Recent Donation For Scholarship Renews Commitment In HBCUs

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on
UNCF and NMSC officers gather with HBCU presidents at the Clark Atlanta University Dubois Statue Platform for the presentation of an additional $2.1 million grant from NMSC for the Achievement Capstone Program. In attendance (from left to right) are UNCF Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer Mr. Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr.; Clark Atlanta University President Dr. George T. French, Jr.; UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax; NMSC President and CEO Mr. Timothy E. McGuire; Morehouse College President Dr. David A. Thomas; and NMSC Executive Vice President Mr. Jeffrey Z. Little.

College is expensive, but a renewed collaboration is bringing costs down for students to attend HBCUs! Read more information from The Seattle Medium about how UNCF and The National Merit Scholarship Corporation have reinvested in a program that will give the highest-achieving students the support they need!

Last week, The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and UNCF (United Negro College Fund) celebrated the success of the Achievement Capstone Program, a scholarship program that grants financial assistance to high-achieving, underrepresented college graduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).

NMSC joined UNCF at Clark Atlanta University’s Dubois Statue Platform to commemorate the scholarship’s five-year milestone. During the celebration, NMSC President Timothy E. McGuire presented UNCF President Dr. Michael L. Lomax with an additional $2.1 million grant for the Achievement Capstone Program.

For more than 50 years, NMSC conducted the National Achievement Scholarship Program, which recognized and honored academically talented Black American high school students. Four million Black Americans entered the program, and approximately 228,000 received program recognition. Of those honored, more than 34,000 of the most outstanding participants were chosen to receive Achievement Scholarship® awards worth about $108 million. The final group of high school students to be recognized in the program entered college in 2015. UNCF carries on the National Achievement Scholarship Program name and legacy through the UNCF Achievement Capstone Program, launched in 2016 with an initial investment of $5 million from the National Achievement Scholarship Program. The additional investment of $2.1 million is the remaining funds from the National Achievement Scholarship Program now that the obligations to the 2015 scholarship recipients have been fully met.

“UNCF is honored to continue the legacy of a program that has meant so much to Black college students who struggled to finance their higher education,” said Lomax. “I am proud of the work that UNCF has done with this program in helping ensure a college degree is not only a dream but a possibility.”

“NMSC is proud of our partnership with UNCF and their great work and stewardship to successfully carry on the name, mission, and important legacy of the National Achievement Scholarship Program which has recognized and honored so many talented Black American Scholars since the first awards were presented in 1965,” said McGuire. “We believe this further investment in the Achievement Capstone Program is proof of our great confidence in UNCF to carry on this important mission for many years to come.”

“The UNCF Achievement Capstone Program showed other grant organizations that I was capable of writing persuasive material and that I was a leader in my community,” said Alexis Carey, a UNCF Achievement Capstone recipient and third-year Ph.D. candidate currently enrolled in the cellular and molecular medicine program at Johns Hopkins University. 

Carey is interested in the interface between aging, chronic inflammation and overall immune function. Her research allowed her to receive several prestigious awards including the Ford Predoctoral Fellowship Alternate/Honorable Mention in 2021 and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention in 2020. She plans to investigate the role that age-related changes to bone marrow play in the progression of melanoma. A 2018 graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Carey actively encourages young students through her participation as a peer mentor to basic science institute and summer internship program students.

Tiqeece Brown, a UNCF Achievement Capstone recipient and second-year law student at Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, says that the scholarship has inspired him to pay it forward.

“The UNCF Achievement Capstone Scholarship gave me the momentum to help achieve my dream of becoming an attorney and inspired me to give back to my community,” said Brown.

Brown provides leadership as the chief promotional officer for Campbell Law Reporter and the law student representative for the North Carolina Bar Association. He is an active member of the university’s Diversity and Student Life Committee and Student Bar Association. A 2017 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Brown served as a teacher and football coach within Catawba County School system. Upon graduation, he has a strong desire to pursue a career in education or public interest law.

“Students like Alexis Carey and Tiqeece Brown are outstanding examples of the talent this particular scholarship empowers,” Lomax added. “And, this additional investment will allow UNCF to turn those dreams into realities for more students at HBCUs and PBIs. For that, we are extremely grateful to NMSC for entrusting us with such a prestigious program.”

HBCU Faculty Have Been Training For Further Distance Learning

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

What began as a relatively small training to teach HBCU faculty how to support distance learning, has now blossomed into something much bigger. The training, spearheaded by UNCF and an education partner, now training double the intended professionals, preparing them for education during and after a pandemic that shocked the world. Read about how HBCU educators are rolling up their sleeves for the future of education in an article by Brenda C. Siler at The Washington Informer.

Faculty skill building is part of UNCF’s commitment to HBCUs and PBIs. The scholarship organization has partnered with Strategic Education to elevate skills for delivering higher-education distance learning. (Courtesy of UNCF)

The pandemic forced educators into a largely uncharted world in which distance learning supplanted in-classroom instruction. To address the concerns of teachers, students and administrators, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is collaborating with online learning specialist Strategic Education, Inc. to help instructors at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominately Black institutions (PBIs) deliver quality higher education in a hybrid environment of in-classroom instruction and remote teaching.

UNCF and SEI piloted this professional development training in Summer 2020 with 400 HBCU faculty members at 14 institutions enrolled. The formal rollout has begun for faculty. The training program was ready to offer the training to 500 faculty, but the response was overwhelming with more 1,200 faculty now enrolled. Enrollees train in a four-week program building proficiency for delivering online learning. Those that complete the training are eligible for a $200 stipend.

“We have facilitators from a variety of educational backgrounds who are available to support faculty in this training,” said Crystal Moore, vice president of Higher Education Partnerships at Strategic Education.

