Dr. Melissa N. Stuckey, an associate professor at Elizabeth City State University, has let her curiosity lead her down a new road of history and research. Learn more about her story from Lauren Howard at the Spectrum Local News article below.
From the 1930s to the 1960s The Negro Motorist Green Book became the go-to guide for African-American travelers across the country.
In a new exhibit called “Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina” at the Museum of the Albemarle explores what life was like for black travelers.
A group at Elizabeth Cty State University is revisiting those safe havens that were vital to the Black community.
Assistant professor Dr. Melissa N. Stuckey drove by countless abandoned buildings and vacant lots on her way to work and became curious about the history behind them.
“I drive a particular route down this road to my job every day at Elizabeth City State University, and I saw so many empty lots and so many older homes, and I just wanted to know the story,” Stuckey said.
She and her students began their research by looking up old city directories and the Green Book, which included two locations, The Blue Duck Inn and Mr. Overtone’s filling station.
The filling station no longer exists and The Blue Duck was torn down and replaced by a grocery store.
This is indicative of the way so much of Black history and Elizabeth City history have been forgotten.
“African-American men and women and men owned plenty of essential businesses in Elizabeth City. People had their churches, restaurants, their rooming houses, their businesses, everything was within walking distance, even their places of entertainment. So they were able to have a full life even in a segregated city,” Stuckey said.
The Gaiety Theatre is one of the only structures still standing. It was a Black-operated, white-owned cinema.
“The very idea that there’s an African American-operated cinema in your neighborhood walking distance, means it’s a place young people are going to gather, families are gonna come to. Whether it’s after church or on the weekends, it was a very popular place to be,” Stuckey said.
She said there’s so much rich history in the city, but it’s covered by new development and scattered. But with the help of her research she hopes to see the history commemorated for future generations.
“There’s a community that has substance that’s been in Elizabeth City for that long, and their stories are begging to be told. I want people to see the longer story of each building, of each dweller, of each resident. Even each empty lot, right? They all have a story,” Stuckey said.
Howard University alumna and successful actress Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins has used her education to propel her career. A new interview she had with Ebony is explaining how. Get the full story from Kenya N. Byrd at Ebony below.
Don’t ever knock the hustle and grind of collegiate life. If you’re really about that life then understand this: institutions are mere microcosms of the real world—where the educated are groomed to accept societal prerequisites to work, live and socialize with people from diverse ethnic, cultural, economic, political and social backgrounds. Let’s keep it all-the-way real: it’s also the pivotal period that shapes and defines a scholar’s life and challenges who he or she might become through the development of critical thinking, creativity, interpersonal skills and a profound sense of social responsibility. For the last four years, Netflix’s Dear White People has depicted the college-bound in all its complexity and explored the blurred lines of demarcation between Blacks and Whites, the haves and the have-nots, racists and activists. There to breathe life into it all was actress Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins who reprised her silver screen role as the frank yet loyal, pre-med radical Joelle Brooks.
EBONY caught up with Featherson-Jenkins who spoke candidly about offering graduating seniors of Howard University’s theater arts program a headstart, the role of HBCUs nurturing today’s new school of Black leaders and why Black folks need therapy.
EBONY: How did you relate and/or not relate to your character Joelle Brooks of Winchester University on Dear White People?
Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins: From the beginning the character resonated with me. Embracing Joelle was easy because of her ambition, her Black [pride] and simply being a true naturalista.
I’m extremely proud of my character’s evolution because she found her voice, peace and love. By the end of the fourth season she’s fully [immersed] in her career. As an actor-stan of the show, I love what we all were able to [witness]. She’s one of my proudest accomplishments that I’ll always fondly keep in my heart.
Because you had a Black college experience did you ever feel awkward breathing life into Joelle Brooks?
Hmmmm….not really. In [the show], Joelle was a pre-med major and I studied musical theater at Howard so no comparison. In fact, the biggest challenge was learning the medical terms.
Is it true that one major difference between Black and White colleges is how fashion-forward the Black student body is at all times?
Yes! At Howard the students are always very well-dressed. Every day was like a walking fashion show. The the majority of us dress up all day, every day. The difference between [the fictional] Winchester and Howard universities is that there is more of a range and each character had its individual style that suited [him or her].
Undoubtedly, there are profound cultural differences in the way Blacks and Whites live either by choice or circumstance. How do you believe that race and/or even colorism has affected which opportunities you’ve been presented?
I can’t lie. I know I haven’t been afforded certain opportunities because of the color of my skin. Sometimes there’s a perception that I’m not as valuable as others. It’s harder for a magazine to put me on the cover or for a studio or network to believe that someone who looks like me can lead a show, film or even be portrayed as truly smart, powerful and beautiful. These are still tropes that we need to combat but I’m never tired of the battle. I will always fight for us to be seen and heard in the fullness of who we are—educated and innovative.
For the past 97 years, Howard homecoming festivities have always been legendary until last year’s cancellation due to COVID-19. Still, despite a global pandemic under the Ashley Blaine Featherson Early Grant you donated 25K to your alma mater. Why now?
Howard has so genuinely poured into me and given me so much. It was the place and time that shaped and molded me as I [pursued] my career. It’s the reason I chose to donate to an early-career grant for the [theater arts’ graduating seniors] who need [relocation funds] to pursue an acting career. This money will allow graduates to find their footing as they begin their careers. It’s extremely difficult to miss out on an audition because you need coins to do the laundry, or gas to drive to the audition or many other miscellaneous expenses. This grant will allow the recipients to have a little more stability as they pursue a fickle career that’s inconsistent and unforgiving. I hope this will make them feel a bit more confident and secure as they follow their [acting] dreams. I would have appreciated such a fund but it wasn’t available.
When jumpstarting your career, which hardships did you encounter?
I experienced Hard times where I thought, How can I do both—pursue this career and work a full-time job?That’s a hard place to be when you’re an artist. It’s very rare that an artist has the chance to start out [with no financial burdens]. In the early days, I was more worried about how much money was in my bank account and less about celebrating the small or large movements I made in my career. The reality is that when you’re in survival mode it’s an everyday struggle. I realize I don’t want to fight for survival. I want to fight to live the life I want to live happily and not be contemplating, Ok maybe I can stay in this apartment one more month before I have to move? I understand it’s part of the game, but again why this fund is so important because if there is any way for me to alleviate even a little of that burden from a young actor beginning their career I’m happy to help.
What do HBCUs offer Black students that white institutions simply can’t?
Culture. For me one of the most amazing parts of attending Howard was that I was able to be surrounded by successful, brilliant, ambitious, beautiful, fun, cool and successful multi-faceted people who looked like me. Even the attention given to Black history and learning the resiliency of our people is [unique]. That sense of Black pride can only be found at an HBCU.
How essential are HBCU’s in shaping the next generation of Black leaders?
Extremely. My mother, sister, nana and great aunt all attended HBCUs. We all found it to be essential in our growth as Black women and as Black people. Black universities were created because there was a time that we didn’t have another place to go [for our education]. Today, HBCUs are still be thriving and producing the most influential Black leaders today.
As an advocate for women’s mental health awareness why does this issue hit home for you?
It’s a near and dear issue to me because in a lot of ways therapy saved my life. I know its power to change lives if people are given proper and reasonable access to it. I think Black and Brown people specifically are dealing with a lot of generational trauma that we don’t even know how we’re dealing with it. For all the trauma we endured in this country, we deserve access to free mental healthcare which should be a part of our reparations.
What advice would you give someone who proclaims “Black folk don’t do therapy”?
Don’t let a myth disrupt your life and prevent you from taking charge and healing. Seeking therapy is not showing weakness but strength in reclaiming your power and controlling your life’s narrative. In recent years, the perception surrounding seizing control of one’s mental health has become relatively more common in our community.
Agreed. When were you introduced to therapy for better self-understanding and healing?
Eight years ago, I was talking to a friend and she mentioned talking to a therapist. It was rare because nobody was talking about [therapy]. Seeking [a therapist] changed my life for the better. When all is said and done I want to leave an imprint and always be a source of inspiration and I hope people will say that in some small way I made the world abetter place.
