Morris Brown College Receives Accreditation Candidacy After Almost 20 Years

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The leadership behind Morris Brown College have been working towards a miracle, and now they’re a few steps closer to success! Find out more information about how close they are now to accreditation in the today’s release from Morris Brown below.

Courtesy: Atlanta Magazine

Morris Brown College (MBC) is proud to announce it has received accreditation candidacy by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a Virginia-based accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This monumental achievement came after nearly 20 years of effort – marking a historical milestone for the 140-year-old college.

Morris Brown College earning accreditation candidacy is a major achievement demonstrating that it can meet quality standards and is engaged in continuous improvement. Candidacy indicates that the institution is in compliance with the standards and criteria, has been evaluated by an on-site peer team, and in the professional judgment of the evaluation team and the Accreditation Commission, the institution provides sound instruction and student services. As of July 1, 2020, the United States Department of Education holds all accrediting agencies to the same standards, and it no longer holds a distinction between regional and national accrediting agencies. In 2002, Morris Brown’s accreditation was revoked due to debt and financial mismanagement, which barred students from applying for Federal Financial Aid. In obtaining accreditation candidacy, Morris Brown is now eligible to apply to the U.S Department of Education to participate in financial aid programs and Title IV funding.

Founded by formerly enslaved religious leaders at Big Bethel AME Church in 1881, MBC is the first college in Georgia to be owned and operated by African Americans. The iconic Fountain Hall and the current Morris Brown campus are where Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois wrote “The Souls of Black Folk” in 1903. Notable alumni include Alberta Williams King, mother of Martin Luther King, Jr., and James Alan McPherson, the first Black writer to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Bishop of the 6th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church said, “We’ve made tremendous progress within the past two years under Dr. Kevin James’ leadership. The funds raised at Homecoming 2020 and Founder’s Day 2021 marked the largest Homecoming and Founder’s Day fundraising events respectively in the past 20 years. Overall, giving is up and the momentum under this administration is like none we have seen in recent history. The revitalization of the institution’s academic programs and student services, including new programs such as Global Management & Applied Leadership, E-Sports Performance, and Hospitality Management, will place the next generation of students as global competitors.”

Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James (Courtesy of Atlanta Tribune)

The accreditation candidacy comes on the heels of a rewarding partnership between the college and CGI Merchant Group, LLC, a minority-owned global investment management firm with a focus on real estate and private equity. It will make a $30 million investment in the historic college to convert existing facilities into a 150-key upscale Hilton hotel and hospitality management training complex. Construction of the 90,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is expected to begin the latter part of 2021.

“We are elated about accreditation candidacy and making history. I want to thank all the faculty and staff for their hard work. We intend on making history as the first HBCU to regain its status after a twenty-year hiatus and the first HBCU to have a flagged hotel on its campus for a hospitality education program. These achievements have sparked other closed HBCU’s to try again. Without the resilience, support, and prayers from the Board of Trustees, African Methodist Episcopal church, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community, we would not be here. We have so many amazing projects coming up in the pipeline that will prepare our students for academic success and jobs. We ask the community to continue to support our mission by donating to the college. Additionally, we are seeking a seven-figure gift from an individual or corporation to move the institution forward. It is a new day for Morris Brown College!” said President Kevin James. #RestoreMorrisBrown #ReThinkMorrisBrown #TheHardReset.

To learn more about Morris Brown College and the accreditation process, visit morrisbrown.edu.

Morehouse School of Medicine Offering 12-18 Month Masters Programs 100% Online

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Morehouse School of Medicine is offering three incredible Masters programs 100% online. A Master’s degree can increase your income and change your life. The three Masters programs offered by Morehouse School of Medicine are all in high demand industries with competitive salaries. Check out the Master of Science in Biotechnology, Executive Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Health Informatics. 

Master of Science in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a groundbreaking industry that merges biology and technology to improve the quality of human life.The Master of Science in Biotechnology program will develop your comprehensive knowledge in bioscience, core technologies and analytical methods used to support biotechnology enterprises. This online degree is designed to give working professionals the flexibility to pursue advanced training in biotechnology by offering comprehensive coursework and training needed for career advancement. If your career is focused on aging, climate change, food security or pharmacology, then this is for you. 

Program Benefits

  • • Cost-effective tuition fees
  • • Complete 35 credit hours in 12 months
  • • Conducted 100% ONLINE
  • • Remarkable faculty of industry experts invested in your success
  • • Ranked #1 out of 139 MS Biotechnology degree programs by Intelligent.com

To learn more about our MSBT program, attend one of their virtual information sessions.

Executive Masters in Public Health

Morehouse School of Medicine’s social mission is to develop public health leaders fluent in community-focused public health research and practice, particularly in underserved communities. The eMPH offered by MSM is an innovative online degree program designed for working professionals with a community health policy-focused approach. In as little as 18 months you can obtain the practical skills necessary to advance in the public health profession through eight core courses, a public health and leadership seminar, a practicum and capstone. 

Program Benefits 

  • Superior student success services
  • Current real-world case studies and class discussions
  • 8- and 16-week courses conducted 100 percent online
  • 48 credit hours | 18 months

To learn more about our eMPH program, attend one of their virtual information sessions.

