Bennett College Welcomes Dr. Laura Colson As New VP Of Academic Affairs

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Being one of few HBCU women’s institutions, Bennett College has never steered away from making progressive moves for the benefit of its student body. Now with the hiring of new academic affairs Vice President Dr. Laura Colson, yet another step has been made to stay ahead of the curve. Learn more about the 2-time HBCU VP in the release from Bennett below!

Dr. Laura Colson

When Dr. Colson received the call that she had been selected for the position of vice president of academic affairs at Bennett, she felt “…beyond elated by this opportunity to serve a community of bright young women.”

“With the announcement of our new strategic direction—a Blueprint for HERstory—we were looking for a vice president who was ready, willing, able to embrace and help co-create the Blueprint,” says Suzanne E. Walsh, president of Bennett College. The college’s new strategic direction includes creating a healthy, whole student experience—an idea evidenced throughout Colson’s career.

“Dr. Colson has demonstrated leadership in innovation, e-learning, expanding access for marginalized and often ignored student populations, championing faculty professional development, and focus on creating a student-centered environment. She is a great fit for Bennett College at this pivotal moment of reinvention,” Walsh said.

Known for her holistic approach, Colson’s ability to integrate and reinforce a culture of connection and engagement among students set her apart from the other candidates who applied for the vice president of academic affairs job.

Perhaps that’s because for Colson, reinvention isn’t just a theoretical exercise. Her understanding of students’ needs is informed by her own experiences overcoming obstacles. “The past couple of years, I have experienced many personal challenges and transitions, and I have emerged a better person, educator and leader on the other side. For me, anti-fragility is not a mere abstract concept but is demonstrated in my personal and professional journey,” said Colson. She understands that being able to work through challenges and come to a place of self-acceptance is critical to the kinds of breakthroughs students need to make to be successful in college and beyond.

“I believe we truly have to go through things, to come out on the other side with clarity on our purpose. To go through something, you are met with trials, hurt, regrets, obstacles, uncertainty, guilt, and heartbreak,” Colson said.  

Colson comes to Bennett from her position as associate vice president for academic affairs at Johnson C. Smith University, where she has been since 2005. There, Dr. Colson successfully instituted online degree programs. Most recently, she worked on a cross-functional team to transition the campus to online learning and then prepare for the reopening of school during the pandemic. She’s proven that she knows how to act fast, be nimble, and problem-solve.

She says she thrived working with faculty and staff in the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment and cultivated a transformational culture. Those are the skills needed to help guide Bennett into its new envisioned future.

When she officially joins Bennett on July 1, Colson hopes to continue building a culture in which students can experience growth and positive transformation and development. She wants to see more Belles launch into their roles as scholars and global leaders in social justice, civil rights, and social mobility. She’s looking forward to experiencing that transformation first-hand.

“Bennett has given me a second chance at a new life to reset, reengage, and recenter my focus on what is meant for me professionally and personally,” said Colson. “Having the opportunity to impart wisdom into other women is a calling I am ready to embrace, and the first step is meeting Bennett students where they are and making sure they successfully hit their mark of academic, professional, and personal growth.”

Colson earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Education degree in curriculum and supervision from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She successfully defended and published her dissertation entitled: “First-Generation Freshman College Students: Factors Impacting Retention for the Subsequent Year” to complete a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

Bennett is on the move, and I am proud to be part of history, to serve as the next vice president for academic affairs, integrating an efficient and effective flow of institutional change,” Colson continued.

NCCU Welcomes ’05 Alumna Jasmine Crowe For 137th Commencement Address

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North Carolina Central University (NCCU) will welcome two notable alumni to address the university’s Spring 2021 and 2020 graduates. James H. Johnson Jr., Ph.D., ’75, distinguished professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Jasmine Crowe, ’05, award-winning social entrepreneur and nonprofit business leader, will address graduates for the 137th Commencement Exercises. 

NCCU will award degrees to approximately 1,045 graduates of the university’s juris doctor, master’s, professional and bachelor’s programs for 2021 graduates. Members of the spring and fall classes of 2020, who did not have an in-person graduation ceremony last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, will also participate in the ceremonies. Crowe will address the NCCU undergraduates at 8 a.m., on Saturday, May 8 in O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

Crowe, a 2005 NCCU graduate, is the founder of Goodr, a sustainable food surplus management company based in Atlanta. Concerned about food insecurity and food waste after it hit close to home, Jasmine devised a block chain technology system that would salvage excess food from organizations such as Turner Broadcasting and Hartsfield-Jackson airport, and swiftly redirect it to those in need. Goodr’s surplus food recovery service helps businesses save money on taxes, feed more people, and reduce food waste by rerouting surplus food from cafeterias and restaurants to people in need. Goodr’s food distribution services include grocery delivery, popup grocery stores, and food delivery to support food insecure communities around the US. Goodr is built on the principle that food insecurity is not an issue of scarcity; it’s a matter of logistics. Since its 2017 launch, Jasmine has raised over $2M in investment capital for Goodr and has been featured by many esteemed media outlets like CNBC, Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes.

Crowe is a much-in-demand speaker and award-winning social entrepreneur whose popular TED Talks include “What We’re Getting Wrong in the Fight to End Hunger.”

Crowe says she hopes “to make the world a better place one cause at a time.” She also has a children’s book series titled “Giving is Good.”

Jasmine is excited to share her journey with this graduating class who have weathered not only the rigors of their college workload but also those of a Pandemic. Jasmine tells us her theme for this address is one of not being afraid to fail, but mostly, one of hope.