HBCUs and PBIs have been seen as a path for educating Black students. Operating within a digital environment will continue to grow for higher education. UNCF and Strategic Education are working to ensure faculty refine skills that today’s students require. To ensure faculty are supported in this program, Provosts and Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs at institutions receive guidance to support their newly trained educators.

“We set up a training program for administrators to understand this professional development scenario,” said Julian Thompson, a strategist in UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB). “We researched a curriculum that would help institutions learn how to pivot from a classroom environment to online space. Curriculum design scenarios looked at student engagement, evaluation and assessment tools and innovations.”

UNCF reached beyond its 37 member schools to offer this training program. The largest minority scholarship program in the U.S., UNCF turned to Strategic Education to craft a training program in the wake of SEI’s success in training programs for Strayer University and Capella University. The company uses Sophia Learning, a social education platform that provides free tools and resources to teachers.

Training for participating faculty will  feature virtual small group interaction among educators to share best practices.

“There is a community-building aspect to this professional development initiative for participants,” said Moore.

Why More College Students And Athletes Are Committing To HBCUs

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are hubs of inclusion and diversity when it comes to education, sports, social action, and more. Yet the power of HBCUs are often times ignored, especially when it comes to the recruiting of top academic and sports talent. Now an increasing amount of people are opening their eyes towards these institutions, driving up applications and even high-profile athlete commitments. Below, read a recent ABC News piece by Abby Cruz, Kenneth Moton, and Sarah Herndon that is exploring why.

Students walk around the Florida A&M University campus in Tallahassee Fla., Sept. 16, 2020. (Credit: Joe Rondone/Democrat via USA Today Network)

It’s the time when high school graduates make that consequential decision: What’s next?

Curtis Lawrence has made his choice. Behind those braces and that megawatt smile is a gifted 16-year-old who recently made a tough choice for his future.

Curtis, a student at School Without Walls High School in Washington, D.C., was offered a total of $1.6 million in scholarships and was accepted into 14 schools, including Harvard and Yale, but he decided on Florida A&M University, a historically Black university also known as FAMU.

“They made sure to reach out to me,” he said, adding that he felt welcomed at the university. “I know FAMU is the right choice for me.”

“Throughout my life, my parents made sure to make me interested in HBCUs,” Curtis continued. “And that there was a place for me to be developed as a young Black man.”

Since the death of George Floyd, many students and athletes have taken it upon themselves to not only use their voices but also take action in a way they believe will make change.

As colleges overall saw a nearly 3% dip in enrollment this spring compared to last year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, HBCUs are exploding in popularity both in classrooms and on the court.

Numbers show the impact. Morgan State University reported nearly 15,000 undergraduate applications — an all-time high and a 58.5% increase compared to 2019. Howard University said that for a third straight year, it experienced a double-digit increase in applications.

Last year, Makur Maker, one of the most elite basketball prospects in the country, shocked the nation when he turned down top basketball programs, including Kentucky and UCLA.

He became the highest-ranked player in the modern recruiting era to commit to an HBCU when he chose Howard University. Unfortunately, the 6-foot-11 forward played just two games before being injured last season, and has declared for the NBA draft.

“During a social unrest, the George Floyd killing, that was a tipping point of everything,” Maker told ABC News. “That really made me consider a HBCU seriously.”

Makur Maker (20) controls the ball against Sunrise Christian Academy during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., Jan. 19, 2020. (Credit: Gregory Payan/AP)

Maker said he wanted to give others the courage to go with their hearts.

After his decision, other prospective star athletes, such as the son of rapper Master P and the son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, also committed to HBCUs.

“It’s always hard when you’re trying to pick the right college and the right fit style of play or, you know, the right culture,” Maker said. “But I feel like whenever I’m given an opportunity with a wide variety, whether to lead and learn at the same time, it’s a no-brainer for me.”

HBCUs started growing in the early 19th century to educate people of African descent including freed slaves and their descendants who were not allowed to attend white institutions.

Many HBCUs survived decades of racism-based challenges, such as Jim Crow laws, underfunding and accreditation issues.

Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest HBCU, has seen a 70% increase in applicants from across the country, said university President Aminta Breaux, the first woman to lead the school.

“Our doors have been open to every race, every gender and orientation,” she said. “We are an open, diverse community, and we feel that there’s a greater benefit to us all.”

Students walk near the new Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing at Bowie State University, June 5, 2017. (Credit: The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Bowie State and Maryland’s other HBCUs are now preparing for a major infusion of cash to help with expansion plans. The state approved sending a total of $577 million dollars to HBCUs over 10 years.

“I believe this is a wrong that has been righted,” Breaux said. “So now we’re looking to the future to build up our programs, to create greater academic innovation, to provide the scholarships so sorely needed for our students as we see a growing gap across the country.”

As Curtis prepares to graduate from high school, the 16-year-old has already earned his associate degree from The George Washington University, which means he’ll join FAMU as a rising junior.

When asked what he wants other young people to know about HBCUs and why they should attend, Curtis’ face beamed with light.

“I would say that HBCUs are where you should go,” he said. “They have a specific culture to them that other schools don’t exactly have, that they can’t match.”

Alabama State University Establishes Hall Of Fame

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Student-athletes and many more at Alabama State University are welcoming the surprise news that the university will be establishing an athletic Hall Of Fame! Get the full details and learn will be among those considered for honors in the article from Janae Smith at Alabama News Network below!

Credit: Alabama State University Athletics

The Alabama State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the establishment of an Athletics Hall of Fame today.

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize and pay tribute to former student-athletes and coaches who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments during their enrollment/career at the University, as well as individuals who have demonstrated significant support to the advancement of the Department of Athletics through dedicated service. A Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be scheduled to take place during the 2022 football season, with a date and location to be determined.