Thanks to a new partnership, undergraduate students at Harris-Stowe State University will be able to enjoy a bioinformatics program! Get the full story from the HSSU release below.
The United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), has awarded a $2 million, three-year grant to Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) to create a bioinformatics program for undergraduate students at the historically Black university located in St. Louis. Bioinformatics is an emerging field that combines science, physics, math, and biology to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and discovery of new therapeutic advancements. An example of bioinformatics is the use of computer analysis on the Human Genome Project, which has recorded the three billion basic pairs of the human DNA system.
HSSU will develop a new undergraduate program to train students for careers as bioinformatics professionals. HSSU will use the support to:
· Develop new curricula combining coursework and experiential learning opportunities;
· Expose high school students in surrounding school districts to the field of bioinformatics through a summer bioinformatics “boot camp” program; and
· Offer academic scholarships for up to 25 students each year.
“In the past decade, Harris-Stowe State University has emerged as a leader in training students for high-tech careers. This new program will help us to build on that important work, as well as continue to fulfill our mission of serving historically underrepresented students,” said Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, Interim President of HSSU. “Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field of study, and it is vital for all people to play a role in its advancement.”
Studies have shown that there is a substantial gap in the number of diverse college students trained in biomedical sciences. Black, Hispanic, and Native American people account for only 7.1% of the employed biological/biomedical and life sciences workforce. A diverse health workforce is needed to provide personalized, culturally competent care to the diverse populations served.
“The United Health Foundation is honored to collaborate with Harris-Stowe State University to increase the diversity of the life sciences workforce. We are excited about HSSU training students who will make discoveries, develop therapies, and advance health care for all,” said Patrick Quinn, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Missouri, a UnitedHealth Group company. “This partnership illustrates UnitedHealth Group’s commitment to health equity and to building a diverse health workforce reflective of our society.”
The commitment in Missouri is one of many ways UnitedHealth Group is working to advance health equity by diversifying the health workforce of the future. The United Health Foundation’s Diverse Scholars Initiative, for example, partners with nine nonprofit and civic organizations and has provided over 3,000 scholarships to diverse students studying medicine and public health across the U.S. since 2007. Optum Technology, a UnitedHealth Group Company, offers a mentor-led STEM program that has provided science, technology, engineering, and mathematics training to over 7,000 diverse and underrepresented students at 103 middle and high schools since 2019.
Football at Lincoln University of Missouri will receive new leadership thanks to the selection of a new head coach! Get the full story from the Lincoln release below.
Credit: Lincoln University of Missouri
The Lincoln Athletic Department announced on Monday (Nov. 29) that Jermaine Gales will be the next head coach of the Blue Tiger football program.
“Coach Gales is the right leader to move LU Football forward,” said Kevin Wilson, Vice President of Advancement, Athletics, and Campus Recreation. “Despite limited resources, he’s recruited high-level student-athletes who became alumni and productive citizens, maximized talent to achieve what others thought to be improbable, and engineered successful programs. I look forward to celebrating many milestones with Coach Gales at the helm.”
Gales, who has nearly 20 years of experience as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I and Division II levels, has established a proven track record of building and developing successful programs. Gales was hired in November of 2020 as the Associate Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Bluefield State, a school that had discontinued its football program in 1981. This past fall, in the Big Blue’s first football season in 40 years, Gales helped lead the program to a 4-3 record.
“I am beyond excited about joining the Ambush,” Gales said. “The opportunity to impact the lives of young men as a head football coach has been a dream of mine since blowing my whistle for the first time. This is an opportunity to build something special and do something that has never been done before, in a community like Jefferson City, with an athletic director and president who are committed to developing our young men. I couldn’t be more excited to become the leader of the Blue Tigers. My family and I look forward to sharing the journey with the Lincoln University community, alumni, and fans.”
Before building the program at Bluefield State, Gales spent two seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where, as the offensive coordinator, he took a team that hadn’t won more than two games in a season since 2014 and helped lead it to a winning record in 2019. That season, Gales directed an offense that averaged 443.4 yards per game, the third-most in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the 17th-most in NCAA Division I FCS. In his first year with the team in 2018, Gales devised an offense that ranked third in the SWAC with 423.5 yards per game, an improvement of over 100 yards per contest from the previous season.
In 2016 and 2017, Gales was the wide receivers coach at North Carolina Central and helped the Eagles win 17 games in that span. In 2016, Gales directed a receiving corps that scored 19 touchdowns, finished 18thin the FCS in yards per completion. The Eagles went undefeated in conference play that season and played in the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl. NCCU again posted a winning record in 2017 and ranked fourth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in total offense, with Jacen Murphy leading the league in receptions per game while finishing third in total receiving yards.
Gales worked as the wide receivers coach at Mars Hill from 2006-09 and again from 2013-15. In between those stints, Gales served as the offensive coordinator and coached the running backs and receivers at Saint Augustine’s, helping the program twice break season records for points per game. In 2010, Gales helped lead the Falcons to a win in the Pioneer Bowl, marking the first postseason victory in program history.
Jermaine Gales (second from right) was introduced as Lincoln’s new football head coach during a press conference Monday morning in the President’s Suite at The Linc. Also pictured are his wife, Kizzy Gales (second from left), Lincoln vice president of advancement, athletics and campus recreation Kevin Wilson (far left) and Lincoln interim president John Moseley (far right). (Credit: Greg Jackson/News Tribune).
Gales graduated from Southern Arkansas in 2002 with a bachelor of science degree in biology and a minor in human performance and recreation. He later earned a master of education degree in kinesiology from SAU in 2005.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Gales spent two seasons playing at Mt. San Antonio as a receiver before transferring to Southern Arkansas, where he helped the Muleriders win the 1997 Gulf South Conference championship. Gales served as an assistant at SAU from 2003-05, helping develop the program’s receivers.
Gales and his wife, Kizzy, have been married for 17 years and have six children: Devaughn, Kassidy, Braeden, Tailagua, Ettastajia, and Darius. Gales also has three grandchildren: Jhase, De’Mauri and Ava.
What Others Are Saying About Coach Jermaine Gales
“Jermaine was a key component of us building a championship caliber program and culture at North Carolina Central. His Offensive Coordinator & Associate Head Coach experience helped me tremendously. He has always put the student-athlete first and looked at programs from a 10,000 feet perspective. I’m excited to see his vision, leadership, and exciting offense for Lincoln.” – Jerry Mack, Running Backs Coach, Tennessee
“Coach Gales’ energy, coaching success, and passion for turning a program around makes him an excellent choice to lead the Lincoln University football program. Across the country, he is recognized as one of the top up-and-coming coaches in the nation. Gales is someone who is a relentless, proven recruiter who has seen remarkable success. On top of that, he places a high value on culture and developing student-athletes.” – Christopher Robinson, Athletic Director, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
“Jermaine and I have been friends for well over a decade, and it was a blessing to have him as our offensive coordinator & associate head coach. Outside of his proven skills as an OC, we could not have accomplished the things we did here. He was invaluable to me as a confidant in my first year as a head coach and will always be a great friend! Coach Gales truly cares about the development of young men off the field as well as on it. Lincoln University is getting a great one and he is ready for this opportunity! It is long overdue!” – Tony Coaxum, Head Coach, Bluefield State
“There is no doubt Coach Gales will be successful and amazing as the leader of the Lincoln football program. He is a relentless recruiter and has an outstanding offensive mind that will bring relevance and credibility to this football program. The future looks very bright.” – Toriano Morgan, Head Coach, Edward Waters
“Jermaine Gales is an excellent football coach and a great leader of men. Lincoln University is fortunate to have a man of Coach Gales’ character to lead their football program. Lincoln’s program will improve the moment he steps foot on campus.” – Tim Clifton, Head Coach, Mars Hill
The National Football League (NFL) announced its 2nd annual Madden NFL 22 x HBCU Tournament with EA to celebrate the impact of HBCUs headlined with a competitive tournament and career development opportunities both on and off the field. The goal is to inspire students at all Historically Black Colleges and Universities to get involved and represent their schools with competition and networking.
