In the wake of the racial injustices and turmoil of 2020, companies around the world grappled with how to have difficult but genuine conversations with their workforce. Some left it at a company-wide sensitivity training, others made a solitary social media post. Some companies chose only to donate to select foundations, charging the foundation staff to do the real work. Then there is PepsiCo, which has a storied history of philanthropic efforts toward racial injustices and still chose to reevaluate, reconsider and modernize its policies internally and worldwide, launching its racial equality journey initiative in 2020.
Courtesy of PepsiCo
Led by CEO Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo’s journey to a worthwhile black initiative started at the most intimate levels of the company. He started by meeting with Black community leaders, as well as workers who were part of the MOSAIC employee resource group. Because it’s important to not catch the racial reckoning “wave,” where equality becomes a last season issue, Laguarta ensured longevity with a 5-year plan. More than $400 million has been set aside for efforts that include adding even more diversity to the PepsiCo workforce and guiding other companies to do the same.
HBCUs are a significant part of PepsiCo’s new initiative, including plans for recruitment at HBCUs and increasing partnerships and core schools. PepsiCo is also supporting an exciting series of events this Labor Day weekend, with the battle of two HBCUs on the field at the 2021 Carolinas Football Classic game presented by Pepsi! During the festivities, the Benedict College Tigers will play against Allen University’s Yellow Jackets. There will be familiar faces at the HBCU Buzz Tailgate Takeover, with celebrities like Rocsi Diaz, Darren Brand, and Krystal Garner hosting and dj Jae Murphy. With bands being an integral part of the HBCU experience, the weekend will cap off with the “Fifth Quarter Battle,” a face off of Benedict College’s Band of Distinction and Allen University’s Band of Gold.
Learn more about PepsiCo’s $400 million, five-year strategy and overall social justice journey, and more.
One year after the sudden passing of 2010 Howard University graduate Chadwick A. Boseman, his name will now be immortalized on campus. Learn more about Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts in the People article by below.
Chadwick Boseman (Credit: Rick Rowell Via Getty)
Chadwick Boseman‘s memory will live on at Howard University’s campus.
On Thursday, the university revealed the first look at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts on Instagram.
“Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Installation. Yesterday, the letters were installed over the now official Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. An icon in his own right who has left an immeasurable legacy for the next generation. Thank you Mr. Boseman,” the university wrote in the caption of a video detailing the installation.
Boseman spent considerable time advocating for the college to be reinstated, both while attending the school and after he graduated.
“I am extremely pleased that Howard University has chosen to honor my husband in this way and elated that Ms. Rashad has accepted the role as Dean,” Boseman’s wife Simone Ledward Boseman said in a statement at the time of the announcement. “Chad was a very proud Bison — both Howard and Ms. Rashad played integral roles in his journey as an artist. The re-establishment of the College of Fine Arts brings this part of his story full-circle and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire young storytellers for years to come.”
Boseman died on Aug. 28, 2020, at the age of 43. The Black Panther star passed away at his home surrounded by family after a private, years-long struggle with colon cancer.
Davis, who worked with Boseman on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, shared a behind-the-scenes photo with Boseman and the film’s director George C. Wolfer while they were filming the movie on Saturday.
“This day last year you left this earth and us,” the actress, 56, wrote. She added, “Man you are missed!!! 💔🙏🏿❤.”
Boseman’s Black Panther costar and real-life friend Jordan, 34, posted a candid photo of the pair during an awards show.
“Not a day goes by bro… Love and miss you but I know you still with us,” he captioned their intimate moment.
Another Black Panther star, Nyong’o, 38, also paid tribute to Boseman on Saturday, sharing an image of herself laughing beside Boseman.
“I did not know that I could miss both his laughter and his silence in equal measure. I do. I do,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
On Aug. 21, a week before the anniversary of Boseman’s death, his widow, Simone appeared during the Stand Up to Cancer televised event. She gave a performance in honor of her late love.
Dressed in a pastel plaid ensemble, Simone performed an emotional rendition of the tune, “I’ll Be Seeing You.” She was introduced ahead of her performance by Anthony Anderson, who gave a touching tribute to the star.
“Many of us were devastated to learn of Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing after he privately grappled with cancer for several years,” Anderson said. “The world lost an incredible artist, and a true hero.”
“But before he was a public figure, he was a person like you or me — a son, a brother, uncle, cousin, friend, colleague, husband. Many of us are all too familiar with the fracture a dearly loved one’s passing leaves in the lives of those who love them,” he continued, before introducing the set. “Here to perform a song about living with the reality of loss and finding a way forward is Chadwick’s wife, Simone.”
With COVID-19 rates climbing back up, Morehouse College had to make an unfortunate decision on the future of next month’s homecoming. Get the official statement from Morehouse’s 12th and current president David A. Thomas, Ph. D. below.
Credit: Morehouse College Atlanta Alumni Chapter
Homecoming at Morehouse is a special time for our community— especially alumni, who renew their bonds of brotherhood by reconnecting in person with each other and by meeting current students. There also is no doubt that the event holds special meaning for our sisters at Bennett College and Spelman College, along with other supporters from all over the world. Unfortunately, because of the escalating spread of the COVID-19 virus in Georgia, the Homecoming festivities scheduled for the week of October 10-17, 2021, including the traditional tailgating, have been canceled and will not be rescheduled. The October 16 football game against Fort Valley State University will be played as scheduled without the Homecoming designation and the number of tickets available to the public will be reduced to allow for physical social distancing in B.T. Harvey Stadium.
As you may know, Morehouse College has worked diligently to create a safe learning and living environment, even as the COVID-19 Delta variant has spread throughout the state and the nation. Through mandatory vaccination policies with limited exemptions, aggressive masking requirements, social distancing, and robust symptom tracking, Morehouse has been able to mitigate the spread on our campus. The near 100% rate of students and employees who have met our vaccination requirement, along with frequent testing and monitoring, has allowed the College to create a relatively closed campus environment where the vaccination and COVID positivity status of each student and employee is known.