Nominations for the Hall of Fame may be submitted by any Alabama State University affiliate (employee, Hornet Club member, Board of Trustees member, alumnus, inducted Hall of Famer, and any Hall of Fame committee member). All nominations will begin being accepted June 7, 2021, and the nominations will close on August 30, 2021. Nomination forms will be available via BamaStateSports.com or by clicking here. The nominations will be received by the Selection Committee during the nominating period and will be verified upon receipt.

Nominees may include a former student-athlete, coach, administrator, a team, or an individual who has made significant contributions to the department. Each person may nominate only one individual or team for consideration per cycle.

The Selection Committee has been assembled and consists of the following: ex-officio, director, presidential designee, a member of the Board of Trustees, a community member at large, member of the Athletic Strategic Communications office, current student-athlete, person who has achieved Hall of Fame status via Alabama State and/or SWAC, and a member of the current SGA.

After the Hall of Fame selections have been confirmed, all honorees will be notified and announced as part of Homecoming Week festivities in October 2021.

The Alabama State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the establishment of an Athletics Hall of Fame today.

Credit: Alabama State University Athletics

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize and pay tribute to former student-athletes and coaches who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments during their enrollment/career at the University, as well as individuals who have demonstrated significant support to the advancement of the Department of Athletics through dedicated service. A Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be scheduled to take place during the 2022 football season, with a date and location to be determined.

Nominations for the Hall of Fame may be submitted by any Alabama State University affiliate (employee, Hornet Club member, Board of Trustees member, alumnus, inducted Hall of Famer, and any Hall of Fame committee member). All nominations will begin being accepted June 7, 2021, and the nominations will close on August 30, 2021. Nomination forms will be available via BamaStateSports.com or by clicking here. The nominations will be received by the Selection Committee during the nominating period and will be verified upon receipt.

Nominees may include a former student-athlete, coach, administrator, a team, or an individual who has made significant contributions to the department. Each person may nominate only one individual or team for consideration per cycle.

The Selection Committee has been assembled and consists of the following: ex-officio, director, presidential designee, a member of the Board of Trustees, a community member at large, member of the Athletic Strategic Communications office, current student-athlete, person who has achieved Hall of Fame status via Alabama State and/or SWAC, and a member of the current SGA.

After the Hall of Fame selections have been confirmed, all honorees will be notified and announced as part of Homecoming Week festivities in October 2021.

NC A&T Students Work Hard On Inaugural Marketing Case Study Competition

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Hard working marketing students at North Carolina A&T State University worked to develop solutions for marketing in a case study competition that’s never been done before! Winning students not only came out more prepared to be problem-solvers at work; they came out with some cash too! To find out which company posed the questions and who came out on top, check out the article from Jackie Torok at NC A&T News below!

Credit: North Carolina A&T University

Three teams of undergraduate marketing students earned cash prizes after completing an inaugural case study competition sponsored by International Paper at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics.

During the spring 2021 semester, students enrolled in a marketing retailing class split into 18 teams to develop comprehensive solutions that incorporated retailing, marketing, supply chain management, and management science approaches to address a business problem presented by International Paper. The case focused on business-to-business relationships that ultimately impact the means by which consumers receive products.

Along with background and foundational information provided in conjunction with the case, students were tasked with conducting independent research on the industry, International Paper, International Paper’s business customers and end users.

Credit: North Carolina A&T University

“This experience of working virtually in a team also provided students with an opportunity to experience the direction many companies are heading with their workforces, albeit in a low- to no-risk environment,” said Roland Leak, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management in the Deese College. “As students graduate, they can use this experience to know that they can collaborate with team members in a virtual environment and produce impactful solutions that can support the goals and aims of their organizations.”

The top four teams presented their solutions virtually to International Paper representatives, who chose the three winning teams based on the students’ effort, delivery, thoughtfulness, and understanding of the issue.

The first-place team of Brandon Flowers, Simone Simmons, Ashtyn Jones and Micayla Steele received $1,500; the second-place team of Cheyla Wolfe, Diamond Bethea, Cedric Maddox, Sadaris Rhodes and Raelynn Sanders received $1,000; and the third-place team of Desmyne Gaines, Jada Heron, Tevonna Penn, Aaliyah Rodriguez and Sydnee Wallace received $500.

“The ability to work with a quality organization like International Paper truly enhances the Deese College faculty’s ability to demonstrate the skills students need to build in their undergraduate years so they can enter careers boldly and confidently,” said Leak. “Student experiences like this work in conjunction with the rigor of the marketing program to create knowledgeable and competitive professionals that are ready for the work world.”

18-Year-Old Graduates Summa Cum Laude, Debt-Free From Howard University

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Some HBCU graduates struggle to graduate debt free. And with all the possible distractions on campus, some HBCU graduates have difficulty graduating with top grades. Yet for one Howard University graduate, she beat the odds to graduate having overcome both those obstacles. Learn more in the piece from Charlene Rhinehart at Black Enterprise below.

Credit: Twitter/nadiyabee

Nadiya Blair just graduated from one of the world’s leading HBCUs debt-free, according to Defender Network.

At only 18-years-old, Blair has earned her Bachelor’s degree from Howard University. Despite the challenges associated with remote learning during the pandemic, she was able to achieve honors status, graduating Summa Cum Laude as a member of the Class of 2021.

“I definitely give credit to my creator. But also my parents are just exceptional people,” she said. “The amount of love my parents have poured into me was awesome. They weren’t helicopter parents. But they did encourage me and were extremely supportive, but they didn’t force me to do anything. They took the approach, ‘If you get a bad grade, that’s on you, and you can’t do the things you want in life with bad grades.’ That onus just made me want to do well.”