Registration officially is open through Dec. 3, 2021, with limited slots for an online single elimination qualifier tournament on December 5, 2021 with the top 16 finalists advancing to compete in the NFL Madden x HBCU Showcase during Super Bowl Week in Los Angeles. Players can register to compete in the tournament here.
The 16 finalists will also participate in an “experienceship” by spending time with the EA staff to engage them in various departments, and they will tour the NFL’s new west coast headquarters and shadow NFL leaders for a day to provide development and networking experiences to the students.
The top two finalists will be playing for cash prizes at the NFL’s west coast headquarters located next to SoFi Stadium in Hollywood Park, home of Super Bowl LVI. Their match up will be available to watch on both the NFL YouTube and Twitch channels on February 12, 2022.
“We are so thrilled to bring back this tournament for HBCU students and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to come to Los Angeles during Super Bowl LVI Week,” said Natara Holloway, Vice President, Football Strategy at the NFL. “We want to expand the League’s efforts to create inclusive opportunities for the next generation of talent with partners like EA providing not only a chance for students to compete, but also the chance to learn the business of football through practical learning and shadowing experiences.”
The NFL will partner with GCN, Inc. (Gaming Community Network), part of the GameSquare Esports group of companies, who will manage all operations including registration, online tournament execution, player communications, competitive integrity and a professional broadcast during the week of Super Bowl LVI.
“We are so honored to be working with the NFL on this incredibly important initiative to capture the passion of gaming among HBCU students,” said Chris Kindt, CMO for GCN. “We are confident our team with deep roots in esports and gaming will deliver an exciting tournament capped off by the exhilaration of competing during Super Bowl LVI.”
About the NFL HBCU Initiative
In May 2016, the NFL launched Strength of HBCUs, Impacting Pro Football Since 1948 in partnership with two prominent HBCU athletic conferences — the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The initiative has since expanded to also include other conferences and schools to recognize and strengthen its relationships with HBCUs across the country. Through these relationships, the NFL has developed several HBCU-focused programs to educate and connect students to careers in football administration and the sports industry at large.
About Gaming Community Network: GCN, Inc. (Gaming Community Network) is the only independent media group completely dedicated to gaming and esports across community sites, content producers, influencers and tournament/event operators. Bridging the gap between traditional media and gaming with a “Gamer First” promise, GCN’s aggregated & integrated proprietary media network reaches 65M+ MAU’s in the US (115M+ MAUs globally) driving scale for premium content designed to provoke and share conversations. GCN builds bespoke strategy solutions from content creation to full-scale tournaments for any endpoint be it social, broadcast TV or live stream. As a GameSquare Esports Inc. (stock: GSQ, Canadian Stock Exchange) subsidiary, GCN collaborates with its partners to deliver memorable experiences for gamers and brands.To learn more, visit GCN.gg or follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/GamingCommunityNetwork/
About GameSquare Esports Inc. GameSquare Esports Inc. is an international gaming and esports company headquartered in Toronto,Canada. The Company is seeking to acquire additional assets and entities serving the gaming and esports markets and, more broadly, in sports and entertainment. GameSquare’s acquisition of Code Red Esports Ltd. (“Code Red”), an esports talent agency, provided an initial foothold in Europe through its UKoperations. Code Red represents leading on-screen talent, players and influencers and works with leading global brands to develop influencer campaigns and esports marketing strategies. The Company’s second acquisition of Reciprocity Corp. provides access to Asia, Latin America and North America. Its gaming and esports assets include: a CrossFire franchise in China that it owns with its partner LGD Gaming, a 40% interest in a League of Legends team that competes in Latin America, and its wholly owned subsidiary corporation, GCN, a digital media company focusing on the gaming and esports audience based in Los Angeles. GameSquare continued building a global esports powerhouse when it acquired Complexity Gaming, one of America’s premier and longest standing esports organizations. With access to GameSquare’s content creation, sales, marketing, and branding expertise, Complexity will be able to expand the franchise’s international footprint.
For the first time ever, the Hampton University Marching Force band will perform at the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York! The band will not only be repping its HBCU, but the state of Virginia as well. Get the full story from the official Hampton release below.
Source: Hampton University
The Hampton University Marching Force will perform in a spectacle like no other when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® returns this Thanksgiving to usher in the start of the holiday season as performers from across the country take to the streets of New York City. On Thursday, November 25 at 9:00 A.M., the 95th march of the world-famous Parade of Magic will bring the nation together in celebration featuring Macy’s signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, incredible marching bands, jubilant performance groups, whimsical clowns, music stars and the one-and-only Santa Claus.
“For more than nine decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has brought joy to millions who gather with friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration along the streets of New York City and in homes nationwide,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember, featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats and incredible performers. We can’t wait to help New York City and the nation kick-off the holiday season with the return of this cherished tradition.”
Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, as well as musical and marching abilities, to captivate millions of spectators in New York City and across the country. Hampton was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of nine selected bands to march in the 94th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. Unfortunately, that invitation was deferred to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the Marching Force, which will also represent the state of Virginia.
“Rooted in tradition and with explosive energy, the Hampton University Marching Force delivers outstanding, entertaining shows that time and time again bring the crowd to their feet,” said Wesley Whatley, creative producer Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We look forward to introducing the talented students of Hampton University to our Parade audience for the band’s debut in the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”
“‘The Marching Force is an elite group of talented, young musicians and dancers who are academically accomplished. This opportunity will allow Hampton University to once again shine on the world-wide stage in front of the millions in attendance and others watching from across the globe,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “Under the direction of Dr. Thomas Jones, The Marching Forcecontinues to uphold THE Standard of Excellence as being one of the best marching bands in the nation.”
The Hampton University Marching Force has spent a significant amount of time planning for its Parade appearance. In addition to rehearsing, they have hosted creative fundraising events that not only brought the school and the community closer, but also prepared the students for the march of a lifetime.
For more than ninety years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most –- its loyal fans. More than 5,000 Macy’s employees and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day. Stretching down a more than two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.
Performing at the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day Parade is the latest accolade for The Marching Force. The band performed in the 2020 Rome New Year’s Day Parade in Rome, Italy. The Marching Force drumline performed in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, prior to the Rose Bowl. In 2018, The Marching Force performed at the 16th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands while over 62,000 fans filled the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Marching Force also performed in President Obama’s Inauguration Parade in 2009.
“In a normal year, preparing a band for the Macy’s Parade is stressful and daunting. To do so in the midst of a global pandemic—the challenge is insurmountable. Despite that, we are prepared to not only meet that challenge head-on, but to also excel and make our Hampton University family proud. It is a testament to the hard work of our students and staff, through the support of our fellow faculty and administrators under Dr. Harvey’s unwavering leadership and commitment to excellence,” said Hampton University Director of Bands, Dr. Thomas Jones.
Pepsi Stronger Together – the Brand’s series of grassroots initiatives bringing tailored programming support to communities across the country – is helping to bring Hampton University’s award-winning band to NYC to perform in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Through a $100,000 donation, Pepsi Stronger Together is providing transportation to and from NYC and practice uniforms for the band.
“I’m so excited Pepsi Stronger Together was able to help make this journey happen for the incredibly talented Hampton Marching Force as they head to perform at this iconic stage,” said Derek Lewis, President, South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA). “From our ‘She Got Now’ internship program to other HBCU-specific donations, and as a Hampton alum myself, I’m so proud to see another piece of PepsiCo’s commitment to supporting HBCUs come to life.”
Attending the Parade
For spectators wishing to enjoy the spectacle live, the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 9:00 A.M., kicking off from its traditional starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West. From there the procession will march down its signature 2.5-mile route from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South and then marching down 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. At 34th Street, the Parade will make its final turn west and end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
Public viewing will be set up along designated portions of the route and managed by the NYPD. Spectators should avoid bringing large bags, umbrellas, backpacks and strollers. The public entering viewing streets may be subject to a security search. For additional viewing information, please visit macys.com/parade.
Watching the Parade
For decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of the nation’s most anticipated and watched holiday celebrations. Viewers nationwide can catch all the action via the special broadcasts on NBC and Telemundo from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in all time zones. For the first time, fans can also stream the broadcast on Peacock. The TODAY Show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host the three-hour telecast for NBC and Peacock. The Spanish language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by Ana Jurka and Carlos Adyan, accompanied by Freddy Lomelí reporting live from Sixth Avenue. It will also feature a special appearance by Miss Universe® Andrea Meza.