“I am extremely excited to return home to my Alma Mater of North Carolina Central University to deliver the 137th Commencement Address to the undergraduate class on Saturday, May 8th. Jasmine enthuses. “I would have never imagined this 15 years ago that I would one day come back to the school that groomed me to deliver my most important speech to date. This is the definition of a full circle moment and I’m so honored.”

For more information on NCCU’s 137th Commencement Exercises, please visit: nccu.edu/commencement

Morehouse School of Medicine Highlights 4 Unique Stand-Out Students

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Morehouse School of Medicine’s challenging yet rewarding Online Education and Expanded programs are designed for working professionals seeking to improve their career outcomes. The core mission of the online education program is to increase the well-being of individuals and communities, diversify the health professional and scientific workforce and address primary health care through programs in education, research, and service. There are some talented students in the program, but 4 star students have stood out in particular at MSM. Read their bios below to learn more about them! 

Joseph Teamer received his B.S in biology at Virginia State University and M.S in Biotechnology at MSM. His goal is to become a cosmetic dermatologist and research and develop laser-based treatments and skin care products specifically for people of color suffering from chronic skin ailments. 

Joseph says this of the M.S in Biotechnology program: “The M.S Biotechnology-online program has strengthened my knowledge of the biotech industry, helped fine-tune my career and life goals, and allowed me to connect and establish a bond with other like-minded people. While I am currently figuring out my most immediate next step, the sense of purpose and direction I have gotten from this program, the faculty, and my peers is invaluable!”

From left: Joseph Teamer, Keisha Bentley, Samuel Scott, Alexandra Dumas (Credit: Morehouse School of Medicine)

Keisha Bentley received her B.S in Biology from Erskine College, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Anderson University and M.S in Biotechnology at MSM. Keisha is interested in cancer research and bioentrepreneurship. She aspires her knowledge through the MSBT with her experience in education and eventually work on the collegiate level.

Keshia has great things to say about the program professors: “In addition, Dr. Lillard and Dr. Howard are incredible leaders. Their knowledge and experience are vast. Although they have high positions, they always avail themselves to the students they serve. They have implemented check-ins at the start and completion of each term to see how we are progressing. My cohort has formed a bond that I believe will extend beyond our days as MSM students. Ms. Johnson works to ensure we have a little down time by scheduling our Kick Back calls.”

Samuel Scott earned his B.S. in Microbiology and a B.S. in Plant Biology from North Carolina State University. He earned his M.S in Biotechnology at MSM and was previously a Research Fellow at Cornell University. Samuel is a microbiologist working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the past 4 years. His research interests include, plant genetics, immunotherapy/ nanotechnology, and drug discovery, cancer biology. Samuel’s  goal is to one day earn my doctoral degree and work in a drug discovery setting.

Samuel speaks highly of the Biotechnology program at MSM: “The biotechnology program gives me everything I need in one year to prepare me for a more advanced career role as well as enrich what I already know. This program would prove helpful for someone who wants to go on and get a PhD. I like that the program is within the medical school. Although I’m a graduate student, I feel like I’m getting a “medical education” in the course work.”

Alexandra Dumas graduated from Spelman College and earned her M.S in Biotechnology at MSM. During her undergraduate years, she served as a Fulton Dekalb Hospital Authority Intern and learned that a key component to an effective health care system are people who can effectively work with technological systems to reduce error. Alexandra aspires to be a physician researcher, with hopes of specializing in pediatric cardiology.

Alexandra says the Biotechnology M.S program was positive for her: “The classroom sizes are intimate, and the instructors strive to ensure that the classwork is rigorous so that we are prepared to create solutions. Through problem-based learning, the cohort works together to learn more about the business of biotechnology and its potential in our respective fields.”

Learn more about the engaging master’s program options  at Morehouse School of Medicine by clicking  here.

Michael B. Jordan Opens Up To HBCU Buzz About Thriller Without Remorse

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Despite the heavy toll that the pandemic has taken on the entertainment industry, viewers are getting gassed up with blockbusters like the new thriller “Without Remorse.” If you needed a reason to tap into Amazon Prime, this is it!

Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse is actually a part of the Jack Ryan universe, which allegedly has more films on the way. In the film, Michael B. Jordan stars as an elite Navy SEAL who uncovers an international conspiracy after his own family is prematurely cut down. From shootouts to explosions, to plot twists, the film takes you on a wild ride from the viewpoint of a soldier hell-bent on revenge. 

Even though we enjoyed the film, it’s all about our HBCU students! So on Wednesdays April 28th, we brought 11 HBCU students and host Kyle On The Mic together to talk to Without Remorse star Michael B. Jordan to unpack his role and how it has changed his perspective on acting and life. Among the HBCUs represented were Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Tuskegee University, Bowie State University, Hampton University, and more! 

Kyle  On The Mic kept things engaging! “I’m so excited for my guy Michael,” he said laughing, knowing he was  going to drop a bomb. “But before we get started I want to say a little disclaimer. Remember Michael ain’t ya bae, he ain’t ya boo!” That even got the star himself cracking up!

The students got to ask the acting legend questions like “ had great questions like “You did a lot of stunts in this film! What are some of the safety precautions that production took to make sure you were safe? Were you nervous?” Michael went on to reveal that he was challenged in a special way when he had to shoot inside a car that was on fire. It made him reevaluate everything because truly, he was putting it all on the line. But aside from the revelation, he also revealed that if he wasn’t an award -winning actor, he would actually be a chef!

Ultimately, discover so much more about Michael B. Jordan when you watch our Q&A, and we encourage you to also stream Without Remorse starting today on Amazon Prime!