Graduating Debt-Free From Top HBCU

In 2015, Blair started high school. She took advantage of a dual credit program that expedited her educational success. According to her LinkedIn page, the young achiever was able to earn college credit from San Jacinto College while pursuing her high school diploma.

https://twitter.com/nadiyabee/status/1387544394421657602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1387544394421657602%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackenterprise.com%2Fthis-18-year-old-just-graduated-from-top-ranking-hbcu-debt-free-now-shes-taking-a-year-off-to-pursue-her-dreams%2F

Four years later, Blair accomplished her goal of reaching two educational milestones. First, she walked across the stage as a high school graduate from the Grace Christian Academy. At the same time, she received her Associate of Arts degree with honors. At only 16-years-old, Blair had put herself on the fast track to academic success.

In 2019, Blair matriculated to Howard University as a junior. She received a tuition scholarship but that wasn’t enough to cover her college expenses. Blair turned to scholarships to fill in the funding gaps. She applied for multiple scholarships during her program — even those that were only $100.

“My number one tip is don’t snub your nose at small scholarships,” Blair told Defender Network. “I spent a lot of time going after $100, $300, $500 scholarships because they add up. Everybody wants to apply for the big 10, 50 grand. Those scholarships are fantastic, but it’s easier to get the smaller ones.”

Applying for scholarships can add up to the hours associated with a full-time job. But graduating debt-free may be worth the time. According to The Institute for College Access & Success, over 60% of the class of 2019 graduated college with student debt. Many students rely on loans, making the average loan debt for a bachelor’s degree $28,950.

Blair recommends that students devote time to filling out scholarship recommendations. Although Blair had a full list of activities on her plate, she prioritized scholarship applications to eliminate debt worries.

“Take a weekend and just dedicate time to applying for as many small scholarships as possible. You may not get them all. But if you keep persevering, it will work.”

Next Steps

Now that Blair has her degree in hand, she’s looking forward to taking a year off. First, she plans to recuperate and indulge in self-care. Before graduating from Howard, Blair had to produce a 40-page thesis. Now, she’s on a mission to regain her mental energy to prepare for the next leg of her journey. Spending time with family and learning how to play the guitar are fun priorities on the list. In addition, she hopes to enhance her Spanish fluency.

Blair also has her eyes set on receiving the Presidential Lifetime Service Award. She plans on accumulating over 2,000 hours of service within the next year. She’s partnered with many community organizations in the past, earning two president’s volunteer service awards.

After her one-year sabbatical, Blair’s goal is to pursue a master’s in public policy and focus on nonprofit management. There’s no doubt that Blair will be successful in whatever direction she decides to go in. The opportunities are already looking bright. She’s running a multi-million dollar franchise for her own vector marketing business that could impact the next steps of her journey.

Xavier University of Louisiana Earns Fifth Consecutive Howell Cup, Totaling 10 Wins

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) is rejoicing after winning yet another Howell Cup in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference! Read about XULA’s lasting athletic legacy in an article by Brain Baublitz Jr. of Crescent City Sports below!

Credit: Yamlak Tsega/XULA Athletics

Courtesy of three regular season championships, three runner-up placements and a fourth place finish, Xavier University of Louisiana was able to claim its tenth and final Thomas Howell Cup as a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.

XULA was dominant once again, securing its fifth consecutive Cup and 10th over the past 11 seasons with 30 points, 10 more than the second place finisher. The Gold Nuggets swept the regular season championships for all women’s sports (track & field, volleyball, and cross country) while seeing three of its four men’s squads getting runners-up (track & field, basketball, and cross country). The only squad that did not end up in the top-three was the women’s basketball program, who went on to win the GCAC Tournament anyway as the fourth seed.

Dillard University finished in second place with 20 points, securing the slot with a men’s track & field victory with second place finishes in both volleyball and women’s track & field. They also won third place for their showing in women’s cross country. DU had its best Howell Cup finish since winning its lone Cup in 2016.

Edward Waters College came in third place, sliding in at 18 points. EWC was unable to win any regular season championships but were solid across the board as they had four third-place finishes via both track and field teams, men’s cross country and women’s basketball. This is the fifth consecutive year that the school has finished third or better in the standings.

Talladega College and Philander Smith College tied for fourth place, each garnering 17 points apiece. Talladega was boosted by its men’s basketball regular season title and women’s basketball’s runner-up placement while PSC had a champion (men’s cross country), runner-up (women’s cross country) and third place winner (volleyball).

Rust College was sixth at 12 points primarily due to its GCAC regular season championship won by its women’s basketball program as well as four points coming from its male counterparts on the hardwood.

Finally, Tougaloo College came in seventh, its best showing coming by way of the men’s cross country team who placed fourth.

Xavier (La.) now joins Mobile as the only two conference members in history to win double-figure Howell Cups with the Rams laying claim to 18 while the Gold Rush now have 10.

With the departure of Xavier to the Red River Athletic Conference, the only current member who has won the trophy is Dillard University, winning it for the first and only time so far at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 campaign.

The Thomas Howell Cup, named for the GCAC’s longtime commissioner, is awarded annually to the school with the most points based on order of finish in various sports.

2020-21 Thomas Howell Cup Final Standings
Rank Team Points
1. Xavier (Louisiana) 30
2. Dillard 20
3. Edward Waters 18
T4. Philander Smith 17
T4. Talladega 17
6. Rust 12
7. Tougaloo 6

All-Time Winners
Rank Team Championships
1. Mobile 18 – 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009
2. Xavier (Louisiana) 10 – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
3. Spring Hill 3 – 2000, 2002, 2003
T4. Dillard 1 – 2016
T4. Belhaven 1 – 2010
T4. William Carey 1 – 1986
T4. Louisiana College 1 – 1986

Stillman College’s Kelvin Reese Leads In HBCU All-Star Baseball Game

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

A freshman at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama made his mark on the recent HBCU All-Star baseball game. Also from Alabama, player Kelvin Reese had left the game with impressive stats, leading many to speculate just how well he can perform at his remaining career at Stillman! Read more about Reese and the eye-catching game from Ryan Phillips at Patch below.