Master of Science in Health Informatics

Health informatics uses information technology to organize and analyze medical records to improve healthcare outcomes. This essential discipline deals with the resources, devices and methods to acquire, store, and use information in health and medicine and is among the fastest growing sectors in healthcare. Students will develop comprehensive knowledge in the methodologies to acquire, store, retrieve, and use health information in medicine to support healthcare and clinical research enterprises. This program will provide an innovative way to train and inspire inquiring students to pursue health informatics and health IT.

Program Benefits 

  • Cost-effective tuition fees
  • Complete 35 credit hours in 14 months
  • Conducted 100% ONLINE
  • Includes a health informatics capstone practicum lead by industry experts
  • Real world classes taught by industry experts
  • Scholarship opportunities, robust digital resources, and job opportunities

A new cohort will begin each fall semester. Applications for Fall 2021 cohort are due July 16, 2021. Fall 2021 cohort deadlines:

DISCLOSURE: PENDING SACSCOC APPROVAL

Keysight Announces Exclusive HBCU Innovations Challenge

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The Keysight Innovation Challenge 2021 is exclusively for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an HBCU. Keysight is seeking innovators unafraid to break barriers and face new challenges to create new technology that changes the world. Keysight recognizes the incredible talent at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and is asking YOU to rise to the challenge.

It is no secret that the world of technology lacks diversity. By 2040, minorities will be the majority in the U.S. Yet today, just 7.6% of STEM degrees go to Black graduates. It is time to change that statistic. We encourage every single HBCU student interested in STEM to apply for this incredible opportunity. 

Here is what you need to know about the Keysight Innovation Challenge 2021. Students will compete through online written and video submissions in one of two tracks. The three finalists from Track 1 will go on to compete in a live virtual event in September 2021.

Track 1: Innovate Next Business Challenge

Develop a business plan in electrical engineering that features an electronic invention, innovation, or advancement in the electronics design, development, test, or manufacturing process.

Track 2: Upskill Your Peers Video Challenge

Create a video that teaches your peers an innovative measurement technique or innovatively showcases an advanced measurement technique using test and measurement gear.

Prize: 

The first place winners will receive a $2,500 cash prize and Keysight test equipment, and an informational interview and / or a summer internship, depending on grade level. The winning team’s HBCU will receive Keysight test equipment valued at $15,000.

Visit Keysight to learn more about the competition. Registration is open now. 

If you are not a student and/or do not plan on entering the competition, you can still help your favorite entrant or team win by casting your vote for their submission!

To learn more about the past Keysight Innovation Challenges, visit here.

Morehouse School of Medicine Is Offering Free 5-Week Summer Program, Guaranteed Master’s Acceptance

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Morehouse School of Medicine is offering a free 5-Week summer program to expose motivated college students and post baccalaureate to the fields of Health Informatics and Biotechnology. These fields are high in demand, high paying, and need students like you to enter. 

There are two summer pipeline programs with virtual learning formats and synchronous meetings to apply to: Biotechnology and Bioentrepreneurship, and Health Informatics. Upon completion, students will receive a $500 stipend, a $1000 scholarship, and guaranteed admission into the 14 month online Master of Science in the Health Informatics or the 1-year online Master of Science in Biotechnology program. 

Credit: Morehouse School of Medicine

The biotechnology field intersects biology and technology to improve the quality of human life. This field continues to lead new product development and commercialization designed to enrich the world around us. Some examples where Biotechnology plays a role is: drug development, production of biologics, plant and animal science, medical devices. Not only are there plenty of job options in Biotechnology, but it also pays extremely well. For example, the median salary as a biomedical engineer is $91,410 per year. Learn more about the Bridges to Biotechnology and Bioentrepreneurship.

The field of Health Informatics combines the field of information technology, science, and medicine while improving patient outcome. Some of the essential disciplines this field deals with are the resources, devices and methods to acquire, store, and use information in health and medicine. Health Informatics is very important in today’s healthcare industry and is among the fastest growing sectors. This robust online degree program includes a health informatics capstone practicum led by industry experts. You will gain the confidence you need to succeed in the healthcare industry after completing this program at Morehouse School of Medicine. 

Learn more about the Bridge to Health Informatics. *Disclosure: Pending SACSCOC approval.

The application deadline is April 26th, 2021. For more information you can contact: Nia Kennedy at nkennedy@msm.edu! 

PVAMU’s School of Architecture Partners With Habitat for Humanity In Houston To Build Homes And More

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Prairie View A&M University students are taking their talents to their surrounding community. Find out how PVAMU’s School of Architecture students are making Texas buildings better in the story by Angie Frederickson below.

Students in the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) School of Architecture (SOA) are receiving a new opportunity to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations. Thanks to a newly formed partnership between the university and Habitat for Humanity-Houston, students are getting a chance to work on building homes and open-air structures in the Greater Houston area.

“Being on site with Habitat construction projects allows students to see how building materials come together with gravity, which doesn’t exist in their computer drawings,” said April Ward, assistant professor of architecture and faculty advisor. “It gives dimensionality to their vocabulary and builds their confidence.”

The students, who recently worked together to build a home in northeast Houston, are members of the PVAMU chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). At the national level, AIAS encourages collegiate chapters to participate in the community service program Freedom by Design. AIAS’ Freedom by Design provides students experience working with clients, learning from local licensed architects and contractors, and experiencing the practical impacts of architecture and design.

