Grambling State’s First Female Band Director Nikole Roebuck Reflects On Her Impact

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Nikole Roebuck, a history-maker of Grambling State University‘s band, may have never fathomed the impact she would have as the first female band director. Learn about how her path has changed her, and lead to her impact on others in the article by Mia Berry at The Undefeated below.

Grambling State University’s director of bands Nikole Roebuck with the university’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band. Grambling State University

Her leadership has already inspired senior Candace Hawthorne to become drum major for the band.

Gold and black have flowed through Nikole Roebuck’s veins for as long as she could remember. She was born to be a Gramblinite. 

In 2019, she became the first woman in Grambling State University history to be named director of bands. It was a storybook ending for the Minden, Louisiana, native who would lead the World Famed Tiger Marching Band through a pandemic and help usher in a new era inspiring women to join the ranks of band directors.

Nikole Roebuck marched in the World Famed Tiger Marching Band in the 1990s.

Dunbar Hall and Eddie Robinson Stadium were the backdrops for a long list of firsts for Roebuck that include the time she saw a field show, her first collegiate marching band performance and the moment she fell in love with marching bands. Her journey takes her back to sitting on the stairs of the old Dunbar Hall watching her uncle, Joseph “Doc” Miller, who served as assistant director of bands for Grambling from 1980 to 1989 under Conrad Hutchinson Jr., conducting the band during summer camp. Although too young for an instrument at the time, she settled on a spot on the field at the bottom of the director’s stepladder, but her interest was piqued.

“I made sure Uncle Joe [didn’t] fall off the ladder. So I was that little girl just looking at her uncle, never imagined in a million years that I would become the director of bands for Grambling,” Roebuck said. “But that was my first love of music, just being around the marching bands. I’m a band director because it was natural for me. So it was my job to make sure that I can teach my kids to do what I can do.”

Roebuck’s path to becoming leader of the Tiger Marching Band started in the same seats as her students. She was described as naturally meek and mild in her adolescent years, and Roebuck’s collegiate career started the same way before she was called out for only being quiet and playing the clarinet; it inspired her to come out of her shell. She opened up and moved up the band ranks, becoming a section leader, drill sergeant and eventually a student director in her fifth year in the music department. While obtaining a master’s degree and a doctorate, directing a middle school band and being assistant band director of the Tiger Marching Band, Roebuck developed a leadership style tailor-made for her and true to her Louisiana roots.

“It’s kind of like a pot of gumbo. I have taken some great characteristics from various directors, and mold them up to make them work for me. I don’t ever try to be anybody else, but I might say, ‘I like this, but let me make it work for me,’ ” Roebuck said of her teaching style. “The longer I’ve been teaching, I’ve learned for different generations you have to tweak [your style], if not every year, every couple of years, because the students that we teach are different.”

Grambling assistant band director Charles Lacy, whose relationship with Roebuck has lasted for more than two decades, has witnessed her growth and ascension over the last 20 years and believes that the elevation of women to band leadership positions has been a long time coming. 

“In watching her growth and the trailblazing, I’m proud of her, but I think that we are just late when we look at women in music,” Lacy said. “I think it should have happened a long time ago and we just have to do better as a people.”

In 2005, Rhonda L. Harper became the first female band director at a historically Black college and university (HBCU) when she was hired at Lincoln University in Missouri. In 2019, Kerry Anne Simon was appointed the first female band director in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) at Mississippi Valley State. Female band directors make up only 10% of band directors in prominent HBCU conferences, the SWAC and Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference.

In November 2019, Roebuck and Simon made SWAC history as two female-led HBCU bands performed for the first time. Roebuck and Simon are two of four active HBCU female band directors — Juliet Boykins of Elizabeth City State and Fayesha Cousins of Virginia Union are the other two.

“I never imagined that Grambling would have a female band director. But I’m honored,” Roebuck said. “It has been known as a male-dominated profession. So that’s not a secret, but of being in the position that we’re eager to do the things that we’re doing. It’s just paving the way for [women] to come, and I look at it as being a servant.”

Roebuck understands she’s under a microscope. Her performances are often critiqued with a fine-tooth comb, but she tends to focus on the positive. She embraces the fact that young women look up to her as a role model. Female musicians from other programs don’t hesitate to approach her after performances to talk while the band is loading up the bus and preparing to leave.

“They say, ‘You give us hope, because we felt like we would only be able to be middle school or high school band directors. When you direct [the] band at Grambling, it gives us hope to come back and be the director at my school.’ So, to have young ladies say that you’re a role model, it was a little bit more pressure on everything else I’m doing, but just thankful that I’m in this position. All of us that are in this position right now can pave the way.”

Roebuck’s influence has trickled down to the female members of her band. The World Famed Tiger Marching Band not only has Roebuck as a woman in power leading the way, but this season senior Candace Hawthorne was named drum major along with Deante Gibson and Sheavion Jones. Hawthorne is the second woman in Grambling history to become a drum major — Velma Patricia Patterson was the first, serving through 1952. Hawthorne and Roebuck are a rare combination at the forefront of an HBCU band, and Roebuck relishes the opportunity to mentor and encourage Hawthorne, who she believes has the honor and pressure of being the first female drum major in 69 years.

“[Roebuck] has taught me to keep my head up no matter what people say about me. Becoming drum major is really big news and a lot of people are excited for me, but with all the positivity going, there’s always some negativity out there somewhere,” said Hawthorne, a Dallas native. “So, she encourages me and gives me advice because she knows what it’s like to be in a big spotlight because she’s the first female director of bands at Grambling State University.”

Nikole Roebuck directing Grambling’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band.

When Roebuck sees Hawthorne, she feels like she’s looking into a mirror. Both are naturally described as quiet and headstrong women who can accomplish anything they put their minds to. 

