HBCU Tech Startup Weekend Offers Support To Budding And Established HBCU Tech Startups

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HBCU Tech Startup Weekend presented by Comcast is Saturday February 26, 2022

Entrepreneurship culture has been blossoming at HBCUs, and our community is flourishing. Rather than be forced to use the same old outdated products and services, HBCU students and alumni have flooded our economy with fresh ideas and new ways to live. To help more entrepreneurs gain their footing, a jam-packed event is coming this Saturday!

If you’re interested in launching a tech startup or learning about tech startups that have been launched by HBCU students and alumni , make room for the HBCU Tech Startup Weekend taking place on Saturday February 26, 2022. Presented by Comcast, the one-day event supports HBCU students and alumni in launching and growing tech startups. Attendees will have opportunities to learn how to pitch their tech startup. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the Pitch Competition and Innovation Marketplace, which lends a platform to budding tech startups founded and/or co-founded by HBCU students and alumni.

Ending towards the middle of the day, it’s best to get into this event first thing in the morning! The very first event in this jam-packed day is the Innovation Marketplace, which will highlight tech startups founded by HBCU students and alumni. Participants interested in launching their own tech startups will have a unique opportunity to learn from IPS Legal founder Joycelyn Brown, who will be discussing Startup Launch and Structure– a conversation many entrepreneurs can benefit from by focusing on foundation rather than finished product. Follow-up events will address How to Build and Protect Your Intellectual Property Assets, Founding a Technology Startup as a Person of Color, and more! There is even an event addressing Scaling and Exit Strategy (How To Grow and Make Money), for those entrepreneurs that have gained their footing, and are looking to strategize their next steps!

Throughout the day, tech founders from HBCUs will pitch for an opportunity to win over $30,000 in prizes. 

With partnering booths featuring Comcast, Fearless, Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship, Prothymos Technologies, Femigist and more, there are endless reasons to attend. Even if you’re feeling unsure about your entrepreneurial journey, you are welcomed to attend and learn as much as you can! 

To register, click the link here today.  We’ll see you there!

Howard Alumnus Walter Woods Is Meharry Medical College’s New SVP For Institutional Advancement

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Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee has chosen a top healthcare executive as its new Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement. New SVP Walter Woods is an HBCU graduate himself, hailing from Howard University. Get the full story from staff at The Tennessee Tribune below.

Meharry Medical College has named Walter Woods, former CEO of Humana Foundation, as Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Meharry Medical College has named Walter Woods, former CEO of Humana Foundation, as Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement. 

The announcement was made Monday on social media by Meharry President and CEO, Dr. James E.K. Hildreth.

“I look forward to working with him on our Meharry 2026 capital campaign to raise funds to support programs and provide scholarships to our students,” Hildreth said via Twitter.

Woods has a MBA from Northwestern University – J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Evanston, IL, 1989; BBA, cum laude, from Howard University, Washington, DC, 1987; and completed the Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, Palo Alto, California, 2013. 

The Louisville Business Journal reported that Woods stepped down from Humana last year to pursue his passion around addressing financial inequities.

He received acclaim by being recognized through Louisville Business First’s 2019 Most Admired CEO and 2021 Power 50 programs. He also is a member of Louisville Business First’s Leadership Trust, an invite-only network of influential executives and other leaders in Louisville. As part of his participation on the Leadership Trust, Woods penned an op-ed published that spelled out lessons he learned at the Humana Foundation about fostering social connectedness. 

As CEO of Humana Foundation, Woods managed $430 million in philanthropic assets.

In response to Hildreth’s Tweet on Monday, Woods replied, “Honored to join the journey of an institution that continues to be one of the solutions to closing the health equity gap in America.”

Bill Passed To Give Kentucky State University $23 Million Bailout Loan

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Kentucky State University will receive a bailout amid significant financial recovery efforts. Get the full story from the Associated Press below.

(Credit: Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP)

Kentucky State University would receive an immediate $23 million infusion from the state, under a bill that advanced Tuesday, as lawmakers voiced support for the struggling school while venting frustration over its precarious finances.

The measure cleared the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee with bipartisan support, advancing to the full House. It still needs approval from the Senate.

Republican Rep. James Tipton, the bill’s lead sponsor, said indications are that without the extra assistance, the school “will not be financially solvent” by sometime around late March.

The appropriation would be set up as a loan that could be forgiven by the legislature, he said.

Tipton said the legislature should step up with the appropriation for the sake of current and future students at the historically Black college. But he stressed that the bill includes layers of accountability to monitor efforts to restore the school to financial stability.

“Without this, there’s going to be tremendous uncertainty, there’s going to be tremendous disruption, there’s going to be tremendous chaos,” Tipton told the committee.

“If, at some point down the road, we’re seeing that progress has not been made, this legislation has laid a plan in place that we could look at other options down the road,” he added.

Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, said financial oversight of KSU will delve into the “microscopic level” to keep track of recovery efforts.

