Report On Racial Equity In Finance Released In Collaboration With Dillard University and Wiley College

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Dillard University and Wiley College participated in research examining the racial financial health gap. Get the full story from the Marshall News Messenger below!

PayPal Holdings, Inc. and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, in partnership with two historically Black colleges and universities Dillard University and Wiley College, released new research as part of PayPal’s commitment to advancing racial equity.

The white paper, titled “Reducing the Racial Financial Health Gap: The Opportunity for Responsible Fintech,” addresses the importance of financial health in the Black community and the unique role that financial technology companies can play in reducing the financial health and wealth gaps.

“Positively impacting financial health is complex. The way forward requires investigation and commitment to the social good,” said Herman J. Felton Jr., president and CEO, Wiley College. “Our contribution begins with our desire to see change for our communities and willingness to partner for the creation of research that impacts policy. Our report will be an exercise in what we believe is a strengthening of information, an impetus for new dialogues and a centering of the people and our communities.”

The paper was funded as part of PayPal’s $535 million commitment announced in June of last year to support Black-owned businesses, strengthen underserved communities and address economic inequality. A critical component of the commitment involves partnering with non-profit and public sector experts to explore the breadth of the racial wealth gap and the potential solutions that the public and private sectors can implement to help close it.

“We all have an opportunity and a responsibility to play a role in addressing the ongoing racial inequities within the U.S. economy and around the world,” said Dan Schulman, president and CEO, PayPal. “We need to work together to ensure that future innovation in the financial services industry is inclusive and accessible to all. We’re proud to partner with the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, Dillard University and Wiley College on releasing this important study and are grateful to the faculty members who guided this effort.”

The paper outlines the history of how gaps in education, income, employment, credit access and banking access, reinforced by racial discrimination, have contributed to both the racial wealth gap and disparities in financial health. It also presents recommendations for how both the private and public sectors can help reduce the financial health gap, including:

Partnering with HBCUs

Today, the nation’s 106 HBCUs make up 3 percent of America’s colleges and universities, yet they produce almost 20 percent of all Black graduates and 25 percent of Black graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Companies should look to partner with HBCUs, particularly those that do not benefit from substantial national attention, not only on recruiting efforts but also on building a financial health curriculum that can aid in narrowing the racial wealth gap.

Developing inclusive financial products

The fintech industry has the opportunity to expand inclusive financial products for people who are credit invisible (those with no credit history or credit report at the national credit bureaus) or have thin or low credit. Whether it is through access to affordable credit, fair and flexible small business lending products or products that help build an individual’s savings, fintech companies have the ability to address systemic barriers to wealth creation for Black and underserved communities.

Pairing private sector innovation with public policy

To address systemic issues that have contributed to the racial financial health and wealth gaps, fintech companies should proactively work with government stakeholders to promote the needs of underserved communities to ensure public policy, laws and regulations reflect the changing landscape of financial services and the opportunity they provide to economically empower these populations.

“African Americans still don’t experience the American dream or rights and privileges the same as their white counterparts, thus impeding upward mobility for most African Americans,” said U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, chairman, CBCI. “In the report, data and research show that Black people have on average higher unemployment rates, lower earnings, lower rates of homeownership and pay more for credit and banking services. This report provides solutions and avenues for financial wellness among African Americans. It is an excellent example of good corporate social responsibility in action.”

“We hope that this report leads to robust conversations among policy makers, and spurs additional academic inquiry,” said Walter M. Kimbrough, president, Dillard University. “Reducing the financial health and wealth gaps must become key priorities for a healthy, increasingly diverse nation.”

Delaware State University Delays Campus Return For Spring Semester

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We previously reported that Howard University has delayed its spring semester, and now Delaware State University has decided a similar fate. Get the full story from Chanel Hill Tribune Staff Writers at The Philadelphia Tribune below.

Credit: Delaware State University

Delaware State University is delaying the return of students to campus by two weeks due to the surge in coronavirus cases that’s being driven by the Omicron variant.

Classes will still begin as planned on Jan. 10, but they will be held virtually for two weeks.

To return to campus, all students, faculty and staff will be required to get a booster shot unless they have university-approved religious or medical exceptions.

Those without booster-shot protection will not be permitted on campus during the spring semester. The university will make booster shots available on campus in January.

“The Omicron variant represents a new challenge because it is so highly contagious, but by mandating vaccine booster shots and briefly delaying the start of face-to-face classes, university leaders are giving their community the best chance for students to continue working toward their degrees in relative safety,” Dr. Neil Hockstein, a Delaware physician and adviser to Testing for America, said in a statement.

In a letter to the university community, Delaware State president Tony Allen said a booster is the best chance to defend against widespread infection.

