carve out time to recharge and take care of ME has to be a priority. And I’ll give you a pro-tip…it doesn’t have to add another thing to your plate. Think of ways you can weave in self-care to the things you are already doing…” says Les.

Les uses her podcast to help Black & Brown women reach their wellness goals through meaningful conversations about physical and mental health. She shares her “hot routine” of trading an everyday shower for a hot bath and taking the time to self-reflect and check in with herself. 

After putting the kids to bed, LaGuardia Cross also makes time for himself and decompresses by taking part in a hot foot soak routine following a long day. “Self-care is necessary, it helps us reset and keep our bodies healthy,” he says. 

Mom and family recipes expert, Rosalyn Daniels also knows a thing or two about keeping your body healthy. After breaking her foot and still keeping up with mommy duties, Daniels uses her me time to pamper herself with a hot stone massage and essential oil shower. 

Life can get busy but implementing these tangible, time-efficient remedies in addition to using Theraflu for symptom relief can help you rest and recover. Whether you’re a busy student or a busy parent, Theraflu will help put you on the road to recovery and back in business!

“With flu season upon us, let’s make sure we stock up on some Theraflu, so we can make sure we do something good for ourselves even when we’re sick,” said Daniels. “It’s just so important that we take care of ourselves, because if you’re not there for yourself how can you be there for others?”

Let’s Learn From Biden’s Absurd Comment That HBCUs Are ‘Just As Smart’ As Other Colleges

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President Joe Biden uttered more stupid comments — and the rest of us can certainly learn something from it: This time, while with First Lady Jill Biden, he had visited Bowie State University on the eve of the election Monday evening, November 7, campaigning for Wes Moore and other Maryland candidates on the ballot in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

According to Fox News, the leader of the free world told Bowie State students who attended the rally the unthinkable: Despite not having the same endowments, they were “just as bright” as students who attended predominantly white institutions.

“Look, talking about my historic commitment to HBCUs that includes $5.8 billion I put in the budget for HBCUs. You know why? HBCUs don’t have the endowments that others have. But guess what, you’re just as smart, you’re just as bright, you’re just as good as any college in America. And that money, that money is to build laboratories and other things for the future that you need to have access to,” Biden said.

Several social media users criticized Biden for his comment, calling it another example of him making a racial gaffe, including conservative author Jason Howerton, who asked, “The way this man treats black people––like little children––is so da*n offensive. Why say this about [sic] an HBCU? Just as smart as who? What are you trying to say with this nonsense?”

Howerton, of course, is correct. Besides, it’s not Biden’s first racial gaffe. For example, infamously patronizing Black voters, he declared, “I tell you, if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for Trump or me, then you ain’t Black” during his 2020 presidential campaign.

Then, during the 2020 primary, “poor kids are just as bright and talented as White kids” was, what Biden thought to be, and like YoungBloodz, “Presidential.” 

Of course, HBCU students are as bright as PWI students. Biden is the only person saying otherwise. His comments earlier this month show that Biden’s handlers should be working hard to instill within him the proverb less is more. 

For your convenience, I have listed below some facts regarding the nation’s 101, which are the last cultural jewels that Black people have left in this country.

  • HBCUs produce almost 20 percent of all Black graduates, enrolling 10 percent of all Black students. The above is despite these schools makeup only 3 percent of American colleges, per UNCF.
  • Compared to non-HBCU, the cost of attendance at an HBCU is 28 percent more affordable.
  • “A whopping 25% of African American graduates with STEM degrees come from HBCUs. Eight HBCUs were among the top 20 institutions to award the most science and engineering bachelor’s degrees to Black graduates from 2008-2012.” [UNCF]
  • “An HBCU graduate can earn an additional $927,000 in their lifetime, which is 56% more than they could expect without their HBCU degrees or certificates. From start to finish, an HBCU education is a setup for success.” [UNCF]

TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands Receives Two Grammy Nominations

Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands makes history as the first collegiate band to earn a Grammy nomination.