Credit: Stillman College Athletics

Stillman College’s Kelvin Reese, a freshman from Montgomery, had a noteworthy performance in the inaugural HBCU All-Star Game Tuesday at Hoover Met Stadium. 

Starting in center field, Reese logged a two-RBI double down the left field line in the bottom of the second inning to give his team the lead on its way to a 3-1 victory. 

“It felt so surreal to be out here and to be able to perform to the best of my abilities and go out and get in it,” Reese said. “It’s been amazing. Being out here with these guys, being able to be on the field, it’s a blessing. To God the glory. Thank God for everything. Without Him, I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

The two teams for the game were sponsored by former Tampa Bay Rays Rickie Weeks and Desmond Jennings, a Birmingham native, with Reese playing on Jennings’ squad. The goal of the game was to showcase athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), who organizers have said are often overlooked by professional scouts. 

Stillman head coach Terrance Whittle attended the all-star showcase Tuesday and said Reese was deserving of the opportunity to be featured among the best in his class.

“I wasn’t surprised at all by his performance. I knew he was going to come out here and play hard and be a team guy, which is what he is,” Whittle said. “I’m so excited for him and Stillman College.” 

During the 2021 campaign for the Tigers (3-25) Reese hit .278, with 20 hits in 26 games. He also notched eight doubles and 11 RBI during his freshman season.

A New Platform Is Giving HBCU Students Early Access To Roles At Private Equity Companies

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

HBCU students interested in working at private equity firms and more now have a new resource to help achieve their goals. A new platform will not only bring them access to roles, but will alert them to their specific interests and help them be the first to apply! Learn more about career portal “Apollo HBCUNet” in the article from The Atlanta Voice below!

Credit: Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA

Tuesday, Apollo Global Management announced the launch of Apollo HBCUNet, a new platform powered by CareerBuilder that aims to connect students and alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with career opportunities at Apollo and across its private equity funds’ portfolio companies.

“At Apollo, we are focused on championing opportunity in our workplace, throughout our marketplace and in our communities,” said Apollo’s Head of Leadership Development and Diversity Jonathan Simon. “Historically Black Colleges and Universities have diverse student bodies and educate many of our country’s most promising young professionals. We want to make it easier for those students and alumni to connect to career opportunities here at Apollo and across our broader portfolio.”

HBCUNet offers students access to open positions at Apollo and across its network of fund portfolio companies, including both full- and part-time employment at companies spanning a variety of industries, with roles in finance, legal, sales, technology and more. HBCUNet members can opt into alerts to be made aware of new positions that open in their identified areas of interest, receiving notifications of roles matching their profiles and encouraging them to be among the first to apply.

The launch of HBCUNet follows the 2019 launch of VetNet, aimed at helping veteran candidates enter the private sector and find jobs within Apollo’s network. With the help of VetNet, Apollo and its funds’ portfolio companies have hired more than 3,000 veterans since the portal’s inception. Both platforms are powered by CareerBuilder, an Apollo fund portfolio company, and the collaborative effort across dozens of companies in Apollo’s network demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I).

CareerBuilder CEO, Irina Novoselsky, said, “CareerBuilder is proud to power HBCUNet to help Apollo and its broader network of companies build a future workforce that better represents the world in which we live. This technology creates more equitable opportunities for diverse candidates and makes hiring easier and faster for both job seekers and employers.”

Apollo Co-Presidents Scott Kleinman and Jim Zelter said, “We are pleased to launch Apollo HBCUNet and build upon our success to-date with VetNet. At Apollo, these initiatives are just two of many efforts underway to increase opportunity and attract, develop and retain diverse talent.”

Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager.

Toni Braxton’s Son Diezel Is Headed To Howard University

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Recently, singing legend Toni Braxton shared some news that was both surprising and exciting: her son Diezel is headed to Howard University! Learn more about his journey to HU in the article below by Victoria Uwumarogie at Essence!

lmnjm

We were well aware of the fact that Toni Braxton‘s sons, Diezel and Denim, weren’t the little boys we remembered them as from their days moving about with her as she did press and from Braxton Family Values. Nevertheless, we can’t help but feel a tad bit long in the tooth now that her youngest son has graduated from high school.

The singing legend shared a photo of Diezel, 18, on graduation day as she gave him a peck on the cheek with big brother Denim, 19, present. The caption read, “Congratulations @diezel.braxton! Mom is so proud of you. 💜 Howard University here he comes!”

Diezel’s success is especially heartwarming when one remembers that Toni spoke publicly on a number of occasions about him being diagnosed as autistic as a very young child.

In 2011 she told OK! that she used to blame herself for his diagnosis. 

“It’s been rewarding to see how he’s grown, but I remember when I first found out. I remember blaming myself; I thought it was my fault,” she said. “I wish I knew what triggered it. Still, often, as a mom, I blame myself. I didn’t take my vitamins every day … maybe it was the medications I was on before I got pregnant.”

She added, “They haven’t figured out what triggers it, but whatever it is, I don’t care, find a cure. Help my kid; help all the other kids.”

MEDIAPUNCH/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

A few years later, she believed that he had been cured of the condition and said in 2016 that he was no longer showing symptoms of it and that “I am one of the lucky parents. Early diagnosis changes everything.”

Since then, Diezel has been thriving,signing to Wilhemina as a model in 2018 and now graduating from high school and preparing for adult life as a Bison at Howard.

And while he preps for college, sounds like Toni will have to get ready for life as an empty nester. Seriously, though. Where did the time go? 