“The Omicron variant is durable, has very high penetration rates even for those who are fully vaccinated and spreads three to four times more quickly than other variants we have seen,” Allen said in the letter.

“Those who are fully vaccinated and have the booster are much less likely to contract the virus,” he said.

“As a result, we have concluded that this is the best path forward,” he added. “The booster is our best chance to defend against widespread infection on campus, protecting you and the people around you.”

Michelle Fisher, associate vice president of campus health, added that students should get the booster shot right away as the shot does not provide maximum effectiveness until two weeks after it’s given.

“With the widespread availability of booster shots, the university is emphasizing to all students that they should get a booster shot as soon as possible,” Fisher said.

“The booster does not provide maximum effectiveness until two weeks after it is administered and the university wants its students as fully protected as possible before they arrive on campus at the beginning of the semester.”

Allen said the university will continue to implement a number of measures to fight the pandemic.

“While COVID-19 continues to disrupt our normal business, the university’s nimble, science-based approach has served us well since the pandemic’s earliest days, keeping case counts low by using the best tools at our disposal, including required vaccination, mask wearing, regular testing, and contact-tracing protocols,” Allen said.

Howard University To Delay Start of Spring 2022 Semester

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The rise in COVID-19 infections has led Howard University to push back the start of the spring semester. Get the full story from Howard Newsroom Staff below.

Credit: Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images

We are continuing to monitor the surge in COVID-19 cases locally and throughout the region. The significant increase in cases is, in part, due to the spread of the omicron variant, which is more easily transmissible than the delta variant. So far, it has resulted mainly in mild to moderate symptoms among vaccinated individuals. Our public health team continually monitors COVID-19 transmission data and the changing local and federal public health guidance. We have also consulted with academic institutions in the D.C. consortium of universities. Further, the CDC predicts a potential peak in COVID-19 cases in January. Our most recent weekly positivity rate has increased to 19 percent, which is the highest number we have seen throughout the pandemic. At that rate, we would not have enough beds to quarantine positive students living in the residence halls, if students returned on the originally scheduled start date for the spring semester. 

As a result, we will delay the start of the Spring 2022 semester for undergraduate and graduate students until Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Face-to-face courses will begin on that date. University administrative operations will begin on January 3, 2022. Students in professional programs will receive specific guidance from their schools to accommodate accreditation and licensure requirements.

Vaccinations, mask usage and regular testing were integral to our successful operations during the Fall semester. We previously announced that all faculty, staff and students will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster by Monday, January 31, 2022, if you are already eligible for a booster, or within 30 days after becoming eligible.

Approved medical and religious exemptions will continue to be granted. Booster vaccines are available on campus on the first floor of the Howard University Hospital, Freedmen’s Hall, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with no appointment necessary. Students should continue to upload vaccine documentation in Med+Proctor, and employees should upload vaccine documentation in Workday. We will continue to require mask usage indoors and in group settings outdoors.

Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 will continue to occur. We know that individuals who have received a booster shot of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) have significantly more antibodies in their system than individuals who have not yet received booster shots and even more than those who are unvaccinated. These increased antibody levels result in greater effectiveness of the vaccines, reducing severe illness or hospitalization. The bottom line is that you are more protected if you are vaccinated.

We are also requiring that everyone returning to campus from Winter Break for the Spring 2022 semester will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test within four days prior to arrival. 

Students in residential housing will return to campus beginning Friday, January 14, 2022 between 7:00am-9:00pm. While administrative operations will resume on January 3, 2022, meetings will be conducted virtually wherever possible, and units with approved telework authority may continue to implement that flexibility. Your cabinet officials will provide specific guidance to each unit.

A virtual town hall will be scheduled to discuss more details and answer any questions we receive prior to the start of classes. Updates will be communicated via email, and general updates will be shared on Howard’s Twitter page. 

Our highest priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. These steps will help us maintain as safe an environment as possible in order to provide the best educational experience to our students. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, we are leveraging our collective knowledge and experience to adapt our community to the many changes in the virus and the pandemic.

Fort Valley State Community Mourns Tragic Passing of MiAysha Brannon

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MiAysha Brannon was a junior Veterinary Technician at Fort Valley State University before her life was tragically taken by a member of her family. FVSU released a statement on the sad news, but you can learn more about the story from Chris Harris at People below.

A South Carolina man fatally shot his 23-year-old daughter before injuring his wife and then killing himself.

According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Arthur Brannon locked himself and his daughter, MiAysha Brannon, in their Boiling Springs home on Sunday morning.

Responding deputies arrived at the home around 6:30 a.m. to find Laquanda Brannon — Brannon’s wife and MiAysha’s mother — outside, suffering from a gunshot wound to her right arm. She said she had been in a verbal fight with her husband, who then opened fire on her and locked her out of the home. 