Unfortunately, this week, Georgia broke a record for COVID-19 hospitalizations. The state has the sixth-highest per capita infection rate in the nation and an unprecedented number of young people have become ill with the virus. Given the circumstances, a massive in-person gathering on our campus presents a public health risk to our students which is impossible to ignore. Keeping our students safe is our top priority.
In order to fulfill our commitment to maintain a safe campus environment for our students, Homecoming 2021 will be replaced with a student-only fall festival. Access to campus on October 16 will be limited to students and employees at Morehouse and other Atlanta University Center Consortium institutions, game ticket holders, and pre-designated visitors.
We would like to thank the many students and alumni who have provided feedback as we made this difficult decision, which balances the understandable desire of our community to gather together with our need to protect our students’ safety. If each of us does our part to protect one another by getting vaccinated and following other public health guidelines, we will see each other soon.
HBCU football teams have produced some of the NFL’s greatest players. And instead of moving on, many NFL players have looked recognized the value in teams like those at Florida A&M University, Jackson State University and more. See how NFL greats are putting HBCU football on the pedestal it deserves in the story from Michelle Kaufman at the Miami Herald below.
Deion Sanders made his entrance as Jackson State head football coach last year the way anyone who followed his career would expect — with flash, passion, and bold promises.
Deion Sanders, football coach at Jackson State University, right, speaks while Florida A&M coach Willie Simmons smiles during a May 5, 2021, press conference at Hard Rock Stadium to preview the Orange Blossom Classic. JOSE A. IGLESIAS
The JSU marching band escorted him to his opening press conference, which made national headlines. Before running his first practice or winning his first game, he had already raised the profile of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The moment Sanders, the former Florida State and NFL star, put on his blue and white JSU gear it became a bit cooler to be a Tigers fan. Recruits and sports reporters who previously overlooked HBCU programs were suddenly intrigued, particularly during a time when racial issues were dominating the news.
Other NFL greats also took note. Former Michigan and NFL running back Tyrone Wheatley accepted the head coach job at Morgan State after consulting with Sanders. Eddie George, Ohio State’s Heisman winner and the Tennessee Titans’ all-time leading rusher, also spoke to Sanders before being hired at Tennessee State in April 2021.
Sanders will bring added exposure to his team and HBCUs on Sept. 5, when the Tigers head to Miami Gardens to play Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic, America’s oldest black college football classic.
The event was started at FAMU in 1933. For 13 years, the game rotated between Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa and in 1947, it was moved to Miami, where the first predominately black teams would play in the Orange Bowl Stadium. Attendance grew from 5,000 to a high of 47,191 in 1961, when FAMU defeated Jackson State to finish the season with a perfect 10-0 record.
Sanders hopes the Classic will showcase HBCU athletes who might not normally get national exposure.
“You’re going to see some draftable athletes, I promise you that,” Sanders said. “This is not just a game. It’s a celebration. It’s an opportunity for us to put our players on stage.”
Sanders, who is referred to as “Coach Prime” these days, took to social media earlier this year to express his disappointment that no HBCU players were selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.
“There is no way that the next time the draft comes around there won’t be a single person from an HBCU school not drafted,” Sanders said during a May press conference at Hard Rock Stadium. “I promise you that will not happen. Not on our watch.”
Wheatley and George share the same motivation.
“The SWAC and MEAC have always had great coaches, don’t get me wrong, but Deion is called Prime for a reason,” Wheatley said by phone. “His light is the one that shines bright, but the rest of us still get the illumination from it. It does help to have a guy like Deion out there promoting HBCU schools.”
But it isn’t just Sanders and spectacular marching bands the fans will see.
“Fans will see a great game,” Wheatley said. “FAMU’s Willie [Simmons] is a hell of a coach, too. They’re going to see two great coaches with good, disciplined teams. The tradition and atmosphere are great, but without football there’s no marching bands. We need to produce good football. We have to break the stigma that HBCU football is not good football.”
Although HBCUs have turned out 30 Pro Football Hall of Famers, including Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State), Walter Payton (Jackson State) and Michael Strahan (Texas Southern), top high school recruits and NFL scouts tend to focus on the traditional powerhouse programs.
George says Sanders’ decision to lead Jackson State is already having a profound impact on HBCU football.
“Deion has already been a game-changer,” George said. “He told me we can definitely be agents of change and bringing the resources and exposure, changing the way people perceive HBCUs and the way they do business. Deion has always been a trendsetter. There’s only one Prime. One. That’s it. I respect him for that. And the rhetoric he’s pushing is ‘It’s not about me. It’s about getting our conference and kids exposed.’ Highlighting our colleges.”
Sanders, upset that few HBCU players were invited to NFL Combines, helped launch an HBCU combine. His next goal is to have those players be evaluated at the same combine as prospects from schools such as Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and Ohio State.
Both George and Wheatley stressed the importance of TV exposure for their teams and their universities.
“During the games, we can show videos that promote the schools of business, agriculture, dentistry, we can showcase that Oprah Winfrey is a Tennessee State alum,” George said. “People need to see that a lot of successful people graduated from HBCUs.”
Added Wheatley: “It’s very important for TV networks to cover our games because everything is visual now, people want to see it in order to believe it. When I bring recruits to Morgan, they’re like, ‘Wow, this is nice!’ And I say, ‘What did you think it would be like?’ They say, ‘Well, it’s an HBCU.’ The exposure our football teams get can help change that perception.”
Jason Horn, athletic director at Florida Memorial University, a historically black school in Miami Gardens, says having Sanders, Wheatley and George in HBCU coaching jobs is impactful.
“Deion getting the job at Jackson State is newsworthy, it creates a news angle that school wouldn’t get otherwise,” Horn said. “The key now is to continue to build off that.”