2021 Goldman Sachs Virtual HBCU Possibilities Summit Presents Unprecedented Opportunities For HBCU Students

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Goldman Sachs has been a huge advocate for more diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry. As part of their mission to empower students to have successful careers in the financial services, they have put together an HBCU Possibilities Summit. Last year, participants in the virtual summit got to enhance their resume skills, network with HBCU alumni currently working at Goldman Sachs, network with Goldman Sachs Firmwide Black network, participate in interactive workshops and get exclusive coaching on the Goldman Sachs interview process. 

This year Goldman Sachs is bringing the HBCU Possibilities Summit back to help you jumpstart your career. The HBCU Possibilities Summit is an interactive, four-week virtual program for HBCU undergraduate students and recent grads. This program is open to all majors and career trajectories, and is designed to prepare you for a career at Goldman Sachs. Designed specifically for those currently working, interning or attending school, this program will give you exclusive insight into the financial services industry and accelerate your career.  

What you will gain: 

  • The tools and skill sets required to successfully navigate the interview process
  • Build a foundational network with both your program cohort and GS professionals to leverage as you pursue opportunities at the firm
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the professional skills you currently possess as you consider your career choices and division(s) of interest
  • Have the assurance that your authentic self will be embraced by the firm’s people, culture, and Diversity and Inclusion offerings
  • Receive an introduction to all the firm has to offer to support its people and individual career development

Eligibility

Undergraduate students graduating between December 2021 – May 2022 who attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), and recent grads who graduated between December 2018 – May 2021 and attended an HBCU.

Deadline

Sunday, May 16th at 11:59pm ET

Click here to apply today!

HBCU Buzz Host Eye-Opening Celebrity Panel About COVID-19 Vaccinations

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We all can’t wait until COVID-19 disappears, but what will it take to make that happen? With multiple vaccines on the market, a conversation exploring our options is really what we need. Recently, we came up with a solution for us to get all those elusive questions answered in a roundtable titled “HBCU Buzz Presents: Breaking Down The Facts About Vaccinations Against COVID-19.” Our panel included top HBCU doctors who have the expertise for the answers, plus some familiar celebrity faces who had plenty of questions to ask!

During the panel, Kelly Rowland, Howard University alum Lance Gross and Ashley Blaine shared their concerns about how the virus has affected them, and they asked what the future may look like for their friends and family. ER Physician and public health and defense expert Dr. Dan Fagbuyi weighed in on their questions, as well as HBCU doctors such as Dillard University President Dr. Walter Kimbrough and Dr. David A. Hodge, the Sr. Associate Director of Education of the Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care.

There was so much valuable insight! For example, Lance asked, “For many black men, including myself, it’s very challenging to trust the system. When the [vaccination] talks began, I immediately thought of the Tuskegee experiment,” he said. “How can you explain the Tuskegee syphilis study, its purpose, and how it affects science today?” Tuskegee University director Dr. Hodge sounded like he couldn’t wait for this question when he responded, “the first thing we have to do is correct the language, the language is it’s scapegoating language.” In fact, his breakdown is something we all should hear.

“It’s not the Tuskegee syphilis study or the Tuskegee experiment,” said Dr. Hodge. “The Tuskegee experiment is actually the Tuskegee Airmen. The so-called Tuskegee syphilis study is misleading because it puts the onus on Tuskegee and the University. So both the city [of Tuskegee] and the University get the punishment for this vile and horrific act that was done to 623 black men and their families, because what we have to remember is they had wives and daughters…” He went on to clarify that it was the  “United States Public Health Service syphilis study at Tuskegee” that is to blame for this atrocity, and that COVID-19 vaccinations are completely different. “It’s a major difference because the so-called Tuskegee syphilis study was about not treating the negro men of syphilis. But what the vaccine is about is about treating, see it’s the very opposite, it’s about treating the world population. So when we get caught up in that distrust language, our people are getting penalized.”

To hear more detailed answers about the questions you may have always had, tune in to our discussion today!

Video Game-Based Thriller Mortal Kombat Doesn’t Disappoint

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Some video games invoke nostalgia, and some video games inspire films, and some video games do both! Most recently, Mortal Kombat became a fan favorite video game that made it to the big screen thanks to Warner Brothers, and it did not disappoint. With jokes about Magic Mike and more, the film put a modern twist to an old classic. 

In Mortal Kombat, MMA fighter Cole Young and Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe. To our elation, the film successfully found a way to bring all of its classic characters to life with a powerful cast. The leading role of Cole is played by Lewis Tan (Deadpool 2, Netflix’s Wu Assassins), Sonya Blade is Jessica McNamee (The Meg, CHIPS).Kano is Josh Lawson (Super Store, House of Lies), Bi-Han/Sub Zero is Joe Taslim (Star Trek Beyond), Jax is played by Mehcad Brooks (Netflix’s A Fall From Grace, True Blood); Liu Kang is played by Ludi Lin (Power Rangers, Aquaman), and Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion is played by Hiroyuki Sanada (Westworld, Avengers: Endgame).

True fans will appreciate the new Mortal Kombat because it stayed true to the brand especially in the fighting scenes, which we honestly wouldn’t recommend for young fans due to the gore. The exciting thing about MK characters is that they all had special powers that made the fighting different from just kicks and punches like typical video games. Instead, we felt the red-hot heat of Kano’s laser eye, the torching heat of Liu Kang’s hand-held fireballs, Sub-Zero’s piercing icicles, and Lord Raiden’s electrifying blue lightning.