Laquanda Brannon was transported to the hospital, where she continues to receive treatment.

Hostage negotiators were summoned to the scene to speak with Arthur Brannon. 

After failing to make contact with him, a SWAT team was sent in, where the father and daughter were found dead.

PEOPLE confirms that MiAysha was a junior at Fort Valley State University in Georgia, where she was studying to become a veterinary technician.

The school issued a statement on her death, saying she had a promising future ahead of her.

“The death of MiAysha Brannon is devastating news,” said the university’s president, Paul Jones. “She was a cherished member of our Wildcat family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this very sad time.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been established online to help Laquanda in the wake of Sunday’s violence.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Fayetteville State University Designated The First Purple Heart University in UNC System

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Fayetteville State University has made history in the University of North Carolina System. Get the full story from the release below.

 Credit: The University of North Carolina System

The Military Order of the Purple Heart has designated Fayetteville State University (FSU) a Purple Heart University, making FSU the first university in the University of North Carolina System to receive the honor. The Purple Heart University designation is in recognition of FSU’s history of supporting veterans and their families. The recognition letter from the Military Order of the Purple Heart stated that the designation honors the entire veteran community at the University, as well as the students, faculty and staff, Board of Trustees and administration. FSU becomes the first university among the sixteen University of North Carolina System to be designated as a “purple heart university.”

The Purple Heart Medal, which was created by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, is the oldest military award given to U.S. military members. The medal is given to U.S. military members who are wounded in combat or to their next of kin if they are killed in action or die from wounds received in action. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active-duty men and women who have received the decoration. Most importantly, through veteran service officers, the organization provides comfort and assistance to all veterans and their families.

“FSU has a long legacy of educating those who serve in the Armed Forces. At FSU, we lead HBCU’s in military connected student enrollment and this honor demonstrates our deep appreciation to our military students. Our university sits right in the same city with the largest U.S. Army base in the country and it makes us proud that our students reflect that and support that as well.” Says, Siobhan Norris, Associate Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs. 

In June of this year, FSU was named 168th on the Military Times’ ‘Best Bet for Vets’ list. An impressive nationwide pool of 500 universities completed a comprehensive survey consisting of 150 questions aimed at understanding university operations tailored to former service members and their families. Active-duty military members can take advantage of FSU’s online course options and flexible degree programs.

Year in Review: Edward Waters University’s Transformational Year

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Formerly a college, Edward Waters University has had a great year amid its transformation! Get the full story from Will Brown at the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Credit: Edward Waters University

It’s possible 2021 may have been the most transformative year in the 155-year history of Florida’s oldest historically Black college.

 Edward Waters became a university in June when the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges allowed the Jacksonville-based school to offer master’s degrees for the first time. Once approved, Edward Waters University immediately began offering an online MBA program.

Earlier this year, President A. Zachary Faisonsaid the goal for offering master’s courses was to raise Edward Waters’ profile. He noted the university has plans to add two more master’s and four more undergraduate programs by the end of the Spring 2023 semester.

Faison said the university is approaching its academic offerings through a matching what students are anecdotally noting are their interests; data from which majors have the most enrollment and matriculation as well as the needs of the labor market.

Edward Waters is concentrating more on encouraging its students to obtain certifications within their degree programs than on concentrations in order to prepare students for postgraduate careers 

The result? Edward Waters has its largest enrollment in nearly 30 years. Its 14.5% growth in student enrollment is what will power the university financially to incorporate new degrees and programs.

Since Faison arrived in 2018, Edward Waters has sought to use athletics as a figurative front porch to the university. This was the year, some of those early seeds began to sprout.

In July, the National Collegiate Athletic Association approved EWU’s application to become a provisional Division II institution. The SIAC welcomed the Tigers back to the fold for the first time in more than 80 years later that month.

Also, this summer, Edward Waters christened the Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium. The $4.3 million facility will house the Tigers football and women’s soccer programs.

Edward Waters kicked off the stadium in grand style in August with a 24-20 victory over Florida Memorial. The Tigers finished their first Division II football season with 4-7 record.

“We have some additional sports that we are going to be adding,” Faison told the Business Journal in October. “The next two or three years we expect nothing but continued, phenomenal and record-breaking growth.”

Harris-Stowe State University Launches $3M Effort To Turn Historic Building Into Home of Jazz Institute

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Harris-Stowe State University is kicking off on-campus renovations with a bang! Get the full story from Diana Barr of the St. Louis Business Journal below.

Once the project is complete, the building will house the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame

Harris-Stowe State University on Thursday kicked off an estimated $3 million renovation and expansion of the historic former Vashon Community Center, located on the southwest end of the university’s main campus in Midtown.

The renovation will include an addition on the building’s north side that will serve as a new accessible entry, officials said, bringing the facility to 15,459 square feet. The work is expected to be completed in fall 2022.

