Voorhees College is celebrating 125 years of success. Learn about the events planned and more in the story from staff at The Times & Democrat below.
Voorhees College will be celebrating Inauguration Week and Homecoming Spring Fest 2022, April 2-10.
Highlights of the week include Founder’s Day on Thursday, April 7, the inauguration of Ronnie Hopkins, Ph.D., as the 10th president of Voorhees on Friday, April 8, and the Presidential Scholarship Gala, Saturday, April 9, which is sold out. There are numerous events open to the public; some require tickets at various prices and others are free.
On April 2, Voorhees will host a Greek and Community Showcase from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Leonard E. Dawson Center. General admissions tickets are $15 and free for anyone 12 years old and under.
The carnival opens Saturday at 10 a.m. with rides, games and food. The carnival closes at 9 p.m., but also will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and the following Saturday after the Spring Fest parade. Tickets may be purchased daily at the Leonard E. Dawson Center ticket booth.
A gospel concert is planned for 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, at the Dawson Center. The concert features a live performance by Kelontae Gavin, singer of “No Ordinary Worship.”
The Women’s Empowerment & Advancement Day is Tuesday, April 5, featuring the Women’s Empowerment Legacy Lecture Series, which starts at 11 a.m. in the Massachusetts Hall Auditorium. To view the live stream visit voorhees.edu and click on the YouTube icon.
The Building Knowledge and Community Engagement Day is Wednesday, April 6, and starts with College Day activities, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. James Building. The Fostering Collaboration for Systemic Change in Teaching and Learning Symposium is from 10 a.m. to noon in the Wright-Potts Library. The symposium is free; however, registration is required. To view the live stream visit voorhees.edu and click on the YouTube icon.
The Founder’s Day Convocation, a celebration of the institution’s 125th anniversary and a tribute to its founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Dawson Center. The guest speaker is Charlotte P. Morris, Ph.D., president of Tuskegee University. During the convocation, the institution’s name will change from Voorhees College to Voorhees University. The campus will be adorned with signage reflecting the new name. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Elizabeth Evelyn Wight Memorial Garden follows the convocation. To view the live stream visit voorhees.edu and click on the YouTube icon. The screening of a documentary, hosted by the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Society and honoring Wright as the founder of Voorhees begins at 6 p.m. in the St. James Auditorium.
The All-White Party will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Carl’s Floral Shop, 5688 Carolina Highway in Denmark.
Ronnie Hopkins, Ph.D., will be inaugurated as the 10th President of Voorhees University, in the Dawson Center at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 8. To view the live stream visit voorhees.edu and click on the YouTube icon.
A Homecoming Spring Fest concert featuring the S.O.S. Band begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices for the concert, at the Dawson Center, are $25 for general admission or $35 at the door.
The Homecoming Spring Fest parade starts at 10 a.m. will be led by the parade grand marshal, the Rev. Dr. Solomon Jackson. The parade begins in Downtown Denmark and ends on the Voorhees University campus, just in time for parade goers to attend the final day of the carnival. To view the live stream visit voorhees.edu and click on the YouTube icon.
The Aux Cord Party, also on Saturday, begins from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Dawson Center. General admission tickets are $10. The party is free for college students with a valid ID.
The week concludes April 10 with an 11 a.m. worship service at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road, 2440 Atlas Church Road in Columbia, SC. To view the live stream visit voorhees.edu and click on the YouTube icon.
As Tuskegee University seeks to connect with alumni and keep them connected to each other, the HBCU has created a new platform just for the community of former students. Learn more in the Tuskegee release below.
The Tuskegee University Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs officially launched its new alumni relations platform—The Golden Tiger Network.
The Golden Tiger Network is a centralized source for alumni news, communication, events, programs, and much more. Alumni can expect to take advantage of these benefits by creating an account on the site and browsing the list of services.
Tuskegee alumni will be able to search for classmates, network with others in their industry and join local communities specific to their region. They can also stay engaged with the university, share alumni news, serve as a mentor, learn about career opportunities, give to programs that matter, and much more.
“We are excited about the launch of the Golden Tiger Network,” said Phillip Howard, vice president of advancement. “This platform is a one-stop-shop for our alumni to network with their Tuskegee family and learn how they can make a difference to their desired college or school and support the next generation of Tuskegee students.”
One of the most requested features by our alumni is the more streamlined way to make financial contributions and track their giving online. Golden Tiger Network will offer Apple and Google Pay. Now Tuskegee alumni can easily contribute to those campaigns that mean the most to them. Another highlight is the ability to directly share news of their gift with others on social media.
On March 1, the university deployed a soft launch of the site to introduce alumni to what Golden Tiger Network offers and allow them to begin creating their user-profiles and updating their contact information on file with the Office of Alumni Affairs.
Over the next few weeks, the university will continue to roll out additional features and upgrades. To learn more benefits and features of the Golden Tiger Network and to sign up, visit: https://alumni.tuskegee.edu.
After announcing her plans for departure last month, outgoing Prairie View A&M University President Ruth J. Simmons has announced that she will not be leaving the HBCU entirely. Get the full story from Kate McGee at The Texas Tribune below.
Prairie View A&M University President Ruth J. Simmons has announced she will remain at the university as a professor, while also launching a new leadership training academy, once a new president is named for the historically Black university. (Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune)
Simmons will teach, help maintain new fundraising partnerships and launch a college and university leadership training academy.
Prairie View A&M President Ruth Simmons, who announced earlier this month she is stepping down, said on Wednesday she will remain at the historically Black university as a professor.
While it is fairly common for university presidents to transition to a faculty role upon their departure, Simmons will also help work with the university’s fundraising and research partnerships. She will also create a new higher education leadership program to improve diversity among top academic leaders.
“I believe this is the perfect solution, enabling her to devote time to her special interests and, at the same time, continue to play a leadership role in preparing the next generation of leaders,” Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said in a statement.