The newly inaugurated Claflin University president Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack is determined to find innovative ways to bring student engagement to its peak at the university. And he’s only getting started! Get the full story from Times and Democrat staff writer Dionne Gleaton below.
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack has an unwavering goal to continue the mission of the state’s oldest HBCU to not just survive but thrive even amid the challenges of a global coronavirus pandemic.
Warmack was inaugurated as Claflin University’s ninth president on Nov. 19, more than two years after he began his tenure in August 2019.
It was an occasion delayed by the pandemic, but Warmack said the university has continued to find success despite the array of changes that caused “one of the worst times that I’ve seen in higher education in my 23-plus years.”
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack was inaugurated as Claflin University’s ninth president on Nov. 19, more than two years after he began his tenure in August 2019. (Credit: Larry Hardy, T&D)
“We’ve been very fortunate the past two years of managing through a global pandemic … when you think about the unprecedented things that hit our colleges and universities across the country, that forced us to shut down, forced us to send a lot of first-generation college students from low socioeconomic backgrounds back to environments that probably weren’t as conducive to their success.
“For us, that made it slightly challenging to say the least. But in spite of that, we said from the beginning our goal wasn’t just to survive, but it was to thrive, and we have indeed been able to do that during that time,” Warmack said.
He recalled students not being able to return back to campus following their spring break in March 2020, something which he said he had never experienced. It caused the university to have to pivot the way it served its students’ needs, including those without broadband access.
“For us to have to pivot immediately to go to 100% online instruction, when you think about one of the top 10 HBCUs in the country, top liberal arts college in the South. We are known for our liberal arts, high-touch environment. When you lose that to a 100% virtual environment, it transforms pedagogy for faculty and teaching, it transforms students from a distance-learning perspective and the ability to be able to have resources to be able to do the things that they need to do to be successful,” he said.
The university succeeded in providing students with the resources they needed in their new academic environment.
“We were able to provide them with adequate resources by request. There were a lot of multiple hot spots, multiple laptops and multiple other devices to ensure our students were able to be successful,” Warmack said, noting that it was eye-opening to realize the broadband challenges many students faced in some areas.
“I did not know the magnitude of the bandwidth challenges in the rural parts of this country. I had my own privilege coming from urban communities. To get here to see students who are less than 20 miles from here and the entire town not having bandwidth,” he said, was mind-blowing.
The president said the university not only had to adjust to broadband challenges but ensure that faculty had the resources needed to teach in the changed environment. He said the university’s faculty “did an amazing job of being not just passionate about a quality education but compassionate for those outstanding scholars.”
Future goals
The Detroit native said his immediate plans for the future will be guided by the university’s strategic plan, but will include the promotion of cutting-edge academic enterprise, continued improvement in student success and student engagement, creative technological and global strategies, and consistent fundraising.
“We have been able to in the midst of a global pandemic not just balance a budget but right-size a budget. We have almost doubled our endowment. We have almost doubled our net assets. We’ve have record fundraising. We’ve had multiple largest gifts in institutional history,” Warmack said.
The president, for example, announced a $20 million gift the university received from billionaire author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott on Dec. 16, 2020, the largest gift in Claflin’s 151-year history.
Warmack has said there are plans to use it to continue the university’s transformational work in a few specific areas, including academic enterprise, the endowment and strengthening student success and retention.
Claflin plans, for example, include construction of a new state-of-the-art student center.
“Hopefully we’ll break ground in January or February,” Warmack said.
He said the university has also stabilized its enrollment during the pandemic.
“So we have had a lot of success during this time. So for the future, we’re looking to continue to build on the outstanding legacy while we transcend into the future,” the president said.
The 2019-21 President’s Report reveals the university, which has enrollment of roughly 2,000 students, has an endowment of $53 million and has seen increases in several areas, including its total assets, net assets, grants and unrestricted contributions.
The university’s retention rate stands at 76%, with total assets equaling $147,853,775. Net assets stand at $123,271,133, while grants total $19,102,550. Unrestricted contributions stand at $22,273,552.
Warmack said the university’s endowment has grown substantially since his arrival at the university, but work continues to bolster it for the college’s long-term sustainability.
Buildings and fundraising
Warmack has a laser focus on incorporating the community’s success with the university’s success because he said the two are interchangeable.
He said the development of the university’s $23 million student center at the corner of Magnolia Street and Goff Avene will be a place not just for the students, but the community at large.
Its first floor will include a food court and entertainment area with amenities such as an auditorium/movie theater. The second floor will include offices for areas to include, but not be limited to, career services, student activities, residential life and student government. The third floor will include an arcade, E-sports room and a ballroom with a seating capacity of 800.
“We’re part of the community. We have been a pillar in this community for a very long time. If Orangeburg’s successful, Claflin will be successful. So I think we play a dual role in that process. Also, too, our students deserve it (the new student center),” Warmack said.
He said the university recruits students from multiple countries and states who deserve a creative college life experience, particularly since students spend 78 to 82% of their time outside of the classroom.
“If we don’t give them a co-curriculum experience outside of class, then we’ve missed the boat. … We want to invest in the community that we live. We opened our Center for Social Justice downtown. We wanted to make sure that we invested in the community that we live and work. So the Center for Social Justice in downtown Orangeburg is a community-based center providing access and opportunities to individuals,” Warmack said.
He continued, “We’re looking to open up a new building in downtown Orangeburg as well. I’m not at liberty to discuss what that is, but it’s coming very soon, probably the largest building in downtown Orangeburg.”
Academics
Warmack said the quality of faculty and instruction at the university is also noteworthy, with Claflin being home to several amenities, including a one-of-a-kind DNA forensics lab. It was in 2004 when Orangeburg and Claflin University forged a partnership to improve forensic laboratory services in the hope of reducing crime in the area.
“We have quite a few students out of our biotech program that serve as researchers in that space. It is a state-of-the-art lab, and it’s a great collaboration and partnership that’s on this campus,” Warmack said.
He said the college will continue its outstanding work in STEM education.
It was in 2020, for example, that the college and ZOOM announced a commitment to a five-year strategic partnership, with the video communications provider and historically Black university developing a multifaceted foundational program that represents $1.2 million in educational and financial investments.
Program components include, but are not limited to, paid internships during the school year and paid internships as part of Zoom’s summer internship program, along with merit- and need-based scholarships for selected students.
“You’ve seen in the past few years the partnership we announced with Zoom, with Google, with all of these other tech companies. Our students are going out and getting phenomenal jobs within those places. Not just internships, they’re being gainfully employed to go out to do transformational work in society,” Warmack said.
“It just speaks to the volume and the quality of instruction and the faculty and the staff that we have here at Claflin University,” he said.
Warmack said course offerings will increasingly be tailored more to the needs of industry.
“In today’s time, you have to really create your curriculum to industry. What is industry looking for? How do we get students gainfully employed? One thing is recruiting them to being here, but that’s not enough. You recruit students on this continuum: recruitment, matriculation, graduation and then gainful employment. We want every one of our visionaries to be gainfully employed,” the president said.
He continued, “We were the first official Zoom partnership in the country no matter what type of institution. When I went out and had conversations with their COO and the CEO, I said, ‘Hey, you need computer scientists. We have one of the best computer science programs, I would argue, in the country. We will develop our computer science program to have tracks that fit exactly what you’re looking for.’”
He said university’s longtime teacher education program is also noteworthy.
“There’s a need for quality teachers. So we just had the largest induction into our teacher education program. … So it just gives me hope about why it’s important. You can’t have engineers, you can’t have doctors if you don’t have quality teachers. You think about rural South Carolina and what that means. So we continue to have an outstanding teacher education program and the work that comes behind it,” Warmack said.
Going forward, the president said the university will continue its focus on developing a strong Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, or STEAM, agenda.
Building a foundation
Warmack replaced longtime President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, a 1965 Claflin honor graduate who retired in 2019 after 25 years of service at his alma mater. Warmack and his wife, LaKisha, have one daughter, Morgan.