Once the project is complete, the building will house the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame on its upper level. The building’s lower level will house orientation and support spaces for the university, as well as classroom spaces, officials said.

The building, at the corner of Market Street and Compton Avenue, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Opened in 1937, it was one of a handful of public recreational facilities available to the Black community in St. Louis due to segregation at the time. HSSU received the center and its land from the city of St. Louis for $10 in 1999, according to a campus history. In 2009, the university received a $1 million federal grant from the National Park Service to stabilize the building’s structure, and the exterior was restored in 2013.

The building’s floor plan also includes a repository for historical documents to hold works from former U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay Sr., D-St. Louis; the late Frankie Muse Freeman, prominent St. Louis attorney and civil rights leader; and the late Henry Givens Jr., president emeritus of HSSU. 

Click here for the full story.

West Virginia State University Is Seeking Its Next President

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West Virginia State University is looking for a new president, and if you feel like you may be a great fit, it’s your time to apply! Get the full story from Ryan Quinn at the Charleston Gazette-Mail below.

West Virginia State University is now accepting applications to be its next president.

The application deadline “for full consideration” is Feb. 11, 2022, according to the presidential search timeline. Nominations, applications, resumes, references’ contact information and cover letters may be mailed to wvsupresident2022@agbsearch.com, said university Board of Governors Chairman Chuck Jones.

The 16-member search committee includes several board members and people from Kanawha County, according to a document Jones provided. They include the state’s higher education chancellor, the university’s National Alumni Association president, Encova Mutual Insurance Group’s board executive chairman, Democrat House of Delegates member Larry Rowe and community organizer and pastor the Rev. Matthew Watts. Jones said more members might be added next week.

This committee will choose three finalists, who will visit the Institute campus for presentations and question-and-answer sessions March 14-18. Jones said they will meet with alumni, faculty, and students.

“We’d have individual times for all the constituent groups to meet with them individual, ask them questions,” he said.

According to the timeline the board approved earlier this month, the new president is expected to be named in late March or April.

The separate board of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, which oversees four-year colleges, still must vote on approving the university’s search procedure. Later, that agency will have to vote on approving the compensation offered to the new leader.

The historically Black university is again using Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search to help find a new president. The school paid AGB Search to more than $80,000 for the search that ended with hiring Nicole Pride. Because Pride resigned after less than a year as president, the search firm is waiving the fee to redo the search, but not waiving additional expenses, such as consultant travel.

Pride served as president from Sept. 1, 2020, to July 30, 2021. She resigned after most members of her senior Cabinet asked the university’s board to remove her “to allow for an investigation.”

Their letter accused Pride of violating an employee’s privacy and “condescending and abusive dialogue” that had contributed to a “hostile work environment.”

Ericke Cage, who was hired as Pride’s chief of staff 11 days before she resigned, has been leading the university’s day-to-day operations since. The board named him interim president in September.

New PVAMU Alumna Uses Nursing Degree As Powerful Example of Perseverance

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A Prairie View A&M University nursing graduate has pursed education despite motherhood, low GPA, and other obstacles. Now, she is showing others that they can achieve their dreams too! Get the full story from the PVAMU release below.

Prairie View A&M University alumna Ilene Robbins ’21 knew it was her destiny to become a nurse. From a young age, she watched nurses care for her aunt and knew she wanted to enter the healing profession. The road to graduation ended up being a far tougher path than she imagined, including the challenge of trying to graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic. But she finished strong this past spring and completed the RN-BSN program offered through PVAMU’s College of Nursing.

“My whole nursing journey has been one for the books,” Robbins said. “I want the next person to know—no matter what obstacles get thrown at you, it can be done.”

Robbins began her studies at PVAMU in 2015. It wasn’t long before life took unexpected turns, and she took a leave from the university in 2017. Her dream of becoming a nurse never wavered, though. As a single mother, she knew she would return to school no matter how many difficulties she faced.

“My daughter was definitely my ‘why.’ I wanted her to know that if God puts a dream in your heart, there is nothing that can stop you,” Robbins said.

As a first-generation college graduate, Robbins credits the support of her family in helping her accomplish her dream. Because she left PVAMU in 2017 with a low GPA, it took a lot of time and studying to get back on track while balancing work and motherhood. In 2019, she was accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing program at Houston Community College and was able to get her academic career started again.

Shortly after, in January 2020, a massive manufacturing explosion occurred near her mother’s house, where she and her daughter lived. The explosion made national news, and her mother’s home was declared uninhabitable. For more than a year, she lived in a hotel, temporary housing, and with friends and family until they could return home. During that year of instability, she managed to stay on top of her courses, work, and taking care of her daughter.