“It’s kind of like a pot of gumbo. I have taken some great characteristics from various directors, and mold them up to make them work for me. I don’t ever try to be anybody else, but I might say, ‘I like this, but let me make it work for me.’ ” – Nikole Roebuck

Hawthorne set her sights on drum major and went through the learning process during the pandemic, making sure she was on every Zoom or Microsoft Teams call, practicing almost every day and occasionally working out to stay in shape. Hawthorne worked even harder and leaned on her bandmates to encourage her when times were difficult. Hawthorne’s appointment brought Roebuck back to her own experiences. 

“I feel like I’m reliving being named director of a band with her being named female drum major,” Roebuck said. “I just feel like I’m passing the torch to her because one day she’ll have a band program. Who knows, we might look up years later and Candace Hawthorne might be the director of bands.”

Hawthorne, like most college seniors, can’t predict what her future holds, but thanks to Roebuck, she hopes music is always a part of her life. She hopes other female musicians see their example at Grambling and are encouraged to follow suit. 

“No matter how big or small a dream is, as long as you believe in yourself and work hard for what you want, it’ll come true,” Hawthorne said. “Failure is not an option and never settle for anything less.

“Never be discouraged just because you’re a [woman]. Make yourself stick out to where they can’t take their eyes off of you and show them what you’re about.”

Yusef Scoggin Appointed By Mayor of St. Louis As New Dept. of Human Services Director

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An alumnus of Xavier University of Louisiana has been appointed as the new director of the Department of Human Services in St. Louis! Get the full story from the city’s local government in the release below.

Scoggin will join the administration from the St. Louis County Department of Human Services, where he has worked since 2017.

Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announces the appointment of Yusef Scoggin as Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS) for the City of St. Louis. Scoggin will join the administration from the St. Louis County Department of Human Services, where he has worked since 2017. Scoggin will begin October 20, 2021.

“Yusef’s experience working with our region’s most vulnerable populations will be a strong asset to St. Louis,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “His expertise will be valuable at a critical time as we move forward with hiring more social workers to support our public health and safety efforts, expedite rental assistance, and implement more than $48 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to strengthen and expand DHS programs.”

Elevating the social determinants of health has been a key element of his service addressing homelessness, housing instability and food insecurity with regional Continuum of Care (i.e. stakeholders addressing unhoused issues). As co-Chair of the Saint Louis Area Regional Commission on Homelessness (SLARCH), Yusef has helped lead regional collaboration of Saint Louis Metropolitan Area Continuum of Care to combat housing insecurity and unhoused. Scoggin has also led the effort to distribute rental assistance funds in St. Louis County as well as youth programming efforts, distribution to address food insecurity, and senior and veterans services.

“I’m honored to join the team of committed staff and stakeholders focused on addressing the needs of our most vulnerable that struggle to obtain and maintain housing,” said Yusef Scoggin. “Building upon the critical partnerships and systems required to provide comprehensive supports is paramount.”

Scoggin’s work focuses on the development of human capital through sustainable holistic systems and partnerships. This interest in part is expressed through board service with the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Saint Louis Mental Health Board, Saint Louis Area Regional Commission on Homelessness (SLARCH), Behavior Health Network Adult Advisory Board, Central West End Southeast Special Business District, Continuum of Care for both St. Louis City and County, Park Central Development, and more. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Doctorate of Medicine from University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine.

Morehouse College Graduate Nick Brown Becomes First Black U.S. Attorney In Washington State

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After much buildup and anticipation, Morehouse College alumnus Nick Brown has been chosen to lead Western Washington as their new U.S. Attorney. His appointment has meant that he will make history as the first black official to fill his position! Get the full story from Mike Carter at the Seattle Times below.

Nick Brown served as Gov. Jay Inslee’s legal counsel. Brown was confirmed Thursday night as the new U.S. attorney for Western Washington.

Nick Brown, former general counsel to Gov. Jay Inslee, was confirmed Thursday night as the new U.S. attorney for Western Washington on a voice vote of the Senate.

Brown is the first Black U.S. attorney to serve in Washington.

Brown, 43, was a litigation partner at Pacifica Law Group in Seattle, where he handled complex civil and public policy litigation, and served as Inslee’s counsel from 2013 through 2017, where he advised the governor on issues ranging from the state’s 2014 moratorium on the death penalty to the legalization of marijuana.

Brown is an experienced federal prosecutor, and served six years as an assistant U.S. attorney handing criminal matters. He prosecuted more than 100 cases, including sex abuse trials and the prosecution of a Customs and Border Protection officer who let a Canadian woman cross in the U.S. with large loads of marijuana in exchange for sex. He also prosecuted a police officer who illegally sold weapons at gun shows.

A graduate of Morehouse College and Harvard Law School, Brown served as a judge advocate general in the Army, where he achieved the rank of captain. While in the Army, he served at Fort Lewis-McChord, Fort Bliss and in Baghdad.

He is a former commissioner on the Seattle Ethics and Election Commission.

In a less common qualification for a chief federal prosecutor, Brown was a contestant on the second season of the reality show “Survivor,” which aired in 2001.

He replaces U.S. Attorney Brian Moran, an appointee of former President Donald Trump who took the office in 2019.

Lane College To Honor 1982 Football Team, Other Sports Figures During Hall of Fame Banquet

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Lane College is giving back to alumni and other key figures that have helped it thrive over the years with its latest Hall of Fame Banquet. The honorees, which include John Green (Lifetime Achievement), Eric Brent (Football), T. Willie Tyson(Alumni – Coach), Carolyn Jackson (Alumni – Coach), Sherard Ellis (Football), Jasmine McNeil (Softball), Shawnae Campbell (Softball), and the 1982 Lane College Football team, will all be recognized. Learn more in the WBBJ Eyewitness News story by Marcoss Santander below.

“It’s a great way for Lane College to honor its former students and student athletes for all their accomplishments when they were here,” said Lane College Athletic Director Derrick Burroughs.