The family came to Orangeburg after Warmack served five years as president at Harris-Stowe University in St. Louis.
Prior to his years at Harris-Stowe, Warmack served as the senior vice president of administration and student services at Bethune-Cookman University.
Warmack also served as associate dean of students at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and held positions at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, his alma mater.
He said he realizes he is standing on the “shoulders of giants” as president of Claflin University.
“There were eight folks that came before me that laid that foundation, and what I’m doing is trying to build on it. Dr. Tisdale was an amazing leader, and the presidents before Dr. Tisdale did great work. All of us have a role to continue to build on the legacy that will transcend into the future,” he said.
U.S. News and World Report has ranked Claflin among the top 10 on its list of the nation’s “best historically Black colleges/universities” for the 11th consecutive year this year, but Warmack said his goal is to move it into the top five.
“I want to be in that top five in the country among HBCUs, but also top five in the region among all institutions no matter what type. Within that same vein, you have a very aggressive growth strategy. It may just not be residential because we’re land-locked in a lot of ways. So we have done an amazing job with our online platform,” Warmack said.
He said there is focus on providing the Claflin experience worldwide without students necessarily having to set foot on campus.
“How do we provide classes in the Caribbean locations? How do we provide it on the continent of Africa? … We’ve just created a new partnership with our biotech program that will be announced. … We’ll announce the notion of a climate change (concentration) in biotechnology and with Africa University in providing that opportunity for scholars all over the world,” Warmack said.
He said the university will still continue to expand its footprint locally.
“I’m not a liberty to discuss that, but we’ve bought a variety of parcels in this community to allow us to have long-term growth within that space as we develop a master plan,” Warmack said.
He said the college will also be announcing an upcoming capital campaign focusing on five areas, including building the university’s new student center, as well as a new innovative and interdisciplinary academic building.
“That building will focus on, I’m thinking, reimagining higher education. So if I’m a biology major and I’m a mass comm major, how do we do collaborative research to come up with this project that changes the world? So most times in academy we are very departmental focused,” Warmack said.
He said building the university’s endowment, building upon its history in social justice and creating need-based scholarships will be other focuses of the capital campaign.
Warmack said it was Claflin’s rich history that attracted him to the university.
“Claflin has an amazing history, and it has a track record of success. … The white noise didn’t matter to me. I knew I had the capability to work, but (I was) coming to an institution that was solid, that was on stable ground and that had a rich history of alums committed to this institution,” he said.
He said he and his wife soon came to the conclusion that they were in the right place.
“This is our ministry. This is where God has us to serve now. I tell people when you’re obedient to what God says, everything else manifests. All of the success we’ve had is because we were obedient to listen to what God told us,” Warmack said.
While the 44-year-old knows God is in ultimate control of his destiny, his plan is to retire after seven more years, which would mark his 30th year in higher education.
“I want to be able to enjoy life. That’s why I’m working so hard right now. I’ve worked my whole life. I started working at 14,” he said, noting that, in the meantime, he’s “grateful I’m able to do God’s work.”
In a close showdown between Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) rivals, Virginia Union took home the early-season victory, defeating reigning CIAA champion Winston-Salem State 59-55 to win the inaugural Chris Paul HBCU Tip-Off.
As the final buzzer sounded on Tuesday, text messages flooded Virginia Union coach Jay Butler’s phone to congratulate him on the victory. Although he didn’t have an opportunity to respond to the messages, he knows his Panthers made the Virginia Union community and Basketball Hall of Famer Ben Wallace proud.
“I’m pretty sure I got a couple of text messages already. I know [Ben] probably watched [the game]. I tried to get him to come up, but we’ll probably celebrate when we get back to Richmond,” Butler said with a smile. “It feels great. First, I got to hand it to [coach] Cleo [Hill Jr.] and Winston-Salem. They’re a great basketball team. You see why they are the defending champs. They played hard for 40 minutes, and they’re not gonna let up. They’re gonna play to the end, but our guys, we fought. Defensively, we were awesome, [but] tonight’s defense kind of let up when they made a run back at us. But we kept fighting. We rebounded the basketball [and] made plays when we needed to. All these guys were great [and] played a good basketball game.”
Although a rarity for Division II historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to play on national television, Virginia Union capitalized on the opportunity.
“We definitely want to come back. If they make the call and say the champions get to come back and defend [the title], we’ll be there. [This classic] is good because it prepares you for the CIAA. It prepares you for conference play,” Butler said. ”This is an awesome event. CP3, Boost Mobile, everybody has been involved. It’s been an amazing tournament. We had gifts and a locker room and they fed us well every day. From top to bottom, this is first-class.
“It’s definitely something we can get accustomed to as a Division II [school]. Sometimes you [are] kind of limited on resources, but they had an opportunity to play on ESPN+ on a national level, [play at] the Mohegan Sun. We were held at the same hotel with North Carolina, Purdue and Villanova, those top teams in Division I. Just to see those guys, how they operate. It was easy for us to see and embrace the moment. Everything’s been awesome.”
Early on in the planning, the tournament was scheduled to host Division I HBCU teams only. At the urging of Paul’s elder brother, Charles “C.J.” Paul, who attended then-Division II South Carolina-Upstate for three years, a Division II tournament was added.
Credit: Basketball HOF/Twitter
“It’s great to see them play. It’s crazy because while this started out as a Division I tournament, which we have next week, I wanted to do something for the Division II schools. I played Division II, and we wanted to show them love,” C.J. Paul said. “My whole thing was I wanted [Division II HBCUs] to get an opportunity that not even the predominantly white institution Division II [schools get]. The only time these [Division II] teams go to tournaments is usually the CIAA or SIAC tournament. So we’re just starting something new just for HBCUs.
“People are talking about it. Every college coach has reached out to me at some point, like, can we get in next year. Just creating a buzz and setting the groundwork for what hopefully the future looks like. I definitely want this to be an every-year thing for Division II schools, as well as Division I schools.”
Paul’s inaugural Boost Mobile HBCU Challenge for Division I schools will air on ESPN platforms on Sunday and Monday, featuring Grambling, Hampton University, Morgan State and Norfolk State.
MOREHOUSE MAN MAKES HISTORY
While the tournament weekend offered HBCU players a chance to see the jerseys of legendary basketball contributors, Morehouse sophomore center Kalin Bennett went to view his own jersey, which hangs in the Basketball Hall of Fame. His No. 50 Kent State jersey is displayed in the “Underdogs” section of the museum, next to the clipboard used during UMBC’s upset over No. 1 seed Virginia in the 2018 NCAA tournament.
Bennett made history in 2018 as the first student-athlete with autism to sign a national letter with a Division I university when he signed with Kent State. He was diagnosed with autism at 9 months old. Bennett was the first autistic student-athlete to score in a Division I game on Nov. 6, 2019, in Kent State’s season-opening win over Hiram College.
“I’m not going to lie, it was kind of breathtaking to see that I’m in the Hall of Fame at such a young age, which is really not heard of,” Bennett said of seeing his jersey for the first time. “It was kind of amazing and understanding how big of a blessing that is to be able to help some other kids and help people understand that they can achieve their dreams no matter what they have. It’s pretty life changing.”
Bennett’s teammates, who affectionately call him “K.B.” and “Big Cheese” because of his gigantic smile and jovial nature, were excited to share and document his special moment.
“Our big guy,” said freshman Amahn Decker with a smile at the mention of his teammate’s name. “I love him. He’s like, I’m just [shorter]. It’s all love over here. We got to record him. It was a fun experience, plus he’s big-time. He’s in the Hall of Fame!”
Kalin Bennett stands in front of the display case containing his Kent State jersey at the Basketball Hall of Fame. (Credit: Morehouse Athletic Department)
Bennett, a 6-foot-10 center, played 17 games that 2019-20 season, finishing with 11 total points. He transferred to Morehouse in February before then-coach Grady Brewer died in May. Described by Morehouse interim head coach Douglas Whittler as a leader and coachable player, Bennett is excited to play for the Maroon Tigers and is prepared to bring his experience playing in the Division I Mid-American Conference to the Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“My time at Kent State was short, but I learned a lot. Everything I learned and everything I’ve seen, I tried to bring it with me here to Morehouse. I came here for Coach Whittler and Coach Brewer. I know who I came here for. I know who I know who’s going to stick by me, and I’m just here to win. I’m here to do whatever I can to win,” Bennett said.