Now that Habitat for Humanity-Houston is the official construction mentor for the School of Architecture student group, PVAMU students have access to opportunities to expand their knowledge and promote growth in the community. “This is a partnership that Alison Hay, director of Habitat for Humanity-Houston, and I have been working together to build ever since we connected after Hurricane Harvey,” said Ward. “PVAMU students will be able to benefit from Habitat’s experience and resources.”

The students’ most recent project centered on a 1,200 square-foot house located in a new neighborhood of single-family, all-brick homes. Each house was newly constructed and designed to be energy efficient, safe, and healthy. PVAMU students worked with Habitat for Humanity-Houston to follow construction plans, and they fully participated in the home building process.

One of those students, Alexis Adjorlolo, who is also the social coordinator for PVAMU’s AIAS, says she and her classmates worked as a team. “We prepared the house for window installation by using power tools and creating openings in the exterior walls, installing interior wall framing, and raising the roof trusses,” she said.

In addition to home building days, PVAMU AIAS members have the opportunity to create other design and build initiatives. The Social Justice Design Project is a student-driven idea to make a park-like structure in memory of social justice activists who have fallen victim to discrimination. Additionally, a team is entering a virtual and theoretical project competition that addresses community housing and food insecurity in Dallas.

“Hands-on building is amazing because we are literally building tomorrow, today. For us, as students, we are building our future, and for people who inhabit the buildings and structures we work on, they are also beginning their futures today,” said Brooke Meshack, PVAMU AIAS president for 2020-2021.

PVAMU students are making an impactful contribution to society while furthering their own education and looking toward the future. Working with Habitat for Humanity will provide the students the extra support they need. “Once students master normative design methods, it allows them to innovate,” Ward said.

Looking to the future, PVAMU architecture students are eager to continue and develop the partnership with Habitat for Humanity-Houston to maximize their potential for mentorship and volunteering.

Hampton Alumna Tishaura Jones Is The First Black Woman Mayor In St. Louis

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Another glass ceiling for HBCU (Historically black colleges and universities) graduates and Hampton University has been shattered in the public office. St. Louis Treasurer, Tishaura Jones will be the first Black woman to serve as mayor of St. Louis after defeating Alderwoman Cara Spencer in Tuesday’s general election.

Ms. Jones, the city’s treasurer, received about 52 percent of the vote over her opponent Alderwoman Cara Spencer’s nearly 48 percent, according to unofficial results posted to the city’s website. Ms. Jones will be sworn in on April 20. Ms. Jones, a Democrat, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Ms. Spencer, also a Democrat, conceded on Tuesday night and later congratulated Ms. Jones on Twitter, saying, “You have my support in making St. Louis the great city we know it can be.”

This was the first mayoral election under the city’s new election-law overhaul, known as Proposition D. It requires candidates to run without partisan labels, and the two candidates with the most votes in a primary in March would face each other in a general runoff election the next month.

Born in St. Louis to a former city comptroller, Jones studied at Hampton University in Virginia, returning to St. Louis upon graduating in 1994. Following a failed attempt to start a restaurant that left her bankrupt, she entered the world of nursing, graduating from the Saint Louis University College for Public Health with a Master of Health Administration in 2001 and working for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital for two years. Jones entered politics in 2002, when she was appointed to the Democratic Party Central Committee for St. Louis’s eighth ward.

In 2008, she successfully ran for the Missouri House of Representatives, being elected to represent the 63rd district over independent candidate Nels Williams with 85.4 percent of the vote. After running unopposed for re-election to the House in 2010, Jones ran for St. Louis Treasurer for the first time in 2012, and won the general election with 77.9 percent of the vote. She was re-elected as treasurer in 2016 and 2020.

Sodexo Creates $10 Million Scholarship Program For HBCU Students

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While education is key to being able to climb up the corporate ladder, there are thousands of hard workers who aren’t able to afford both school and the cost of living. Enter Sodexo, a company that is embedded in HBCU culture by often supplying meals and more. The company, which has been awarded many times for employee satisfaction, is now going an extra mile to put a smile across the faces of its workforce.

The Sodexo Scholars Program was recently created in collaboration with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to not only assist Sodexo workers in obtaining their bachelor’s degrees at HBCUs, but their dependents as well! The efforts are part of a $10 million initiative to provide scholarships over the next 10 years! Those accepted into this first year of the program will be able to use up to $12,000 for school expenses beginning in Fall 2021.

Sodexo was sure a wide range of its workforce was eligible. Whether you are a full- or part-time, hourly, or non-exempt employee, you are welcome to apply! The same courtesy is extended for the children and other qualified dependents of these workers. Sodexo has recognized that education costs continue to rise, and made the scholarship renewable for up to four years.

An important bonus of this program is that the scholarship winners must attend an HBCU, and there are 23 institutions to choose from! The 2021-2022 list of Sodexo HBCU partners can be found below:

• Alcorn State University

• Bethune Cookman University* 

• Central State University 

• Claflin University* 

• Clark Atlanta University* 

• Dillard University* 

• Edward Waters College* 

• Fisk University* 

• Fort Valley State University 

• Gadsden State College 

• Grambling State University 

• Howard University 

• Jackson State University 

• Kentucky State University 

• Langston University 

• Lincoln University 

• Morgan State University 

• North Carolina A&T University 

• North Carolina Central University 

• Prairie View A&M University 

• Shaw University* 

• South Carolina State University 

• Texas Southern University 

• Wiley College* 

• Xavier University – New Orleans*

*Colleges and universities with an asterisk are also UNCF member HBCUs. 