Amid all the fighting, we were surprised with the lessons to be learned from Mortal Kombat. The film really speaks to appreciating the strength in your differences, and standing in your purpose. For example, boxer and main character Cole is surprised when he is connected to the other MK fighters by the dragon marking that he always thought was a birth mark. The others helped him along at times he felt like giving up on the mission, because they reassured him he was chosen, and must stay the course. His birthmark secured his place in a bloodline of fighters that he should be proud to descend from, and that was really inspirational to see. We also respected that the characters, though connected by the mark, had their own strengths to cover for the others’ Achilles heels. 

Make sure you “get in here” and watch Mortal Kombat in theaters and streaming through May 23rd on HBO Max.

PIMCO Launches PIMCO Black Scholarship To Give $20k to African American Students

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PIMCO is a leading global asset management firm headquartered in Newport Beach, California. As one of the largest investment managers, actively managing more than $2.02 trillion in assets. PIMCO specializes in investments and solutions across the full spectrum of asset classes, strategies and vehicles: fixed income, equities, commodities, asset allocation, ETFs, hedge funds and private equity. Since 1971, PIMCO has led the investment industry in innovation and expertise to institutions, financial advisors and millions of individual investors. 

PIMCO’s mission is to cultivate performance and leadership through empowering people, diversity of thought, and commitment to inclusion of culture to engage with global communities. That is why PIMCO launched PIMCO Black, a dedicated team to support the growth and development of black professionals at all stages of their careers. Their inaugural PIMCO Black Scholarship was created to encourage Black and/or African American students who have an interest in investment management to pursue their goals through continued education. 

About the PIMCO Black Scholarship
The PIMCO Black Scholarship will award 2 undergraduate freshman or sophomore students and 2 first year MBA, Masters or PhD students $20,000 to continue their education. Scholarship awards will be based on each candidate’s ability to demonstrate diversity and inclusion leadership, financial need, and exhibit PIMCO core values- collaboration, openness, excellence, responsibility.

Application Process
You will be required to submit a resume and complete an application and questionnaire.

Scholarship questionnaire includes a short answer: Explain your most significant extracurricular activities and leadership roles you’ve held from the past 2 years (250 words or less).

Eligibility

• Undergraduates currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university as sophomore or freshmen, in good academic standing.

• MBA or Masters students entering the 1st year of their U.S.-based program in Fall 2021. Proof  of admittance & intention to attend will be required.

• Ph.D. students currently enrolled at U.S. institutions in good standing.

Apply for the 2021 PIMCO Black Scholarship – Pre-MBA 

Apply for the 2021 PIMCO Black Scholarship – Undergraduate

The application deadline is May 2nd, 2021 at 11:59pm PST

FAMU Just Won Its First MEAC Men’s Golf Championship

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For the first time ever, Florida A&M University has claimed the Men’s Golf MEAC Championship! Learn how the hard-working team made FAMU history in this story from Tallahassee Democrat below!

Credit: FAMU Forward

The Florida A&M men’s golf program claimed its first-ever Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Golf Championship and trip to the NCAA tournament, winning by a remarkable 19 Strokes at the Bryan Park Golf Club in Greensboro, N.C. on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rattlers cruised to the title, holding the lead after each of the three rounds, firing a 35-over-par 755.

The next closest competitor was North Carolina A&T who shot a 54-over-par 774. Howard University (+62) and North Carolina Central (+94) rounded out the standings.

In the final round, FAMU outpaced the field shooting a 301 (+13).

“We just made history for FAMU. I’m just excited for our guys, it’s truly all about them,” said FAMU coach Mike Rice. “They worked extremely hard for this moment over the past three to four years and I couldn’t be any prouder of what they’ve accomplished this season.

Individually, the Rattlers had five golfers finish inside of the top five. Ethan Mangum led the tournament from beginning to end, winning the individual championship by shooting a three round total 4-over-par 184 (70-39-75). Mangum was also named the MEAC Championships “Most Outstanding Performer.”

Mahindra Lutchman and Prince Cunningham claimed the third and fourth positions. Lutchman shot a 9-over-par 189 (75-40-74) while Cunningham carded an 11-over-par 191 (75-39-77). Lutchman and Cunningham were both named to the MEAC All-Tournament team.

Credit: FAMU Athletics

Mulbe Dillard rounded out the top five, winning fifth place with a 13-over-par 193 (77-41-75).

Cameron Riley secured a tie for 12th place with a 20-over par 200 (78-40-82).  

Rice took home the MEAC’s “Outstanding Coach” award after guiding the Rattlers to its first conference championship in school history.

“We’re extremely proud of student-athletes for fighting through the adversity this year,” said FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha.

“Their hard work and dedication is a direct reflection of the standard of excellence that delivered the program’s first championship in school history.”

FAMU now awaits the NCAA Selection Show where the Rattlers will find out where they will begin their quest for an NCAA crown. The program will air May 5 on the Golf Channel. The time has yet to be announced.

Alumna Dr. Felecia M. Nave Becomes Alcorn State University’s First Female President

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Alcorn State University has inaugurated its first female president! Dr. Felicia M. Nave is especially equipped for the job seeing as that she is also an alumna of the HBCU. Learn more about Dr. Nave in the release below!

Alcorn State University’s first female president was installed as the University’s leader during a historic inaugural event.

Dr. Felecia M. Nave accepted the charge to lead Alcorn during the Investiture of the 20th President ceremony Friday, April 16, in the Oakland Memorial Chapel. Nave’s Investiture was initially scheduled for 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony, along with other events, was put on hold.

Credit: Alcorn State University Twitter

Nave began her inaugural address with appreciation as she accepted the significant role as president.

“I am honored, grateful, and humbled,” said Nave. “To stand here as my alma mater’s first female president is a welcomed responsibility. This institution has been predominantly female for years, and this is a significant moment in our collective life as Alcornites.”