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Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands is living up to the school’s motto “Excellence Is Our Habit” as they have officially been nominated for two Grammys.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Aristocrat of Bands has been nominated for a Grammy for their album The Urban Hymnal in the Best Roots Gospel Album category.

They received a second Grammy nomination for their collaboration on a spoken word single with artist J Ivey.

The band submitted their nomination application to the Grammys in August ahead of the release of The Urban Hymnal.

The 10-track album is filled with organic sounds that were created on the TSU campus and features gospel music trailblazers such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, and Kierra Sheard.

The Aristocrat of Bands is the first collegiate band in history to earn a Grammy nomination.

Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands, said the nominations are a huge accomplishment for the university.

“This is a tremendous day in the history of our beloved Tennessee State University,” Dr. McDonald said in a news release.

“This is not just a band accolade, but a university-wide accomplishment. I personally appreciate our President Dr. Glenda Glover’s vision for our university.”

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Director of Bands at TSU

The Grammys will take place on February 5, 2023, at Cypto.com arena in Los Angeles. 

FBI Says One Juvenile Linked to Dozens of HBCU Bomb Threats

On Monday, FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed that one person is believed to be responsible for a majority of the bomb threats made to HBCUs earlier this year.

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On Monday, FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed that one person is believed to be responsible for a majority of the bomb threats made to HBCUs earlier this year.

Wray said that the bomb threats were linked to a sole unidentified juvenile who has been prosecuted as a minor by state authorities.

“We’ve recently — with respect to the first big tranche of the threats — the investigation has identified an underage, a juvenile subject. And because of the federal limitations on charging juveniles with federal crimes, we have worked with state prosecutors to ensure that that individual is charged under various other state offenses, which will ensure some level of restrictions and monitoring and disruption of his criminal behavior,” Wray told lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee.

The surge in bomb threats started on Jan. 5, when Howard University and seven other historically Black institutions were targeted. By February, 17 different HBCUs had received threats, The Hill reports.

The FBI said the bomb threats had been made in phone calls, emails, instant messages, and anonymous online posts.

Federal investigators initially identified six “tech savvy”  juveniles as persons of interest in the case back in February. According to USA Today, this prompted a wide-ranging inquiry involving at least 30 of the FBI’s 56 field offices, but later linked the communications to one person.

Wray said the suspect in custody is being investigated for one string of calls, but they are still investigating other threatening calls made to HBCUs.  

USA Today reports that the investigation is continuing into two other tranches of threat streams: one involving 19 racially-motived communications between Feb. 8 and March 31, that have since been linked to Internet addresses abroad.

“Since that big tranche that we believe that individual was responsible for, there have been two other tranches. And we’re very actively investigating those, but there’s not much I can say on those ongoing active investigations, those other investigations, at this time” Wray said.

7 HBCU Entrepreneurs To Look Out For

Today is National Entrepreneurs’ Day and we’re highlighting a few HBCU student entrepreneurs who are making waves on their campus and beyond

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Entrepreneurs, they get things done. The world needs innovative forward-thinkers like entrepreneurs who turn their visions into reality. Not only do they inspire others to reach their goals and bet on themselves but they supply a need, create new markets, and can employ a community. It’s not easy running a business, especially while you’re still in school, but HBCUs students across the nation are following their passion and supplying a need on campus and in the world. 

Today is National Entrepreneurs’ Day and we’re highlighting a few HBCU student entrepreneurs who are making waves on their campus and beyond. We asked you to tag an on-campus student entrepreneur on our Instagram post and we picked a few bosses operating in different fields to shout out. Here are 7 HBCU student entrepreneurs to look out for!