If you believe you or your dependent would qualify, we encourage you to get more information and apply here today! Don’t wait, as the deadline is Thursday April 15, 2021 at midnight!

Jackson State Student Deshawn Goncalves Stuns With American Idol Audition, Gets Ticket To Hollywood

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Most entertainers dream of making it big in Hollywood, and now one Jackson State University student is a step closer. Read how the American Idol judges were brought to tears by Deshawn Goncalves’ performance in a JSU article from Rachel James-Terry!

JSU student Deshawn Goncalves hopes to be the next American Idol winner as he competes on the long-standing show for bragging rights and a recording contract. Catch Goncalves Monday, March 22, on American Idol (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. Photo by: (ABC/John Fleenor)

Not everyone can say they made Lionel Richie cry. Jackson State University student Deshawn Goncalves visibly moved the “American Idol” judge during his piano playing audition of “Everything Must Change” by Nina Simone. Goncalves’s emotion-laced performance earned him a ticket to Hollywood.

“That was powerful. I needed you today. Just consider yourself hugged, OK,” said Richie. “I don’t know where you came from, but God saw fit to put you in front of us.”

Well, Goncalves came from Ohio and landed at Jackson State via a full-ride scholarship. The music technology and performance major plays the sousaphone, aka tuba, in the university’s marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South.

While performing is not new for the sophomore, he admitted to a slight case of nerves before facing the Idol judges, which also included Katy Perry, pop music sensation, and country singer Luke Bryan.

“But when I walked in the room, that all changed. You know, seeing them smiling at me. It just felt really good,” he said.

Goncalves, 20, was even more relieved to learn he was heading to California.

“It was a big weight lifted off my shoulders. It felt wonderful, you know, for them to care so much about what I’m doing and then to get awesome feedback and to know that I’m being seen.”

It’s all a bit of a whirlwind for the soft-spoken Goncalves, who described the singing competition as a “dope” experience thus far. “I’m meeting so many talented people and, you know, I’m learning so much about myself, and I’m learning so much about the industry,” he said.

The gifted musician always appears ready to learn. He began tickling the ivories at 13 after being inspired by his seventh-grade teacher at A+ Arts Academy.

“I was very intrigued by the way she played the piano, so I started trying to imitate what she was doing,” he explained. “She really pushed me and saw how important music was to me and took the time to answer all my questions.”

The same teacher Goncalves said made him take note of his voice.

“There was a Black history program, and they needed someone to sing “A Change is Going to Come” by Sam Cooke, and she asked me to sing.”

JSU sophomore Deshawn Goncalves was born in Youngstown, Ohio. He is currently taking his classes virtually as he competes on ABC’s American Idol. Photo by: (ABC/John Fleenor).

Thinking the song was out of his range, Goncalves was doubtful of his abilities.

“But she made me sing that song, and it forced me to believe in myself and get it done. I haven’t looked back since.”

If he were to look back, life could have turned out differently for the golden-ticket winner.

His mother, Treyshawn Fason, was 13 at his birth and his father, Stephon Goncalves, was only a few years older.

“Well, being that my mom was so young, things were really rough. As a young child, I watched us get evicted, and then she worked her tail off to get us a new home,” he explained. “My mom prevailed over all of those things. Watching her work ethics played a huge role in who I am today.” Goncalves also shared that his dad’s incarceration caused him to lash out. His grades took the brunt of his antics and almost upended his future success. But, upon his father’s release, the two reconnected, and Goncalves regained his footing on his path to purpose.

“When it comes to my father, knowing where he came from, where he started, and the things that he’s been through motivated me,” he explained. “He was there to give me advice, like spot-on advice. He was my blueprint for when you get knocked down; just always make sure that you get up and keep pushing.”

Goncalves poured into his schoolwork, graduating at the top of his class, which led to him fielding college scholarship offers, including one from JSU.

He said he chose Jackson State for several reasons: the outstanding music program, his desire to march in the Sonic Boom of the South, and he longed to attend an HBCU.

While the full scholarship offer nudged his decision-making process, Goncalves said it was something about JSU that drew him in, and he knows he made the right choice.

He acknowledges Dr. Roderick Little, director of bands and assistant professor of music, and Dr. Loretta Galbreath, assistant professor of music and assistant director of choral activities, as two of his most influential instructors at the university.

“They both push me musically to limits I didn’t know I could achieve really, especially Dr. Galbreath. She does not let me rest. She sees something in me and makes sure to let me know that there’s more than what I’m giving at times,” he said.

Still attending classes virtually while pursuing his musical ambitions, Goncalves said his intentions have always been to sing for a living.

“I will still be obtaining my degree. That will not change. I will get my degree,” he stressed. “But yeah, I love to sing, and that has always been my plan.”

Catch Deshawn Goncalves on American Idol tonight for the Hollywood Duets Challenge at 7 p.m. CST on ABC.

Opinion: A Howard Biological Anthropologist Shares Why Overcoming Artistic Bias In Science Is So Important

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Science is constantly evolving, and we are happy to share that it is evolving in the right direction. There are many examples with how racism has seeped into scientific discoveries, tainting not only the facts, but the public’s perception. This is especially problematic with reconstructions, but now a new project focusing on ancient hominids is looking to rectify the misinformation. Learn what a Howard University biological anthropologist had to say about the value of these new efforts in a piece by Tina Hesman Saey, originally published by the independent Science News.