“Being able to play such a prestigious tournament has been nothing short of a blessing,” Bennett said. “Shout-out to Chris Paul for having such a great idea about this tournament [and] shedding light on the other HBCUs and overlooked HBCUs, especially Morehouse. So being able to be here at this time and represent Morehouse with the M on my chest is really a sense of pride and sense of joy, and I’m glad to be here.”
In 2018, he founded his nonprofit foundation, SpeKTrum50, which he hopes offers inspiration and eventually programs for children with autism and parents of children diagnosed with autism.
“The SpeKTrum50 Foundation is built on helping kids on the autism spectrum feel encouraged and feel as if they can make it throughout the world and also help them, you know, seeing more opportunities,” Bennett said. “It also helps the parents, because when you have an autistic child, it’s not easy because you feel like you’re battling in a fight by yourself. So it’s awesome to help the parents understand like, ‘Hey, we’re here for you. We need somebody to talk to here.’ It’s just community outreach. It’s a dream that I’ve had since I was first able to talk. So being able to do that is really, really awesome.”
Bennett scored six combined points in the two games played at the HBCU Tip-Off. He started his first game of the season in Morehouse’s 71-66 loss to West Virginia State on Tuesday, scoring four points.
“Kalin’s amazing. He’s one of the smartest players that we have. We got to figure out how to get him the ball … we’re trying to feed him. We just got to figure out how to get him the ball,” Whittler said. “We actually [saw] his jersey when we did the Hall of Fame tour. So it’s been a blessing for us to get that guy because he knows what he’s doing. He can play. He’s a big body. I know that once we get to the conference that he’s going to dominate.”
The football program at Jackson State University has been doing well with its recruitment efforts. That’s especially evident now that 5-star player and Florida State commit Travis Hunter is looking at JSU too. Get the full story from Dustin Lewis at SportsIllustrated‘s NoleGameday below.
Credit: Dale Zanine
Hunter spent some time with legendary Seminole Deion Sanders over the weekend.
Jackson State is seeing a resurgence under head coach Deion Sanders. Not just on the football field, where the Tigers currently sit at 10-1, but on the recruiting trail as well. Sanders is doing something we haven’t seen often at HBCU’s, consistently landing top-flight talent. In the 2021 class, JSU brought in multiple four-star prospects out of high school and through the Transfer Portal.
Over the weekend, the top prospect in the 2022 class, defensive back Travis Hunter, made his way up to Mississippi to watch the Tigers face Alcorn State in front of 59K fans. The game was both senior day for Jackson State and it marked Sanders’ return for his first home contest since being hospitalized in late October.
‘22 #ESPN300 5-Star CB Travis Hunter who returned to the field last night following an ankle inj.-was in Jackson, MS today for a visit-Big visit for JSU as the #FSU commit saw them defeat Alcorn St in front of sellout-JSU is coached by former FSU great @DeionSanders@TheUCReportpic.twitter.com/OCSLgNKyHo
While this is certainly a huge visit for Jackson State, it might be even more important to note that the trip meant Hunter was able to spend some time around one of the greatest players in Florida State’s history. Sanders was a Hall of Fame defensive back in Tallahassee and Hunter has noted in the past that he looks up to him and wants to continue the DBU mantra. You can bet that they had a few conversations throughout the weekend.
The Tigers defeated Alcorn State, 24-10, while Hunter was on campus. JSU has won eight straight games with its only loss being to FBS UL-Monroe in September. Sanders is now 14-4 as a head coach.
Hunter returned to the football field on Friday night in Collins Hill’s second playoff game. He’s finally recovered from an ankle injury that he suffered earlier in the season and it showed. Hunter pulled down an interception and recorded an electric 48-yard touchdown in a 48-6 win. He’ll play Lowndes County on Friday night.
The No. 1 prospect was in Tallahassee last weekend to watch the Seminoles take down Miami for the first time in four years. He’s also visited Georgia during the season.
Hunter plans to sign with Florida State during the Early Signing Period in December.
Written by Howard University Student Nyah Hardmon, Presented by Beats By Dre
Maro Itoje is not your typical rugby player; the Saracens club and England national team member is anything but average. Instead, the Nigerian-British athlete plays in a league of his \\own, with his keen sense of self separating him from the pack.
As a Black athlete playing within a predominantly white league, Itoje’s experience differs from that of his teammates. Because the origins of rugby lie within the elitist culture of British gentlemen schooling, the foundation of the sport is rooted in a sense of exclusion. Even the expansion of the practice to new countries was often done under the caveat of colonialism, presenting a complicated relationship with players of color as natives of the land who did not always have access to the game.
In Nigeria, the birthplace of Itoje’s parents, rugby was first introduced with teams primarily composed of white settlers and foreigners. Thus, even with modern formations of more diverse organizations like the London Nigerian Rugby Club, Itoje’s upbringing within the sport has always deviated from the historical norm.
“Being a Black rugby player, you’re often one of the minority in a team,” Itoje admits. “The teams I play for, they’re brilliant and they’re very inclusive but the experience of being the other is an experience that most of my teammates would not necessarily have to experience.”
Yet, Itoje has proven that playing with people who don’t look like him is no challenge for his success within the industry. This ability to float above any cultural obstacles that come his way is something he attributes to his parents and their insistence that he stays grounded in who he is, where he comes from, and what he represents. Instead of trying to blend in with the crowd, Itoje chooses to stand out and stays faithful to himself.
“Within team sport, there’s always a bit of pressure to conform to the team, and it’s necessary to a certain degree otherwise the team wouldn’t be able to function, but there are times when things don’t necessarily mesh too smoothly,” Itoje says. “With those times, it’s about having a strong identity of who you are and the things that are important to you.”
For Itoje, a key part of who he is lies within his Nigerian heritage. With frequent trips to his family’s homeland, Itoje has always been connected to the West African country and its culture. Despite living in England, a nation with a different set of values, norms and traditions, Itoje uses conversations with friends and colleagues to celebrate this facet of his identity and educate others on his heritage.
“Being Nigerian is a very strong part of who I am and I think that whole background has shaped the person I am today,” Itoje says. “I think it’s the lens in which I see the world. It’s shaped me as a man, so that part of my identity is very special to me and it’s a part of my identity that I do hold close to my heart.”
Representing his heritage does not stop once Itoje steps off the field. His ventures outside of rugby and his profession allow him to further his efforts in cultural enlightenment. Through his passion for art, Itoje is able to place African artwork on a pedestal, shining a light on stories often overlooked. In an exhibit he helped curate at London’s Signature African Art Gallery entitled A History Untold, Itoje addresses minority misrepresentation head-on, using the creative medium to highlight Black contributions to society that often go unnoticed. The exhibit, which opened in May, is a love letter to the Black and African cultures Itoje wishes were celebrated more often.
“Art is the love affair that I’ve had for a couple of years now— in particular African art,” Itoje reveals. “I’m still able to use that as a means to celebrate my culture and I’m still able to appreciate the art forms. Even though I’m a rugby player, I still have the time to delve into that passion project of mine.”
While A History Untold exhibit tackles underrepresented populations through art, Itoje’s work with the social enterprise Black Curriculum brings this conversation into schools. The organization aims to widen the scope of Black history education, exposing students to the diversity that composes the Black experience over time. Since Itoje has always valued education, the collaboration was a perfect fit, offering the athlete an opportunity to correct the misrepresentation he experienced when he was younger.
“When I was in school, the only parts of Black history that were taught were the slave trade, the Civil Rights Movement in America and maybe a little bit on colonialism. While those three areas of history are important, it tells a single story with regards to African history, with regards to Black history, it doesn’t tell the full picture and I think that’s problematic on a number of fronts,” Itoje says.
From art to history, Itoje’s interests stretch well beyond the scope of sports, something that more and more teams are beginning to witness as the rise of athlete activism takes form. Itoje chalks up this recent trend to athletes embracing the multitudes of humanity.