In supporting the bill, Republican Rep. John Blanton said: “KSU is an institution within this commonwealth that we cannot allow to fail.” He expressed confidence in the bill’s oversight provisions as a management improvement plan for KSU is carried out.

Under the bill, KSU leaders would provide periodic updates to lawmakers in coming years on the progress of carrying out that improvement plan. And by late 2025, the postsecondary education council would provide lawmakers a three-year performance analysis of KSU.

How the university dug itself into such a deep hole was on the minds of lawmakers.

Republican Rep. Jason Petrie, the committee’s chairman, said he wondered “how in the world” the school could have amassed a $23 million shortfall.

“Yes, we don’t want to dwell on the past, but we don’t want to repeat those mistakes,” he said.

Thompson said the Frankfort-based school made some “legitimate” investments to benefit students, but said some money was spent “uselessly.”

“There has been misspending at a level over a … two-and-a-half-year period of time that neither you nor I would spend from our bank account,” he told the committee.

KSU announced last summer that it faced a budget shortfall with a stack of unpaid bills and other debts, a ballooning payroll and several years of poorly managed spending that outpaced revenue. Gov. Andy Beshear placed the university under state oversight following the sudden resignation of the school’s president last summer. The school is searching for a permanent president.

While the focus was on KSU’s problems, Thompson said there’s “a lot right with the institution,” including rising student retention and graduation rates, and community service by students. There’s an opportunity, in shoring up KSU, to enhance its contributions to the state, he said.

The legislation is House Bill 250

Central State Chorus Shares Message of Hope At Dayton Correctional Institution

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The chorus hailing from Central State University lifted the spirits of inmates at a local correctional facility right before the President’s Day weekend. Get the full story from Parker Perry at Dayton Daily News below.

Xavier Wilson conducts the Central State University Chorus at the Dayton Correctional Institution. About 100 inmates watched the performance as a part of the institution’s Black History Month programming. (Credit: Jim Noelker/Staff)

Central State University’s Grammy-nominated chorus performed in front of a crowd of inmates at the Dayton Correctional Institution, celebrating Black history while also sharing a message of hope for a better future.

The 25 members of the chorus sang gospel songs Thursday to the incarcerated women at the prison run by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Carlos Brown, director of choral activities at Central State University, said the experience was a benefit to the students who got the opportunity to share a positive message.

“There is hope,” he said. “Although your situations look dark and your situation may look very gloomy — for some of them they will never make it to the outside again — but for some that will make it out you are able to have a second chance and look at how your life can be different on the outside.”

He said the message also can benefit those who won’t get out by helping motivate them to change their perspective.

Westley Gaddis, the activities therapist administrator for the Dayton Correctional Institution, said programs like the chorus performance is important for rehabilitation. He said the prison offers activities year-round to help expand inmates’ knowledge and help them discover new interests.

Around 100 inmates at the Dayton Correctional Institution enjoyed a concert by the Central State University chorus Thursday evening Feb,. 17, 0222. (Credit: Jim Noelker/Staff)

“It’s about engaging them and giving them hope and knowing there is more,” Gaddis said.

The department’s mission is to reduce recidivism, he said, and the programming works to encourage the women to try new things and to stay out of trouble.

Gaddis said the experiences like seeing the chorus perform also can give the inmates new things to talk about with their family and friends, which improves morale.

The Historic Dayton Contemporary Dance Company on Tuesday will make its annual visit to the prison. Gaddis said community groups coming into the prison is important as it offers incarcerated individuals a connection to the outside.

Kanye West: Kris Jenner Is Awesome, But Morehouse Man Corey Gamble Is ‘Godless’

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Kanye West got a bone to pick Kris Jenner and her BF Corey Gamble, and he aired it out on social media. Ye says he loves Kris in an Instagram post but attacks Corey, who graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, as “Godless.” 

The above was a rant Ye made against Corey, insinuating he and Kris broke up, saying, “God has a plan to remove the Godless Corey needed never to be here anyway.” According to TMZ, and THAT was just for starters. 

From TMZ: 

Update: 10:35 AM PT — A source close to the two of them tells TMZ … they’re still very much together, and for Kanye to call Corey godless is unfair as he’s very much, and always has been, a man of God.

Kanye West has set his sights on a new target … Kris Jenner‘s BF, and he’s gone in hard.

Ye posted a diatribe against Corey Gamble, insinuating he and Kris Jenner broke up, saying … “God has a plan to remove the Godless Corey needed to never be here anyway.” And THAT was just for starters.

He says Corey’s a nice person but not a great person … someone who, as he puts it, “became the tv version of a father figure.”

Kanye seems to have beef over Corey muscling in on Kim Kardashian, saying, “He once told my wife he knew what music she should be listening to. So when I seen him a week later I had him removed from my daughter’s birthday party.”

He says Corey’s a nice person but not a great person … someone who, as he puts it, “became the tv version of a father figure.”