New standards for reconstructing extinct hominids could lead to more accurate representations, such as this sculpture of a 2.8-million-year-oldAustralopithecus africanus youngster known as the Taung child. (Credit: G. VINAS, R.M. CAMPBELL, M. HENNEBERG AND R. DIOGO)

Depictions of extinct human ancestors and cousins are often more art than science.

Take, for example, two reconstructions of the Taung child, a 2.8-million-year-old Australopithecus africanus skull discovered in South Africa in 1924. One version, made using a sculptor’s intuition, appears more apelike. A second version, made while working alongside a scientist, appears more humanlike.

Now, the researchers that produced the dueling images are attempting to remove some of this subjectivity by introducing standards that may give more accurate and reproducible portraits of species known only from fossilized bone. The team points out some of the flaws in facial reconstructions of ancient hominids — and the social and ethical implications misleading portraits may have — in a report published February 26 in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.

These two reconstructions of the Taung child depend on subjective decisions to make it appear more apelike (left) or humanlike (right). (Credit: G. VINAS, R.M. CAMPBELL, M. HENNEBERG AND R. DIOGO)

Getting the depictions right matters, says Rui Diogo, a biological anthropologist at Howard University in Washington, D.C. When museumgoers see artists’ renditions of Neandertals or extinct hominids, visitors often don’t realize how much bias creeps into the work. “They think it is reality,” he says. And that can skew people’s views and reinforce existing prejudices of present-day people.

For instance, reconstructions of multiple extinct hominids in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., portray skin getting lighter and lighter in color as species became more and more bipedal. “But there is zero evidence to say the skin was whiter,” Diogo says. Such a depiction might give the mistaken impression that people with lighter skin are more evolved.

Artists’ depictions can also give erroneous views of human evolution and extinct species’ intelligence and behavior, says Diogo’s coauthor Ryan Campbell, an anatomical scientist and physical anthropologist at the University of Adelaide in Australia. For instance, Neandertals are often portrayed as having matted, dirty hair. “It’s as if there is a bias toward portraying our ancestors as if they were stupid and didn’t have hygiene,” he says.

But animals of all kinds groom themselves, and there is no reason to think that Neandertals or other extinct hominids were any different. In fact, presenting reconstructions without hair might be more accurate, says Campbell. Hair is usually not preserved in fossils and DNA data from bones may hint at hair color, but don’t reveal grooming habits. 

Accurate artistic depictions of extinct hominids begin with precise scans of skeletal findings, such as this digital scan of a cast made from the original Taung child skull fossil. (Credit: G. VINAS, R.M. CAMPBELL, M. HENNEBERG AND R. DIOGO)

“Reconstructing hair is not even informed speculation,” Campbell says. “It’s imaginary speculation.”

Scientists and artists often work together to produce reconstructions, but the choices they make may be driven more by whim than science, the researchers contend. By studying muscles in the great apes and other nonhuman primates, Diogo and colleagues have constructed reference databases that scientists might use in reconstructing faces from fossils. Even then, whether a sculptor chooses chimpanzee or human muscles as their starting point can produce very different outcomes.

“The reconstructions of the past, most of them did not have a scientific basis,” Diogo says. “Our goal is to change the methods and to change the biases” to give a more accurate view of human evolution.

Clark Atlanta University Reveals Unveils Renovated Harkness Hall Quadrangle Gate Entrance

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Clark Atlanta University has a new aesthetic after a new renovation! Read below for more details from David Pendered at the Saporta Report.

Credit: Saporta Report2q

Clark Atlanta University on Monday unveiled the new Harkness Hall Quadrangle Gate Entrance, the latest step in the renovation of the historic campus.

The Harkness Hall Quandrangle is special ground at CAU. The funeral of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was convened at the steps of Harkness Hall. The first African American president of Atlanta University, John Hope, is laid to rest at Harkness Hall.

The morning event began with the ringing of the Bells of Harkness Hall. This was another auspicious moment in the university’s history, as the bells had been silent for nearly 30 years until they were rung on Easter Sunday 2020.

CAU President George T. French, Jr. delivered the key remarks at the unveiling of the entrance, located at Student Movement Boulevard. The renovation work was central to French’s work since he arrived on campus nearly two years ago.

French observed, in prepared remarks:

  • “Enhancing Harkness Hall’s exterior was paramount. We immediately went to work with enhancements to the Clock tower, where we renewed the golden luster to the clock tower’s dome, reinstituted the ringing of the interior Bells which had been silenced since the early 90s and now fills the entire community with the richness and majesty of music, draped the Doric Columns with banners.
  • “Additionally, we installed pole banners on the Grande Promenade depicting college life at CAU, did fencing upgrades and today we are proud to unveil the Harkness Hall Quadrangle gate entrance. And yes, there is more to come….
  • “The campus is a treasure of living history. When you think of the many icons of culture who walked these very grounds like, it is awe-inspiring. W.E.B. Du Bois, James Weldon Johnson, Lucy Craft Laney, Evelyn Lowery, Ralph David Abernathy and President John Hope, the first African American President of Atlanta University, who is buried not far from here, on these grounds, are just a few of the luminaries who called CAU home as a faculty member or a student.”
  • Harkness Hall was built on the campus of Atlanta University and named after Edward Harkness, a benefactor of the school, according to a report on the school’s website.
Credit: Blueprint

Harkness used the wealth spawned by Standard Oil and other investments made by his father to pay for buildings on college campuses through his family’s Commonwealth Fund, according to a report by the fund. This era of the program lasted from about 1918 to Harkness’s death, in 1940 and provided a total of $67 million in construction funds for college structures.