The support and spirit of Alcornites empower Nave to be the best and aspire for greatness. She applauded the Alcorn community for what they bring to the University.

“I am convinced that the people here have figured out a secret sauce that every community would benefit from. Alcornites have figured out how to excel and defy odds while remaining humble and supportive of one another. They understand the importance of bringing others along and realizing that our success is shared. This lesson in leadership is one for all of us.”

In a salute to the University’s foundation, Nave credits the lessons she learned at Alcorn and its opportunities for her presidency.

“I am not here by accident or solely by my efforts. I dare to lead because the legacy of Alcorn’s past has enabled me to envision the promise of our future. My presidency symbolizes Alcorn’s eagerness and energy for excellence and growth in the next 150 years. That’s why I am here. It takes courage to break a ceiling. It also requires a willing community who sees that shattered glass as a new floor and not a mess.”

Despite a challenging year due to COVID-19, Nave praised the University for remaining strong in its operation and achievements. She expressed pride in her colleagues for overcoming every hurdle that was placed on their path.

“In this past year, Alcron has leveled up. We transitioned to virtual classes while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence and a sense of hope and trust in our community. Those consistencies and my great team positioned us for an in-person return in the fall of 2020. We received our largest single donor grant of $25 million from MacKenzie Scott. This year has tested our resilience and response, but it has proven our commitment to the mission and vision of the University. We are a great institution that outperforms the research dollars and the operations associated with our name. We have the history, drive, and people to be an exceptional institution that leads across the full spectrum of our offerings.”

Members from the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) expressed their confidence in Nave’s ability to lead Alcorn. Dr. Ford Dye, IHL president, assured the University community that Nave would make them proud as their leader.

Credit: The Orange Leader

“Alcorn State is a very special place,” said Dye. “It’s rich in history and tradition, and today marks an important milestone in the history of this institution. Dr. Nave understands both the University’s traditions and the need to innovate in today’s higher education climate. Her deep understanding will guide her decision-making as she leads this University. We have great confidence in President Nave and look forward to the achievements that this great University will enjoy during her tenure.”

Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., IHL commissioner, and Alcorn’s 19th president acknowledged the many people counting on Nave to propel Alcorn to new heights. He echoed Dye’s sentiments about Nave’s leadership skills and forward-thinking.

“This is a wonderful moment in the history of a wonderful institution,” said Rankins. “You have the hopes and dreams of many on your shoulders. The alumni hope that you preserve and protect your and their alma mater. The faculty and staff hope that you will be mindful of their interest and keep teaching and learning at the heart of the University. The people of southwest Mississippi trust that you will help the region thrive and prosper. The people and the state trust you to be a good steward of the University’s resources. Most of all, the students hope you will provide them with personalized learning opportunities that emphasize intellectual development and help them succeed in the global marketplace. Alcorn has been placed in your trust and care, love her and take care of her. The members of the Board of Trustees and I are confident that you will fulfill all of these expectations.”

PVAMU Becomes First HBCU In Texas To Hold Special Olympics Event

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Prairie View A&M University has paved an uncharted lane for Special Olympics track and field athletes in Texas with an inaugural event held at the HBCU’s PVAMU Athletics Complex Friday. A total of seven teams from the Greater-Texas area were able to compete in the Special Olympics Texas Regional Track & Field Meet, making history! Read all about it in the release from PVAMU below.

Credit: Prairie View A&M University Facebook

Dozens of the best young athletes from Southeast Texas headed to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) on April 16 to take part in the University’s inaugural Texas Special Olympics (SOTX) track and field contest. PVAMU is the first historically black college/university (HBCU) to host the meet in Texas.

“Special Olympics Texas is thrilled to be collaborating with Prairie View A&M to make our inaugural Unified Track & Field season a huge success,” shared Ben Johnson, Unified Champion Schools Specialist – East Region. “We believe that the Regional Meet will be a phenomenal experience that will forever be remembered by all that are involved with this historic event.”

PVAMU’s Track & Field Stadium has been a world-renowned host of USA Track and Field qualifying contests. The SOTX event will be a University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition. Unified teams consist of student-athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.

Airel Stewart, the student organizer of the event. Credit: Prairie View A&M University

Airel Stewart, a senior biology major at PVAMU from Midlothian, Texas, worked to bring the meet to the University with the help of her professors.

“With [my professors’ support], and several others on campus, it took three years to bring the Special Olympics to PVAMU. And, to have President [Ruth] Simmons’ support? It meant everything,” said Stewart, who first volunteered with SOTX during her senior year in high school. “It was an experience that I latched on to. Being around the athletes helped build my character and my patience, and I loved it! I know the PVAMU volunteers will have the same life-changing experience with these outstanding kids!”

PVAMU hosted seven teams from the East Region (Greater Houston area) for the contest. Athletes will compete in the following events:

  • Long Jump
  • Shot Put
  • 100m
  • 400m
  • 4 x 100m Relay (Girls)
  • 4 x 100m Relay (Boys)

The top four teams will compete in the Unified Track & Field UIL State Championship, April 29 – May 2, 2021, in San Antonio.

Angela Davis and Actress Danai Gurira To Address Spelman’s Commencement For Classes of 2020 and 2021

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Spelman College has tapped two remarkable women to preside over its commencement addresses for both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021. Learn more about the women who were bestowed this honor in the recent release from Spelman College below!

A political activist who is known internationally for her ongoing work to combat all forms of oppression in the U.S. and abroad and the first African woman writer to have a play on Broadway, will address graduates during Spelman College’s commencement celebrations for the classes of 2020 and 2021 in separate, in-person ceremonies on May 16, 2021. 