Kanye seems to have beef over Corey muscling in on Kim Kardashian, saying, “He once told my wife he knew what music she should be listening to. So when I seen him a week later I had him removed from my daughter’s birthday party.”

And, then he dismissed Gamble, saying, “Now he’s off to his next mission. His job is done.”

Now the turn … Ye embraces Kris — the woman he once called Kris Jong-un — saying, “It’s on purpose I love Kris. This woman is a hero and she’s done what she’s had to do to protect her family and make sure they prosper even if it meant telling everyone not to listen to me. I respect her grind her hustle and her mind. Kris is one of the best ever to do it.”

Just another day …

Head over to TMZ dot com to read more.

Valentine’s Day Is Over, But This HBCU Grad Got Other Plans

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It’s somewhat of an understatement to say that this HBCU graduate’s future roadmap on his art collections is one of the most encouraging in the history of the art industry. I’m a big fan, and I think this is like our 5th interview on HBCU Buzz. Even with Valentine’s Day now being over, Central State University alumni Christian Drye promises more than ever before. It’s up to his supporters to pick up the ball and run with his hopes and dreams in creative ways to make that happen. I recently reached out to Drye for the chance to interview him regarding the new edition of his Valentine’s Day cards, his inspirations, and more.

This interview took place via email. 

Tommy Gene Meade Jr.: What inspired you to create artwork for Valentine’s Day? 

Christian Drye: Well, what soured me in general to create the whole card line was finding new ways to get my art out. 

Everybody will need a card at some point, and Valentine’s Day was a no-brainer. 

Even shoe brands do Valentine’s Day colorway. 

Plus, it is another way to spread the love: It’s too much going on in the world. 

TM: Who is the first person to believe in you and the movement? 

CD: I believe it was my big brother Branden Smith. 

If my memory serves me right, we were at my midtown Detroit apartment, and we were both at Wayne State to be principals educational leadership majors. 

We were both doing good but not fulfilled: I told him I was thinking about switching to fashion merchandising. 

Ironically, he was about to say he was switching to music. 

We both told each other to change, and I eventually took a drawing class in 2014. 

Now I am with my greeting card’s second annual Valentine’s card. 

TM: What are three things every man should invest in their partner on Valentine’s Day? 

CD: I guess you could make Valentine’s Day every day if you invest love in your partner, like really being intentional. 

But I could say the same for time and understating. 

TM: Where can we buy this year’s edition of Valentine’s Day card by Drye? 

CD: You can find my Valentine’s card here at www.SeeDrye.com/shop. 

TM: Which Valentine’s Day themes are you focusing on next year? 

CD: I’m not even sure. 

I will use the next year to experience life and love and let those experiences guide me next January when I create it. 

TM: Why should we buy Drye, mainly Valentine’s Day cards? 

CD: I want to say this: even though Valentine’s Day is over, the whole idea was to create a collectible product where my customer could grow with me. 

I’m working intentionally for these pieces to be worth something.

I delay your investment in me back into yourselves, so whether it’s my Black History Month card that featured HBCUs this year, highlighting my alma mater Central State University, or my Winter Holiday card. 

Everything I create is 1 of 1 (minus the cards, but they’re like nothing else you’ve seen), so I’m creating a mysterious connection with my customer. 

I want people to turn heads and draw attention to my brand because it’s colorful and loud and represent it with the value I intended it for: I made my brand with pain and love. 

I’m expressing it and making it beautiful for you to buy. 

TM: Anything else you would like to add? 

CD: I appreciate the opportunity to be a feature on this platform again. 

I’m at the point where I realize people don’t have to do anything for you, so when they do, you need to appreciate it. 

If you read this far into my interview, I want to tell you: DONT GIVE UP: All the pain you’re going through right now prepares you for what your purpose weighs. 

It has to mold your character so you can be ready. 

I’m going through it now, and I’m happy, my breakthrough will be worth it. 

Follow Christian Drye on Instagram, @DryeHumor, and his artwork, @SeeDrye. 

SANS Institute Offers Two HBCU Opportunities To Learn And Win Big

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 2nd Annual Capture the Flag + Cyber Academy

Cybersecurity training leader SANS Institute has maintained a fruitful and longstanding dedication to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Looking to diversify the cybersecurity industry, SANS has worked to bridge the gap about with innovative Black talent from HBCUs. 

In January of this year, the company formed a new cyber academy, but and it’s one of several moves to make cybersecurity equitable and exciting! Back on December 9, 2020, SANS Institute formed a team focused on engaging, supporting and training HBCU students and alumni in the field of cybersecurity. Through that program, the institute partnered with individual institutions, offering free access to cybersecurity training, certifications, mentorship, and career support. Launched with the inaugural SANS+HBCU Capture the Flag event in November 2020, efforts resulted in modest participation.