Legends about Harkness Hall and its grounds abound on the CAU campus. According to the school’s website, four bits of lore observe:

  • “The grass in front of Harkness is known as the Sacred Grass, it is said that if a CAU student steps on the grass, they will not graduate.
  • “Buried under the sacred grass is the 5th president of Atlanta University, John Hope.
  • “In Harkness Hall there are three vaults that hold the records of CAU, Morehouse, and Spelman College.
  • “It is rumored that in the vaults are passageways to each campus.”

Winston-Salem State University Alum Lt. Johnson Joins New United States Space Force

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LT. Tristen Johnson took an unlikely path from his studies at Winston-Salem State University to the all new United States Space Force! Read his story in a new release from WSSU below.

Tristen Johnson (Credit: WSSU)

When Tristen Johnson graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 2016 with a degree in economics and finance, he headed to graduate school.

Along the way, his career took a sharp, unexpected turn and today he’s a first lieutenant in the newly minted United States Space Force. And he could not be happier or more enthusiastic about his future.

“This is very exciting. The potential for the Space Force is limitless, and being new, they are open to change,” said the 26-year-old Johnson. “I see my future in space; I want to continue this career.”

Johnson, who attended WSSU on a full Chancellor’s Scholarship, totally expected to continue his education when he left WSSU, and actually spent a year in Clemson University’s engineering program. But along the way, he decided the Air Force offered great career opportunities and by the summer of 2018 he was in officer training school.

He graduated as a second lieutenant and immediately became a combat systems officer. Johnson quickly realized that was not a good fit.

“I was basically going to be like the navigator or weapons operator for the pilot. I got to the point of beginning training and realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do,” Johnson explained. “I was able to express myself, my wants and desires.”

Johnson made his case before a board hearing and it resulted in a change, a change to program manager. “My economics and finance background helped them with that decision.”

Johnson was transferred to Hanscom Air Force Base outside of Boston and he settled into what he figured was a career in the Air Force. Along the way was promoted to first lieutenant. Then President Donald Trump announced the formation of the United States Space Force.

“I was immediately intrigued,” said Johnson. “I had already seen the commercialization of space with SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin. I saw it was a new rising sector that I wanted to be a part of.”

Johnson’s move to the new organization went smoothly, basically an inter-service transfer. Applications opened in March of 2020 and by early last fall he was notified he had been accepted. On February 1 of this year he was commissioned into the United States Space Force.

Samuel Corum-Pool/Getty Images

It should be noted Johnson will not be traveling into space; his job title remains the same as it was in the Air Force, and actually for the time being he is still working on an Air Force project.

“What I’m doing now specifically for the Air Force is to avoid disruption of services. They didn’t want to move people immediately. It’s the same project, with space, with surveillance and intelligence,” said Johnson, noting because of the sensitivity of his work, he could not be more specific about his job.

By the end of the year, he will move from Hanscom Air Force Base to a Space Force base and expects to be doing a job very similar to the one he’s tasked with now.

Johnson laughingly admits he has been the butt of more than one Space Force joke from family and friends, but says he quickly explains to them need for the organization.

“There are a lot of jokes. There’s a lot of confusion from family and friends. A lot of people didn’t see the need or the reason,” said Johnson. “I guess the good thing about having friends and family that can see the fun side, they can be educated. I have been able to show them the need for this, the need for intelligence and how other countries are gaining an edge (in space), and the need is greater than ever.”

There is one thing Johnson is certain of: his four years at WSSU paved the way for his career in this new and challenging arena.

“Winston-Salem State prepared me well. It made me a more well-rounded individual, especially in dealing with a diverse group of people like in the military,” said Johnson. “Organizations like my fraternity and even being part of the student investment team and interacting with different people from around the country improved my ability and my confidence to articulate myself. I can speak to a small group or much larger groups or speaking to friends or giving briefs to high-ranking officials.

“I have such fond memories of experiencing the Winston-Salem State culture and developing those life-long friendships. It’s something special.”

Bennett College Receives $25K In Fashion Nova Cares And Megan Thee Stallion Partnership

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Rising mogul and Texas Southern University student Megan Thee Stallion never turned her back on HBCUs despite a busy career gracing stages and magazine covers. With so many looking up to her, she partnered with Fashion Nova Cares to support the ladies of Bennett College to the tune of $25,000. To find out where the money will go, and why she focused on the women’s college, read more in the statement from Bennett below.

Credit: Jora Frantzis for Fashion Nova

In honor of Women’s History Month, Bennett College will receive a $25,000 donation from Fashion Nova Cares, Fashion Nova, the leading e-commerce fashion lifestyle brand and GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist Megan Thee Stallion. Throughout the month of March, Fashion Nova Cares pledged to highlight, support and donate $1,000,000 to various women entrepreneurs, female students, educational institutions, women-owned businesses, and female-focused charities and organizations.

Megan Thee Stallion, Fashion Nova Cares and Fashion Nova launched the Women on Top initiative to run in conjunction with Fashion Nova’s ongoing support of various activism and awareness campaigns committed to fighting racial inequality. Today, Fashion Nova Cares is highlighting the work of HBCUs and has chosen Bennett as one of the Colleges.