Lane College is recognizing alumni that left their mark.

“It’s a great way for Lane College to honor its former students and student athletes for all their accomplishments when they were here,” said Lane College Athletic Director Derrick Burroughs.

The second Hall of Fame Banquet honoring this distinguished group from Lane will happen Friday in the school’s gymnasium. It was cancelled last year due to COVID-19.

“We kind of try to do it every two or three years. This year it’s up in 21, and we think we have a great class of honorees and we just want people to come out and support us,” Burroughs said.

The banquet will be honoring seven individuals and the 1982 football team.

“It’s a mix of coaches, former players, and just regular students who went on to accomplish great things,” Burroughs said.

Burroughs says the community plays a big role in this celebration.

“We kind of embrace each other. So everything we do is kind of for the community and east Jackson, and in turn, it kind of embraces us also,” Burroughs said.

Tickets are $100 per person and helps the college give back to their alumni.

“It’s always good when a college or university can recognize their former players, and in turn, their former players can come back and support their school. The thing that makes this whole thing special and unique is, it’s our way of giving back to the kids that gave to us,” Burroughs said.

If you would like to buy tickets for the event, click here.

Fisk University To Debut Three New Academic Programs Beginning Next Fall

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Fisk University students interested in social work, kinesiology, and leadership will have new academics opportunities at the institution come next fall! Learn more about the two health services programs and leadership program from Fisk’s official release below.

Credit: Fisk University

Fisk University is launching three new academic programs in the Fall of 2022.  The new programs will buttress the existing curriculum of the University by adding two additional health services programs and a leadership program.  The two health services programs are Bachelors in Kinesiology and Social Work, and the leadership program is a Masters in Executive Leadership. Pending SACSCOC approval, the programs will add to the academic offerings at the University and expand the academy by adding these three new programs to the 32 of academic program offerings.

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology will prepare students for careers in exercise science, health and physical education-teaching, coaching, and sport management. Graduates with the Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology will gain mastery to enter fields within the health and fitness industry or pursue graduate work in exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, or other health science areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or therapeutic recreation.

Likewise, the Bachelor of Science in Social Work will prepare students to become professional generalist social work practitioners, which requires extensive knowledge and pedagogical field experience in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Graduates with the Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work will work effectively and ethically with diverse populations and communities often challenged by disparities in social, economic, environmental, and social justice. HBCUs have contributed significantly to the Social Work profession.

The Masters of Executive Leadership is a comprehensive, experiential program that prepares graduates seeking to enhance their leadership skills, develop a deeper connection to their acumen, and build skills that strategically address business decisions. This executive leadership program equips graduates with effective leadership styles to apply strategic decision-making and improve employee performance, all while empowering them to become a recognized team leader.  Graduates will be able to apply their learning to real-world business challenges and put new leadership skills into practice.

“Over the past few years, Fisk has made the commitment to expand our academic offerings to keep pace with the global economy and job market and these new programs will do just that,” said Provost John D. Jones. “These new programs continue to expand the academy of Fisk University and offer opportunities for graduates to engage health service professions and advance in leadership, management, and administration.”

Applications for these programs are now available for the Fall 2022 semester.

Coppin State University Launches ‘Premier Esports Lab’ In Collaboration With Grammy-Nominated Artist Cordae

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Coppin State University is seeking to give its students an edge in the budding esports industry with its new Premier Sports Lab! Learn about how the HBCU will be supported by Grammy-nominated artist Cordae in the endeavor in the official CSU release below.

You may be one of the last to find out, but esports is taking over. Already a billion-dollar industry in its infant stage, esports is continuing to draw the attention of millions world-wide. What is esports? Shortly put, organized competitive video gaming. Four words that, together, mean there’s a totally different “ball game” being invented here, no pun intended. Like any game and any business, you need players. Not just athletes to score, you’re going to need the equivalent of coaches, teams, leagues, owners, dedicated media publications, etc. There’s a whole infrastructure that’s being built and Coppin State University is placing itself in the middle. 

This fall, Coppin launched its Premier Esports Lab. As part of the introduction to esports on campus, Coppin hosted a stop on the HBCU-MEAC Takeover with Grammy-nominated artist Cordae, on Friday, September 10. Students enjoyed a kickback listening party as well as competed with Cordae in NBA 2K.

Although not the first HBCU to start an esports team, Coppin is the first HBCU to invest and build a dedicated space on campus for its esports team and program. Esports is not just the future, it’s now. This is a “fast-growing international phenomenon with millions of fans and billions of dollars up for grabs. Streaming services and live events have turned casual gamers into serious stars who can sometimes rake in seven-figure earnings and massive brand endorsements,” CNN reports. Players can earn money from sponsorships, endorsements, and league salaries just as any other sport.

Coppin’s decision to support and encourage esports goes beyond gaming and sports, however. The organized component of esports provides enormous opportunity for new business. The video and online component provides boundless access across borders, with arguably lower barriers to entry than conventional sports. The competitive gaming aspect, well, that’s a recipe for great entertainment, a pillar of American influence and economics. Like anything that draws so much attention, there’s opportunity for monetization at every level. Coppin recognizes that and is creating the best resources, opportunities, and networks for its students to take advantage of these opportunities and be successful in the next blue ocean, aka the new market. 

Although esports is in the beginning stages, there’s already recognizable gaps in racial representation and decision making. “Data shows that 83% of minority teens play videos games as opposed to 71% of European/Caucasian teens, and only 14% percent of video games are made up of Latinx and African-American creators, as opposed to 68% European/Caucasian video game creators,” Cxmmunity, a nonprofit in the esports sector, asserts. Cxmmunity is committed to increasing the participation of minorities within the esports and video game industry so that there is equal opportunity as new jobs and professions are being created. The organization has partnered and supported Coppin’s States new Esports program as well as Coppin’s future participation in the HBCU MEAC Esports competition. 