(Credit: SANS Institute)

However, in February 2021 SANS Institute took another step forward with the first-ever SANS+HBCU Black History Month Capture the Flag competition. This competition grew over seven times the participation compared to their first event. That led to crowning six winners from several HBCUs including: Bowie State University, University of Virgin Islands, Howard University, Voorhees College and Johnson C. Smith University. Now looking to do things BIGGER and BETTER, SANS+HBCU is holding its 2nd annual Black History Month CTF, February 25th – 28th!

The success of the HBCU Black History Month CTF lead to the launch of two HBCU Cyber Academies with the University of Virgin Islands and Norfolk State University. These pilot academies provided a selected number of juniors and seniors with the opportunity to take free SANS courses and earn GIAC certifications. Partnerships with UVI and NSU increased interest throughout the community, leading to the creation of a nationwide HBCU Cyber Academy. 

On Monday, January 17, 2022, applications officially opened for the SANS+HBCU all HBCU Cyber Academy. Unlike their partnership with UVI and NSU, this academy is open to all HBCU juniors, seniors, graduate students, and alumni. Those selected to be part of the inaugural cohort will gain the opportunity to earn up to three free SANS GIAC certifications at the end of a 10-month commitment. In addition to free training, individuals will also receive mentoring, career support, and access to a network of SANS alum.

SANS+HBCU is hopeful that their efforts to engage HBCUs will lead to more diversity in the field of cybersecurity at large.

To learn more about the SANS+HBCU Cyber Academy and BHM CTF visit: https://www.sans.org/hbcu/ 

The Search Begins For SCSU’s 13th President + US Energy Secretary Touring Nuclear Program At SCSU Report

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South Carolina State University students, mainly Civil and Mechanical Engineering Technology and Nuclear Engineering students, are in for a treat. 

According to the Associated Press, the United States government will be touring historically black South Carolina State in Orangeburg this week. 

The nuclear program at SCSU will be on full display as U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visits, touting what the Biden administration says is a commitment to funding nuclear engineering at these institutions across the country, per A.P. 

Granholm’s tour starts tomorrow, Thursday. 

Additionally, U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, an alumnus of the HBCU, plans to join Granholm while discussing federal funding for science, technology, engineering, and math programs at historically Black colleges and universities. 

According to the university’s website, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates must apply the principles of science and mathematics to the solution of relevant problems in our society. 

The already mentioned fact is an attempt to go beyond technical competence to develop technologists leaders in their areas of specialization.

“Challenges facing civil and mechanical engineering technologists include housing, pollution control, transportation, transmission and utilization of mechanical and thermal power, water resources development, energy and more,” the program overview reads. 

Students can expect to receive a strong background in mathematics, science, engineering science, and engineering design after graduating from SCSU with a degree in a Civil and Mechanical Engineering Technology program. 

The program overview reads that “the programs also include a minor concentration in Energy Use and Conservation Technology.” 

“The curriculum is geared toward applying proven engineering principles and is more hardware-oriented. Most of the departmental courses have laboratory sections and hands-on experience where the use of equipment is greatly emphasized” by the administration. 

Aside from the U.S. government visiting the HBCU, the search for SCSU’s 13th president begins.  

“Selecting a president for the University is the most important job the board of trustees will undertake,” Jenkins said. 

He added that the “selection process [would] be launched soon and proceed in a very confidential manner. The only candidate who will be publicly identified will be the person ultimately selected by the Board.”

Head over to S.C. State University’s website to read more. 

Clark Atlanta University Embarks On $250M Capital Campaign

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Clark Atlanta University is looking to raise $250 million for scholarships, research, and more! Get the full story from PR Newswire below.

President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D. Clark Atlanta University

The HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Clark Atlanta University, is embarking on a $250 million capital campaign.  A few of the initiatives include innovative research to help cure prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, create new pathways in cybersecurity, create new avenues of entrepreneurship and to find new ways to eradicate social and racial injustices.

The campaign will support:

  • Scholarships & Student Success 
  • Teaching, Research and Service 
  • The CAU Endowment (e.g., Endowed Chairs, Professorships, and Scholarships) 
  • Infrastructure and Technology 
  • Programs, Centers and Special Initiatives  

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans and was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with over 4000 students, representing 9 countries, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Clark Atlanta University is also the largest of the 37-member United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institutions.

Clark Atlanta University continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African American tradition while focusing on the future through global innovation, transformative educational experiences and high-value engagement. 

CAU Programs Include: 

  • The only Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development of its kind 
  • A Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development 
  • An Institute for Civic Engagement, Social Justice & Leadership Institute 
  • The W.E.B. Du Bois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy 
  • A Center for Workforce Development 
  • A program in Cyber Physical Systems 
  • 39 undergraduate programs, 28 graduate programs, 9 doctoral programs

“Throughout the history of our phenomenal institution, we have served as the educational foundation for molding minds to pursue excellence and greatness in their chosen fields. Clark Atlanta University is working on innovative research to help cure prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, create new pathways in cybersecurity, create new avenues of entrepreneurship and to find new ways to eradicate social and racial injustices,” says President French. 