Bennett College will receive $25,000 for its Center for Entrepreneurial Studies to support and encourage future initiatives among students.

“What a time to be a woman, specifically a Black woman. I am truly appreciative that Bennett [College] was not only selected but pre-selected to receive and participate in Fashion Nova’s new philanthropic initiative, ‘Women on Top.’” said Suzanne E. Walsh, president of Bennett College. “This donation coordinates perfectly with who we are and what we represent as a historical higher education institution for women.”

“Receiving this [donation] is beyond our imagination,” said Tammy McNeil, interim department chair of business and economics and assistant professor. “This donation will surely help us continue our quest to support and encourage students who want to be an entrepreneur, whether their interests are in social entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, or corporate innovation. I am thrilled to see the wheels turning in students’ entrepreneurial minds.”  

Credit: Bennett College

Bennett College Center for Entrepreneurship Studies aims to address economic, innovative and social entrepreneurial needs in today’s economy. In conjunction with the Women on Top initiative, the department of business, economics and entrepreneurship hand-selected three students to highlight as Bennett’s bright entrepreneurial standout, Janeal Marshall, a plus-size influencer and freelance makeup artist (@beatbyjanealjay), Zauria Murphy, the CEO and founder of Satin Skin Co., homemade luxury skincare and self-care business (@satinskin.co) and Aariella Houston, the CEO and founder of an apparel company, Zage Apparel (@zage.apparel).

“At Fashion Nova, women empowerment and ongoing advocacy for diversity and inclusion have always been part of our guiding principles,” said Richard Saghian, founder and CEO of Fashion Nova. “We believe the world will be a better place when all women are provided the opportunity to maximize their potential. This program was created to give women greater advantage as they pursue their passions.”

Breakr: The App That Allows You To Make Money & Discover New Music

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Record labels and artists management groups have utilized influencers to “break” new music for years with high ticket promotional contracts on Tik Tok, IG, etc. The music industry knows exactly how to monetize the power of influence but what about the influencers themselves? Macro influencers with millions of followers might be able to negotiate the right deal for themselves and their brand, but those are few and far between. There is a large market of micro-to-mid-tier influencers that do not get the same partnership opportunities due to sheer volume in this space.

Breakr is a black-owned, HBCU alumni founded, hot new music app that connects influencers with artists to facilitate the “breaking” of new music. Record labels and artists management groups have utilized influencers to “break” new music for years with high ticket promotional contracts on Tik Tok, IG, etc. 

Oftentimes, using micro-to-mid-tier influencers will generate more buzz because they are more connected to their followers and hold higher engagement rates. BREAKr seeks to bridge the gap between influencers and artists by offering a one stop shop for them to discover one another and democratize the music industry. 

So here’s how it works: 

  • Plan: Music influencers dubbed “breakrs” to set up profiles, update their music preferences, and create and promote digital campaigns that will be made available across different platforms. Simultaneously, artists set up music profiles and submit directly to high-quality influencer campaigns for review.
  • Connect: Artists and influencers seamlessly connect based on matching interests, goals, and campaign criteria. Artists seamlessly connect with world-class creators, influencers, deejays, and A+Rs to bring their music the audience it deserves.
  • Grow: Influencers release new music across their digital networks for a predetermined rate, and receive payment upon completion.

BREAKr is designed to be easy to use and whether you have 1 million + followers or 10K followers, BREAKr will get you paid for the content you create. This is also an app for any level artist to reach out to influencers, whether you are a multi-platinum artist or just released your first EP. This incredible app is revolutionizing influencer marketing and we’re here for it. Sign up for BREAKr HERE

For more information visit: www.musicbreakr.com 

Wilberforce Alumna NaAsiaha Simon Opens “Gem City Selfie Museum” To End Mental Health Stigma

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While we often don’t think much about why we take selfies, Wilberforce University alumna NaAsiaha Simon sees them as a way to come out of a tough place. Now, Simon is opening up a whole museum so that those in her community celebrate themselves in a new light! Read the release from Na’Asiaha Simon & Associates below to get the inspiring full story!

Courtesy of NaAsiaha Simon

When 31-year-old entrepreneur NaAsiaha Simon first relocated to Dayton, as a post-grad, fell in love with the city’s heart. During these last four years, she beat back a brain tumor and overcame personal wellness struggles. She took that love and turned it into a lifestyle of service.

Simon, a mental health advocate and champion for engagement and awareness, says that her own mental health struggle triggered a big idea: creating the Gem City Selfie Museum.

Together, working with a close-knit collective of like-minded young professionals, Simon’s big idea is about to come true.

“I want to provide a space for people to have positive, life-changing experiences and a space to heal using photography,” said Simon.

The people of Dayton consistently evolve into a community-focused, creative hub that has intent on supporting and celebrating the diverse talents that have and continue to spring up from the people of the Gem City, throughout the years. But between COVID and all of the mental, physical and emotional weight that has been troubling the region and nation, the city with so many hidden gems needed a fresh new creative space that is fun, informative, and interactive. And with the debut of the Gem City Selfie Museum, Dayton will get just that.

More than just a fun activity, the Gem City Selfie Museum is a creative hub cultivating community engagement and sparking creativity through visual art installations walls to bring focus to positive life experiences and boost confidence. Using vibrant colors, fun, and interactive props, taking the selfie experience to a whole new level!