Simmons, who became president of Prairie View in 2017, told The Texas Tribune she approached Sharp last year about her plans to step down and the resulting transition.
“The basic work of running the university, there are a lot of small things that you get drawn into,” Simmons told the Tribune. “Frankly, at this juncture, I wanted to move away from that.”
During her tenure, the university increased donations to the school by 40%, according to the March 12 letter announcing her decision to step down when a successor is named. She also increased student scholarships. In 2020, billionaire MacKenzie Scott donated $50 million to Prairie View.
Simmons said she had always pledged to remain involved with the university, but said Sharp insisted on creating a formal arrangement. While there was some discussion as to whether Simmons would remain at the system or university level, Simmons said she wanted to ensure Prairie View remained her prime focus.
“I think that my students and others will be very disappointed if they think that I’m getting drawn off in other things,” Simmons said.
Ultimately, they landed on the idea of a leadership academy that would allow her to mentor students and future university leaders at the university, which is located about 50 miles from downtown Houston.
“I’m paying back for all the help I got as a young person,” she said. “The people who stopped and went out of their way to help me and to give me advice. Honestly, I could never have done what I’ve done if they hadn’t taken the time to do that.”
Simmons said she wants the program to provide personalized attention to women and people of color to help them overcome obstacles that may prevent them from being considered for a leadership role.
“Because we are so politically correct, if someone is not dressing correctly, we tend not to go there,” Simmons said. “If somebody is not paying enough attention to the way they speak, we tend not to go there.”
“The greatest success I’ve had has been in getting people to adapt to the fact that they are not seen in the way that they perceive themselves to be seen, and helping them understand how to allow people to see their significant assets as opposed to superficial factors that may be turning people away,” she said.
As a professor, Simmons will not be attached to a single department, allowing her to lecture or collaborate across the university. As for the courses she might teach, Simmons suggested leadership courses in the business school.
Simmons previously served as president of Smith College in Massachusetts and Brown University, where she was the first Black woman to preside over an Ivy League school.
Simmons said she still sees room to build out and improve academic degree programs and bring more quality faculty to campus. While she credits Sharp for trusting her leadership and supporting her in the role, she said the board’s interest in the historically Black university is more recent.
“Sometimes the people who oversee the system are not as well grounded in what we do, but I believe that they have started to get better at that,” Simmons said, pointing to a number of regents who have visited the campus recently. “This system wants to be the best in the country. In my view, their ambition only helps Prairie View because they want to be the best in the country. Then they have to want to be the best HBCU in the country. And so I think everybody should understand that and try to benefit from that.”
A 14-member search committee of students, professors, administrators and community members will conduct a national search for her replacement, providing three suggestions to the Chancellor who will then make a recommendation to the Texas A&M Board of Regents. Simmons said the university plans to have a new president installed by summer 2023. The group will have its first meeting in April.
The Board of Trustees at Talladega College has announced its choice for the institution’s next president. Learn more about new President Dr. Gregory J. Vincent in The Birmingham Times release by Solomon Crenshaw Jr. below.
Dr. Gregory J. Vincent (left), incoming president of Talladega College, chats with a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity on the campus. Vincent will take office July 1. (Credit: Solomon Crenshaw Jr. / Alabama NewsCenter)
Dr. Gregory J. Vincent says one of the greatest titles he has held is professor.
“I have so enjoyed teaching young people,” the New York native said. “I’ve been teaching now for well over a quarter of a century. I think about that legacy of helping to nurture young minds and, even today, doing that work.”
And as much as Vincent relished being a professor, he’s just as excited about the impact he looks to have from the president’s office.
“What you’re able to do as an administrator is have an exponential impact,” he said. “There are only 37 UNCF (United Negro College Fund) presidents so, individually and collectively, we’re working to shape educational policy and provide access to young people, and to live up to this noble and sacred mission laid out by the founders of Talladega (College) to educate the generations of young people. I do think you have that ability, so it’s not either/or, it’s both.”
Vincent, 60, was born in Harlem, raised in the Bronx and still has some family in New York. He’s no longer a New Yorker, he said, “but I’m certainly a New Yorker at heart.”
That New York mindset has taken the new Talladega president a long way. Vincent said one of the great things about his parents is they allowed him, his older brother and younger sister to explore the city.
“Even at a relatively young age, I was able to go down to the New York Public Library and some other cultural institutions (and) played basketball in Harlem,” he said. “I was able to explore this great global city. I had a bus pass and a train pass, so I felt like I could go anywhere. I definitely had that adventurous spirit.
“Like that song says, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere,” Vincent continued. “I definitely have that confidence that whether it’s an incredible place like Talladega or the broader global stage, New York prepared me well.”
The new Talladega College chief executive said his development began with his parents, who gave him three priceless gifts – unconditional love, a love of reading and a particular love of Black history. On his 16th birthday, his father gave him the autobiography of Malcolm X.
“One of the parishioners at St. Philip’s was Thurgood Marshall,” he said, citing the nation’s first Black Supreme Court justice. “I wanted to be the next Thurgood Marshall. I went to law school so that I could continue to pursue justice and continue his rich legacy.
“Everything has been around this moral compass of doing the right things the right way, living up to the ideals of our democratic society, which is why I moved into education,” Vincent said. “The thought was that if I moved into education, I could begin to work on … issues before the harm even occurred. That’s been part of my inspiration.”
Vincent is widely known as a leader and educator in higher education and as a civil rights attorney and community advocate. He currently serves as a professor of educational policy and law, inaugural executive director of the Education and Civil Rights Initiative, and program chair of the Ph.D. Specialization in Diversity Equity and Inclusion at the University of Kentucky.
Vincent in 2018 stepped down as president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges after he was accused of plagiarism. He left before an investigation, he said, “to avoid further stress to the campus community.” Later, he made several changes to the literature review of his dissertation and received approval from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where he completed his Ph.D.