Under the leadership of President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., Clark Atlanta University increased enrollment, even in the midst of a global pandemic and developed corporate and community partnerships to position the university for unprecedented growth. 

Grambling State Alumnus John Cohen On Daytona Racing Team Sporting GSU Themed Car

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Grambling State University alumnus John Cohen to bring love for alma mater, racing together at a Daytona qualifier. Get the full story from the GSU release below.

The Grambling State branded Chevrolet Camaro will be driven by Greg Biffle as he vies to quality NY Racing for the Daytona 500. NY Racing is owned by Grambling State alumnus John Cohen. (Photo courtesy of John Cohen)

Grambling State University supporters got revved up as it was announced NY Racing owner John Cohen, a GSU alum, will have a car and driver return to the NASCAR Cup Series this week, bidding to qualify for the season-opening Daytona 500 which will be held Sunday.

The No. 44 car is a Chevrolet Camaro sponsored by Grambling State University and HBCU League Pass Plus and is painted black and adorned with Grambling State logos and GSU gold-colored number and lettering.

“As an HBCU and Grambling State football alumnus, it’s a thrill to be on board with HBCU Pass Plus and get a chance to have the team compete and try to earn a spot in the Daytona 500,” Cohen said. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership we have with Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports.

Cohen, who played linebacker at Grambling State from 1993-97 and has also owned trucking and mortgage companies, said the reason he’s involved in racing is his love for the sport.

“I wanted to get into something I had a passion for,” said Cohen, who started NY Racing in 2009. “I’m passionate about HBCUs and Grambling State University. And racing is something I’m passionate about. If it has a motor and goes fast, I’m passionate about it. It all started with motorcycles and I just kind of worked my way up. I’ve always liked and followed racing.”

Cohen

Cohen, who is a marketing partner of Urban Edge Network, Inc., will use Richard Childress Racing-built cars and Hendrick Motorsports engines with veteran driver Greg Biffle behind the wheel.

His NY Racing team has made a handful of appearances in recent years, most recently in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600 with J.J. Yeley doing the driving.

“Urban Edge Network, Inc., is excited to announce our relationship with black-owned NY Racing,” said Todd F. Brown, CEO of Urban Edge Network, Inc. “John is an alumnus of Grambling State University. We’re excited to bring our HBCU audience across 101 campuses into the NASCAR arena virtually and physically. We know that our fan base supports sports that reflect and invite [African Americans] into the experience. We’re looking forward to branding and partnering with Fortune 500 companies to support this fully black-owned team as they’ve supported other NASCAR teams in the past.”

At 52, Biffle is the oldest Daytona 500 entrant. The champion of the second-tier Busch Series in 2002, Biffle won 19 times in his 510 Cup Series starts for Andy Petree Racing, Petty Enterprises, and Roush Fenway Racing from 2003-2016.

He later made two appearances in the Truck Series, winning at Texas for Kyle Busch Motorsport in 2019.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to drive the Next Gen car and help NY Racing make its entry into the 2022 season,” Biffle said in a team release. “I’ve always said since the day I stepped away from full-time competition that I would return under the right circumstances.”

Jay Guy, who has been a crew chief for more than 300 NASCAR Cup Series races and earned a win with David Ragan in 2013 at Talladega Superspeedway, will serve in that role for Cohen’s team this week at Daytona.

“It’s all about representing HBCUs and especially Grambling along with a sport I love,” Cohen said. “I’ve been trying to bring racing to a wider audience since 2009. I hope that having the car look like it does with all the Grambling branding on it will help make that happen.”

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm To Tour Nuclear Engineering Program At South Carolina State

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U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn will head to his alma mater, South Carolina State University Thursday. Get the full story from Meg Kinnard at News 4 Jax below.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Nov. 23, 2021, in Washington. The Biden administration has issued its first clean energy loan guarantee, reviving an Obama-era program that disbursed billions of dollars in guarantees to help launch the country’s first utility-scale wind and solar farms a decade ago but has largely gone dormant in recent years. The Energy Department said it would guarantee up to $1 billion in loans to help a Nebraska company scale up production of “clean” hydrogen to convert natural gas into commercial products that enhance tires and produce ammonia-based fertilizer. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) (Evan Vucci, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press)

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is visiting South Carolina this week, stopping at a historically Black university to tout what the Biden administration says is a commitment to funding nuclear engineering at such institutions around the country.

On Thursday, Granholm is set to tour the nuclear engineering program at South Carolina State University, officials told The Associated Press. Along with U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, an alumnus of the Orangeburg school, Granholm plans to discuss federal funding for programs related to science, technology, engineering and math at historically Black colleges and universities.

The visit, Granholm’s first to South Carolina as secretary, comes as President Joe Biden and other officials tout progress made in implementing the administration’s $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, following setbacks on other issues including voting rights and other economic efforts.