“It helps your character—you learn to persevere,” she said of the situation. “You just do it. I saw it like I have no other choice; I have to take care of my daughter.”

She decided to see the setback as a positive. During her hotel stay, she focused on the fact someone else was making the beds and cleaning the bathroom while she and her daughter had access to breakfast each morning in the lobby. She used the experience to propel her forward toward her goal.

Robbins (left) and her daughter (right)

“I decided I’m going to be positive because being negative isn’t going to help. Having a pity party wasn’t going to help me graduate,” Robbins recalled.

During that time, she was determined to pass the NCLEX nursing exam and return to PVAMU to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She passed the NCLEX exam just as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting and was accepted into the PVAMU RN-BSN program. That was when Robbins had to redouble her efforts.

She was able to attend the program online, but her daughter was also attending class online due to COVID-19. Robbins became both a teacher and mother while trying to do her own work as a student.

“Starting my nursing journey during the high impact of COVID made everything feel as though it was moving at a faster pace,” she said. “I’m thankful that the people I work with were patient and willing to answer all my questions.”

After her six-week preceptorship, Houston experienced the “great freeze” of February 2021. The city – along with much of the state – lost power and water for days and even weeks in some places.

“I was in the hospital for three days – we lost water,” she said. “We passed meds with bottles of water. There was also COVID, so we had to make sure each patient was safe, had their own bottle of water and was accommodated.”

Robbins said the challenge went beyond keeping patients safe in the hospital. They also had to ensure that transportation was safe and that patients had a safe environment to return to when they were discharged.

“Everything’s a learning experience,” she said. “Our hospital is short [of nurses]; everywhere is short. Every hospital is short; every hospital is bombarded, whether it’s from COVID or not.”

At graduation, Robbins stayed on in the Intermediate Care Unit at HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball. Today, she assists patients who are well enough to be released from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but not yet well enough to return to the general hospital population.

“Originally, I attended PVAMU because I knew they had a great nursing school. I was truly happy that I was able to come back and complete my BSN here,” Robbins said.

Her goal is to work in the ICU before continuing her education journey and earning her master’s degree. Robbins advises students to never give up on their dreams, even if the path is difficult.

“It may look impossible on the outside, but nothing is impossible with God. There were dark days for sure, but God brought me to the other side,” she said. “Learn as much as possible. Be inquisitive and don’t miss any opportunity to learn something, even something small. It will all help you grow in your career.”

By Jocelyn Kerr

John Madden Coached These HBCU Greats

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John Madden recently passed away, but his legacy is evident in HBCU football. Get the full story from Kyle T. Mosley at Sports Illustrated below.

John Madden coached Willie Brown (Grambling) and Eldridge Dickey (Tennessee State)

John Madden was a legendary head coach and broadcaster who coached several outstanding HBCU great players in the NFL — two became a Hall of Famers.

NFL legendary coach and Hall of Famer John Madden passed at the age of 85 on Monday, Dec. 28. I enjoyed hearing him with Pat Summerall and later Al Michaels commentate on featured football games, championships, and Super Bowls for CBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC. 

He was an icon.

His legendary name has impacted generations of sports fans familiar with his reputation through the popular EA Sports video game “Madden.”

Before John Madden became a colossal success in the digital world, he coached the then Oakland Raiders as linebackers coach (1967-68) and head coach (1969-78). He earned PFW AFL Coach of the Year honors in 1969 as he guided the Raiders to the Super Bowl XI championship that season.

Madden was responsible for coaching eighteen of the fifty-five players who played for HBCU schools before playing for the Raiders organization. During his tenure, those men helped John Madden-led teams to a winning record of 103-32-7.

USATSI_2184956_168388561_lowres

ART SHELL

Shell came to the Raiders after being a fantastic professional prospect at Maryland State (now known as the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore).  The longtime Raider was named one of the Top 100 NFL players of all-time.  

He played for the Raiders and Madden at offensive tackle from 1968 to 1982.  Al Davis hired Shell as the first African American head coach in the NFL’s modern era.  The two-time Super Bowl champion was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and became the 1990 NFL Coach of the Year.

Shell played in eight Pro Bowls and was an AP All-Pro twice in his storied career.

Jan 9, 1977; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders (24) Willie Brown (24) runs back an interception against the Minnesota Vikings at the Rose Bowl during Super Bowl XI . The Raiders defeated the Vikings 32-14. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports

Jan 9, 1977; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders (24) Willie Brown (24) runs back an interception against the Minnesota Vikings at the Rose Bowl during Super Bowl XI . The Raiders defeated the Vikings 32-14. (Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports)

WILLIE BROWN

Defensive back Willie Brown attended Grambling State University and played for another coaching legend, Eddie Robinson.  