The new Talladega College president is the son of first-generation college graduates Cyril and Gloria Vincent. Each earned undergraduate degrees at City College of New York, he in electrical engineering and she in counseling before earning a master’s in counseling from Lincoln University.
Vincent and his wife, Kim, have been married for 31 years. She earned her undergraduate and law degrees at LSU.
The couple are parents of six children, of whom three are products of UNCF institutions – Ashleigh (LSU and Xavier), Camille (Spelman, Georgetown and studying for a Ph.D. at Howard), Greg Jr. (Texas), Raymond (Morehouse), Shawn (Berklee College of Music) and high school junior Cameron.
During the next three months, Vincent will work alongside Acting President Dr. Lisa Long to ensure a smooth transition. Long will remain in place until June 30, one day before Vincent’s start date of Friday, July 1. Vincent will present his vision to the college during Talladega College’s Alumni Weekend on Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7.
The board of trustees’ selection of Vincent came with assistance from WittKieffer, an international executive search firm, and a search committee composed of the college’s community leaders, students and alumni.
Former West Virginia State University interim president Ericke Cage has officially been tapped to fill the presidential role! Get the story from the WVSU below.
The West Virginia State University (WVSU) Board of Governors has unanimously chosen Ericke Cage to become the 13th president of the university.
Cage has been serving WVSU as its interim president since being appointed by the Board in September 2021.
“I want to thank the Board of Governors for the trust they have placed in me to serve West Virginia State as the university’s 13thpresident,” Cage said. “I look forward to building on the work we have already started, and the successes we have achieved in moving WVSU forward. As I have said since my arrival, I am convinced that the university’s best days are yet to come and I look forward to working with the campus community to make that a reality.”
A native of Halifax County, Virginia, Cage joined the university in July 2021 as vice president and chief of staff and was subsequently appointed by the Board as the university’s chief operating officer on July 30, 2021, with responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of the university. Since assuming the leadership of West Virginia State University, Cage has prioritized institutional stabilization and operational optimization, renewal of the “state spirit,” the development and expansion of high demand academic programs, and the cultivation of a diverse range of internal and external relationships to support WVSU’s forward momentum and growth.
Under Cage’s leadership, the university was able to obtain historic levels of state funding for its land-grant programs and Healthy Grandfamilies program during the recently concluded state legislative session. Also, the university recently obtained a more than $700,000 grant from the Kanawha County Commission to launch a Cybersecurity Innovation Center at WVSU in fall 2022. Plans are also underway to add the university’s first doctoral degree program in education.
Prior to joining WVSU, Cage most recently served as executive advisor to the president and Board of Visitors at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia – where as a member of the university’s executive management team he served as principal advisor to the university president and board of visitors on matters related to institutional policy making, governance, government relations, and university ombudsman. Cage also served as speechwriter for Norfolk State’s presidents and board chairs.
While at Norfolk State University, Cage led the university’s 2019-2025 strategic plan committee, served as the chief architect of the university’s 2019-2020 self-assessment, and modernized the university’s policymaking process to improve decision making and compliance. As a former education lobbyist, Cage was instrumental in expanding Norfolk State’s presence and impact on Capitol Hill and before the Virginia General Assembly. He directly supported outreach efforts that helped Norfolk State secure the largest state appropriation in the history of the university. While at Norfolk State, Cage also authored a successful $2.7 million grant proposal to support student access, retention, and completion. As the principal advisor and speechwriter to Norfolk State’s presidents and governing board chairs, Cage played a pivotal role in developing the institution’s strategic priorities and crafting the narratives that helped to move these priorities forward. As university ombudsman, he advanced a culture of care and inclusion at Norfolk State by serving as a confidential resource for employees as they worked through issues of conflict and challenge.
Prior to joining Norfolk State University, Cage served as director of government affairs for Teach for America, and also served as state policy and research director for the Obama-Biden 2012 reelection campaign. Cage served as legislative counsel for U.S. Congressman Tom Perriello, where he managed a legislative portfolio that included federal education, healthcare, defense, and veterans affairs policy. Cage also served as a law clerk for the U.S. Department of Defense, and a legislative fellow for the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He also served as a congressional fellow in the office of U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison. During law school, he completed summer legal placements in the New York City Law Department’s Special Litigation Unit and at Prudential Financial Corporation. Cage began his professional career as a high school government teacher in his hometown of Halifax County, Virginia, where he was recognized as teacher of the year by the senior class in 2004.
Cage is a graduate of Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in leadership studies. He holds a juris doctorate from the Rutgers University Law School, where he served as an Associate Editor of the Women’s Rights Law Reporter, Associate Editor of the Rutgers Business Law Journal, Member of the Rutgers Moot Court Board, and Third Circuit Governor of the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division. Cage holds a masters of law degree in litigation and dispute resolution from the George Washington University Law School. He is also a graduate of the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College and the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.
Cage currently serves on the boards of the Mountain East Conference, the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation, and the West Virginia State University Foundation. He is a past board member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Association and the U.S. Selective Service System (local board). Cage is an active member of the Rotary Club of Charleston, West Virginia.
Paul Quinn President Michael J. Sorrell announced the formation of an exploratory committee to potentially open a campus in California — which would create the first historically Black college in the state — during the college’s 150-year anniversary celebration on Friday, April 1, 2022. (Credit: Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer)
Dallas’ Paul Quinn College wants to be the first historically Black college in California.
President Michael Sorrell, who made the announcement as Paul Quinn celebrated its 150-year anniversary, said on Friday that the school is launching a committee that will explore the idea of expanding college into the West Coast. California currently only has one such graduate school in Los Angeles, the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
“The dream was always to create a network of urban work colleges,” Sorrell said. “That’s what we’re going to do … We will become a system, that’s absolutely where we’re headed.”
Officials are specifically considering a campus in Oakland, part of the Bay Area. The school will begin a feasibility study this summer, but officials have not yet finalized the members of the committee.