The South Carolina trip also features a roundtable discussion between Granholm and HBCU leaders, as well as a visit to Clemson University’s Wind Test Facility, which tests wind turbine drivetrains. It follows Granholm’s discussion of similar funding initiatives during trips to other HBCUs. 

At Howard University in May, she announced more than $17 million in funding to support college internships, research projects and opportunities to bolster investment in underrepresented HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. According to the administration, efforts like that one underscore a commitment to helping strengthen an energy-focused pipeline from such schools.

South Carolina State is the only HBCU in the country to offer a four-year nuclear engineering program. In June, the Energy Department awarded more than $2.85 million aimed at nuclear and particle physics research trainee programs for students at HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions.

S.C. State is often a popular stop for national-level Democrats campaigning in South Carolina, thanks in part to the area’s heavily Black and Democratic electorate, as well as its connection to Clyburn, the state’s sole congressional Democrat and the highest-ranking Black member of Congress.

Clyburn’s public endorsement of Biden ahead of South Carolina’s 2020 primary helped the then-candidate overcome a string of earlier losses, serving as an awaited signal for many Black voters that Biden would be the candidate to stand up for their interests.

But Republicans, including former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, have also toured the nuclear research facilities, with Haley stopping by the school in April in one of her first public appearances since moving back to her home state and possibly ramping up for a future run at higher office.

At Clyburn’s behest, Biden gave the December commencement address to S.C. State graduates, saying he would be “proposing historic investment to create and expand HBCU programs in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, engineering and health care.” 

Livingstone College President Jimmy Jenkins To Retire After Over 16 Years

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After over 16 years, Livingstone College will begin its search for a new president after its current president announced plans to retire. Get the full story from the Livingstone College release below.

Livingstone College President Jimmy Jenkins will retire on July 1 after 16 years of service.


Jenkins, who announced his intention to the Board of Trustees on Feb. 9, was appointed to lead the historically Black college in 2006. He is the second longest tenured president in the history of the school.


Prior to Livingstone, Jenkins served as president of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla, where a gymnasium there bears his name. Before that, he made history by becoming the first alumnus of Elizabeth City State University to serve as chancellor, after earning both his master’s and doctorate degrees in biology from Perdue University. A science building at ECSU is named in his honor.


Livingstone board of trustees chairman Bishop Kenneth Monroe said that Jenkins will remain in his role as president until a successor is appointed. 


“Having labored 38 years as a college and university president has been exhilarating and exhausting,” Jenkins said. “I am grateful for the great support from the Livingstone College Board of Trustees, our alumni, the people and leaders of the City of Salisbury and Rowan County, donors and friends of the college. There is a strong sense of melancholy in the realization that a long career is ending, yet to quote Kenny Rogers, ‘you have to know when to hold them and when to fold them’ – and I believe the time has come. This city has been good to me and my family as evidenced by the kind of collaborative support that has been demonstrated over these past 16 years.”


Livingstone’s trustees decided in 2006 to find an experienced leader who would move the college from a season of challenge to an era of prosperity. Jenkins’ list of accomplishments showed he was the right choice and the right fit for the college.   


“Livingstone College was at its lowest ebb when we began our search for a new president in 2006,” said Bishop George W.C. Walker, a former trustees chairman. “Dr. Jenkins became the best candidate in the search process and ultimately the president. He provided the greatest tenure of a president in the history of the college. Dr. Jenkins phenomenally lifted the college to extraordinary heights. Without question, Livingstone College is in a much better place because of his presidency.” 


During his tenure, Livingstone has undergone significant progress. At his hiring, Jenkins challenged trustees to use his experiences to change the college approach to educating students often troubled by socio-economic difficulties, thus creating the Holistic College model. The campus saw its first major construction in more than 40 years in the Honors Hall, apartment-style units for new students with high grade-point averages. 


He is credited with saving the college from closure from its accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Today, the college has reaffirmation of accreditation for the next 10 years without a single recommendation.


“Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins became president during a very critical time in the college’s history. Yet, he accepted the position with the attitude that he would be on a mission – a mission to transform the college’s deficits to a college designed and dedicated to overcome the odds and produce great leaders,” Monroe said. “His Christian principles and values restored hope and faith in the college administration, mission and values. He surrounded himself with gifted and loyal persons who connected with his vision to defy the odds. Their efforts brought back stability and integrity to the college.” 


Jenkins also raised the net asset value of the college by $15 million; acquired a former Holiday Inn to establish the hospitality management and culinary arts program; and reactivated the college’s 40 acres of land to grow food and supply culinary arts.


College enrollment grew 35% to 1,400 students, the largest in school history (pre-COVID-19), resulting in Livingstone purchasing College Park Apartments, a four-building complex that houses 100 students.


“Bank of America, BB&T, the Cannon Foundation and other corporate leaders provided major contributions to support President Jenkins’ vision for the college,” said immediate past board chairman Bishop George Battle of Charlotte. “All you have to do is set foot on the campus to see the great things he has accomplished. I was privileged to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees that supported this great educator, who is leaving the college in excellent academic standing and full accreditation with SACSCOC.”