Scholar, writer, philosopher and equal rights activist Angela Y. Davis will deliver the keynote address for Spelman College’s 134th Commencement ceremony honoring the graduating class of 2021 during an outdoor ceremony at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 16, at the Georgia Institute of Technology Bobby Dodd Stadium. 

Tony-nominated playwright and actress Danai Gurira, best known for her roles as General Okoye in Marvel’s 2018 Academy Award-winning blockbuster film “Black Panther” and Michonne in the AMC series “The Walking Dead” will deliver a keynote address to the class of 2020 during Spelman’s 133rd Commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, May 16, at Bobby Dodd Stadium. 

During the ceremonies, both Davis and Gurira will receive honorary degrees. Literary luminary Pearl Cleage, C’71, will receive the 2021 National Community Service Award and HBCU champion U.S. Rep. Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., (D-NC) will receive the 2020 National Community Service Award.

“The COVID-19 pandemic presented the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 with a set of obstacles unlike any other, and they have proven that they were up to the task,” said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman.  “Although their lives were essentially put on pause, these two classes displayed resilience and courage, and thrived despite the tremendous challenges presented by the pandemic. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with our stellar graduates and their families.”

Due to closures related to the coronavirus pandemic, graduation celebrations for the class of 2020 were postponed until this year. Both ceremonies will take place rain or shine, and follow masking and physical distance guidelines in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions to ensure the health and safety of graduates and guests. 

Credit: Critical Theory

Angela Y. Davis
Davis’ leadership in addressing seminal equity and social justice challenges spans more than 50 years. Now a distinguished professor emerita in the Division of Humanities at the University of California Santa Cruz, she gained national attention in 1969 after being removed from her teaching position in the Philosophy Department at UCLA as a result of her social activism and her membership in the Communist Party. 

In 1970, she was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List on false charges and was the subject of an intense police search that drove her underground and culminated in a trial that received global attention. During her 16-month incarceration, a massive international “Free Angela Davis” campaign was organized, leading to her acquittal in 1972. 

Over the last 25 years, Davis has lectured about racism, sexism, terrorism, LGBTQ rights, immigration, feminism, and the criminal justice system in all 50 states, as well as in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the former Soviet Union. Named Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year in 1971 and a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, she has written articles and essays that have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. Davis is the author of nine books, including “Angela Davis: An Autobiography,” and a new edition of “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.”

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Danai Gurira
Gurira is the first African woman to bring the perspective of African women to mainstream theater. The author of stage plays that give voice to untold narratives, Gurira creates works that have earned numerous awards, including “In the Continuum” (OBIE Award, Outer Critics Award, Helen Hayes Award), “Eclipsed” (Tony nomination: Best Play, NAACP Award, Helen Hayes Award: Best New Play, Connecticut Critics Circle Award: Outstanding Production of a Play), and “The Convert” (six Ovation Awards, L.A. Outer Critics Award).

For her role in “Black Panther,” Gurira won a People’s Choice Award, an NAACP Image Award and a shared SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast/Motion Picture. Later that year, she reprised her role in “Avengers: Infinity War” and again in “Avengers: Endgame,” which went on to become the No.1 top grossing film in history. 

Born in Iowa to Zimbabwean parents and raised in Zimbabwe, Gurira holds a master’s degree in fine arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Despite her tremendous success as an actress and playwright, Gurira still finds time to help those in need. With a personal dedication to effect tangible change in gender equality and push global leaders toward real policy transformation, she is founder of Love Our Girls, which spotlights specific challenges faced by women. She co-founded of Almasi Arts Inc., an arts collaborative established to professionalize the dramatic arts industry in Zimbabwe through education, facilitation and collaboration with professional American dramatic artists and artistic institutions. In 2018, Gurira was appointed United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador. 

Pearl Cleage, C’71
2021 National Community Service Award Recipient
Spelman alumna Pearl Cleage, the first poet laureate of the City of Atlanta, is a well-known writer and playwright whose works include three novels, a dozen plays, two books of essays and a book of short fiction. Having spent the past several years as a playwright-in-residence at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta, Cleage is the author of “What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day,” which was an Oprah Book Club pick and spent nine weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.

Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. 
2020 National Community Service Award Recipient
Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., was elected to her fourth full term representing the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina on Nov. 3, 2020. After winning a special election in November 2014, Rep. Adams was sworn in immediately as the 100th woman elected to the 113th Congress. Her signature legislative accomplishment in Congress is the enactment of H.R. 5363, the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education. The FUTURE Act permanently provides funding, totaling $255 million a year for all minority-serving institutions, including $85 million for HBCUs.

Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, Ph.D.
Virtual Baccalaureate Service
3 p.m., Saturday, May 15 

Rev. Turman is an assistant professor of theology and African American religion at Yale University Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. A first-career concert dancer and ordained National Baptist preacher, her research interests span a variety of 20th century U.S. theological liberalisms, most especially Black and womanist theological, social ethical and theo-aesthetic traditions. She is the youngest woman to be named assistant minister of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City (2002-2012), and the second woman to preside over ordinances in its 210-year history.

FAMU Alumna Kim Godwin Becomes President of ABC News, First Black Woman In The Role

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There is a new face heading the leadership at ABC News, and she’s an HBCU graduate! Read the story from Jeremy Barr at the Washington Post below to learn more about this determined graduate hailing from the communications school at Florida A&M University, who is now the first black woman to run a broadcast television news division!