Loren Taylor, a city councilmember in Oakland who is supporting the expansion, got to know the college while it was recruiting students in the area. Paul Quinn is known for actively recruiting students from historically underserved, low-income neighborhoods that many other colleges overlook.
After getting to know the school and its leaders, Taylor said he’s “overwhelmed” at the way that it leads its students toward success, adding that his constituents will benefit greatly from its presence.
Historically Black colleges and universities, such as Paul Quinn, “came about because of the community recognizing that we can’t rely on others who aren’t connected, aren’t deeply ingrained into our community to really educate and take us to that next level,” he said.
A group of African Methodist Episcopal Church preachers founded Paul Quinn, then called Connectional High School and Institute, in 1872 at a church basement in Austin. It originally aimed to educate freed slaves.
The campus was then moved to a former slave plantation in Waco before settling in southern Dallas.
Paul Quinn was on the brink of closure about 15 years ago. In efforts to stabilize its finances, leaders worked on creating partnerships with other colleges and companies to provide revenue and support that allows it to not rely so heavily on tuition to function.
In 2008, the school had about 441 students and one of the country’s lowest graduation rates, which was lower than 1%. It has since designed programs — such as a series of summer classes for incoming freshmen and free mental health clinics — to support students, many of whom are the first to attend college in their families.
The school has prioritized providing its students with career and internship opportunities that help them gain experience and pay for college.
In 2017, Paul Quinn was federally recognized as one of the country’s nine work colleges — a designation for institutions that engage students in the integration of work, learning and service. It’s the only school of its kind found in an urban setting, and campus leaders want to expand that model to Oakland.
Sorrell, the longest-serving president in Paul Quinn’s history, said the model has helped reduce debt for Paul Quinn students from $40,000 to less than $10,000 and improve its graduation and retention rates by nearly 40%.
The urban work college model is “lifting our students into career opportunities they never would have imagined,” Sorrell said. “The model works, so we’re going to take it on the road.”
And as Paul Quinn seeks such an ambitious expansion, the school launched a five-year fundraising campaign to further support its students and build its endowment.
Meanwhile, during Friday’s anniversary celebration, the college also surprised 225 Lancaster ISD graduating seniors with college acceptance letters for themselves and two of their family members or friends.
The automatic admission is offered to every Lancaster senior who is Pell Grant-eligible, which is based on financial need, with at least a 3.0 grade average. Family members who choose to attend can opt for online courses or a Paul Quinn program that teaches new skills and provides credentials.
The college announced a similar partnership with Fort Worth in February.
Two stars with roots to HBCUs are among several appointees to a new presidential initiative. Get the full story by Nicole Chavez at CNN below.
Actress Taraji P. Henson, left, and NBA star Chris Paul, right, are set to be appointed by President Joe Biden to his board of advisers on historically Black colleges and universities. (Credit: Getty Images)
Actress Taraji P. Henson, NBA star Chris Paul, and United Airlines president Brett Hart are among the 18 members of the President’s board of advisers on HBCUs. Paul was until last year the longtime head of the National Basketball Players Association.
The presidents of five HBCUs – Alabama State University, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University in Virginia, Dillard University in New Orleans and Prairie View A&M University in Texas – have also been appointed to the board.
Biden’s move comes weeks after his administration touted a $2.7 billion in funding from the American Rescue Plan that was provided to HBCUs over the past year and as HBCUs continue working to keep campuses safe after dozens received bomb threats in recent months.
The group is made of “qualified and diverse leaders” and appointing them to the board “will allow the administration to build on that financial commitment with continued institutional support,” the White House said.
The board “will be an eclectic mix of the talent and commitment that defines Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and those who recognize our tremendous value in higher education and in a smaller, more connected global community,” Allen said in a statement.
He added that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been “clear on their dedication to HBCUs in word and deed.”
More support for HBCUs has been part of Biden’s domestic policy agenda since his campaign for president. Last year, he proposed increased funding for HBCUs but his full proposal was not passed by Congress.
Earlier this week, the UNCF (United Negro College Fund)called on Congress to “make no reductions” that could impact HBCUs in Biden’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal, which includes increased funding for HBCUs, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCUs), minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and community colleges.
“We are asking Congress to make no reductions but live up to the President’s funding numbers this year. Our institutions deserve it, and so do our students,” Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. said in a statement.
Rolling Out President and Clark Atlanta University alumnus Dr. Rashad Richey has made history with his work in radio! Learn more about Richey’s historic moment and other inspiring accomplishments from staff at Rolling Out below.
Emmy-nominated television news analyst for CBS News Atlanta, television news anchor, media executive, university lecturer, and radio personality Dr. Rashad Richey has now added another superlative to his resume, “National Black Radio Hall of Fame Inductee”, making him the youngest inductee for 2022 and one of the youngest in the history of the organization. Other notable inductees this year include Rev. Al Sharpton, The Breakfast Club’s Angela Yee, Sasha The Diva, V-103’s Ramona Debreaux, and gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones to name a few. “This is such a high honor because it comes from my fellow colleagues in the broadcast industry across the country. The real credit goes to my amazing team of producers, mentors like Teddy Astin and Joyce Littel, radio management and listeners who trust us enough to bring them truthful and passionate commentary daily. Thank you National Black Radio Hall of Fame for being such an amazing leader and ally for Black broadcasters. The great work of Board President Bernie Hayes, Board Vice President Uvee Hayes, and Board 2nd Vice President Marsha Washington George cannot be overstated. Congratulations to all 2022 inductees!,” said Richey.
Dr. Richey has interviewed everyone from United States Vice-President Kamala Harris to Ice Cube as host of the award-winning Rashad Richey Morning Show (named Best Talk Radio Host by Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, and Atlanta Business Journal) on News & Talk 1380-WAOK in Atlanta, GA, an Audacy station which airs on 1380-AM, V-103 FM (HD3), WAOK.com, and the Audacy App. Richey is also the political commentator for The People’s Station V-103 FM, the largest urban radio station in America.