Devin Faulkner

Devin Faulkner is a student entrepreneur at Prairie View A&M University with a booming clothing line called Black History University. Faulkner has been featured on FOX, CBS, and Canvas Rebel for his clothing brand. He told Canvas Rebel that he has always used graphic design as an outlet for expression and in 2020 he picked up his computer to design graphics about how he felt about Black History Month, ultimately ending up designing sweatshirts that had a powerful message behind them. “I came up with the idea of Black History University because we will never stop learning Black History,” Faulkner told FOX News. “So I put that on a sweatshirt, and people are loving it.” His clothing features images of prominent black figures like Ruth J. Simmons, Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, and Carter G. Woodson. Falkner says his mission is to spread awareness of Black History & HBCUs and in doing so, create a community of like-minded individuals. According to his website, all proceeds go towards supporting his higher education, as well as the Black History University Scholarship Fund.

Rhani Kahn

Rhani Kahn is a senior majoring in Engineering Management Technology at Southern University A&M College and the CEO of Trap Kustomz, a customized corset and shoe business.  Khan founded her business in April 2021, finding inspiration from never being able to find the pieces she pictured in her head in stores. “I have always had a passion for fashion and being different with anything I create,” Khan said. Trap Kustomz makes fully customized corsets for women and customized shoes as well to accommodate all genders. Khan describes Trap Kustomz line as “a one-stop shop for customization.” She incorporates bling, patches, glitter, multiple fabrics, and more into her designs.  She plans to incorporate digital art into her designs and hopes to collab with other black-owned designers or celebrities in the future.

Lanaya Thorne

Lanaya Thorne is a junior elementary education major at Winston-Salem University and is the CEO of the baking business, NayasPastries. Thorne started her business during her freshman year at WSSU after seeing a gap in the market on campus for a sweets business. She has been baking since she was a little girl and really began expanding her business during her winter break in 2020. She credits her family, friends, and former teachers for being her support system, giving her constructive criticism on prices and the presentation of her work. Her menu includes cupcakes, dessert cups, cakesicles, cake hearts, and honey bun cakes. She has gone from selling sweets in her freshman dorm to having people who live an hour away come shop, hosting her own pop-up shop for black-owned businesses, and assembling a group of brand ambassadors to help bring awareness to her business. She hopes to expand NayasPastries and eventually open her own bakery one day.

Nick Jonas

Nicholas Jonas is a 4th-year business administration student at Florida A&M University and the owner of StretchLifeVisuals, LLC.  Jonas specializes in photography and videography and has been in this industry for seven years now. He is a visual storyteller capturing moments from graduations to engagements, headshots, and more creative work. “Growing up I have always been a storyteller and an outlandish thinker. I would always create outrageous tales and visualize crazy pictures to tell to my family members and peers. That’s what I believe photography and video should be about, telling stories. Video and photo is nothing but bringing the visualization of the craft to life, giving one a better sense of understanding,”  Jonas says on his website.  Jonas shares his knowledge on his Instagram, giving out helpful photography and videography tips to his followers. He is also currently a videographer for FAMU’s athletic department and has shot and recorded for NIKE, Tim Tebow, DC YoungFly, Chico Bean, and many more celebrity brands and influencers. The sky is the limit for Jonas.

Asia Angelica Jackson

Asia Angelica Jackson is a  sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering at Prairie View A&M University and is the founder of Anjelic Hair Care, an all-natural handmade hair & skincare brand. Jackson founded Anjelic Hair Care in 2019 as a response to the countless skin and hair products marketed to women of color that contain harmful and toxic ingredients. Anjelic Hair Care focuses on incorporating organic and natural ingredients to ensure that the products are safe for the hair and skin and are shelf-stable. Their products include Jamaican Black Castor oil in its purest form, Multipurpose Flaxseed Butter, a daily moisturizer for the hair and skin, and African Black Soap. Jackson plans on taking the next step of partnering with investors and moving from e-commerce to retail stores.