While we figure that out, check out a gallery of the boys from over the years and feel as old about it all as we do.

Howard Swimmer Miles Simon Set To Make History At The 2021 Olympic Trials

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

The Olympics are already very difficult to qualify for, but a young college student is pursuing it anyways! With a coach who was the first from Howard University to qualify for the trials, sophomore Miles Simon is making history in his pursuit of competing in the Olympics. He is only the second from his university to do so! Get the full story from Olivia Garvey at news station WJLA below.

Credit: Edward C. Jones

The 2021 Olympic games are less than two months away, and Howard University sophomore Swimmer Miles Simon is making history.

Miles will be only the 2nd swimmer in school history to compete in the Olympic Trials. Simon’s current coach — director of swimming and diving Nicholas Askew — was the first. 

“When I made it, I was ecstatic,” Simon told 7News Sports reporter Olivia Garvey. “I was jumping around the pool. I couldn’t believe it.”

Simon clocked a 23.11 in the 50-meter freestyle to qualify for the trials in Omaha, Nebraska. Miles has been a force on the Howard swim team ever since he joined. In just his first season he won 11 races and also broke school records in the 100 IM and 100 backstroke. 

Credit: WJLA

“For a good while, it didn’t really hit till probably recently, like a week or two ago, it was like, dang. I’m actually about to go do this.”

Miles has had a couple of months to prep for the trials, both mentally and physically.

“Physically, I have been kind of resting. I have two swim meets before the trials, so I’m not resting, but I’m not training as hard because I’m about to go into a fast competitive meet.”

“Mentally, I just take time to collect and realize what I’m about to go do and take deep breaths and just focus on my race,” he said.

Simon will swim on Monday, June 7th, in the 50 freestyle race.

Phylicia Rashad Prepares For Broadway Return For “Skeleton Crew”

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Legendary Howard University alumna Phylicia Rashad continues to climb to new heights! Even after coming onto the Howard University faculty as new dean of the College of Fine Arts, she shows us that you never have to stop honing your craft. Get the full story from Talaura Harms at Playbill below.

Phylicia Rashad Joseph Marzullo/WENN

Manhattan Theatre Club has locked in dates for its Broadway and Off-Broadway 2021–2022 season.

Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad will star in the previously announced Broadway premiere of Skeleton Crew, written by Tony nominee Dominique Morisseau and directed by Broadway-bound Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Performances begin at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre December 21 ahead of a January 12, 2022, opening. 

Rashad last appeared on Broadway in 2009 as matriarch Violet Weston in the Broadway production of August: Osage County. The year prior she appeared in Tennessee Williams‘ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by her sister, Debbie Allen. Previous Broadway credits include her Tony-winning performance in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and her Tony-nominated performance in August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, both directed by Kenny Leon. More recently, she took the stage in the Public Theater’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (in Central Park) and Head of Passes.

In addition to her onstage work, Rashad was recently named dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, D.C. It was reported in February that Rashad will executive produce the new television series adaptation of Emily March’s Eternity Springs. She is also set to direct revival of Charles Randolph Wright’s Blue in New York in 2021, previously scheduled to play at the Apollo but postponed due to the pandemic. 

Additional casting and creative team for Skeleton Crew will be announced at a later date. 

MTC has also secured dates for its full 2021–2022 Broadway and Off-Broadway season. Completing the Broadway lineup with Skeleton Crew and the recently announced production of Broadway premiere of Santiago-Hudson’s Lackawanna Blues is Paula Vogel’s How I Learned to Drive, starring Mary-Louise Parker and David Morse. The play, originally slated for spring 2020, will now begin previews March 29 and open April 19.

The Off-Broadway season at New York City Center – Stage I opens with Simon Stephen’s Morning Sun this fall, followed by the world premiere of Prayer For The French Republic, written by Joshua Harmon and directed by Tony winner David Cromer, which starts performances January 11 and opens February 1. Anchuli Felicia King’s Golden Shield begins previews April 26 with a May 17 opening night.

Spelman Alumna Naledi Nyahuma Seck Named Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at The Orchard

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Always climbing, longtime entertainment executive Spelman College alumna Naledi Nyahuma Seck has just been named to a new position at The Orchard! Her experiences as an HBCU graduate and advocate of diversity will undoubtedly be bringing equity to her new company down from one of the highest levels. Learn more about her and her new position below in a release from Shannon Silver at The Daily Grind.

Credit: The Daily Grind

The Orchard is proud to welcome Naledi Nyahuma Seck to the company as Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In her newly appointed role at The Orchard, Nyahuma Seck will continue the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and establish talent pipelines and employee development programs. 

“We will continue to focus on instituting fair practices across the board, and making The Orchard a place that truly fosters equity and inclusion,” said Colleen Theis, Chief Operating Officer, The Orchard. “We launched our employee-led Council for Equity and Progressive Action (CEPA), which has rolled out many new initiatives over the past year.  We’re excited to welcome Naledi as she brings her experience, passion, and leadership alongside our company’s vision for a diverse and inclusive workplace.” 

“The Orchard has demonstrated a commitment to empower artists and labels, uplift employees, and inspire fans to create a more equitable society. These are commitments and values that I personally believe in, and am invested in,” said Nyahuma Seck. “Music is a valuable connector of people. As we record this chapter in history, it is imperative that we show compassion while we educate and elevate our communities, and take collective action through our efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am honored to join The Orchard.”

“I look forward to partnering with Naledi to keep cultivating intentional and long-lasting change within Sony Music Group and the industry at large,” said Tiffany R. Warren, Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Sony Music Group. 