Background/Biographical Information: Dr. Richey is an Emmy nominated Political Analyst for CBS News Atlanta and television anchor for the acclaimed national TV news show, ‘Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey’, which was recently named America’s Fastest Growing TV News Show’ by HEG, LLC . ‘Indisputable’ airs live weekdays from 2:30pm – 4pm ET on The Young Turks Network (TYT), which additionally airs on multiple linear cable channels including Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity Flex, Samsung TV, Pluto TV, Roku TV, Xumo TV, YouTubeTV, and various streaming platforms. ‘Indisputable’ averages over 3-million viewers a day and is also available via podcast on Apple Podcast, iHeart, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Sound Cloud, Acast, and others.
Known as political, social justice, policy, and socioeconomic juggernaut, Dr. Richey has provided political commentary on MSNBC, CNBC, BBC, BNC, Fox Business and the Fox News Channel, breaking down pressing issues in American culture.
When Dr. Richey is not on-air, he’s a business executive as President of Rolling Out, the largest free-print urban publication in the United States with a monthly readership of 2.8 million and combined social media following of over 500,000. Rolling Out covers political, entertainment, cultural, and business news.
A well-known social justice warrior, speaker and national thought leader, Dr. Richey is actively involved in policy reformation, addressing the social ills of racial disparity. This work led Dr. Richey to create The Rashad Richey Foundation, an agency that mentors and deprograms gang-affected and gang-affiliated youth. Dr. Richey has been recognized by various local and national agencies for his collective work and societal impact, including being honored with two Presidential Lifetime Achievement awards from former United States President Barack Obama and current United State President Joe Biden making him a rare double-honoree recipient of these prestigious recognitions. Dr. Richey also received the White House Presidential Volunteer Services Award.
Various organizations have recognized Dr. Richey for his advocacy, media acumen and philanthropy. Dr. Richey was named Top 40 Under Forty Most Influential people in GA by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and one of Atlanta’s Most Powerful leaders according to Atlanta Magazine. Other awards and recognitions include, Dr. Rashad Richey Appreciation Day – United States Congress, Dr. Rashad Richey Appreciation Day – Fulton County (GA), Dr. Rashad Richey Day – City of South Fulton (GA), GA Secretary of State Goodwill Ambassador, Global Media Icon Award – Fox Soul TV, Media Influencer of the Year – ICON Fashion and Beauty, Broadcaster of the Year – Tabitha’s House, Media Personality of the Year – GA Black Chamber of Commerce, Best in Media – RICE Awards, and International Man of the Year – iCreate International. Believing service is a responsibility we all must share, Dr. Richey is a Board Member at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Recovery Consultants of Atlanta, Children’s Rights and Georgia Council for International Visitors, a US Department of State program dedicated to international cultural education, experiences and connections. He is a member of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Black Law Student Association, Atlanta NAACP, Atlanta Press Club, National Association of Black Journalists, and American Association of University Professors.
Dr. Richey earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Beulah Heights University. Being a student of politics and equitable policies, Dr. Richey continued his educational pursuits and completed his doctoral studies from Clark Atlanta University (Research Focus: “A Policy and Political Analysis of how America’s College Promise Act of 2018 Could Impact Higher Education Access of Nontraditional Black College Students”). Dr. Richey’s research exposed the nuances of policy ‘wrangling’ in DC and how adverse political dynamics within the context of higher education reform and access create a net negative for most Americans and negatively impacts the ecosystem of the American economy, specifically historically marginalized groups. According to Dr. Richey’s research, Game Theory and Critical Race Theory dynamics in policy development coupled with varying special interests and innate biases significantly stifle socially responsible legislation, especially as it relates to Black Americans. Dr. Richey concluded that these negative elements can be remedied through grounded approaches and grassroots methodologies based on strategic alignment, diminishing tribalism and properly messaging projected positive economic and social outcomes.
As a man of faith who believes politics, policy and spiritual values are socially connected, Dr. Richey also completed seminarian education and earned his PhD at the internationally recognized Scofield Graduate School where his qualitative research focused on “The Global Affect of Western Religion on Politics, Policy and Government”, making Dr. Richey a rare double-doctorate scholar. Being a student of leadership principals and criminal justice reform, Dr. Richey completed studies in Executive Leadership from Cornell University and is currently matriculating at Birmingham School of Law finishing his Juris Doctor Degree (Law Degree).
Dr. Richey is a noted international scholar and university lecturer who provides lectures on topics related to Race Relations in America, American Government Policy, Politics, Faith & Politics, Media, Social & Economic Disparities, Higher Education Reform, Leadership Theory, and Equity in Business. Currently, Dr. Richey serves as Professor and Director of Institutional Advancement & Corporate Relations at Morris Brown College (MBC) in Atlanta, GA. MBC is a private historically black liberal arts college founded January 5, 1881 and holds the distinction as the first educational institution in Georgia to be owned and operated entirely by African Americans and founded by ex-slaves.
Dr. Richey has provided keynote addresses and lectures at many colleges and universities including University of Michigan, Clark Atlanta University, Reinhardt University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Mercer University and other notable institutions.
National Black Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony program will be held October 3, 2022 from 6pm – 10pm CST at the Harris-Stowe State University Emerson Theater St. Louis, Mo. 63101.
Morgan State University‘s men’s basketball coach Kevin Broadus is there to stay for at least two more years thanks to a contract extension. Get the full story from MSU Athletics below.
Source: Morgan State University Athletics
Morgan State University President David K. Wilson has announced that men’s basketball coach Kevin Broadus has agreed to a two-year contract extension, continuing his leadership of the Bears program through the 2026-27 season. Broadus is entering his fourth season at the helm of the program after being named as the men’s head basketball coach in 2019.