Sanders, Wheatley and George were all drawn to their new jobs by something bigger than football.
“This is what I’ve been doing my whole life. I’ve been called to take things to another level,” Sanders said on his podcast 21st & Prime. “What God is calling me to now, I’m ecstatic. It’s my people. It’s my people I get to touch. A multitude of the parents are the same age as me. … I’m so excited.”
Wheatley said social justice issues played a part in his decision to coach at Morgan State.
“The Colin Kaepernick issue, Black Lives Matter, those things first spurred it,” Wheatley said. “I felt as a black man having to choose between football and being black. That was really hard. You had fans losing it, not understanding what was going on. I got tired of explaining myself.
“I’ve been at PWIs [Predominately White Institutions] my entire life in terms of college and pro sports and the more I looked at black colleges, I thought of players like Willie Brown, Harry Carson, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Doug Williams, [Steve] Air McNair and I thought, ‘Why not HBCU? Why not?’ I have a chance to be a coach who can truly empathize with his players because I experienced the same things they have.”
George had similar sentiments.
“College football has become transactional with the transfer portal, Name Image and Likeness, super conferences, it’s becoming like the NFL,” he said. “I see these athletes as men with valuable lives and I want to help cultivate their spiritual life, social life, physical life and mental life.”
George said the Tennessee State job was “a calling” that kept tugging at him after he declined previous offers.
“What drew me was the opportunity to affect lives in a way I never visualized myself doing,” George said. “Given what’s happened with Black Lives Matter, the racial issues we’ve gone through in our country the last 24 months, that definitely raises the profile of HBCU schools.
“The key now is sustainability. This can’t be a flash in the pan or 15 minutes of fame. We want kids to know you can come to a HBCU and have the same type of experience as someone going to Ohio State. You can have a great education, social life, and get to the NFL because if you’re good enough, they will find you.”
Wheatley agreed: “With the Black Lives Matter movement, you have to strike the iron while it’s hot, but you have to keep it hot. During that whole time, I had lots of kids calling, but then parents, high school coaches, 7-on-7 coaches talked to them and said, ‘Hey, you’re bigger than that. You’re better than that. You need to go to a bigger school.’
“Heads are starting to turn this way, but we still have a lot of ground to make up in terms of getting the overall top-notch recruits. Can a Morgan State, Jackson State, can we really go head-to-head with the Alabamas and the Clemsons of the world? Not yet. Are we making strides? Yes.”
Hurricane Ida has become a force to be reckoned with, interrupting the plans of ambitious students at Xavier University of Louisiana and other schools in the region. Learn more about what the schools are doing in the Fox 4 News article by Peyton Yager below!
It may be weeks before all of New Orleans regains power. That’s why universities are bringing students to Texas so they can at least continue online classes.
Tulane University bussed students to Houston.
Xavier University of Louisiana is bringing students to a hotel in Downtown Dallas. The first buses will start to arrive late Wednesday afternoon.
Xavier University says students will be here for at least 14 days.
Muna Ugoh is ready to make the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. The junior at Xavier University of Louisiana and 200 other classmates will load up on charter buses Wednesday morning.
“I love the idea,” he said.
“Not how I expected to start my school year and to be leaving so soon,” said Xavier University of Louisiana freshman Sanna Williams.
The first full week of classes clashed with Hurricane Ida. Forty-eight hours after the storm, there’s still no power on campus and water is leaking from the roof.
“Yes, it was terrible,” Ugoh said. “But we are all alright.”
The private HBCU in New Orleans confirms everyone is safe. However, students on Tuesday who stayed were told to pack two bags for two weeks and be ready to relocate to a Dallas hotel. Their rooms and food will all be covered. Remote learning will resume next week from Dallas.
Sandra Phillips’ son is a freshman. She and her husband live in Massachusetts.
“We are feeling like, ‘Oh my god. What do we do? Should we fly him out? Should we do this? What is our plan A, B, C here,’” she said. “Yeah, you feel helpless.”
In Houston, 35 buses arrived Tuesday morning filled with Tulane students also evacuating. They are prepared to stay for a month.
Meanwhile, Xavier University of Louisiana students prepare for a seven-hour drive.
“Right now, I am packing to evacuate the building,” Williams said.
Fortunately for Williams, Dallas is home.
“They are excited to see me back. They have been worried all week,” she said.
Xavier University of Louisiana says it will only return students back to campus when it’s safe to do so. If their parents want to arrange to fly them out of Dallas back home, they are allowed to do that.
John Ferguson, NASCAR’s newest Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, is an HBCU alumnus! Just as he’s climbing the corporate ladder, he chose Howard University to grow his education with an MBA! Get the full story at NASCAR’s official release below.
Credit: NASCAR
NASCAR announced Friday that John Ferguson has been hired to lead human resources strategy for the sanctioning body as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, Ferguson will oversee NASCAR Human Resources and provide strategic leadership around talent acquisition, employee engagement and culture development.
For nearly a decade, Ferguson served in HR roles at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) in Washington, D.C. and most recently as Vice President of People & Culture. While at MSE, he led the HR function for six sports team properties, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals and Washington Mystics, four facilities, including Capital One Arena, and more than 2,500 employees.
Based in the Daytona Beach office in Florida, Ferguson will develop HR strategies designed to support and engage employees across more than 20 office and race-track locations in the U.S., and he’ll build a company culture that is empowering, innovative, diverse, inclusive and collaborative.
“John’s passion for people and his enthusiasm for building a strong working culture aligns well with our direction as a sport,” NASCAR president Steve Phelps said. “John brings a wealth of experience and tremendous energy to our sport, and we look forward to the impact of his leadership as NASCAR continues on its path to growth.”