The plan is to feature local musicians, local and national artists: Bing Davis,Bryon Smith of Smith and Son,Rich Murphy, Zuri Ali-Cole, and Taliaferro Sebastian of ArtHasNoRules. Simon is also partnering with the Ashley Scott Community Healing to offer free therapy.

Weyland Ventures Development Company has been a critical partner in seeing the project through.

“When I was in my season of crisis, dealing with a brain tumor and a lot of emotional trauma in 2020, taking selfies helped me see myself and love that reflection of me, flawed and still beautiful,” said Simon.

The Gem City Selfie Museum’s mission is to be a space with interactive illustrations created to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress. We want our guests to feel seen, heard, loved, and welcomed from the moment they enter the facility. The exhibits are specifically selected to evoke positive energy and emotion from guests of all ages.

NaAsiaha and the entire Gem City Selfie Museum collective want the people of Dayton to know that they are loved, appreciated, celebrated, and seen! What better way to commemorate that than with a selfie?

Follow Gem City Selfie on Instagram and Facebook to get to know more about the brand! For additional information on Gem City Selfie, click here.

Credit: Shon Houston

Bennett College Crowns Its 41st Miss Bennett

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There is a new Miss Bennett College, and she is well-prepared for the role! Learn who she is and how she is so highly qualified in a recent statement below from BC!

Today, Bennett College is honored to name and present graduating dual-major senior Hannah Marie Ross as its newly crowned 41st Miss Bennett College. The crowning of Bennett College’s 41st Miss Bennett was Bennett College held on March 20. 

Bennett College’s illustrious legacy contributes to its traditions, and one of them is the coronation.

Coronation is when the official crowning of Miss Bennett College and members of the Royal Court. Miss Bennett is elected by the student body and serves as a member of the Executive Team of the Student Government Association. As Miss Bennett, the queen’s primary responsibility includes providing community service opportunities for the student body, serving as a Marshall for the Academic Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES) and serving as president of the Queens Association. 

For the 2020-21 Coronation year, Hannah Marie Ross was elected by her peers to hold the Miss Bennett title. Hannah Marie Ross is a resident of Hillsborough, North Carolina. She is the daughter of Esther and Joseph Ross and the older sister to TJ.  Hannah graduated with honors from Orange High School and is a dual Mathematics and Chemistry major.  

“During my time [at Bennett], I have had the privilege to work with 17 Miss Bennett’s, and each one of them is an outstanding example of what a Miss Bennett should be,” commented Rachel Pridgen, director of campus life and student activities. “Unlike any other year, this year was exceptional, as we faced restrictions and so many limitations due to COVID-19. But the spirit and determination of these young women were mind-blowing, as they did not give up—their support in each other was felt many miles and over Zoom connections. They showed me what sisterhood truly meant.”

“I am beyond words and full of joy to be crowned as the 41st Miss Bennett College,” said Hannah Ross. “To have the support and love from my [Bennett] sisters is a bonus to the education I am proud and humbled to receive this honorable title from my beloved institution. I am so grateful to represent Bennett with grace, love, and support.”

2020-21 Elected members of the Bennett College Royal Court are:

  • Ashley King ‘22, Miss Royal Blue and White
  • Seria Bullen Sata ‘21, Miss Senior
  • Michaela Zeno ‘22, Miss Junior
  • Ja’Nylah Johnson ‘23, Miss Sophomore
  • Kennedy Allen ‘24, Miss Freshwoman

“The entire Bennett community is beyond proud of this group of phenomenal young ladies. The Coronation 2020 was UNFORGETTABLE,” Rachel Pridgen continued.

Morehouse Alum Brian Tyree Henry Among Stars Featured In Monster Thriller “Godzilla vs. Kong”

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Warner Bros.’ highly-anticipated thriller Godzilla vs. Kong is more action packed than anyone could have imagined. The showdown of the century features all the elements of a blockbuster film: the all-star cast (including a Morehouse College alumnus), the special effects, the storyline, and of course, the monsters!

Credit: Warner Bros

In the film, gigantic legends Godzilla and King Kong collide in their battle to be the world’s top alpha male.  Kept away from each other for ages, there is an energy bringing them back together. The resulting fight will leave the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Stuck in the middle are nefarious scientists. the world’s cities,  and an innocent orphaned girl who has created a special bond with one of the giant monsters.

The cast of the film is full of familiar faces, and they all brought their A-game. Atlanta star and Morehouse College alumnus Brian Tyree Henry plays the determined Bernie Hayes. For 5 years, Hayes has been spying on the labs holding Godzilla in a makeshift environment, but he believes something big is going to go down, soon. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown (playing Madison Russell) is attracted to Haye’s conspiracy podcast, and brings friend Dennison Julian (playing Josh Valentine) along to find him. The chaos that ensues takes them across the world as all three run into several close calls. Seasoned actors Alexander Skarsgård, Rebecca Hall, and Lance Reddick also get in on the action as leads in the film.

Credit: Screen Rant

Being that the film is the fourth installment in the so-called Legendary Entertainment “MonsterVerse” franchise, we do think true fans will love this film. If you’re not so familiar with the franchise, try watching the 3 films leading up to Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). Begin with Godzilla (2014), then Kong: Skull Island (2017) and then Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) for the latest refresher.  

Godzilla vs. Kong premieres today in theaters and on HBO Max! Watch it and let us know what you think!