“Coach Broadus has placed the basketball program at Morgan in a position of positive growth and continued competitiveness,” said President Wilson. “I have no doubt that the program is on a winning trajectory, both at the conference level and beyond. It is for this reason that I have made the decision to extend Coach Broadus’ tenure as the head of men’s basketball and will support its continued elevation.”
The Broadus-led Bears team compiled several significant victories over non-conference competition in this most recent season, elevating the caliber of wins for a program that aims to compete at a championship level within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Broadus demonstrated exemplary leadership while successfully overcoming a number of challenges at the onset of his tenure at Morgan, including having to navigate rebuilding a program under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This past season, Morgan finished with a record of 13-15 overall, and placed fourth in the MEAC standings with a 7-6 record while advancing to the MEAC Tournament semifinals game. The previous season the team made it to the MEAC championship game.
“It’s an honor to serve as the head coach of Morgan’s men’s basketball team. I want to thank President Wilson and his administrative team for believing in me as their Coach,” said Broadus. “I’m excited to continue to build this program to a MEAC Championship, by investing in great people and players. I’m excited to help our guys advance both on and off the court and look forward to next season when we can get back into Hill Field House with our fans.”
Under Broadus, Morgan State has drawn national attention by playing in several high profile and historic games this season, including the inaugural Boost Mobile HBCU Challenge hosted by Chris Paul in Phoenix, Arizona, and the first-ever NBA All-Star HBCU Classic presented by AT&T. The team also participated in the postseason, accepting an invitation to compete in The Basketball Classic presented by Eracism.
Morgan State is 42-39 in three seasons under Broadus, including a 23-18 conference mark. Broadus has posted at least 13 wins in each of his campaigns for the Bears. Next season, the team is being projected to welcome one of the top recruiting classes for the MEAC.
Kentucky State University is thankfully much closer to getting the funding it needs thanks to a recent Senate budget approval. Get the story from Tom Latek at Kentucky Today below.
Credit: Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader
Legislation to help financially-troubled Kentucky State University passed the General Assembly on Wednesday after adding additional funding,as well as more oversight of operations of the Frankfort school.
House Bill 250, sponsored by Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, and passed by the House Feb. 17, originally provided a $23 million no-interest loan to be repaid over the next several years so the school does not finish the current fiscal year in the red, but the version contained in a Senate Committee Substitute makes numerous changes.
But changes made in the Senate Education Committee appropriates that money to the Council for Postsecondary Education, with KSU making requests and providing documentation as that money is needed. There is an additional $15 million above that appropriated amount: $5 million for the fiscal year starting in July and another $10 million in the second year of the budget that would be available.
It also earmarks another $1.5 million to the CPE for expenses related to the oversight of KSU.
“It is so vitally important that we get this right,” said Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, R-Greensburg, who presented the bill on the Senate floor. “That we get this right for the Commonwealth, for our postsecondary institutions, and for our future.”
Givens pointed out the bill goes along with Senate Bill 265, which he sponsored, and directs Gov. Andy Beshear to appoint eight new members of the KSU Board of Regents, while not affecting the student staff, and faculty regents. That has been signed into law, and the Governor is to make those appointments so the Senate can confirm them before they adjourn on April 14.
Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said, “I feel we have been rewarding bad behavior, but we need to give it another chance, and I vote ‘aye.’ Let’s hope that K-State can show us better results for the taxpayers who invest in it on an annual basis.”
Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, said he supports the provision that requires the CPE to contract with an outside party to provide oversight. “I think it’s important to have an independent third party who can report annually and provide recommendations. That is going to be helpful as we make Kentucky State University a gem on the hill.”
Acting President Clara Ross Stamps, in a statement, explained that the university was aware of the lawmaker’s concerns about the school.
“Kentucky State University recognizes the concerns of the state legislature and supports its efforts, as well as efforts by the governor and the Council on Postsecondary Education,” Ross said. “Ultimately, we all share the same objective – ensuring KSU remains a vibrant university providing its diverse students with opportunities to reach their aspirational goals.
The measure passed the Senate 36-0 and the House concurred later Wednesday night to the changes.
Author and entertainment executive Fred Whitaker is inviting us to “Come on a Journee with Me to D.C.” in his new book, written alongside his sister Courtney Whitaker! As the father of a young daughter, he has sought to highlight the value that Black fathers have in the lives of their children, and how their presence is perceived by the children. With this being his second book chronicling adventures with his daughter, HBCU Buzz caught up with the North Carolina A&T State University graduate to learn more about his life as a successful author and father.
The latest book is part of the “Come on a Journee with Me” series, which covers adventures in different cities. “Come on a Journee with Me to NYC,” was published in 2020, and has won several awards. The books are geared towards elementary-aged children, and inspired by Whitaker’s daughter, Journee, and niece, Briley. “While at one of the bookstores, Journee expressed to me that she would love to read a book and see characters that looked like her,” said Whitaker. “That sparked the idea of creating a children’s book based on our lives.” By he and his sister creating the series with young girls and also Oreo the dog, we’re able to follow the lessons the children are learning by traveling to different cities. In this latest trip to D.C., the family members learn about the history and landmarks within the Nation’s Capital.
The books have been as inspiring for the Whitaker family as they have for readers. For one, the books are a way for parents to understand how valuable quality time with them can be to children, while also broadening the outlook and cultural competency of children through travel. “I am inspiring them to think outside the box and to continue believing Black girls can do anything,” said Whitaker. “Specifically, seeing the girls hold our first book in their hands for the first time and purchasing a billboard for our second book are additional proud moments. It made everything full circle as it was something we discussed and now it has come into full fruition. The girls watching me execute and the smiles on their faces made it all worth it.”