“Gaming is already in our community, we play Madden, Call of Duty, etc. But the awareness about esports is not widespread, at least in our community,” says Director of Rec Sports at Coppin, Rahim Booth, who brought the Esports program to the university. The program has a multi-angled mission – to build a highly competitive esports team at Coppin and to leverage esports and all its benefits to the students. Even if the goal is not to become a professional esports athlete, participation in the program can be a segue into business, media, STEM, and the list goes on. Alongside the Esports Lab, Booth is partnering to bring guest speakers, courses, and soon, an esports management degree to Coppin State. Ahead of the curve, this is the exciting beginning of esports at Coppin.

Students interested in joining the CSU Esports team should contact Rahim Booth at rbooth@coppin.edu. 

Tuskegee’s School of Architecture and Construction Science and Management Receives $750K Grant

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As part of a partnership the University of Pennsylvania to honor and support black heritage in architecture and construction, a leading school at Tuskegee University has received $750,000 to be spent over three years! Learn more about the partnership and grant in the TU release below.

The Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science and Management (TSACS) has been awarded a $750,000 grant for three years from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Mellon Foundation Board of Trustees approved the grant to support a trans-institutional partnership between Tuskegee University and the University of Pennsylvania for preservation education, outreach, and practice centered on Black heritage.

This joint award totals $1.5 million between Tuskegee University and the University of Pennsylvania, with financial resources shared 50/50. These resources will be directed toward a few areas of joint activity and implemented through coordinated and complementary investments that build capacity for preservation education, outreach, and practice centered on Black heritage. Specific activities include curriculum development, joint field projects, infrastructure development, additional faculty and professional staff support, developing digital humanities applications, research on management models, and workforce development infrastructure. Other budget priorities for Tuskegee University are project coordination staff, visiting professors/junior faculty, and student internships.

“Funding from this grant allows Dean Carla Jackson Bell and Dr. Kwesi Daniels to build on the vision to attain the school’s mission to embrace Booker T. Washington’s historical legacy to “Learn to do by Doing,” said Tuskegee University President, Dr. Charlotte P. Morris. “The expanded curriculum in the areas of historic preservation, conservation, and protection of our historic buildings will be a great asset to the history and legacy of Tuskegee University.”

Two years ago, Tuskegee University’s Department of Architecture and the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania entered a teaching-fieldwork-research partnership, supported by the J.M. Kaplan Fund, resulting in the formation of the Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites in 2020.  The goals of the new activities are focused on building capacity among HBCUs, other stewardship organizations, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) professionals—to address historic deficits in the ability to train, commission, and direct preservation efforts of many kinds (technical, design, documentation, storytelling, redevelopment). Ultimately, this work will transform the preservation field nationally by creating and opening opportunities and the capacity to seize them. 

“Tuskegee is positioned to create a new model of preservation degree, centered on community-serving preservation strategies, financial sustainability and multifunctional sites, aimed at issues of built environment stewardship as well as public history, archiving, and interpretation-storytelling.” “Curriculum is the centerpiece of the whole effort, linking practice, politics, community impact, and making a generational change in the preservation field,” said Dr. Carla Jackson Bell, professor, and dean of the School of Architecture and Science and Management (TSACS) and grant Co-PI.

Tuskegee will be the central organizing point of the work. The proposed funding expands their teaching of historic preservation in the formal curriculum and through outreach projects with partners. UPenn’s CPCRS, with the NTHP African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund as a project collaborator, will help grow the capacity and affirm the potential of Tuskegee, AAACRHSC, and an emergent consortium of heritage sites in Philadelphia. Our collaborations will create replicable partnership models for other traditional/academic preservation programs nationally.

Dr. Kwesi Daniels
Dr. Kwesi Daniels, PI

“The field of historic preservation, long dominated by institutions marked by white privilege, has historically had a blind spot for many issues of significance for Black heritage—from listings and leadership to public policies and university study opportunities,” said Dr. Kwesi Daniels, interim department head of Architecture and grant PI. “The partners will jointly explore several options for expanding the preservation curriculum at Tuskegee – considering a range of undergraduate and graduate options, possibilities including sub matriculation or other direct partnerships with UPenn, and trades-based training programs directly connected to workforce development programs.”

In addition, other team members of the grant include Brent Leggs, the executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and Dr. Randall Mason, who teaches in the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation and is a Professor in the Department of City & Regional Planning at the UPenn.

Bowie State Receives $10M Public Health Grant, Its Largest Gift In 2 Decades

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A record $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is elevating Bowie State University in the public health space! Learn more in the release from BSU below.

Bowie State University is charting a path to become a thought leader in the public health space as it gains a seat at the table of national discussions of public health IT with a $10 million grant recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—the largest award to the school in two decades. 

The university is one of 10 institutions forming a consortium to implement the Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Workforce Development Program funded by HHS’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. The project aims to recruit, secure paid internships and train diverse groups of individuals in public health informatics and technology to improve the nations’ public health workforce as identified in the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan. The goal is to strengthen IT health education and to expand the IT health curricula at Minority Servicing Institutions, improve COVID-19 data collection, and increase representation of underrepresented communities within the field throughout the U.S. 

“Through this partnership, Bowie State University will be known as a leading player in public health,” said Gale Bassette, BSU Special Assistant to the Provost for Federal Contracts Administration. “We will play a major role in how this public health infrastructure will be delivered to the communities.”

Over the course of four years, the PHIT Workforce Development Program nationally will train at least 4,000 individuals through an interdisciplinary approach to create a continuous pipeline of diverse public health IT professionals.

“This program will help to expand Bowie State’s public health focus in our curriculum offerings,” said Bassette. “BSU will create a pathway for students to be trained, recruited and placed in health informatics and technology careers.  They will be mentored by healthcare institutions on real-world problems and participate in the building of the nation’s future healthcare infrastructure.” 