Said Ferguson: “NASCAR’s commitment to its people and to developing a talented, diverse team of employees is unwavering and inspiring. When you consider all that NASCAR has done in recent years to elevate the sport and build momentum for the future, it all begins with people and culture and I’m excited to build upon the great work already in place.”
Ferguson’s hire comes less than two years since NASCAR completed its historic merger with International Speedway Corporation and the successful integration of business operations to position the sport for long-term success.
Fayetteville State University is forming a Board of Visitors that will make sure the school is putting its best foot forward with community, alumni, and student relations. The first class will even include 53 FSU supporters happy to get to work. Get the full story from official FSU release below.
Credit: Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University (FSU) announces the formation of its University Board of Visitors (BOV). The Fayetteville State University Board of Visitors serves as an advisory board to the Chancellor and senior leadership consisting of alumni, friends, and supporters of the University that will participate in a wide range of engagement opportunities to advance the University’s mission and vision. This inaugural class of 53 members are made up of industry professionals who have vast experience in their respective fields and a commitment to civic and community service. Together, the members of the FSU Board of Visitors will serve as ambassadors of the University, advancing our strategies, building upon a momentum for growth, development, and continued collaboration within Fayetteville, the Sandhills region, North Carolina and beyond.
Darrell T. Allison, Chancellor, states, “With Fayetteville State University being the second oldest public institution and the oldest public HBCU in North Carolina, it was vitally important to me that our rich and storied institution establish an official Board of Visitors. FSU boasts an unparalleled roster of graduates who have gone on to make national and global impact, while also influencing the most powerful of leaders of our time who, in turn, became strong champions in helping to advance FSU’s mission. Therefore, I am honored to announce this inaugural class of the FSU Board of Visitors. We have a distinguished list of leaders who bring significant ability to strengthen our university, and all members – both FSU alum and non-FSU alum – come with one goal in mind: expanding FSU’s impact in the greater Fayetteville, the Sandhills region, our state and nation.”
For a complete list of the Fayetteville State University Board of Visitors and their bios please click here: FSU Board of Visitors.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers at Fisk University will be establishing an endowment honoring their former musical director after anonymous donor donated $1.5 million! Learn more about the great news in the official release from Fisk below.
Photo by Bill Steber and Pat Casey Daley
Throughout this year, the Fisk Jubilee Singers® have celebrated their 150th anniversary and what a year it has been! Earlier this year, the ensemble received their first GRAMMY®, the Rhapsody and Rhythm Award, followed by a Dove Award nomination and then this week a $1,500,000 donation to establish a permanent endowment to support this national treasure. This anonymous gift marks one of the largest donations to the Fisk Jubilee Singers® and will provide the foundation to support artistic projects, and the recruitment and retention of the next generation of extraordinary talent. “The Fisk Jubilee Singers® are exceptional ambassadors for this historic institution, and they have lifted spirits across the world and supported the University for 150 years”, said Fisk President Vann Newkirk.
The anonymous gift will establish an endowed fund named after longtime Musical Director and Fisk Jubilee Singer Alumnus Paul T. Kwami. “Dr. Kwami has overseen the ensemble for over 25 years and this donation is also a testament to his exemplary legacy”, said Executive Vice President Jens Frederiksen. The University is committed to raising a $5,000,000 endowment that will support the ensemble with recruitment, retention, and programing. According to Dr. Kwami, the Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers®: “This donation provides a wonderful lead gift, and we are hopeful many others will follow in this historic year.”
The Fisk Jubilee Singers® have inspired audiences, broken barriers and literally built buildings for 150 years. Jubilee Hall, the oldest permanent structure on any Historically Black College campus, stands as a testament to the talent and perseverance of generations of Fisk Jubilee Singers®. Today, the ensemble continues to open minds, uplift hearts, promote education and inspire audiences across the globe. The unique power of music to change lives reverberates through their every performance and we are hopeful these timeless voices will continue to inspire for another 150 years.
Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey is not done done leading the way just yet. The HBCU president is set to step down in June 2022, but has written a book with parting wisdom for college students. Learn more about the new book “Guide To Student Success In College” in the official release below.
Courtesy of Hampton University
In his inspiring and motivational new book, A Guide To Student Success In College, Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey, an icon of higher education, shares the insights and philosophy that his four decades of leadership in higher education have proven successful for college students.
Published by Kendall Hunt, the book is on sale now ($24.99, hardcover) in the Hampton University Bookstore, and is available on Amazon.com. Dedicated to his three children, Kelly Renee, William Christopher, and Leslie Denise, the book outlines Dr. Harvey’s “Principles for Success” that he has crafted throughout a remarkable life and legendary career. The topics discussed span from Preparing for College, Parental Guidance, Financing Higher Education Today, The College Experience, Significant Life Skills for Success and the Value of the College Community.
During Dr. Harvey’s tenure as one of the longest-serving higher education presidents in the United States, the student enrollment at Hampton University increased from approximately 2,700 students to a high of over 6,300. Moreover, the average SAT score of entering freshmen increased approximately 300 points! As a result, Hampton attracts the best and the brightest students in the nation who excel immensely. Hampton students have been selected as finalists and recipients of prestigious international awards, including the Rhodes Scholarship, the Schwarzman Scholarship, and the Morse Scholarship, and secured coveted internships and entry into highly competitive programs.
In one particularly poignant account, Harvey describes the need for parents to place an importance on education and introducing the concept of college early in the lives of students and the positive results that result from it. “Attending college was not an option in my household. It was expected. My love for learning began early in life. It was fueled by the importance placed on education by my parents. They instilled in me a concept that I continue to subscribe to today and share with others— Education opens doors that can lead to success for those who take advantage of its opportunities.”
Another chapter deals with the importance of responsible personal behavior. As he notes, “The image you project is the one that will follow you. An individual never gets a second chance to make a first impression. Your personal behavior, responsible or irresponsible, becomes the standard that you set for yourself and demonstrate to the world.” Dr. Harvey’s advice about how individuals both carry themselves and the influence of the media are timely as more and more colleges, universities and future employers are researching potential hires.