Even though rugby is an instrumental part of Itoje’s life, he always restricted the sport to representing a portion of who he is rather than completely defining his persona. This allowed space for other interests like fashion and art, giving them room to flourish
alongside his athleticism. Still, this concept of athletes being multifaceted is an adjustment to leagues unaccustomed to viewing team members outside of their uniforms.
“People always have their beliefs of how you should behave and there’s certain things you do in your life that you’ll always get a little bit of pushback on,” Itoje says. “At the end of the day, you only have one life and you have to navigate that life the way you see fit. The way I’ve always seen it is to make the most of all the opportunities that I have and make sure I’m living life the way I want to live my life as opposed to the way others see I should live my life.”
This pledge to remaining true to himself includes making space for tough conversations. When discussing racism and discrimination, Itoje highlights the differing points of view of others to help them understand experiences outside of their own. He believes that these discussions have a place within rugby especially, as the sport still has room to grow in terms of inclusion and representation.
“Diversity of opinion is good and it should be encouraged, but with things as important as racism and discrimination, I think it’s important to have conversations. I think the moment we stop talking to one another is the moment things start to go in a very very negative way,” Itoje said.
Between dominating on the field, exploring his creativity and educating others, Itoje’s daily routine never lacks diversity. While he may not view himself as the outspoken advocate others paint him as, his presence in the industry adds to the pantheon of athletes who have redefined what it means to be more than an athlete, inspiring a new generation of players unafraid to chase what is important to them without sacrificing their careers. And when he’s not initiating necessary exchanges or using the smooth sounds of Keith Sweat to calm down, Itoje’s focus lies in being a role model for those that come after him.
“I often think of myself as trying to be the individual that I would have looked up to as a young player growing up,” Itoje said. “One thing I’ve always tried to do is always be the authentic ‘Maro,’ because I think when you’re authentic, when you’re yourself, whatever happens you can always walk with your head held high.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORNyah Hardmon is a junior journalism major at Howard University. She has worked as a writing fellow with the Washington Independent Review of Books as well as an on-air personality intern with WHUR. She was also part of the inaugural HBCU internship cohort at Universal Music Group. Nyah is an award winning spoken word poet with her original work featured in PoetryMagazine. She has received national recognition from the YoungArts Foundation and the U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
Pre-taped at the campus of Tennessee State University (TSU), which is recognized by the US Department of Education as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the country superstar gave fans a look into his Tennessee and Georgia upbringing before he performed “One Mississippi.”
“It feels awesome to represent country music at the AMAs,” Brown said. “I’m not your traditional country artist, but once you crack into what I’m doing, and what a lot of other country artists are doing today, it might make you decide that you want to go back and listen to things before us.”
“Kane Brown is a Tennessee native, and he’s changing the world through his music,” Dr. Glenda Glover, President of Tennessee State University shared. “It’s amazing to have him here. We proudly welcome Kane Brown to Tennessee State University.”
Brown’s performance, which was part of the AMAs new ‘My Hometown’ segment, found the chart-topping hitmaker performing the anthemic song surrounded by TSU students.
Watch his performance below.
Co-written by Brown alongside Jesse Frasure, Levon Gray and Ernest K. Smith and produced by Dann Huff, “One Mississippi” is a “song about a relationship. I don’t know everybody’s had where you make up, and you break up, and you just keep running into each other and then something about that spark in the relationship gets y’all back together and may fall apart again, but he tried it twice at least,” according to the country hitmaker.
The track officially impacted radio on Monday, August 23. “One Mississippi” quickly became the most added song at country radio, with over 112 total stations adding the track into their rotation, marking Brown’s biggest radio impact day to date.
The 2021 American Music Awards also featured performances from Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny with Tainy and Juliete Venegas, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez, BTS, Coldplay, Silk Sonic, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, Diplo, Måneskin, Mickey Guyton, Tyler, the Creator, Walker Hayes, and Zoe Wees.
The awards ceremony also included a star-studded list of presenters, including Machine Gun Kelly, Brandy, Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler, Anthony Ramos, Billy Porter, D-Nice, Drew Lachey, Joey Fatone and Shawn Stockman, JB Smoove, JoJo Siwa, Liza Koshy, Marsai Martin, Madelyn Cline, Michelle Young, and Winnie Harlow.
Sponsored by Xfinity, the 2021 American Music Awards is produced by MRC Live & Alternative and Jesse Collins Entertainment.
Hosted by Cardi B, the American Music Awards aired live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles at 8/7c on ABC.
The show will stream again on Monday, November 22, 2021, via Hulu.
Top seeded Howard University women’s volleyball team claimed its sixth Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in seven seasons after a 3-1 victory (22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-20) over No. 2 Delaware State (DSU) at Burr Gymnasium.
With the historic victory, HU (18-12) is now tied with Florida A&M for the most volleyball titles in MEAC history (13 total).
Freshman Cimone Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) led the Bison with 10 kills, eight digs and six total blocks (three solo). For her efforts, the Texas native was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
The Bison experienced a rocky start in set one with five service errors, but found some momentum throughout game one. But ultimately, HU lost the first set, 20-25.
Heading into set two, the Bison immediately found some momentum with back-to-back aces from junior setter Kayla Diaz (Nanuet, N.Y.). The New York product finished with three total services aces on the night.
Kills from C. Woodard and Dami Awojobi (Hempstead, N.Y.) thrusted the Bison to an 18-12 lead midway through the set, before Delaware State was forced to call a timeout.
A kill from MEAC Rookie of the Year Bria Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) then gave the Bison set point (24-21). Next play, an attack error from DSU sealed the game, 25-21, and tied the contest at one apiece. B. Woodard produced a double-double (11 digs & 10 kills), along with a pair of service aces, in the win.
The Bison took control in set three, starting with a kill by C. Woodard to open the set. A pair of service aces from senior Busisiwe Banda (Cedar Park, Texas) gave the Bison a 17-9 lead midway through the game.
After a DSU service error, the Bison moved to within one point of set point. The Hornets forced six set points, but another service error allowed the Bison to claim set three, 25-20.
In set four, Howard lost momentum in the beginning and trailed early, 2-6; however, a service ace from B. Woodard helped HU tie the game, 7-7. With a block from C. Woodard and Awojobi, the Bison kept the set tight early, 9-9. HU finished with 13 total blocks in the match.
After finding the first lead of the set with a kill from C. Woodard, the Bison then went on cruise control and captured set point and match point after a solo block from C. Woodard (25-20).
Junior middle blocker Tamar Wells (Apopka, Fla.) joined the Woodard sisters on the All-Tournament Team. The Florida native recorded eight kills and seven total blocks (one solo) in the win.
Senior Kailyn Williams (Arlington, Texas), who played her final match at The Burr, added nine kills and two digs in the victory.
“We dropped the first set and learned from our mistakes,” said Williams. “We knew the last three sets that we had to take of business. We fought and gave so much energy. We went for it and came away champions.”
Bison volleyball head coach Shaun Kupferberg was named MEAC Outstanding Coach.
Valeria Otero led the Delaware State Hornets (26-4) with 10 kills, seven digs, and one service ace.
The 2021 NCAA DI women’s volleyball championship bracket will be announced Sunday, Nov. 28 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Student athletes at North Carolina A&T State University have an entrepreneur and member of Alpha Phi Alpha to thank for a significant recent donation and new opportunities! Get the full story from the N.C. A&T release below.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is naming its track at Truist Stadium for entrepreneur Marcus T. Johnson in recognition of his philanthropic contributions that directly benefit students of color and support of minority-owned and -operated nonprofits.
The Aggies acknowledged Johnson and his recent $350,000 donation to the university during the football team’s last home game of the season Saturday, Nov. 20.
“We deeply appreciate Marcus Johnson for his generous gift that will benefit not only our track program, but all student athletes,” said Earl Hilton III, director of intercollegiate athletics. “This will help our facility maintain its status as a top track in the nation while also directly supporting student-athletes through scholarships.”