In recent months, the university has experienced faculty and the administration coming together to pursue highly visible grant opportunities. “The collaboration across the university is really a plus,” said Dr. Anika Bissahoyo, Assistant Director for Research, BSU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. “We are increasingly seeing collaboration across the campus, which is exciting.” 

Ms. Bassette spearheaded the HHS grant proposal development process. Other contributors included Dr. Philip de Melo, principle investigator for the project and visiting faculty, Department of Computer Science; Dr. Birthale Archie, assistant professor, Department of Nursing; Dr. Brown-Robertson, special assistant for Research and Development, and professor in the data science and analytics program, College of Business; and Dr. Azene Zenebe, chairperson, Management Information Systems, and chair, public informatics program. Contributors from the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics included Dr. Augustin Ntembe, associate professor; Dr. Obeidat Rand, assistant professor; and Dr. Thaddee Badibanga, assistant professor. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs provided pre-award and budget management and HealthCare Dynamics International will serve as subcontractor.

NJ Gov Taps Oakwood University Graduate To Lead New Diversity Office

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy chose the perfect candidate to lead when he created the new Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Governor’s office. Jayné Johnson, an Oakwood University graduate, will serve as director, ensuring equity in the state government, as well as in legislation. Get the full story from New Jersey Business below.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 265 to create the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Governor’s office. This new internal office, led by Jayné Johnson, aims to dismantle inequity within state government based on race, ethnicity, and other protected characteristics and to expand opportunities for communities of color and other underserved New Jerseyans. The office will also be committed to fostering greater inclusion and understanding of issues of diversity, equity, and belonging.

Additionally, the Governor signed a legislative package to bring greater diversity to the ranks of law enforcement. The bills direct the Civil Service Commission to implement several programs to promote diversity in law enforcement. The programs include a mentorship program for law enforcement applicants as well as the creation of a statewide database to assist the Commission in understanding the reason for an applicant’s selection or disqualification during the hiring process.

“With today’s executive order and bill signings, we are building on our commitment to advance equity for New Jerseyans who have been left behind for far too long,” said Governor Murphy. “Jayné’s wealth of experience advocating for social justice and prior work crafting policy solutions that promote equity will serve her well in this role. I am proud to appoint her as the Director of this important new office and to sign a legislative package to ensure a stronger and fairer New Jersey that works for all.”

“During my career, I have had the honor of serving in different leadership roles to achieve equity to combat the long-standing problem of systemic racism and discrimination in our laws, economy, and institutions,” said Jayné Johnson, incoming Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at the Governor’s office. “My new position in the Governor’s Office will allow me to continue doing critical work to build a more equitable and inclusive future and I appreciate the Governor’s confidence in me and the opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey.”

Johnson brings extensive advocacy, public service, and policy experience to the Governor’s office. She previously served as a senior policy analyst at The Council of State Governments Justice Center where she provided strategic direction in launching the federally supported Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

During her time at the Council of State Governments Justice Center, she was selected to join the urgent work in Minnesota, focusing on addressing the inequities in the state’s probation system, including the lack of uniformity in local administration and the overrepresentation of Native Americans and Blacks in the system. She also previously served as Senior Counsel at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice where she championed workforce systems and housing reforms aimed at closing the racial wealth gap in New Jersey. Johnson received her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University Law School in Newark, New Jersey, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies from Oakwood University.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Governor’s Office will focus on:

  • Overseeing training, coordinating programing, and developing policies to advance equity across all of state government;
  • Ensuring equity, anti-discrimination, and anti-racism considerations are integrated into all decision making across state government from specific policy matters to legislation;
  • Establishing a statewide structure to ensure stakeholders and staff improve their ability to recognize and address structural inequities; and
  • Working with the private sector to develop methods to ensure equity in their processes related to state engagements.

The Governor signed the following bills into law:

  • S-2765/A-4542 (Sweeney, Rice, Ruiz/Reynolds-Jackson, Johnson) – Requires Civil Services Commission to undertake various initiatives to increase diversity and inclusivity within law enforcement agencies.
  • S-2766/A-4517 (Sweeney, Rice/Reynolds-Jackson, McKnight, Johnson) – Requires Civil Service Commission establish mentoring program for certain civil service law enforcement applicants.
  • S-2767/A-4598 (Cryan, Rice, Sweeney, Ruiz/Reynolds-Jackson, Carter, Vainieri Huttle) – Establishes database to aid in civil service hiring process for certain law enforcement officers; requires statewide diversity analysis of law enforcement.

Data Shows Influx Of HBCU Enrollment From Twin Cities Students

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More and more students from the Twin Cities are finding their way to HBCUs! to Get the full story from Reg Chapman at CBS Minnesota below.

Historically Black colleges and universities are seeing record enrollment numbers this year.

The Twin Cities is seeing more of its high school graduates enrolling at HBCUs.

Howard University has its largest freshman class in the University’s 154 year history, and some believe a rise in racial tensions helped increase enrollment.

When it came to choosing a college, Maximillon Fountain knew he wanted that Black college experience.

“I wanted to experience being part of the majority and not a minority. I guess that would explain why I chose an HBCU. But I chose Morehouse to become a Morehouse man be part of a brotherhood and hopefully one day create a new legacy,” said Fountain, a graduate from Patrick Henry High School.

He is amongst a growing number of Black high school graduates in Minnesota and across the country choosing to continue their education at a historically Black college or university.

Some say the influence of notable alumni like Vice President Kamala Harris as one reason behind the rise in enrollment, others point to an interest in social justice and increased Black awareness.

“The George Floyd incident did cause me to, it added motivation to the whole idea of going and getting the degree and bettering myself as a Black man in America,” said Fountain.

Fountain’s parents were behind his decision to attend an HBCU.

Dropping him off at Morehouse College allowed them to see the environment that their son is so proud to say is his college home.