The Whitakers are ultimately a prime example that parents can find a balance between the responsibilities of work and quality family time. Fred Whitaker currently serves as CEO and manager of Journee Enterprises, which is a talent management and consulting firm. He has worked to elevate the careers of La La Anthony, Angela Yee, Terrence J and other celebrities, plus he’s secuted partnerships with Amazon, AT&T, Tylenol and more. His sister Courtney Whitaker is a powerhouse as well, working not only as a writer for the “Journee” books, but as a co-executive TV producer and creative entrepreneur. She has a passion to tell the stories of underrepresented groups through media. She has written articles, poetry, short stories, done screenwriting and more for XoNecole, Style Caster and more. Her development and production work has extended across shows like Turning The Tables With Robin Roberts on Disney+, VH1’s Hip Hop Squares, and more. She currently serves as a creative executive and co-executive producer for The SpringHill Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.
Get your copy of “Come on a Journee with Me to D.C.” here today! You can follow Journee and her family on Instagram here.
Bowie State University got a special visit from famous actress Tichina Arnold to discuss a technology issue that affects us all, especially vulnerable students. Even Arnold herself was sadly a victim. Get the story from the Bowie State release below.
Award-Winning Actress Believes More Must be Done to Stop Scammers
Tichina Arnold, award-winning actress and co-star of the CBS hit sitcom, The Neighborhood, visited Bowie State University’s Performing Arts Center on March 25 to speak about Gabriel Crypto, a newly developed app that protects individuals from spam calls or phishing.
Each year spam calls account for people losing personal information, financial assets, and peace of mind. Bowie State University graduate students in the Department of Computer Science are conducting research to improve the speed of detecting new spam and ensuring the Gabriel Crypto App functions on an I-phone. Gabriel Crypto users receive payments in Bitcoin for reporting calls they believe are scams. Currently, the Gabriel App is only offered on Android devices.
“People feel violated when they are victimized by scammers,” said Tichina Arnold. “I know because it happened to me. Scamming is a crime and a $32 billion dollar a year problem for individuals, law enforcement, and our economy. That’s why it is imperative that people use the Gabriel Crypto App to protect themselves from thieves,” she said.
Funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to Forward Edge, Gabriel is an industry-leading SMS phishing protection technology that leverages Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technologies to eliminate mobile eCommerce scams. BSU graduate students are working to enhance the product under the leadership of computer science Professor Darsana Joysula.
“Our graduate students are getting real-time experience in helping to solve a major worldwide problem and evolving new skills in product development,” said Professor Joysula. “There are currently 10,000 Gabriel Crypto App users and our goal is to improve the product thus increasing the number of users exponentially.”
Terrence Jenkins, center, has been named the new women’s basketball coach at Claflin University. He is joined by Claflin athletics director Tony O’Neal, left, and Claflin President Dwaun Warmack.(Credit: Travis Boland, T&D)
Claflin University announced Wednesday Terrence Jenkins will be the new head women’s basketball coach at the school.
Jenkins was named the interim head coach in December after the university cut ties with Revonda Whitley. A 2005 graduate of Claflin, Jenkins has been a part of the Panthers basketball program as an assistant for 14 seasons.
“I got to know (Jenkins) as an assistant coach,” Claflin athletics director Tony O’Neal said. “I watched his work ethic and commitment to Claflin University.”
During his opening speech, Jenkins thanked a number of former players, coaches, family and colleagues. He became emotional when talking about his mother, who was in attendance.
“I want to thank my first coach, and my favorite coach — my mom,” Jenkins said. “When you see her, you see me. She showed me how to love, how to care and how to help others when you have the opportunity.”
After taking over for Whitley, Jenkins led the Lady Panthers to a 7-12 record and the second round of the CIAA women’s basketball tournament. Claflin finished 10th in conference after being picked in the preseason to finish last.
“When I met with the ladies, I told them that we were picked to finish last (in the CIAA), and we’re not going to do that,” Jenkins said. “Somebody is going to finish first, why not us.”
After that second-round loss to Elizabeth City State, the team traveled home while Jenkins stayed in Baltimore.
“The team asked if I was coming back,” Jenkins said. “I told them I was coming back to Orangeburg, but they wanted to know if I was going to return to coaching them. Ladies, I’m back, and I’m ready to lead this team to a championship.”
Last year’s team featured 21 players on the roster, including 11 freshmen. Of those 21 players, only six were from the state of South Carolina and two were from Orangeburg County. As a native of Blackville, Jenkins said he would be searching for the best talent in state and out of state.
“Being from this area, I’m definitely going to hit those grounds running,” Jenkins said of his recruiting style. “I’m always looking in my own back yard. I’m looking for the best player and best student-athlete that can come in and be a part of this culture. Someone who will set the standard, win a lot of games and ultimately graduate.”
With him having taken over the team in December, Jenkins said the current roster is familiar with his coaching style, but he emphasized there is still a lot of work to accomplish.
“The biggest thing is we have not been through a preseason together,” Jenkins said. “We’re going to have to learn about hard work, and that starts with me. I have to set the standard. Preseason will be very important, we have to hit the ground running after this weekend’s Final Four. Having worked with the men and working with the women, there is very little difference. The ball is still orange, the rims are still orange and we have to put the ball in the basket more than the other team.”
Clark Atlanta University is looking to bring augmented teaching both in person and online thanks to a new grant totaling almost $12 million. Get more information about this historic grant in the Clark Atlanta release below.
EON Reality, the global leader in Augmented and Virtual Reality learning solutions EON Reality, the global leader in Augmented and Virtual Reality learning solutions for industry and education, awards Clark Atlanta University a $11.8 million grant bringing the Knowledge Metaverse to the HBCU community.
The Knowledge Metaverse amplifies access and engagement in learning by combining the real world with digital information and extended reality (XR) similar to immersive experiences that have become increasingly popular in arts, gaming, and entertainment. Created through a global network of users, the Knowledge Metaverse is a digital grassroots movement. The EON-XR solutions provided through this grant enable Clark Atlanta University, the first Historically Black College and University to receive this award, to offer training to their faculty and students augmenting traditional in person and online instruction.