Prior to joining The Orchard, Nyahuma Seck served as Senior Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Universal Music Group. She has managed a team of diversity advisors for the Company’s labels and business units since 2019. During her time there, she also served as the Co-Chair of Internal/Institutional Change for Universal Music’s Task Force for Meaningful Change. Prior to her work at Universal Music, she held positions at AEG, The Recording Academy and more. 

Late Clayton County Commissioner and Tennessee State Alumna Sonna Singleton Gregory Leaves Lasting Legacy

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Tennessee State University alumna Sonna Singleton Gregory sadly passed away recently, yet her efforts during her long lifetime will be remembered by others forever. The Atlanta Voice has shared her legacy in an article below, which includes the development of the Clayton County Public Schools Firefighter Academy, service in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and more.

Clayton County Board of Commissioner’s Vice-Chairwoman Sonna Singleton Gregory (Photo Credit: Courtesy/Clayton County Board of Commissioners)

Clayton County Board of Commissioner’s Vice-Chairwoman Sonna Singleton Gregory passed away on Thursday, May 27, after losing her long-standing battle with Ovarian Cancer.

Gregory represented Clayton County’s District 1 for four terms, since January 2007 when she was sworn into office. And was the Board’s Vice-Chairwoman since January of this year.

“Commissioner Sonna Singleton Gregory was passionate about serving the citizens of Clayton County and dedicated herself to enriching the lives of our young people through education and community service. She will be missed” said Clayton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jefferey E. Turner.

As a commissioner in Clayton County, Gregory worked to lower the county’s unemployment rate and build strong relations among its businesses in the community. Through her efforts, she was able to help bring thousands to the county and its residents through QuikTrip Kitchens, Castellini Foods and the e-commerce center.

She also helped develop the Clayton County Public Schools Firefighter Academy, in another effort to create more local work opportunities.

In this program, a collaboration between the Board of Commissioners and the Clayton County Public Schools, students are able to complete training to be firefighters in high school.

Upon graduation and age 18, the students will be eligible for hire by the Clayton County Fire Department where current yearly salaries range from low to mid $40 a year.

“Commission Gregory epitomized what being a true civil servant represents,” said Chief Operations Office Detrick Stanford. “Her legacy will continue to live through us all and we express our sincere condolences to the Gregory family and all of those who support and love her.”

Gregory led the Board in the creation of the Clayton County Youth Commission, an effort to get young people involved in policy.

Additionally, she was extremely proud of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (S.P.L.O.S.T.) initiatives, which funded projects like the Northeast Senior Corridor, improvements at Rex Park and Rhodenizer Recreation Center, widening of Anvil Block and Panola Roads, the Panola Road beautification project and many more projects on behalf of Clayton County citizens.

Gregory, a graduate of Tennessee State University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., is originally from Snow Hill, North Carolina and has been a resident of Clayton County since 1992.

She is married to Officer Willie Davis Gregory Jr., Army veteran and 25-year Clayton County Police Department veteran. He’s also a pilot.

Gregory enjoyed spending time with her family at their Ellenwood, GA home and flying with her husband in their single engine airplane.

The couple have a daughter, Jordyn Speakman, is a graduate of Clayton County Schools, who attended Howard University and Clayton State University. An accomplished cellist, Speakman is now an orchestra teacher at Eagles Landing Middle School in Henry County.

Gregory was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2016. Afterwards she became an advocate for Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance and spoke with Emory University Medical students in an effort to help them understand the disease and its early symptoms as so many women are only diagnosed when treatment is too late.

“I have learned so much from Vice-Chairwoman Sonna Singleton Gregory over the years,” said District 1 Constituent Aid LaVona Cooper. “My trailblazer led by heart for her community and we will miss her dearly.”

The Department of The Navy Launches New Initiatives Benefiting HBCUs

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

The Department of The Navy has developed new ways for ambitious students of HBCUs and other minority-focused institutions (MIs) to grow into their career! Students can now expand their horizons with opportunities in STEM, defense, warfare systems, and more. Learn all about the new initiatives below in an article from Warren Duffie of the Office of Naval Research.

Anthony C. Smith, director of the Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program, discusses internship and research opportunities at the DoN HBCU/MI exhibit during the 2019 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference on October 31, 2019, in Honolulu, Hawaii. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams) 

The Department of the Navy’s (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program—located at the Office of Naval Research (ONR)—is launching several major initiatives to increase student participation in naval internships and opportunities for faculty to conduct naval-relevant research.

“By expanding our outreach to a greater diversity of student populations, the DoN will strengthen existing partnerships, build new ones and better meet the challenges facing the Naval Research and Development Establishment,” said Frederick J. Stefany, acting assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. “The HBCU/MI Program will help grow the acquisition workforce the nation needs to compete globally.”

Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Lorin C. Selby underscored Mr. Stefany’s comment:

“HBCU/MIs are hubs of intellectual energy and academic rigor. In this age of great power competition—when victory isn’t guaranteed on the battlefield—it’s crucial to have a well-educated, technology-savvy naval workforce to meet the challenge. HBCU/MIs play a vital role in this effort.”

The DoN HBCU/MI Program provides various opportunities for HBCU/MI faculty and students to collaborate with scientists and engineers at naval labs and warfare centers, on projects of mutual interest. These include student scholarships, fellowships and internships, as well as faculty summer sabbaticals.

Credit: HBCU Lifestyle

“Although HBCU/MIs represent less than 2 percent of U.S. higher education learning institutions, they produce 25 percent of African-American STEM [science, technology, engineering, mathematics] graduates,” said Anthony C. Smith Sr., director of the DoN HBCU/MI Program. “These students offer diverse, unique approaches to solving naval science and technology challenges—and many of them even consider the naval workforce as a career.”