“This is an absolutely excellent book by Dr. William R. Harvey which covers all aspects of student development services for the past, present, and future. The book is so comprehensive that a copy should be in every library as well as each person’s home,” said Dr. Joffre T. Whisenton, Former Southern University System of Louisiana President.
“During my years of service at the United States Department of Education, Dr. Harvey, as the Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs and President of Hampton University, significantly impacted key policy, regulatory, and operational matters that affected many colleges and universities – especially schools focused on social mobility. Bill constantly worked with and pushed the Administration, Secretary of Education, and other federal agencies to better support striving first-generation, low-income, and under-resourced students. As an example, the Department of Education substantially modified its regulatory approach and operations so that tens of thousands of students and families were eligible for hundreds of millions of dollars in financial resources that would have otherwise been unavailable,” said James W. Runcie, Former United States Department of Education Federal Student Aid — Chief Operating Officer.
Having had a front-row seat to the matriculation of multiple generations of college students, Dr. Harvey definitely knows what is required for student success in college. This book is a blueprint to help prepare futures generations of students and their families for the college experience.
You can purchase your copy today at the Hampton University Bookstore.
HBCUs around the country are celebrating the 131st anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1890! Learn more Morrill Act and all the HBCUs that have benefitted with the release from one of the schools, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, in their release below.
Credit: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Congressional Resolution Introduced to Commemorate Law that Created 19 HBCU Land-grant Universities
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), 1890 Universities Foundation, along with the 1890 University System and other higher education leaders, are observing the historic 131st Anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1890. Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC), also Chair of the Congressional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, introduced a congressional resolution with several of her colleagues commemorating the anniversary on Monday, Aug. 30. A text of the resolution can be found here.
“The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is proud of its rich heritage as an 1890 land-grant institution,” Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander said. “Just as it was at the time of our founding, access and opportunity continue to be the bedrock of a UAPB education. We are a bridge—improving lives through an exceptional education, a culturally-relevant learning experience and exposure to growth opportunities beyond the classroom. Our designation as an 1890 land-grant institution fuels our mission to serve a diverse student population and to foster learning, growth and productivity. Additionally, our 1890 land-grant designation continues to pave the way for innovations in science and technology, agriculture, medicine and business.”
“The 1890 Universities Foundation, on behalf of our 19 member institutions, express our ongoing gratitude to Congresswoman Adams and all of her colleagues for their leadership on behalf of our universities in the 117th Congress,” said Dr. Mortimer Neufville, President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. “We urge unanimous support of this resolution and encourage participation in activities to commemorate this occasion,” concluded Dr. Neufville.
Credit: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
“Our universities are catalysts for underserved communities across the country,” said Dr. Makola Abdullah, Chairman of the Council of 1890 Universities and President of Virginia State University. “Our network of 19 universities continue to collaborate and work in ways big and small as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and still provide the high-quality research, education, and public outreach at the local, regional, national, and global levels.”
The 1890 Universities Foundation was established in December of 2016 to mobilize, manage resources, and facilitate implementation of collaborative, high-impact programs. The Foundation’s mission is to assist the1890 universities by leveraging partnerships and charitable investments that fund innovative solutions to address compelling economic, social, health, environmental and technological challenges facing our communities, our nation, and the world. The 1890 land-grant universities are: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University in Missouri, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University and A&M College, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.
The Andrew Carnegie on the campus of Livingstone College is getting renovated, and it’s going to get done the right way. This is thanks to an additional grant from National Park Service (NPS)! Get the full story in the official release from Livingstone below.
Livingstone College has been awarded another $500,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS) to rehabilitate its Andrew Carnegie Library, for a total of $1.5 million received in the past three years.
The National Park Service announced the first award in August 2018. The second grant award was made last spring, a welcomed announcement during the coronavirus pandemic.
Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) made the recent announcement of the third award of the competitive federal grant that will assist in Phase III of the library’s rehabilitation.
“I’m proud to announce that Livingstone College won these federal dollars and this new funding will help them complete the Carnegie Library rehabilitation project,” Budd said. “This project will help preserve the historic character of this iconic building on Livingstone’s campus.”
The award was made possible through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) grant program, funded by the Historic Preservation Fund, and administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior. It is part of $7.7 million in grants to 18 projects in 12 states for the preservation of historic structures on campuses of HBCUs.
The library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is named after the 19th century industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, who funded many libraries with 18 of them being on the campuses of HBCUs. Only two academic libraries were allowed to use the donor’s first name: Livingstone College and the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie. Pa.
Livingstone’s library was funded with $12,500 in 1905 at the behest of Booker T. Washington. The library was designed by Robert Robinson Taylor, the first academically trained African-American architect in the United States. Many of the bricks were fired in the campus kiln; and campus brick mason students laid many of the bricks.
“HBCUs have been an important part of the American education system for more than 180 years, providing high-level academics, opportunities and community for generations of students,” said NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “The National Park Service’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program provides assistance to preserve noteworthy structures that honor the past and tell the ongoing story of these historic institutions.”
The first grant award was designated for Phase I, which included the engineering architectural survey, water infiltration work to stabilize the foundation, and roof repairs/replacement.
The second grant, Phase II, was designated for replacing the electrical wiring, lighting fixtures and installing technology portals and charging stations.
According to the project summary, this third grant is for the installation of an HVAC system; replanting foundation plants that were removed to install an infiltration system; installing security doors and a fire escape from the second level to ground; installing and upgrading windows and bathrooms; and painting and plastering wallboard to repair water damage.