Credit: Heidi Gutman/ABC

ABC News has hired Kim Godwin, an executive from rival television network CBS News, to serve as its next president. She will begin the role in May, replacing James Goldston, who left ABC last month.

Godwin will become the first Black woman to run a broadcast television news division.

“Kim is an instinctive and admired executive whose unique experiences, strengths and strategic vision made her the ideal choice to lead the outstanding team at ABC News and build on their incredible success,” Peter Rice said in a statement on Wednesday. Rice is chairman of general entertainment content for ABC’s parent company, Disney.

He added that Godwin “has distinguished herself as a fierce advocate for excellence, collaboration, inclusion and the vital role of accurate and transparent news reporting.”

Godwin had worked at CBS News since 2007. She started as a senior producer for its evening news show, which at the time was anchored by Katie Couric. She was eventually put in charge of global newsgathering as the network’s executive vice president of news.

Credit: Because of Them We Can

Her company biography credits her with “overseeing the launch of the reimagined ‘CBS Evening News With Norah O’Donnell,’ ” in 2019. The show has enjoyed larger viewership since then, but still trails the evening news competition on NBC and ABC by several million total viewers, according to the latest audience numbers.

Godwin also served as executive director for development and diversity at CBS, focusing on efforts to increase the recruiting of minority candidates. The National Association of Black Journalists gave Godwin its Ida B. Wells Award last fall, and praised her “for her work to create a diverse newsroom, and her focus on identifying — and advocating for — young journalists throughout their careers.”

Godwin worked under CBS News President Susan Zirinsky, who is the first woman to run that division. Women also run two of the three biggest cable news channels — Suzanne Scott at Fox News, and Rashida Jones at MSNBC, a Black woman who was tapped to replace former president Phil Griffin in February.

“I have immense respect and admiration for ABC News,” Godwin said in a statement Wednesday. “As the most trusted brand in news, they are to be commended for the extraordinary work and dedication of the journalists, producers, executives and their teams across the organization.”

She will replace Goldston, who held the top job since 2014, and announced this year that he would leave the network for an unspecified “new adventure.”

In his departing memo to staff in March, Goldston praised the work of ABC News journalists in combating what he called an “info-demic” of false and misleading information. “As I step away from leading ABC News, I remain optimistic that with your hard work and diligence and dedication, the great journalists here will help defeat this scourge of misinformation,” he wrote.

Goldston’s tenure was marked by big audience numbers for shows like the flagship evening broadcast “World News Tonight,” hosted by David Muir. But he also ran into some management and journalistic controversies.

ABC News executive Barbara Fedida left the company last summer after an investigation allegedly found that she had made “unacceptable racially insensitive comments” during her time at the network.

Two years earlier, investigative journalist Brian Ross left ABC News after an inaccurate report about the timing of conversations between President Donald Trump and Michael Flynn, who briefly served as his national security adviser, regarding contact with Russian emissaries and what he would be willing to testify to.

Tennessee State’s New Head Football Coach Is Former Tennessee Titan, Heisman Trophy Winner Eddie George

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Tennessee State University football is coming back with a vengeance thanks to the hiring of an all-star new head coach. Learn why TSU made a great choice in the recent TSU release below.

Credit: George Walker IV/ The Tennessean

Looking to take the program to the next level, Tennessee State University has named Eddie George as head football coach. TSU director of athletics Dr. Mikki Allen made the announcement today as George was introduced to the Tiger family. 

“Eddie George has been a winner in every facet of the game and we look forward to him bringing that same commitment to our players and having it translate into winning on and off the field,” said Allen. “We are excited to have him join us and lead the next chapter of our storied football program.” 

“I am excited about being named head coach at Tennessee State University,” said George. 

“I thank Dr. Glover, Dr. Allen, and each of you for the confidence you have placed in me” “All I have done has prepared me for this moment, whether that’s my football career, my entrepreneurial endeavors, my acting career.” “Coaching is a full commitment, a duty of service. I take that seriously. I’ve done a lot of soul searching and due diligence. The more I thought about it, I got more and more excited about it. It was like picking up an old guitar or getting back on a bike, it’s familiar but in a different capacity.” “It’s exciting. I’m going to be innovative, creative and fun.” 

Credit: Tennessee State University

President Glenda Glover called it a great day for the university and looks forward to working with Eddie George as he sustains a successful football program. 

“For decades, TSU has always made bold and strategic hires within our athletic programs that laid the foundation for our storied success in sports,” commented Glover. “Eddie George, with the resources he will bring to TSU, is the right choice and investment for the future of the TSU football program and the TSU community.” 

The celebrated former NFL star will make an announcement regarding his coaching staff in the coming days. 

George played college football for Ohio State University and won the Heisman in 1995. That season, his senior year, George rushed for a school record 1,927 yards and 24 touchdowns, an average of 148.23 yards per game, while also catching 47 passes for 417 yards and another score. He left Ohio State second in school history in career rushing yards (3,768) and third in rushing touchdowns (44). The Philadelphia native finished with 4,284 all-purpose yards, 45 touchdowns, and a 5.5 yards per carry average. 

In 1996, George was the first-round draft selection of the then-Houston Oilers. He won the NFL Rookie of the Year award that same year, and was the Oilers/Titans’ starting tailback through 2003, never missing a start. He made the Pro Bowl four consecutive years (1997–2000), and assisted the Titans to a championship appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV. 

Credit: H. Darr Beiser/ USA TODAY Sports

He is only the second NFL running back to rush for 10,000 yards while never missing a start, joining Jim Brown. Only Walter Payton (170) started more consecutive regular season games than George’s 130. 