Willie Brown’s Career:

Brown lettered all four years at split end and outside linebacker during his time at Grambling. He was a member of Coach Eddie Robinson’s first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship team in 1960. Although undrafted out of college, he would retire the only NFL player to intercept at least one pass in 16 consecutive seasons. During his 12 years with the Oakland Raiders, he played in three AFL and six AFC championship games, as well as Super Bowls II and XI. He is still considered among the premier cornerbacks of all time. Finishing his career with 54 interceptions, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

Willie Brown’s Career from the Black College Football Hall of Fame

HBCU PLAYERS COACHED BY JOHN MADDEN

  1. DB Howie Williams (1964 – 1969) – Howard
  2. DT Carleton Oats (1965 – 1972) – Florida A&M
  3. RB Hewritt Dixon (1966 – 1970) – Florida A&M
  4. WR Warren Wells (1967 – 1970) – Texas Southern
  5. DB Willie Brown (1967 – 1978) – Grambling State * Pro Football & Black College Football Hall of Fames
  6. OL Art Shell (1968-1982) – Maryland State *Pro Football Hall of Fame
  7. DT Al Dotson (1968 – 1970) – Grambling State
  8. TE John Eason (1968) – Florida A&M
  9. QB/WR Eldridge Dickey (1968 – 1971) – Tennessee State *Black College Football Hall of Fame
  10. DB Nemiah Wilson (1968 – 1974) – Grambling State
  11. DB George Aktinson (1968- 1977) – Morris Brown
  12. DB Alvin Wyatt (1970) – Bethune-Cookman 
  13. DE Harold Rice (1971) – Tennessee State
  14. WR Frank Pitts (1974) – Southern 
  15. RB Harold Hart (1975-1975, 1978) – Texas Southern 
  16. T Henry Lawrence (1974 – 1986) – Florida A&M
  17. RB Hubert Ginn (1976-1978) – Florida A&M
  18. DE Charles Philyaw (1976 -1979) – Texas Southern 
Dickey

ELDRIDGE DICKEY

Former Tennessee State legend Eldridge Dickey was drafted by the Raiders in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Dickey never had a real opportunity to earn the starting job for the Raiders with quarterback Ken Stabler on the roster. 

Later, the team made him a wide receiver. The highly-talented signal-caller “left the game without taking a regular-season snap at quarterback and who never forgave football before he died of a stroke, in 2000, at 54,” wrote Michael Lee.

Many fans and experts have considered Dickey as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in HBCU history.

John Madden lauded the skills and abilities of hundreds, perhaps, thousands of players during his days as a coach and broadcaster. The historic coach’s passion, knowledge, and quirky sayings for football will be missed by many, but his legacy will continue by simply saying one word — Madden.

Talladega College Receives Historic $2.5M Donation

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Known for putting its students first, Talladega College has received a helping hand from a special donor. Previously, the college helped to clear over $1 million student debt to help make education more affordable during the pandemic. Now, a hefty $2.5 million donation, which set a record for the HBCU, will help Talladega continue to support students through the creation of a new scholarship program. Get the full story about how Talladega College plans to use the funds from the release below.

Credit: Talladega College

Talladega College recently received an anonymous and historic donation of $2.5 million in support of student scholarships. 
 
With these funds, the College plans to expand its ‘Angel Award’ scholarship program which will tremendously impact the lives of current and incoming students.
 
“This donation is the first of many,” said Dr. Lisa Long, acting president of Talladega College. “Our mission is to equip our graduates for the global community through academic excellence, moral values, community service, and professional development.”
 
“These funds will enable us to continue our path of success and our unwavering journey to remain an institution of excellence,” she added.
 
In August, the College received an anonymous donation of $250,000 which was used to create the ‘Angel Award.’ This scholarship has provided financial assistance to nearly 100 students who were facing economic struggles.
 
According to Long, she is not certain about the identity of the College’s ‘angel in disguise,’ but she is exceedingly grateful for their generosity.
 
“Our College’s most important asset is our people,” said Long. “This donation is yet another validation that we’re on the right track with facilitating the needs of our students.”
 
Among many other demonstrations of generosity and merits, the College recently cleared $925,666 in debt for students with balances for the terms of Spring 2020 through Summer 2021, and was recently ranked in the top 100 most affordable public administration colleges.
 

Paul Quinn College Surprises Middle School Students With College Acceptance Letters

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Paul Quinn College surprised 6th and 7th grade students with acceptance letters during a special event at Frederick D. Haynes III Global Preparatory Academy. Get the full story from Demond Fernandez at local Dallas station WFAA below.

Credit: WFAA

About 90 students from Frederick D. Haynes III Global Preparatory Academy received college acceptance letters from the HBCU during a special Signing Day event.