Deshay Cunningham

Deshay Cunningham is a junior computer engineering major at North Carolina A&T State University, and the founder of Girl Tech Geek, a brand that provides education, resources, and a community for females in technology. “The goal is to simplify complex computer science concepts to help women become successful in their journey,” Cunningham says. She was inspired to create the brand after tutoring for a third-party company and realized there was a high demand for computer science tutors but the quality of good tutors and teachers was hard to find. “After a few students, I decided I didn’t want any limitations of any company on how I can help students, so I cut the middle man,” Cunningham said. “I realized they needed more than a tutor.” Cunningham now does tech coaching through her business while maintaining the priority of graduating with a full-time offer as a Software Engineer. She wants to use her business to change the narrative for people of color in tech and encourage women to pursue degrees in Computer Science and related fields. “Girl Tech Geek will be the vehicle to provide those women with the tools that I wish I had my freshman year in college at an HBCU,” Cunningham said.

Tamaya Nicole Harris

Tamaya Nicole Harris is a freshman majoring in business with a minor in marketing, at Alabama A&M University with two businesses under her belt already. She is the owner of the beauty line Janai Nicole Beauty and has a poster printing business called Frames By Classy. “I have always been into beauty products and making others look beautiful by enhancing their natural features. I feel it is important to always look and feel your best and a big part of that is the beauty products you use,” she said. Harris’s assortment of lip glosses is the signature item of Janai Nicole Beauty, which includes glosses in all colors and varieties. She also sells lip scrubs, body butters, and body scrubs. Her poster printing business, Frames By Classy offers personalized poster collages comprised of an assortment of photos for her customers. “This allows me to tap into my creative side while creating memorable gifts for others to present to their loved ones,” Harris said. She has hosted her own vendor events showcasing not only her business but also spotlighting other young entrepreneurs in her area. She hopes to continue to expand both of her businesses and to establish multiple locations throughout the country where her products can be purchased. 

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Morehouse Becomes First College To Offer Classes in the Metaverse

Morehouse College is the first college to teach courses in the digital world of the metaverse.

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Morehouse College is the first college to teach courses in the digital world of the metaverse.

According to Forbes, the metaverse is used to describe a combination of the virtual reality and mixed reality worlds accessed through a browser or headset, which allows people to have real time interactions and experiences across distance.

“The metaverse is what I call the world’s greatest playground. But besides that, what it really is, is the next iteration of the web,” said Muhsinah Morris, Ph.D., virtual reality program manager for Morehouse College.

Channel 2 Action News reporter, Dave Huddleston toured the digital version of the Morehouse College campus was able to see how students can study history in the Metaverse. Morris took Huddleston on a tour of a slave ship in the metaverse and was able to go below deck to see and hear what the conditions were like.

“And I think that people do want to know the history of us as Americans because we all have made significant contributions to this fabric of America. … To expand the story that we’re telling, to build confidence and understandings around how we’re all connected because we have a shared history in this country,” said Monique Earl Lewis, Ph.D., chair of Morehouse College’s Africana Studies and History Department.

Students Tahj Henry Jackson and Sid King told WSB-TV that learning in the metaverse gives them a deeper understanding of the past and future.

“It’s a whole new experience and you’re meeting and experiencing things first-hand, such as the Underground Railroad,” Jackson said.

“We can see that anything can happen, right?” King said.

Students at Morehouse are being equipped with the skills needed for the virtual future.

The Pew Research Center said by 2040, 54% of technology experts believe the metaverse will be a regular part of daily life for half a billion people.

“They need to know how to use it regardless of what field they’re in, regardless of whether they can code or not,” Morris said.

According to Citi, the metaverse economy could be worth $13 trillion by 2030.

As technology continues to change our world, Morehouse is working to make sure students keep up so they can have the best opportunities after college.

“They can create. They can produce. They can market. They can create social events. They can create a place of belonging in the community,” Morris said. “The future looks a lot like young people being able to come together from countries all over the world in one singular space.”