“I need him seeing us doing everything lawyers, there is more of that there than there is here,” said Fountain, Sr.

“We catch them in their senior year in high school when they are interested in learning about scholarships,” said Laverne McCartney Knighton, an area development director for UNCF Minnesota.

She credits HBCU alumni associations here in the Twin Cities, churches, fraternities, sororities, and their Black college fairs for getting students interested and enrolled.

“We get a lot of students from here going to Howard because there are a lot of Howard alumni,” said Knighton.

UNCF provides opportunities for fellowships and internships and potential employment with fortune 500 companies.

“Bringing that talent back home is what we want to see, “ Knighton said.

“It’s about the experience. You will never get an experience like this. You don’t want to miss out on it,” Fountain said.

The United Negro College Fund is the nation’s largest scholarship provider for Black students in the country.

Students who apply do not have to attend an HBCU to qualify for help.

North Carolina HBCU Students Surprised With Cleared Debt On Nick Cannon Show

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Three HBCU students will have their college debt cleared thanks to the generosity of Howard University student Nick Cannon! Get the full story from Kate Murphy at the News Observer below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uli8_n4_Q2c

Three college students at historically black universities in North Carolina won’t have to worry about tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt when they graduate, thanks to entertainer Nick Cannon. 

Cannon hosted students from Saint Augustine’s University, North Carolina A&T State University, Winston-Salem State University and other HBCUs on his nationally syndicated talk show Monday. They spoke about the adversity they faced and their desire to attend college, particularly an HBCU.

In a surprise announcement, Cannon then told the students their outstanding college debt would be paid upon their graduation through a scholarship in partnership with the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

“Once you earn your college degree, we’re wiping out your personal student debt — every single penny,” Cannon said.

Cannon, an alumnus of HBCU Howard University, said HBCUs have “played a pivotal role in developing the brightest minds and influencers of our time,” and recognized the high price tag.

Mackenzie Estrep, a senior at Saint Augustine’s University, is a first-generation high school graduate and college student who is working three jobs to help pay for tuition. 

“Going away to college was so important to me coming from that low-income single-parent household,” Estrep said on the show. “I spent so much of my time living in that toxic household and it drained me of not knowing my purpose or my passions or even my potential.”

She said she knew going to college would help her, and SAU gave her that chance. It costs about $26,000 per year to attend St. Aug’s, and Estrep will have more than $34,000 in student loan debt when she graduates.

SAU, Shaw University and other HBCUs offered financial relief to graduates and returning students this year by clearing balances owed in tuition, fees and fines. Black college graduates owe an average of $52,000 in student loan debt, which is about $25,000 more on average than white graduates, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Sharandica Midcalf, a student at Winston-Salem State University, was homeless and said a school counselor told her she didn’t have the GPA to get into college. Someone telling her she won’t go to college motivated her to succeed at WSSU as a first generation college student.

Class of 2020 graduate Alcion Thompson turns his tassel during commencement exercises for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, May 1, 2021. Ethan Hyman EHYMAN@NEWSOBSERVER.COM

“It feels like the world is finally going to see the person I’ve been my whole life,” Midcalf said on the show. “To prove that I’m not dumb, I’m not stupid, I’m educated.”

Midcalf wanted the opportunity to tell her story because there is a little girl out watching and trying to figure out how she can get to college. 

“Listen, you just gotta do it,” Midcalf said. 

Christian Kornegay talked about how he overcame a learning disability and got accepted to N.C. A&T University, where he’s pursuing his goal of becoming a professional host and entertainer.

he seven HBCU students featured on the show each have between $34,000 and $120,000 in student debt, but they all say it’s worth it to get a college education and pursue their career goals. North Carolina’s HBCUs are among the best in the country, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.

“I was pleased to watch Nick Cannon put the transformative power of HBCUs on display,” SAU President Christine Johnson McPhail said in a statement. “The use of his platform to advocate for our students is a tremendous asset in helping HBCUs fulfill their mission and vision.” 

The full HBCU segment on The Nick Cannon Show can be viewed online.

FAMU Alumna Remi Kent Becomes Chief Marketing Officer At Progressive Insurance

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A Florida A&M University alumna has become CMO for a leading insurance agency! Get the full story from Progressive Insurance below.

Veteran marketing professional brings wealth of experience to iconic insurance brand

Progressive Insurance today announced that Remi Kent will join the company as Chief Marketing Officer beginning on November 1, 2021. Kent comes to Progressive after spending eight years with 3M, including the last year as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of the Consumer Business Group, where she led e-Commerce, Media, Insights and Analytics, and Integrated Marketing globally. She succeeds Jeff Charney, who in a March 2021 news release announced his intent to retire from Progressive after helping to ensure a seamless transition with the team and brand. Kent will report directly to Tricia Griffith, Progressive’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and will serve on the Progressive executive leadership team.

Remi Kent

“I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Remi to the Progressive family. With more than 20+ years of marketing experience, she has a proven track record of working with and leading well-known global brands, and I’m confident she’s the right person to continue to move our brand forward,” said Griffith. “Her creativity and data-driven decision making aligns with ours and I know she’ll be a great fit for our culture. I look forward to having Remi as the newest member of my executive leadership team and I also want to reiterate my thanks to Jeff for his passion and dedication to growing our brand over the last 11 years.” 

“I’m honored to join such a well-recognized brand,” said Kent. “I look forward to building on Progressive’s success and continuing to drive growth while leading such an accomplished marketing team. They’ve built an impressive suite of campaigns and characters with incredible momentum in the market, with talented teams and agencies who continue to innovate in this highly competitive category. After getting to know Progressive, I’m so impressed with the culture they’ve created under Tricia’s and Jeff’s leadership – not only fast-paced and creative, but welcoming, respectful and true to its values.” 