Jenkins’ retirement announcement comes the same week Livingstone will cut the ribbon on a new state-of-art science annex, and on the heels of several major developments, including upgrades to Alumni Memorial Stadium, construction of an esports arena; and application for Level III status to award graduate degrees and be renamed Livingstone University.


“I still feel this is why God has had his hand on this institution,” Jenkins said. “We serve the underserved, but that does not mean they are not deserving. They may be disadvantaged, but certainly not disregarded. I’m glad that my life work has been at an HBCU.”

Fisk University Is Latest HBCU Affected By Bomb Threats

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Monday Fisk University was affected by an unfortunate trend of bomb threats at HBCUs. Get the full story from Joseph Wenzel and Danielle Jackson at WSMV News 4 Nashville.

Credit: Nashville Business Journal

After recommendations from Metro Police, the school administration closed Fisk University on Monday.

VP of Fisk University Jens Fredericksen said the school received a threat around 9 a.m. Fredericksen said there would be explosives or a bomb. At that time, the university told everyone to “shelter-in-place.”

Fredericksen said the police gave the “all-clear” on campus and did not find anything credible.

“I think once you start hearing the word of credible threats like that elsewhere, you have to be extremely mindful,” Fredericksen said. “And Fisk has always been a haven of safety, and we’re obviously a small university where we can rely upon a sense of family atmosphere where everybody looks out for one another.”

While the threat was not credible, the situation was concerning for junior Tafarri Pleas, who was on campus at the time.

“Automatically, our dean ran in and was like nobody can leave and nobody can come in, and everybody was just confused but didn’t really know what was going on,” he said.

The FBI identified six juveniles connected to the HBCU University threats. They say that the teens are tech-savvy. Authorities say that the threats appear to be racially motivated.

“That immediately made me think about all of the bomb threats that have been going on around the country at different HBCU’s, so I was like maybe this is the same thing,” Pleas said.

Fisk University officials said faculty, staff, and students, who are not living on campus, have been urged to leave the Nashville campus “in light of recent events.” While residential students have been told to stay “to remain in their residence halls, except for their dining needs.”

Fisk University officials said the dining halls would remain open for students and staff.

There will be increased campus security on Monday. Several uniformed officers would be in and around campus residential and dining facilities. Fredericksen said they have beefed up their security in recent weeks because of the bomb threats all over the country.

Last week, bomb threats were called into several historically Black colleges and universities, causing them to go into lockdown.

Hampton University Celebrates 2 Legendary Alums With Statues On Campus

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Two Hampton University alums are being honored through two new statues on campus! Get the full story from Arianna Herriett below at WTKR below.

Hampton University has unveiled two new statues honoring alums Dr. Mary T. Christian and Mr. Clarence F. ‘Jap’ Curry.

Both are known for being major contributors and supporters of Hampton University’s mission. The new statues reside next to the dorm Twitchell Hall, which is near the Alumni House near the waterfront.

“I always thought that Dr. Christian and Mr. Curry were two of the most loyal, supportive, and dedicated graduates of this world-class institution. We commend the positive impact, good work and faithful efforts made by these two individuals,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University President. “We honor both Dr. Mary T. Christian and Mr. Clarence F. ‘Jap’ Curry, for their service to the community and the world, as well as their support of their alma mater, Hampton University. For years, peoples lives were aided by their endeavors. For these reasons and others, it is my pleasure to unveil these new statues.”

Dr. Christian is a Hampton native that was born on August 9, 1924. 

She began working in the laundry department of Hampton University. During that time she took typing classes which landed her a secretarial job at the university. After being encouraged by her mentor, Dr. Christian received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. After graduating from Hampton she taught in Hampton City Public Schools. During summer breaks, Dr. Christian took classes at Columbia University where she earned her master’s degree in speech and drama in 1960. 

In 1968, she earned her PhD from Michigan State University, while working as a professor at Hampton University. Dr. Christian is known for organizing a voter registration drive at HU that helped more than 1,000 people register to vote.

In 1980, Dr. Christian was named the Dean of the Hampton University School of Education. She was the first African American to serve on the Hampton City School Board. In 1986, she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and became the first African American since Reconstruction to represent Hampton. She served in the General Assembly from 1986 to 2004.

“Dr.C” received many awards for her service. HU performed a play based on her life and gave all proceeds to a scholarship that was founded in her name.

On January 28, 2018, Dr. Christian was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Dr. William R. Harvey at the 125th Founder’s Day celebration.

Clarence Curry is a native of Newport News and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Hampton in 1941. He furthered his studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and The George Washington University.

Curry worked at the United States Postal Service for 43 years where he was one of the first African Americans promoted to a management position. After retiring, he served as Postmaster of Williamsburg.