“Partnering with a respected HBCU like Clark Atlanta University, whose graduates shape our world every year, demonstrates the impact EON-XR can have on the future of academia and the sciences,” says EON Reality founder Dan Lejerskar. Clark Atlanta University is an invaluable addition to EON Reality’s network of U.S. institutions. The university brings its rich social justice history and research-intensive instruction to the Knowledge Metaverse. “When a university with their commitment to social justice and deep focus on digital learning can utilize and add to the Knowledge Metaverse, the possibilities for reshaping our society are endless. I can’t wait to see how Clark Atlanta University incorporates EON Reality’s solutions into their curriculum.”
“Clark Atlanta University remains dedicated to our scholars and equipping with the best resources and innovative technologies,” said President George T. French Jr., Ph.D. “As we accelerate our momentum, these essential partnerships support our efforts to step into the future of interactive teaching and learning through relevant and future-focused innovations.
Rajah Caruth, a sophomore at Winston-Salem State University, will be making history at his first NASCAR race this weekend. To help him attend the race in style, another supportive HBCU, Virginia State University, has helped to sponsor his trip. See what Caruth’s race car will look like, and get more information from the Virginia State release below.
Credit: NASCAR
VSU sponsors car for history-making, 20-year-old, Black NASCAR Driver.
A Virginia State University themed race car will be driven in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway on Saturday, April 2, 2022 (see photos below). The car will be driven by Washington D.C. native, Rajah Caruth. The debut for 20-year-old Caruth will make him only the third Black driver currently racing nationally in a NASCAR series. Rajah Caruth will compete in his first NASCAR race driving the number 44, orange and blue, Virginia State University sponsored car for Alpha Prime Racing in the ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond Raceway on Saturday. The race is the first of several that Caruth has signed with Alpha Prime Racing for the 2022 season.
Caruth is a sophomore at Winston-Salem State University, a fellow HBCU, where he is majoring in Motorsports Management.
“At VSU, we are known for being a conduit for greater trailblazers. That’s why we are pleased to support our fellow HBCU student who is expected to make history this weekend,” said VSU President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “We take pride in providing a pathway to greater for our VSU students and we expect that the VSU sponsored car #44 will be Mr. Caruth’s literal vehicle to continue on his road to greater successes.”
The race is April 2, 2022 at 1:30pm at Richmond International Raceway. This is the first time since 1997 that NASCAR will make its first stop in the Commonwealth of Virginia at Richmond Raceway for the Toyota Spring Race Weekend. This was originally scheduled to occur in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Richmond’s spring race weekend.
The lifelong determination of Bessie Richardson Dillard to be educated and educate others has not gone unnoticed by her community. The Alcorn State University and Jackson State University alumna will be honored with name on the street. Get the story from John Surratt at The Vicksburg Post below.
Bessie Richardson Dillard holds a copy of the street sign renaming Hannah Avenue as Bessie Richardson Dillard Avenue in her honor. Dillard, the mother of 10 children, returned to chool in her 40s to receive a bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees in elementary education and taught in the Vicksburg Warren School District. (Credit: John Surratt/The Vicksburg Post)
A small group of family, friends and city officials gathered on Hannah Avenue in Marcus Bottom to honor an amazing lady and ensure her that her name will be remembered by future generations through a simple act.
At a brief ceremony, Hannah Avenue, the street where 102-year-old Bessie Richardson Dillard has lived a total of 54 years, was renamed Bessie Richardson Dillard Avenue to recognize her accomplishments in her community and as an educator in the Vicksburg Warren School District, where she taught for 23 years.
But Dillard’s story is more involved than being a teacher. It’s the story of a woman who, as the mother of 10 children went back to school in her 40s, graduated from Alcorn State University at age 45 with a bachelor’s in elementary education and went on to receive a master’s degree and specialist degree in elementary education.
“How doubly honored we are to be here to name this sweet after a phenomenal young lady who just happens to be 102 years old,” Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said. “Today, we’re not trying to rename but enhance the name of a street.”
Dillard’s story, he said, “Is something young people may not ever get a chance to read in the history books.
“It’s about a young lady who started her career in education at the age of 40-something and with 10 kids and she went off to matriculate at college to get a bachelor’s degree to get a master’s degree and then a Ph.D. The only thing that was short about this lady was a dissertation.
“Let nobody leave here today not understanding or undermining the importance of education,” Flaggs said.
Former Vicksburg Mayor Robert Walker, who grew up in Marcus Bottom, said Dillard is “a historical icon.” Over the years she has conducted herself in such a wonderful way and raised a beautful family. I don’t know what I would have done in public service had it not been for Mrs. Dillard and her whole family.
“This is certainly one of the major things in this community to recognize someone who has lived on this street by naming the street after them. This is really a testament to the progress that has been made in this city and the. Wonderful job this administration has done,” Walker said.
“The occasion today is to honor the longest-living resident on Vicksburg’s Hannah Avenue in historic Marcus Bottom,” her son James Dillard said. “To name a street is a universally accepted way of publicly honoring that person’s achievement.
“Bessie Dillard, at 102 years old, has achieved in the area of public education and had a desire not to be deterred in realizing a dream to complete her education in spite of having reared 10 children along the way.”
But Dillard said the ceremony was more than just an honor for his mother. Talking about growing up on Hannah Avenue, he said there were other families who made their mark in the neighborhood.
“This is also paying homage to those who have lived on this street,” he said.
The Rev. Linda Sweezer, Dillard’s youngest daughter, said the street dedication “was something that was a surprise.
“The mayor and I talked about it when mama turned 100 and to see it realized two years later it’s just amazing,” she said. “Everybody dropped everything they were doing in order to be a part of this great celebration. This is what you would call a no way to explain. Words can’t explain the way we feel today for the city honoring our mom.”