“The Livingstone College family is deeply thankful for the continued support of the National Park Service in ensuring that the Andrew Carnegie Library is preserved for future endeavors of the City of Salisbury and the students of Livingstone College,” said Livingstone President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. “The library provides beauty and style to the college campus and the West End community, where it is located. It presents a distinctiveness that aptly represents the enduring legacy of the first classically educated African-American architect, Robert Robinson Taylor, a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. The library is an enduring tribute to the generosity of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation to the education of African Americans in the early 1900s, as well as now.
“We are indeed proud to be the current stewards of this iconic building, as it is truly a labor of love for the Livingstone family. Finally, we want to express our appreciation to Congressman Ted Budd and his office for his support in our effort to secure these grant funds.”
“This grant is important not only to Livingstone College, but to our broader community because it preserves an important and noteworthy historic structure, still in use today,” said Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander. “This building holds not only the stories of the past, but those of the present and now can continue to hold the stories yet untold. I thank Congressman Ted Budd for all the support from both he and his staff since the beginning of this project.”
This Labor Day Weekend the Benedict Tigers Play Against the Allen University Yellow Jackets For the First Game of the Season.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – September 1, 2021 – This Labor Day weekend, the Benedict College Tigers in South Carolina are gearing up to play against Allen University’s Yellow Jackets for the 2021 Carolinas Football Classic game presented by Pepsi! You won’t want to miss the event, which is also being called the Sesquicentennial Bowl because Benedict will be celebrating its 150th Plus anniversary as an institution as well! The festivities begin Friday, September 3, 2021, with the game starting the evening of the following day. It’s going to be an exciting weekend of football, friends, family, and fun, and it’s all for a good cause! In fact, the entire Classic weekend was created to generate funds for scholarships and programs at Benedict College.
Photo Courtesy Of: The Benedict College Tigers (The State File Photo)
To kick off the weekend of festivities, on Friday, the day of events will include an exclusive pitch competition, a student debate, leadership talk and more. Later on that evening, Benedict students will celebrate the eve of the Classic with a tailgate and pep rally.
The following day on Saturday, September 4th, a Mayor’s Brunch will be held for VIP guests in the morning, and at 3 p.m., a few special guests will be joining the festivities! In honor of the HBCU Buzz Tailgate Takeover, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. attendees will be joined by famed HBCU graduates including here will be familiar faces at the HBCU Buzz Tailgate Takeover, with celebrities like Rocsi Diaz, Darren Brand, Krystal Garner, and Jae Murphy. The takeover will be the perfect segue to the highly-anticipated football game, which will start promptly at 6 p.m.
Attendees who stay for the entire game will be treated to “The Fifth Quarter Battle,” where bands from both opposing teams will battle in a competition to engage and excite the crowd with dynamic performances. The special post game event features the Benedict College Band of Distinction, plus the Allen University Band of Gold.
For tickets to this weekend’s Benedict College vs. Allen University game, click here! We hope to see you there.
Rajah Caruth is a young trailblazer who is breaking down all sorts of barriers. For one, his love for racing has officially materialized into an offer to drive in a limited series for NASCAR. On top of all that, the Winston-Salem State University sophomore is juggling college as well! Learn more about him and his latest big accomplishment in the release from Terrin Waack at NASCAR below!
Rajah Caruth (Credit: John Dell)
Less than two years ago, Rajah Caruth was just another senior in high school. He took the train every day for class and did what he considered “normal high school stuff.” He had his eyes set on graduation and college.
Professional racing, at the time, stood as a dream.
On Monday, Caruth, now 19 years old, signed with the newly formed Alpha Prime Racing to run a part-time schedule in the NASCAR Xfinity Series next season.
“That’s pretty crazy,” Caruth told NASCAR.com. “It is surreal. I have to, I guess, pinch myself every time I get in an ARCA car or a late model, let alone getting this deal done. I can only imagine this is going to feel even more crazy next year.”
Caruth is set to pilot the No. 44 Chevrolet in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Martinsville Speedway, Dover International and Richmond Raceway. There’s a possibility he competes in more events, with Pocono Raceway and Kansas Speedway mentioned as options, pending additional sponsorship. Regardless, he will maintain his rookie status.
In addition to his work in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Caruth will continue racing in the ARCA Menards Series in 2022 with Rev Racing as part of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, which he joined in 2018.
“I would not have gotten noticed off iRacing if not for the program,” Caruth said. “We would not be talking right now. I would not be able to race. So, both my family and NASCAR Drive for Diversity have made this possible, even getting to this point. I’m extremely appreciative of everybody.”
Caruth made his ARCA Menards East Series debut on Feb. 8, 2021 at New Smyrna Speedway, where he finished 11th. In his seven starts, he has two top-five and four top-10 finishes. He’s ranked sixth in the standings with one race left — Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 16.
Caruth also participates part time in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.
Caruth with Bubba Wallace (Twitter)
“Overall, I think I feel ready to make the next jump,” Caruth said. “The people around me are going to work as hard as I am to ensure that I do what I’m supposed to do on the race track.”
Alpha Prime Racing co-owners Caesar Bacarella and Tommy Joe Martins will split the remaining seat time with Caruth. Both have history in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, combing for 132 starts, and Caruth anticipates picking up tips and tricks from them as the season progress.
An area of competition Caruth is most curious about is race length. NASCAR races are much longer than ARCA. For example, when both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards East Series were at Dover back in May, the NASCAR race was 200 laps compared to ARCA’s 125. Caruth did crash out of his event that weekend, but it remains to be the only race he did not finish running. The point is, he’s eager to learn about how to handle longer distances physically and mentally, and he knows he’ll be surrounded by those with firsthand experience and advice.
Caruth with Alpha Prime Racing co-owners Caesar Bacarella and Tommy Joe Martins
“It don’t cost a dime to listen,” Caruth said.
Meanwhile, off the track, Caruth remains in school. He is a sophomore at Winston-Salem State University and plans to graduate in 2024. Normal stuff.