At Hampton he played in the marching band, symphony orchestra, and Royal Hamptonians Jazz Orchestra. In 1948, he formed his own band, Jap Curry’s Blazers. His band backed famous artists such as Sam Cooke, The Drifters, Marie Simon and Big Joe Turner. The Blazers served as the opening act for the Duke Ellington Orchestra at the Hampton Jazz Festival, and Curry performed live on TV with Johnny Mathis and Jackie Wilson.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster Declares New ‘HBCU Day’

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South Carolina HBCUs like Benedict College and Claflin University will be celebrated with a new day thanks to the state’s governor! Get the full story from Sophie Brams at 2 News below.

Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill that aims to honor the contributions and efforts of historically Black colleges and universities into law on Tuesday. 

Governor Henry McMaster signed H.4575 which officially designates the third Tuesday of February every year as ‘Historically Black Colleges and Universities Day’ in South Carolina.

The bill was passed by unanimous decision in the South Carolina Senate last week.

South Carolina has eight HBCUs–2 are private and 6 are public. The Higher Education Act of 1965 The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: ‘…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.” 

Together, those HBCUs generate roughly $463 million in economic impact for the state and generate close to 5,000 jobs, split evenly between on-campus and off-campus jobs. Each $1 million initially spent by a South Carolina HBCU and its students creates 12 jobs.

HBCUs, in general, are responsible for more than 40 percent of Black engineers, including 47 percent of Black women engineers, 70 percent of Black doctors and dentists, 50 percent of Black lawyers, and 80 percent of Black judges. 

In South Carolina, an HBCU graduate working full time can expect to earn $913,000 in additional income due to having college credentials. 

“This is a historic moment,” McMaster said. “The reason South Carolina is so strong, one of the reasons, is because of the contributions of our HBCUs.

HBCUs in SC

Allen University

  • Location: Columbia 
  • Type: Private, 4-year 
  • Total Enrollment: 705 students 
  • Cost of Tuition: $13,340

Benedict College

  • Location: Columbia
  • Type: Private, 4-year
  • Total Enrollment: 1,731 students
  • Cost of Tuition: $17,200

Claflin University

  • Location: Orangeburg
  • Type: Private, 4-year
  • Total Enrollment: 2,048 students 
  • Cost of Tuition: $17,046

Clinton College

  • Location: Rock Hill
  • Type: Private, 4-year
  • Total Enrollment: 119 students
  • Cost of Tuition: $10,020

Denmark Technical College

  • Location: Denmark, SC
  • Type: Public, 2-4 year
  • Total Enrollment: 491 students
  • Cost of Tuition: $5,648 in-state/ $11,065 out-of-state

Morris College

  • Location: Sumter 
  • Type: Private, 4-year
  • Total Enrollment: 395 students 
  • Cost of Tuition: $14,980

South Carolina State University

  • Location: Orangeburg 
  • Type: Public, 4-year
  • Total Enrollment: 2,339 students 
  • Cost of Tuition: $11,060 in-state/ $21,750 out-of-state

Voorhees College 

  • Location: Demark, SC
  • Type: Private, 4-year 
  • Total Enrollment: 368 students 
  • Cost of Tuition: $12,630

2-Time FAMU Alumna Sylnovia Holt-Rabb Chosen As City of Austin Director

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A Florida A&M University alumna that received both her Bachelor’s degree and MBA from the HBCU has been chosen to lead economic development for the city of Austin, Texas! Get the full story from the official release below.

The City of Austin has appointed Sylnovia Holt-Rabb as the City’s next Director of Economic Development.

“I am very happy to announce Sylnovia Holt-Rabb as the City’s next Director of Economic Development. Her extensive experience in Economic Development matters will continue to be crucial to driving the department’s programs to ensure Austin area creative and business economies have economic opportunities and resources that enable them to thrive in our community,” said Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales.

Holt-Rabb has more than 20 years of experience in the public sector and has worked for the City of Austin for 21 years. She has served as the Acting Director of Economic Development since March 2020. During her tenure as Acting Director, the Economic Development Department launched 13 unique pandemic-related financial assistance programs distributing more than $50 million to aid individuals, non-profits, and small business. Prior to that role, she served as the Assistant Director of Economic Development. She previously served as the Finance Manager for the Economic Development and the Housing and Planning Department.

In her current role, Holt-Rabb directs the day-to-day operations of the Cultural Arts Division, Small Business Program and Support Service. The Cultural Arts Division provides funding of more than $11 million to more than 600 cultural contractors; manages the City of Austin’s public art program Art in Public Places, as well as policy recommendations to the creative community. The Small Business Program provides resources, classes, events, and a loan program to the small business community in Austin. The Small Business Program also supports two incubators, one at Huston Tillotson University and one at Austin Community College Fashion Incubator.

“I’m honored to be appointed as the City’s next Economic Development Director and look forward to continuing in this leadership role to assist local businesses with the resources they need to be successful enterprises,” said Holt-Rabb.

Holt-Rabb’s expertise includes economic development, finance management, contract negotiations, public policy, small and minority business development programs. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida A & M University.