In 2004, George signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys where he started eight games and finished the season with 432 yards and four touchdowns. He officially retired in 2006. 

George’s career totals include 10,441 rushing yards, 268 receptions, 2,227 receiving yards, and 78 touchdowns (68 rushing and 10 receiving). 

George was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

Texas Southern University Radio Station To Lead National COVID-19 Outreach Program

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The radio station at Texas Southern University, KTSU 90.9FM, has been bestowed a remarkable honor amid the pandemic. Read the full release from TSU below!

KTSU 90.9FM has received a $150,000 grant from The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to help lead a COVID-19 outreach campaign targeting underserved communities hit hardest by the pandemic. KTSU, based on the campus of Texas Southern University, was selected to lead the national campaign efforts for all 15 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) public radio stations selected to participate in the public outreach campaign.

Credit: KTSU 90.9FM

“HBCU public radio stations serve as a vital connection to African American communities,” said KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker. “KTSU is pleased to lead this effort among other HBCU stations to provide lifesaving information to fight the pandemic on our campuses and in our larger communities.”

In support of this initiative, KTSU launched the “Save A Life” campaign. The campaign’s goal is to provide trusted, lifesaving information to populations that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As the public radio station lead, KTSU will create multimedia content and distribute funds to the HBCU stations to produce additional content and engagement materials. The campaign will highlight local health officials and community leaders from each city and state. The aim is to motivate and engage minority communities to continue to mask up, social distance, get tested, receive the vaccine and support mental health.

Credit: KTSU 90.9FM

“The African-American community has been struck significantly since the inception of COVID-19, particularly in the areas of access to COVID-19 vaccinations and in the effects the disease has had on families’ mental health,” said Walker.

Station participation will include:

  • Alabama: WJAB, Normal; WVAS. Montgomery
  • Georgia: WCLK, Atlanta
  • Mississippi: WJSU, Jackson; WURC, Holly Springs; WPRL, Lorman
  • Missouri: KJLU, Jefferson City
  • North Carolina: WNCU, Durham; WRVS, Elizabeth City; WSNC, Winston-Salem
  • Ohio: WCSU, Wilberforce
  • Texas: KTSU, Houston; KPVU, Prairie View
  • South Carolina: WSSB, Orangeburg
  • Virginia: WNSB, Norfolk For more information about KTSU 90.9Fm, visit www.ktsuradio.com. For more information about The Vibe, visit www.vibehouston.com.

Howard University Receives $1.6 Million Grant To Build Mobile Vaccination Units

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HBCUs are at the forefront of COVID-19 education and vaccinations in their surrounding communities. Now, Howard University is much further along in protecting those in D.C. with a new substantial grant. Read the full story from Colleen Grablick at DCist below.

Courtesy: Derek E. Morton / Flickr

Howard University College of Medicine has received $1.59 million to build mobile vaccination units and to boost vaccinations in Black and other medically underserved communities.

The money comes from the Greenwood Initiative, a philanthropic plan from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, that’s meant to increase wealth accumulation for Black individuals and families in the U.S. Three other historically Black medical schools — Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine in Los Angeles — also received funding.

The $1.59 million will be used to purchase a new mobile unit to bring vaccines to D.C. residents, and to staff a new call center that will book appointments over the phone for residents who can’t schedule online, according to a press release from the university.

The university says the mobile clinics will work with DC Health, but neither a Howard University nor a DC Health spokesperson immediately returned DCist/WAMU’s request for comment on what the partnership will look like.

Through its current efforts, Howard has vaccinated more than 25,000 people in D.C. since December.

“Howard University plays an outsized role in caring for the Black community in Washington, D.C. While this is always the case, it has been especially true during the pandemic,” Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in the release. “By helping fund our mobile unit, Bloomberg will enable us to vaccinate more of the Black community, a critical step in mitigating the effects of a devastating virus that has disproportionately affected African-American individuals.”

Despite majority-Black wards 8 and 7 recording, respectively, the first and third highest death tolls from coronavirus in the city, they have the lowest vaccination rates for residents over age 65. Since the early days of the vaccination rollout, residents in wealthier, whiter wards have received vaccines at higher rates than those in the city’s majority-Black or low-income wards.

After turning away from the beleaguered, first-come first-served registration system to the newer, wait-list like portal, D.C.’s vaccination rollout has become significantly less chaotic — but there are still hundreds of thousands of residents not yet connected with DC Health’s system.

Howard, which has been vaccinating residents at Howard University Hospital since the start of the rollout, has also been leading messaging campaigns and standing up targeted clinics to reach residents in wards with low vaccination rates. The university launched a vaccine clinic at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in late March, vaccinating 180 residents from the Hill East neighborhood in Ward 6, where only 13% of residents have been fully vaccinated. (Georgetown, in wealthy Ward 2, boasts a resident vaccination rate of 21%.)

Unlike an online registration system that may require reliable internet connection, or booking an appointment at a DC Health pharmacy partner (which could require transportation and a flexible work schedule), the new mobile vaccine units would decrease the barriers to access by bringing vaccines directly to residents. Other pop-up style vaccination clinics — some primarily organized by community groups — have proved successful in reaching residents outside of the DC Health booking system. Walk-up sites for residents experiencing homelessness came as a relief in recent weeks for members of the community that’s faced disproportionate risks of COVID-19, and a mass vaccination effort at a Ward 8 recreation center earlier this month brought 1,000 vaccines to Southeast residents.

DC Health was planning on launching its own mobile vaccination program for homebound residents in the coming weeks, but D.C. Health Director LaQuandra Nesbitt said on Tuesday that the effort will now be delayed due to the pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the recommendation of federal health officials.