Kent joined 3M in 2013 as Global Brand and Strategy Leader for the Consumer Business Group before taking on the role of Global Business Director for the Post-It® and Scotch® Brands in 2017, where she helped return these iconic brands to growth. Prior to joining 3M, she spent 13 years with Procter & Gamble where she led billion-dollar businesses across North America, Asia, and Western Europe with leadership in brand building, P&L ownership, strategy, and successful new product launches.  

Kent, who holds a degree in business administration and an MBA from Florida A&M University, has received numerous accolades for her leadership in business and marketing, including the likes of Ad Age Leading Women and 40 under 40, Twin Cities Women in Business Award, 100 Most Influential Black Leaders, Comparably 50, and Influential Marketing Leaders Changing the Industry. Remi is passionate about building high performance teams and is a true leader for diversity and inclusion. To bring that passion to life, she is a founding member of the Black Executive CMO Alliance, where she is working to create opportunity, access, and equality for the current and next generation of Black marketing leaders. 

The CMO search was led by Griffith, Charney, and Progressive’s Chief Human Resource Officer, Lori Niederst, along with the company’s internal executive recruiting team managed by Suzanne Black.

Stillman College’s Executive Vice President named an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow

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Derrick C. Gilmore, Executive Vice President at Stillman College, has recently been bestowed a leadership honor. Learn about his upcoming leadership for the Appalachian Regional Commission, and how he plans to bring guidance to the program in the Stillman release below.

Derrick C. Gilmore, executive vice president for Stillman College.

The Appalachian Regional Commission has named Stillman College Executive Vice President Derrick C. Gilmore to its 2021-2022 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute.Leaser

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. As an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow, Gilmore will participate in an extensive, nine-month series of skill-building seminars featuring regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis. The program begins virtually in October and culminates with the Class of 2021-2022’s graduation in July 2022.

“Having the opportunity to participate with an organization like ARC, which has strong support from the federal government, will provide invaluable insight into federal policy development that supports the civic, social and economic initiatives that drive innovation, entrepreneurship and education,” Gilmore said. “This fellowship will help shape Stillman College be a better partner with local service and economic development agencies in the City of Tuscaloosa and the State of Alabama, and to better understand and address the challenges presented to our citizens.”

Gilmore will work directly with public policy, community development, education, investment, and other professionals who live and/or work in the Region to:

  • Identify and implement best practices and strategies to inspire positive change in their communities;
  • Build a robust network of leaders across the Region;
  • Integrate community assets into long-last economic development strategies; and
  • Appreciate the diversity and commonalties of the 13 states in the Appalachian Region.

Upon completion of the program, Gilmore will automatically become part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Network, a peer-to-peer working group committed to Appalachia’s future.

Gilmore was selected via a competitive application process. ARC received more than 115 qualified applications for the 2021-2022 Appalachian Leadership Institute class.

“These phenomenal Appalachians are the driving force of change in their communities,” said Gayle Manchin, ARC federal co-chair. “The work of this new class of fellows – and the ones who came before – gives me hope to the future of our region and is a testament to all that can be accomplished when Appalachians work together.”

ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Its Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact.

HBCU Homecoming Essentials: Good Eats & Good Times

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From what to wear, where to eat, and what to pack, Xfinity has you covered.

Those who have experienced an HBCU homecoming understand the assignment. College students, alumni, family, and residents of an Historically Black College and University gather and partake in the excitement of celebrating the heritage and culture of the school.  It’s a  time of joy, honoring traditions, and for some, reflecting on the good ol’ days. Homecoming weekends are spent eating well, laughing plenty, and enjoying the sights; and there is plenty to see, do, and EAT! (Spoiler alert: sleep is not on the syllabus.)

When traveling, trying “new-to-you” restaurants is one of the best parts of the experience. College towns are ever-evolving so if you’re an alum, it’s a possibility the area will look different from what you remember, especially the food. Googling the best spots in town beforehand will be worth your time. Social media, influencer recommendations and dining apps with rating systems are your best friend when it comes to seeking mouth-watering meals. Skim the menus and read the reviews to find just the right one.

Once on campus, ask the HBCU students for their preferred list of eateries. If there’s a greasy spoon close to campus, make time for it! The hole-in-the-walls tend to provide some of the best food. And if there’s a long line, it might be just the hot spot you’re looking for to chow down. During the homecoming game, there will be tons of food trucks and vendors selling popular treats. Try befriending fellow students/alum in the tailgate area, who might serve you up on a free plate.

If upscale dining is more your style, search for a restaurant with reservations as an option. Book it early! Just like hotel rooms, popular eateries fill up quickly with the influx of visitors in town. Waiting until the last minute could leave you hangry – if you read our last article, you packed essential snacks!

Too tired to leave the room? Invite friends over, stay in, and have a meal delivered. But expect a surge in delivery fees and wait times, convenience has its costs. Last but not least, if you plan on watching the game from home—you can bring the tailgate to YOU.* Recreate your favorite dishes from your college days or propose a family-style BBQ competition with those in your household. Afterall, what’s homecoming without a little spirited rivalry? 

*Due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, select HBCU homecoming sanctioned events have been rescheduled or are TBD.

Virginia State University Gives Students Day Off To Decompress From COVID-19 Stress

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In an unprecedented step for many colleges and universities around the country, Virginia State University has given students today off to “address increased loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression, in part caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Get the full story from the NBC12 story below.

Classes at VSU were canceled Tuesday for students to focus on their mental health. (Credit: NBC12)

Virginia State University (VSU) students, faculty and staff took Tuesday to decompress from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Classes were canceled on Sept. 28 as the day was designated as ‘Trojan Wellness Day,’ so everyone could commit to mental health. Students were encouraged to take this day to participate in health and wellness activities and prioritize self-care.

“I am super excited that the university responded in such a positive way,” said Cynthia Ellison, Executive Director of VSU’s Health and Wellness program.

In a matter of four days, the idea of a mental health day on VSU’s campus became a reality!