“My mom, dad, sister, girlfriend, extended family — they’ve been extremely supportive,” Caruth said. “Even from when I was like 10 or 12 — leaving church early to watch the Cup race on Sunday to skipping school to go to a Trucks race at Dover to leaving the school early during the week to go down to Charlotte for the All-Star Race — it’s really a thanks to … just everybody making time for me to do what I love.”
We’re giving you an inside look on how two HBCU students are trailblazing their paths to success. Get inspired and share your own campus come up story!
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were created in the 1800s to provide educational opportunities to people of African descent who were prohibited from attending existing institutions. HBCUs remain a vital part of our nation because they continue to outperform other institutions in retaining and graduating first-generation Black students. They also provide a unique culture and safe environment for Black students that builds confidence, fosters success, cultivates legacy, and celebrates Black pride.
Alumni of HBCUs across the nation are excelling in all fields including science, education, politics, the arts, medicine, and beyond. Toni Morrison, Vice President Kamala Harris, Sean Combs, Toni Braxton, Samuel L. Jackson, and thousands of other influential leaders and historical figures have attended our HBCUs. Here we share the experiences of Jordan Trusel and Christian Kornegay, two current students who continue this long legacy of Black excellence at HBCUs and how they have come up on campus.
Jordan Trusel, hailing from Detroit, is a rising junior and Dean’s List scholar majoring in Biology at Jackson State University. She shared that she was usually the only Black student in her class during grade school, middle and high school, and felt it important to immerse herself in Black culture as she moved into adulthood. She shared, “growing up in the suburbs and going to predominantly White and Asian schools, I had a lot of experiences and time to get comfortable working with people who didn’t look like me. I decided that I wanted my undergraduate experience to be spent in an environment that emphasized and embraced Black scholars and provided a campus that was also a home with students who could be my family. The underlying sense of commonality and shared culture was enough to make me want to become a HBCU student.” She is very active on campus and is currently running for student senate.
Recently, Trusel was selected as a Cricket Wireless Campus Ambassador, which Cricket Wireless awards to deserving students in honor of the rich history and critical role HBCUs play today. Through their HBCU Campus Ambassador program, students partner with self-motivated, business-minded college students to help them cultivate skills in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. In addition to personal benefits, the program offers HBCUs an attractive opportunity to offer students in the competitive arena that is college recruiting.
As an Ambassador, Jordan shares which Cricket Wireless products and services would best help her peers. “I might do an event to share information or gifts with the students. I am already part of our student government and this [ambassadorship] will help get my face recognized, develop people skills, and improve my marketing skills,” said Trusel. As you plan your come up, think about the organizations with which you can become involved that provide a platform for you to shine. Jordan is making moves in the classroom as well as capitalizing on additional opportunities like Cricket’s ambassador program to help build her network across campus and expand her career path.
Christian Kornegay aka CDK On The Mic
Rising senior and first-generation college student Christian Kornegay, better known as “CDK on the Mic,” is majoring in Mass Communications at North Carolina A&T State University. Originally from Raleigh, NC, he chose to attend N. C. A&T because he grew up loving music and playing in school bands. Started in 1918 with a 50-piece band, A&T’s world renowned Blue & Gold Marching Machine has performed at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NASCAR + more. Ask any HBCU student, and they’ll tell you that during football games, half-time is game time! But soon after arriving on campus, Kornegay found that, beyond band, his real passion is in communications.
In addition to focusing on course work in communications, he extended his passion outside the classroom as an event host. Christian began his hosting career in 2017 at on-campus events and college parties across the state. In 2020 he was recognized by HBCU Buzz as the #1 HBCU host in the country and has collaborated with Watch the Yard’s Yard Con, the largest digital conference for Black college students. At only 22 years old, CDK is also a personality for 102 Jamz, the #1 Hip Hop radio station in Greensboro, North Carolina, as well as for the website HipHopDX. He learned at a young age to invest in himself and now has a team working with him to assist in his many projects. To come up like CDK, find your passion and follow it fiercely. Christian took what he learned in the classroom and quickly found ways to apply his skills in the real world to develop and refine them.
Attending an HBCU has been pivotal in the development of Jordan and Christian’s educational and personal growth and provided the platform for their campus come up, and beyond. On her plans post-grad, Trusel shared, “Whether psychiatry or law, I want to have a minority focused clientele and my HBCU experience has not only given me connections, but confidence by seeing so many brilliant, blossoming Black minds go into their chosen field and succeed. It is motivating to have people that look like me working hard and breaking down racial barriers in the workplace and I believe that will help me to be successful in whatever career I choose.” Kornegay eventually plans to own his own multi-media network. He shared, “during my time at an HBCU I’ve had the opportunity to build my brand as, “The #1 ranked HBCU Host”, leading to successful collaborations with amazing companies such as ABC News, Warner Music Group and now, Cricket. Once I transition into life post college it’ll be much easier to present my brand in a corporate light.”
We hope Jordan and Christian’s HBCU educational journeys will inspire yours. Tell us how you plan to execute your campus come-up in the comments below!
DeAndre Diggs has been through hardships that many may find hard to imagine. But like many athletic greats, the joy he got from sports, in his case golf, has carried him through. Read this University of Maryland at Eastern Shore student’s harrowing story in the PGA Tour article from James Handy below.
Diggs signing at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the only HBCU that has a Professional Golf Management program. (Courtesy of DeAndre Diggs)
Broken home. Low income. High crime in the neighborhood.
DeAndre Diggs grew up in Baltimore and was faced with these harsh realities from an early age. He wasn’t alone. Many families and kids in the area could relate to the challenges of overcoming financial hardships and crime-ridden neighborhoods.
When things seemed as though they couldn’t get harder, Diggs’ home was broken into. His family had to rebuild all that had been taken from them, which was not a lot to begin with.
Trying to financially recover, the Diggs family continued to try to give their son two things they still did have – love and structure.