A Beaufort, North Carolina, native, Johnson was reared in Tarboro, North Carolina, where his parents instilled the values of education, hard work and giving back. After graduating from high school, he went on to earn his degree in business administration and finance from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
Johnson is an accomplished entrepreneur with enterprises spanning multiple industries. He operates Johnson Automotive Group (JAG) – one of the largest Black-owned franchise dealer groups in the country with locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A proud husband and father, Johnson is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. who prioritizes meaningful community involvement and continues to serve on various boards in the Carolinas.
Additionally, as a champion for minority advancement in leadership and commerce, Johnson is devoted to closing the wealth gap through opportunity and access.
“I believe representation is important. This by no means levels the playing field, but it helps address persisting disparities,” said Johnson. “It is an honor to invest in our scholar-athletes as they continue the pursuit of excellence.”
The track at A&T – now known as Marcus T. Johnson Track – has produced stellar athletic success in recent years, most recently with Trevor Stewart ‘20 and Randolph Ross Jr. becoming the university’s first Olympic gold medalists after leading the United States to the medal round of the men’s 4×400-meter relay in Tokyo on Aug. 7. Stewart made history as the first Aggie to earn a medal in the Olympics, securing a bronze medal for the United States in the inaugural mixed 4×400-meter relay in Tokyo on Aug. 1.
The Aggies claimed national titles in the men’s 4×400-meter relay and 400-meter race and the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter races at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in June. Ross Jr., who won the 400-meter race, joined Stewart, Daniel Stokes and Akeem Sirleaf to claim the 4×400-meter relay victory. Cambrea Sturgis won the 100-meter and 200-meter races, marking only the 13th time in NCAA history a runner accomplished the feat and becoming the first to do it in five years.
The 2021 list of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s latest Honorary Members has just been released! Get the full scoop on who made the list in the Black Enterprise story by Tai Saint-Louis below.
On day two of its 55th National Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. released its list of 2021 Honorary Members, which includes journalists Joy-Ann Reidand Abby Phillip, and singer Ledisi.
The complete list of honorary sorors, revealed via the organization’s Instagram page on Saturday morning, also includes former Navy Admiral Michelle J. Howard, Ambassador Attallah Shabbazz and Collette V. Smith, the NFL’s 1st Black female coach.
“Honorary Membership is the highest honor extended to women who have made significant contributions to society while excelling in their chosen fields,” the social media post read. “It is with joy that we welcome these exemplary women into our beloved sisterhood!”
Each of these women have received a multitude of accolades in their respective fields, which range from sports to politics to the military.
Ledisi has been nominated for multiple awards over the course of her 21-year career, including 13 Grammy nominations. Earlier this year, she took home the Grammy for the song “Anything For You.”
Reid has been a mainstay in political coverage over the last few years, working as a national correspondent for MSNBC. Her spotlight grew even more when her latest platform at the network, The ReidOut took over the 7p.m. timeslot formerly held by Chris Matthews’ Hardball. CNN Senior Political Correspondent Abby Phillip is the host of Inside Politics and led several 2020 elections-related specials for the network.
During her military career, Howard broke several barriers, including becoming the first African-American woman to command a United States Navy ship. As a four-star admiral, not only did Howard retire as the highest ranked woman in US Naval history, she was also the first female four-star admiral to command active operational forces.
After having achieved her own recognition as an author, activist and speaker, in 2002 Shabazz – the daughter of Malcolm X – was asked by the Prime Minister of Belize to serve as an Ambassador-At-Large representing the Central American nation in perpetuity.
Rounding out the list of newest members is Smith, who became the first female coach within the NFL when she coached the New York Jets‘ defensive backs during the 2017-2018 season. According to The Daily Drip, he now works with the Women’s Football League Association.
As Honorary Members of DST, the women are following in the footsteps of Angela Bassett, Ruby Dee, Aretha Franklin, and Cicely Tyson, to name a few.
American Baptist College board member Rosetta Perry has helped to open a store in the Nashville International Airport! Learn about the store, which will feature HBCU gear, in the story by Ms. June in The Tennessee Tribune below.
Nashville International Airport (BNA), Skyport Hospitality, The Tennessee Tribune, and Chaux Consulting announce the opening of the Tennessee Tribune Store by changing the landscape of airport retail properties on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. Over 40 diverse vendors and HBCU collegiate apparel will be included in the inventory. The arduous process which began over three years ago started with 432 applications desiring to join Fraport-USA’s efforts to convert the Nashville airport into the crown jewel of airports.
Nashville’s culture resonates for tourists and BNA is a destination location for international travelers, and an entertainment paradise accessible also to Nashville’s minorities and African Americans. The Tennessee Tribune store is among many Nashville favorites including: 360 Degrees, Vino Fiesta, Party Fowl, Acme Feed and Seed, The Southern, Swett’s and a host of other popular concepts that will fill the 133,000 square feet through the year 2029. The Tennessee Tribune is part of the local innovators and independent operators transforming the BNA environment and providing travelers with a truly authentic Southern hospitality experience.
Many local vendors such as Tim’s Southern Tea, Maggie Allen Candy, Kandles by Kierra, Winfrey Family Foods, What My Shirt Say, Bryla J. Couture, Nashville Roast Coffee and more can be found in the custom designed store that captures the history of the Tennessee Tribune.
Local authors and HBCUs collegiate apparel as well as popular genres will also have a presence. Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, Dr. Ruben Cockrell, Dr. Jewell Winn & Dr. Walton Minton, Seanne Wilson, Renukah Christoph and Rosetta Miller-Perry, among the diverse list of authors with literary works in the store.
With over 14 million travelers expected to visit BNA, Mrs. Miller-Perry stated that “she’s ready to embark on this retail journey and continue the non-stop legacy of the Tennessee Tribune.” The 1,800 square foot Tennessee Tribune store, which is the first of two locations, can be accessed in the South Terminal near Southwest Airlines between terminals C and D. The second location that will be 1,200 square feet is expected to open in the Spring of 2022 and will be pre-security with grab and go offerings, similar wares from the first store and other novelty items.
A gaming company with dealings all over the country has earmarked an additional $4 million to support HBCUs! Learn about how Penn National Gaming, Inc. has already supported 33 HBCUs, and its plans for these additional funds in the release below.
Credit: Bowie State University
Penn National Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN)(“Penn National” or the “Company”) announced today that it has launched a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (“STEM”) Scholarship Program in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (“HBCUs”) in states where it operates. Through this initiative, Penn National will dedicate more than $4 million over five years to fund STEM scholarships and internship opportunities at the Company. The initial participating HBCUs include Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, and Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio.
“Last year, we formed the Penn Diversity Committee to help put our Company’s longstanding support of diversity and inclusion into action,” said Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn National. “The Committee, which reports directly to me, includes a broad range of team members from underrepresented communities and at varying levels in our organization. Their guidance led to the Company launching a $1 million annual Diversity Scholarship Program for children of Penn National team members in furtherance of the Company’s commitment to equity in post-secondary education opportunities. This year 58 scholarships were awarded to eligible candidates, 57% of whom are first-generation students.
“The hard work of our Diversity Committee continues to help identify opportunities for new initiatives, including today’s announced commitment towards STEM scholarships and internships for students at HBCUs. Increasing access to STEM opportunities for HBCU students is another important step to promote social and economic equity, as well as diversity, inclusion and belonging. Penn National is well positioned to be North America’s leading digital, entertainment, sports content, gaming, and technology company, and we look forward to supplementing these scholarships with real-life technical skills development for the STEM internship recipients.”
Penn National’s commitment to fund STEM scholarships and internship opportunities is an extension of the Company’s established partnerships with 33 HBCUs across the country. The ongoing collaboration with HBCUs facilitates career opportunities at Penn National’s properties while increasing participation in its Leadership Excellence at Penn National Gaming (“LEAP”) Program, which provides hands-on training, mentoring, and real world experience to new or recent college graduates who are interested in building a long term career in the gaming industry.
We are incredibly proud of our partnerships with HBCUs across the country,” said Justin Carter, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations for Penn National and Chairman of the Company’s Diversity Committee. “The STEM Scholarship Program is another important step in narrowing the representation gap in STEM fields among certain underrepresented communities.”