The new programs being launched this year are:

—Naval Summer Bridge Boot Camp—A partnership with an HBCU/MI to execute a five-week program for incoming freshmen interested in pursuing and earning an undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline. The boot camp will provide students with an intense exposure to STEM course workload and activities, with the goal of increasing academic success during the freshman year. Courses will include chemistry, physics, calculus, computer programming and “soft skills” such as public speaking, networking and professional development.

—Three new virtual internships at the Naval Sea Systems Command, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and Navy Facilities Engineering Systems Command. These build on the existing DoN HBCU/MI Internships at Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Supply Systems Command, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command and the Naval Research Laboratory. All focus on providing HBCU/MI students with the opportunity to complete internships at various naval sites.

—Distinguished Fellows Program—A joint effort involving the DoN HBCU/MI Program, the Department of Defense HBCU/MI Program and Outreach, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (Research, Technology and Laboratories), this initiative will provide six researchers (selected from six HBCU/MIs) with a full-time salary for three years—enabling them to focus exclusively on naval-relevant research, writing academic papers and abstracts, engagement with naval scientists and engineers, and mentorship.

“Many HBCU/MIs are teaching institutions where researchers are expected to teach three to five courses per semester, in addition to conducting research,” said Smith. “That’s significantly more than their counterparts at larger universities where some only perform research.

“The Department of the Navy’s increased investment in HBCU/MIs, through the Distinguished Fellow Program as well as the internships and boot camp, will strengthen these schools’ academic research—and prepare the next generation of naval scientists and engineers.”

4 Maryland HBCUs To Split $4M After Special Donation From Baltimore Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

You never know the impact that you can have on someone. And for ex-Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, he was elated to discover that his impact will now translate into millions in funding for HBCU students. Read the full story on why Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti donated a substantial gift in his name in the ESPN piece by Jamison Hensley below!

Steve Bisciotti, left, on the field with John Harbaugh, the Ravens coach, at a preseason game in August.Credit: Nick Wass/Associated Press

Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti had been searching for a way to properly salute Ozzie Newsome since he stepped down as the team’s general manager three years ago.

Bisciotti came up with an idea that not only impacts the lives of Baltimore students but also touches on Newsome’s childhood.

Bisciotti told ESPN that he and his wife are making a $4 million gift in Newsome’s name to Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities. The Ozzie Newsome Scholars Program will fund scholarships for Baltimore City Public Schools graduates who attend an HBCU in Maryland.

“It gives me this great feeling for the next 30 years that I’m going to be running into accomplished people all over Baltimore and Maryland and they’re going to introduce themselves as Ozzie Newsome Scholars,’ Bisciotti told ESPN. “It’s like I’m planting a seed that will flourish.”

Newsome, a Hall of Fame tight end and the architect of the Ravens’ two Super Bowl championship teams, has always shied away from the spotlight. In fact, Bisciotti knew Newsome would decline going into the Ravens’ Ring of Honor until he fully steps away from the organization. Newsome is currently an executive vice president.

But even Newsome acknowledged that he couldn’t turn down this honor, which delivers special meaning to him. All of Newsome’s teachers and principals from first through fifth grade attended HBCUs. His two daughters graduated from HBCUs and his brother played at Alabama A&M.

Newsome was extremely humbled when Bisciotti informed him about the scholarship program in his name.

“To this day, I still don’t have words to describe how I felt when he told me that,” Newsome told ESPN. “It’s such a gracious thing that [Bisciotti] and [his wife] Renee are doing. It still hasn’t resonated with me today because it has such a far-reaching impact on those students and the community of Baltimore.”

Bisciotti was inspired to create a scholarship program after reading how the state’s four HBCUs reached a $577 million settlement with the state of Maryland that ended a 15-year federal lawsuit relating to underfunding.

Ozzie Newsome, the architect of the Ravens’ two Super Bowl championship teams, says he is grateful for the initiative by owner Steve Bisciotti and his wife, which will have an “impact on those students and the community of Baltimore.”  Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sport

The Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation will present a $1 million gift to each of Maryland’s four HBCUs: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Each spring, each of the four HBCUs will select five City Schools’ graduates as Ozzie Newsome Scholars for the incoming freshman class.

Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, 20 new freshman scholars will be selected every year for four years, producing a total of 80 Ozzie Newsome Scholars throughout the course of the program.

“Throughout his entire life, Ozzie has inspired and uplifted everyone around him with his leadership, humility and determination,” Bisciotti said. “We hope that Ozzie’s example will inspire each of the Newsome Scholars.”

This is the Ravens’ latest investment in Baltimore schools and students. The team has spent millions in helping with school renovations, uniform donations, bookmobiles and countless food distributions.

With the Ozzie Newsome Scholars program, students will receive an annual college scholarship of $10,000 for up to five years of college, for a total investment of up to $50,000 per scholar. The Bisciotti Foundation will donate an additional $400,000 to the CollegeBound Foundation to fund the Newsome Scholar’s participation in the College Completion Program, bringing the Bisciotti Foundation’s total gift to $4.4 million.

“Steve and Renee Bisciotti recognize the transformative impact of Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities and are graciously paving a path for Baltimore City Public Schools graduates to take part in the legacy,” Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott said.

Newsome, the NFL’s first African American general manager, was known as one of the league’s top decision-makers when he ran the Ravens’ personnel department from the team’s inaugural season in 1996 until the end of the 2018 season. He drafted 25 Pro Bowl players as well as three Hall of Fame ones, which created the fan rallying cry “In Ozzie we trust.”

Bisciotti called Newsome “the torch-bearer of our stability and continuity” and believes this scholarship program won’t be the last time he gets to single him out.

“Sooner or later, he will be in our Ring of Honor — whenever he golfs five days a week instead of three days a week,” Bisciotti said. “This [scholarship program] is another chapter in Ozzie’s world. In keeping with Ozzie, whatever those duties are, he’s going to outperform them.”