“My story is similar to others in Baltimore,” said Diggs, “but my family made sacrifices. At the end of the day, it’s not where you were born, but how you were raised.
“I had a loving environment and I had structure. I was told right from wrong.”
Just as hope began to be restored, less than a year later, the unimaginable happened – a house fire that destroyed their family home.
“We lost everything – twice,” said Diggs. “My family was poor, going further into debt and they still tried to keep me in private school. It just kept pushing us further back.”
Although Diggs and his family felt like they were in a dark tunnel with no light, Diggs always wanted to keep pushing forward to “see something.”
And, while he may not have realized it then, that light he saw at the end of the tunnel was Caves Valley Golf Club.
“It was life changing since my first day at Caves Valley,” said Diggs.
Caves Valley is where Diggs took his first job, and the club has rallied around him and his story ever since.
“It was a great platform to see a cohesive team and work for someone that paid attention to their team and had community involvement,” said Diggs. “It was one of the best clubs that had a community that showed how to become a leader.”
Diggs had been part of the First Tee – Baltimore since he was eight years old, his first exposure to golf, and Caves Valley helped to really stir his passion for the sport.
“I was interested in playing for my team in high school, but I got cut the first time,” he said. “I was still very passionate about golf and kept participating at First Tee – Baltimore.
“Every event, I was there. Sunup to sundown. Later one summer, I won the RBC Wealth Management Shot for College Tournament, which gave me a $2,500 scholarship.”
Crediting his persevering attitude and work ethic to his experiences at First Tee – Baltimore, Diggs was able to make the golf team as an alternate the following season. He continued to improve, starting at the five slot for his team and working hard to be in the number one spot by his senior year of high school.
Finding success on the golf course, Diggs knew his studies were also extremely important. He set his sights on higher education, driving himself to do his best in the classroom as well as learn as much as possible from leaders at Caves Valley.
As his family continued to recover from their second home tragedy, Diggs started to chip away at the college application process. Naturally, he worried about the cost of higher education and exploring financial aid and student loan options.
To Diggs’ surprise, however, he learned he had been selected as the recipient of a $100,000 scholarship from the Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation.
DeAndre Diggs became the recipient of a $100,000 scholarship from the Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation. (Courtesy of DeAndre Diggs)
While Diggs recalls that his golf game at the time of receiving the scholarship may not have been up to par just yet, there were many people that believed in him and knew his story, and that was plenty. Diggs continued to work hard and went on to enroll at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the only HBCU that has a Professional Golf Management program.
“Going to a university like UMES, I found there to be a lot of students with similar stories to mine, but at the same time, embraced that we all are unique,” said Diggs.
“The other students had passions and desires, just like I did, so they were very beneficial to be around.”
Diggs played for the golf team at UMES and was able to compete against other strong HBCU golf teams such as Hampton and Florida A&M.
“It was great to play with other people that have been in our shoes,” said Diggs.
With the scholarship from the Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation, the months of August through April were covered. It was during the summers that Diggs had to find a way to continue to support himself financially.
“I was thinking, ‘How can I make it from April to August with not much?’” said Diggs.
Through the PGM program at UMES, students must complete 16 months of internships to be certified. Most of his summers, Diggs filled his time working at different golf clubs. His first internship was at Caves Valley as an outside attendant. The second was at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. He then became an assistant intern at Congressional Country Club working in the pro shop, serving as a marshal and overseeing the employees in the cart barn and driving range.
Eager for more golf experience in different parts of the industry, Diggs even decided to work at Arundel Golf Park, where he helped increase sales 20-30 percent, despite the pandemic.
Currently, Diggs works at Cherokee Town and Country Club as an intern in food and beverage, where he continues to pave his way toward a career as a general manager at a club.
“One thing I took away (from my Caves Valley mentor) is that you have to do a great job as far as managing your team and staff,” said Diggs. “This is the mindset I have when I’m in a management role. Everyone is a part of the team.”
Diggs’ story hasn’t been easy. It has taken a lot of hard work and endurance to overcome his past. But between the help of his family and the Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation, Diggs had the support group to lead to his current success – and encouragement towards his long-term goals in the golf industry.
Though Diggs’ story started similarly to those growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Baltimore, he’s determined to make sure it inspires others in the end.
NASCAR races can be an exciting to watch, but historically they haven’t been very inclusive of black culture or drivers. Yet with people like NASCAR drivers Denny Hamlin and company initiatives, visibility is becoming more tangible. In yet another new step, 4 HBCUs will be featured in the NSACAR season finale! Get the exciting full story from Rashad Milligan at Mississippi Clarion Ledger.
Four Historically Black Colleges and Universities, two from Mississippi and two from Tennessee, will be represented at the NASCAR regular season finale this weekend.
Denny Hamlin announced at Saturday’s Daytona Cup, his car will feature HBCU-themed paint. The phrase “shaping Black futures” will sit above one of the back tires with the logos of Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State, LeMoyne-Owen College and Tennessee State on the rear bumper.
“It’s about showing our support to these HBCU campuses because, ultimately, that’s how we make change, right?” Hamlin said in the FedEx announcement video.
Also in the video are Toyota racer Bubba Wallace, JSU athletic director Ashley Robinson, TSU basketball coach Penny Collins and ESPN personality Elle Duncan.
“FedEx has been supporting (HBCUs) for 20 years,” Robinson said in the video. “All the scholarships and all the things that they have been doing – endowed scholarships they’ve been doing at Jackson State University – have been very, very helpful. The continuing support continues to upgrade that education for students.”
“Hats off to FedEx for being able to pull this off,” Wallace said in the video. “Hopefully, it motivates a lot more people to tune into the sport, but just to be proud of the direction we’re heading in.”
Hamlin has clinched his spot for this year’s playoff series with 976 points, good enough for spot No. 14. Wallace is currently on the outside looking in, sitting six spots below the cutoff.