Some sixth and seventh grade students in Dallas Independent School District can say they are one step closer to realizing their college dreams.

Students at the Frederick D. Haynes III Global Preparatory Academy learned they would be receiving acceptance letters to Paul Quinn College. The announcement was solidified during a ceremonial “Signing Day” event on Thursday afternoon.

There was a certain sense of excitement, as Haynes Global Prep Academy students marched from their new building on the Paul Quinn College campus to a gymnasium. 

“We get to see things that people have never seen. And we have different opportunities,” said seventh grader Xavier Gutierrez.

The Haynes Global Preparatory Academy is a new and small middle school that opened in 2021. It’s the first Dallas ISD school of it’s kind on an historically Black college and university campus. 

The students and their families are beaming with pride and excitement, knowing the connection to the campus and the students’ future college careers are about to become greater.

Paul Quinn College President Dr. Michael Sorrell gathered with the school’s namesake Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, and the Haynes Global Preparatory Academy community to announce each student would receive acceptance into the historic college, upon successful graduation from high school.

“I want to go to college because most of my family members didn’t, and I want to be that one person that changes everything,” said Gutierrez.

Remember, the students are sixth and seventh graders right now. They already have guaranteed commitment letters to a college, in hand. Most students get college acceptance letters their senior year of high school.

School administrators describe the partnership between Paul Quinn College and Dallas ISD as promising. 

“By us giving students a college acceptance letter at the age of 11 and 12-years-olds, we are truly living out our vision and mission and allowing our students to dream,” said the school’s principal, Dr. Christopher Barksdale.

About 90 middle schoolers received the college acceptance letter during the inaugural Signing Day ceremony.

“Now that it is a guarantee that I’m being accepted to a college, it makes me even more excited to go,” said seventh grader Aliya Randolph.

The students said they know their families are proud and excited about their futures. 

Jarvis Christian College To Offer First-Ever Master’s Degree Programs

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Jarvis Christian College is offering master’s degrees programs for the first time ever! Get the full story from News-Journal below.

Credit: UNCF

Jarvis Christian College will offer its first master’s degrees in spring 2023 after receiving approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The approval also sets the stage for Jarvis to move from college to university status if approved by the school’s trustees.

Jarvis is set to offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ).

“The approval to offer master level degree programs is another milestone in the history of Jarvis Christian College,” said President Lester Newman. “I am proud to announce this expansion into graduate degree opportunities to our students. The fact that this announcement comes in the same year that we celebrate our 110th anniversary makes it all the more significant and memorable. Jarvis Christian College is moving forward, debt free and building momentum for the future.”

Benson Kariuki, dean of the Jarvis business department, said the program is suitable for business professionals who want to move into leadership roles as administrators or managers.

“This MBA program focuses on ensuring that learners succeed in the marketplace by enhancing their business knowledge, acumen and leadership skills to make them promotable and employable in new and greater positions,” Kariuki said.

The new Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Jarvis is open to students with bachelor’s degrees in any discipline, said Saliba D. Mukoro, criminal justice professor and special assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, graduate studies and specialized accreditation.

“This program will prepare students for a wide variety of career positions in the fields of law enforcement, courts and corrections,” he said.

“The program’s 36 credit hours can be completed between one or two years, depending on the student, and also prepares those students who choose to pursue a doctorate in criminal justice. The program will initiate with an online option and add a face-to-face option within the first few semesters.”

Accreditation provides students confidence that their degrees from accredited institutions have value and live up to the institution’s promise of worth in higher education, according to a statement from Jarvis.

The mission of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is to assure the educational quality and to improve the effectiveness of its member higher education institutions in the southern states.

Cheyney University Launches New Cybersecurity Program

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Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has a new program supporting students’ dreams in cybersecurity! Get the full story from Maggie Mancini at Philly Voice below.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania launched its new cybersecurity program, aimed at enhancing diversity in the science and technological workforce. The program begins in February, and students from Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester counties who have never been to college are eligible to apply. 

The first 25 students to complete the 6-month course may be eligible for certification and job opportunities

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania launched its new cybersecurity program, aimed at enhancing diversity in the science and technological workforce. The program begins in February, and students from Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester counties who have never been to college are eligible to apply. 

As part of an effort to enhance workforce diversity in technology, Cheyney University launched its new cybersecurity program. The six-month course will allow students to receive professional training and enhance the percentage of Cheyney students working towards careers in STEM fields. 

Through funding from the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, and with help from creative partnerships with PSECU and AT&T, the hybrid program will begin in February. The first 25 students in the initial cohort of the program may be eligible for professional certification and jobs through an effort by the program’s funding partners.

“We want to help reduce and ultimately eliminate disparity in representation in this professional sector while addressing the needs of cybersecurity,” said Kizzy Morris, Cheyney’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “This is another example of how our public-private partnerships are providing real-life job skills in some of the most innovative and demanding careers.” 