“I know students have been pretty stressed out with still being in the midst of a pandemic, as well as attending classes and trying to stay safe,” said VSU’s Student Government Association President Kameron Gray.

Trying to juggle that, and getting good grades, has been difficult, but has not gone unnoticed.

“They have truly been troopers through all this,” said Donald Palm, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of VSU. “We wanted to make sure we gave them the opportunity to also kind of decompress, and really reflect and be ready to move forward.”

According to the CDC, “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives and present challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children.”

“The fact that we were able to do this says that we understand health is wealth and that we want our students to be whole, mind, body and soul,” Ellison said.

Some students taking that focus to heart through a yoga class offered Tuesday. Others opting for progressive muscle relaxation and even massages.

“Achieving a university-wide COVID-19 positivity rate of less than one percent is no small feat. It requires a great deal of work by our faculty, students, staff, and administration,” VSU President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, said. “Not only is everyone under a significant amount of pressure, dealing with the typical stress of higher education, but now everyone is doing so with the added demands and exertions of a global pandemic. This makes intentional intervention to address physical and emotional wellness—all the more necessary, which is exactly what this Trojan Wellness Day is all about.”

“It’s a great idea,” said Dr. LaKesha Roney, a VSU alumna. “I think more universities really need to have that same mindset.”

Roney is proud of the move by her alma mater. The licensed counselor is all too familiar with the impacts COVID-19 has left.

“A lot of what I’m hearing from clients is just feeling overwhelmed, stressed, increased symptoms of anxiety, depression,” she said.

As a current adjunct professor at George Mason University, and the former Counseling Director for VSU, Roney said it’s important to make sure mental wellness is incorporated every day.

“Even if it’s just taking a lunch break, a quick break from your desk to get up and take a quick five-minute walk,” she added.

“I know that we’ll be even more productive tomorrow as we come out of this particular day off,” Palm said.

Employees could also choose Sept. 28 to use a leave day or a relaxed workday. Faculty and staff were also encouraged to dress down, attend on-campus mental health activities, and spend additional time checking on co-workers.

The opportunity was a result of a collaborative effort between university administrators, faculty and student groups. The hope is to incorporate more of these wellness opportunities in the future.

Two Buildings At N.C. A&T To Be Renamed After Notable Alumni

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Two buildings on the N.C. A&T State University campus initially named after problematic figures will be renamed to honor two notable alumni! Get the full story from the N.C. A&T official release below.

The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Board of Trustees (BOT) voted Friday to name two iconic campus buildings after alumna and former chairwoman of the N.C. A&T Board of Trustees, Velma Speight, Ph.D. ’53, and alumnus and past College of Engineering Dean Joseph Monroe, ’62 Ph.D., respectively.

The buildings, which were formerly called Morrison Hall and Cherry Hall, had their names stripped by the BOT almost exactly one year ago after discoveries were brought to light that their namesakes were aligned with white supremacy before and during their respective tenures as governor. A&T leaders determined those names did not reflect the university’s values, standards and principles.

Now the buildings will bear the names of two of the most revered and accomplished alumni in A&T history. 

“Naming these campus buildings for such distinguished and well-deserving alumni as Drs. Speight and Monroe is our honor and pleasure. The dedication, service and impact they’ve had on this campus, their respective fields, and our nation is beyond significant,” said Ken Sigmon, vice chancellor for University Advancement and President of The Foundation for North Carolina A&T State University, Inc. “As a leading, institution of higher education, A&T will make every effort to ensure our campus, including buildings, reflects ideals and individuals of the highest quality and standards.” 

Lovingly known as “Miss Aggie Pride,” Speight has demonstrated strong commitment, dedication and cultivation of her alma mater, as well as the field of education, for over 45 years. Beginning her career as a high school teacher, she expanded her reach professionally and civically through numerous promotions, appointments and high-level positions, including specialist in civil rights, state supervisor of guidance and assistant state superintendent for the Maryland State Department of Education. 

Speight served as chairwoman of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Education and coordinated its graduate program in guidance and counseling and won the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Teacher of the Year Award. She has also taught at Johns Hopkins University, Loyola College and the University of Maryland College Park. In 1991, Speight earned a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Ghana and Senegal, West Africa.

In addition to serving as past chairwoman for the A&T Board of Trustees, Speight took the reins as director of Alumni Affairs in 1993, serving until her retirement in 1997. During her retirement, she has continued to serve the university and its alumni chairing executive-level committees and participation and involvement in other areas of significance. 

The university celebrated her in 2006 with an honorary Doctor of Humanities at the fall commencement where she also served as keynote speaker. The North Carolina A&T University Foundation, Inc., later named the main lobby of the Alumni-Foundation Event Center in her honor.

Speight earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and French from A&T and a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland at College Park.

Monroe received bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, English and French from A&T before moving on to Texas A&M, where he completed M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science, becoming the first African American to earn a doctoral degree in that discipline in the United States. 

Following receipt of his degrees, Monroe received commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and was appointed an associate professor of Computer Science in the U.S. Air Force Academy. He held various positions at the academy including dean of the faculty, chair of the department of Electrical Engineering, and chair of the Department of Computer Science. Monroe went on to become the first African American appointed a full professor at the Academy.

In 1987, Monroe joined the faculty at Fayetteville State University, serving in various academic and administrative positions. He returned to A&T in 1991 and was named Ronald E. McNair Endowed Professor and chair of the department of Computer Science. In 2000, Monroe assumed the role of dean of the College of Engineering serving until 2009. Under his leadership, the College of Engineering expanded its footprint, increased its funding and hired the most tenured African American engineering professors in the United States. 

Monroe was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense Superior Service Medal for Superior Service and Teaching in 1987, and the U.S. Air Force Legion of Merit Service Medal for Outstanding Teaching and Research in 1974, 1978 and 1982.