Through this and other efforts to increase diversity in workforce development, the nation’s first historically Black college has seen an uptick in students majoring in STEM from 13% in 2017-2018 to 25% in fall 2021. The university hopes to see 30% of its student body majoring in biosciences and technical fields within the next two years. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists cybersecurity as one of its fastest growing industries, with a projected 33% growth between 2020 and 2030. 

KYW reports that anyone from Delaware, Chester, and Philadelphia counties who have never been to college before are eligible to apply for the program. 

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education provided funding for the program through their #Prepared4PA grant initiative, which aims to increase workforce credentialism through creative partnerships. Cheyney’s program is the third workforce development plan funded by PSSHE, with previous pilots announced in June 2021 at Shippensburg and Millersville Universities. 

“The communities and regions we serve need creative, workforce-aligned programming like that being produced through the #Prepared4PA program,” said Dan Greenstein, state system chancellor. The organization published six competency maps based on their findings of industries that are in-demand. 

These include information technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, finance and insurance, and agribusiness. #Prepared4PA says that listing these industries are meant to serve as a “first strong step” toward building resources for Pennsylvania job-seekers, students, and workers. 

Former HBCU, NFL Player Robert Massey Selected As WSSU Head Football Coach

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Winston-Salem State University has selected former NFL player Robert Massey as its new head coach! Get the full story from Kyle T. Mosley at Sports Illustrated below.

Robert Massey, WSSU Head Coach; Credit: WSSU Athletics

Former HBCU star and NFL player was offered the position as head football coach of Winston-Salem State University.

Robert Massey, 56, is a North Carolina Central University alum who has been promoted from the interim head coach (7-12 record since 2019) to full-time head football coach of the Winston-Salem State Rams. Massey has been a professional player and assistant coach. He also became an excellent high school and collegiate coach.

After a nationwide search, Winston-Salem State offered Massey the position with nearly 40 candidates interested in the role. WSSU board of trustees offered him a new four-year contract which includes a $90,000 per year salary.

“I’m humbled to be in this position, and I’m grateful,” Massey said in the news conference announcing the choice to be the 10th head football coach in the storied history of the school. “I don’t take this opportunity lightly and we are going to work hard to get us back to where we belong.”

The New Orleans Saints selected Massey in the second round of the 1989 NFL Draft. Mass was a starter at cornerback from 1989 to 1990 for New Orleans.

Massey started 32 games in two seasons, intercepted five passes, recovered two fumbles, and made 165 tackles with the Black and Gold before joining the then Phoenix Cardinals from 1991 to 1993.

After stints with Detroit (1994-95), Jacksonville (1996), and New York (1997), Massey entered coaching with the Giants and left to become head coach at Hillside High School from 1999-2002. 

NCCU hired him as its receivers and defensive backs coach from 2003-2004. 

Later, Massey was an assistant coach in the HBCU ranks with Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University to help both programs win a combined four CIAA Football Championships.

One interesting point about Massey’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was that his team maintained an accumulated 3.0-grade point average.

Delaware State University Requires Students To Receive COVID-19 Booster Shot Before Spring Return

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Delaware State University is one of at least two universities in the state of Delaware requiring an extra level of protection from COVID-19 below. Get the full story from Brandon Holveck at Delaware News Journal below.

Credit: William Bretzger

The University of Delaware and Delaware State University are requiring students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot before the beginning of their spring semesters.

The announcements came as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge in the face of the widespread delta variant and the emerging omicron variant, both of which are more transmissible than earlier strains of the virus. Research indicates the protection afforded by the initial vaccine doses wanes over time.

DSU announced Thursday it is delaying students’ return to campus by two weeks. The spring semester will begin virtually on Jan. 10. Students are required to have the booster by Jan. 24, the day classes are scheduled to return in person.

As part of its announcement, DSU said faculty and staff are “expected to get the booster as well.”

UD students must get the booster by Jan. 24 unless they previously received an exemption, the school announced last week. The mandate applies regardless of whether students are taking classes on campus, online or in a hybrid format. UD’s spring semester begins Feb. 7. 

Over the past two weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases in Delaware has increased 35%. The weekly case average and number of hospitalizations are the highest they’ve been since January.

Last week, UD reported 117 cases between students and employees. It was the school’s highest mark since the week beginning Sept. 5. UD averaged fewer than 50 cases per week during the fall.

According to the university, 91% of students are fully vaccinated, meaning they received two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Ninety-three percent of employees are fully vaccinated. UD implemented a vaccine mandate for employees with a Dec. 8 deadline in October. The school announced its vaccination mandate for students in May.

Those who are exempt must be tested weekly.