It’s official. Florida A&M University (FAMU) is the fall destination for highly recruited scholar Curtis Lawrence III. The 16-year-old Washington, D.C., graduating senior announced in a video on social media his eagerly awaited decision to enroll as part of the FAMU Class of 2025.
Lawrence, who graduates with a high school diploma and an associate degree and will enter FAMU as a rising junior, has been offered more than $1.6 million in scholarships. He had also been accepted to Harvard University, Howard University, Hampton University, George Washington University (GWU), Morehouse Colleg, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Chicago, and Yale University.
“I started off thinking about what schools had good biology programs. I started off looking at HBCUs because I wanted to have the HBCU experience to be surrounded by the people, who are just like me, not only Black but academically talented,” Lawrence, who at age 14 began taking classes at GWU, says in the social media video. “In the fall, I will be double-majoring in biology and computer science and taking my talents to Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.”
Immediately after his announcement, a small group of orange and green-clad cheering family and friends appeared behind Lawrence.
“This has been a really long process that started in the seventh grade thinking about college prep,” says his mom, Malene Lawrence, who explained that the family researched the top schools in paleontology that offer Ph.D. programs. “His goal is to earn a Ph.D., so we helped him plan backward.”
The competition is stiff among universities to recruit top young scholars. Dedra O’Neal, director of the FAMU Scholarship Program, has conducted Zoom calls with alumni scholars and prospective students since last fall. The recruitment effort deploys alumni based in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Zambia, the Caribbean, France, and across the U.S. to discuss the FAMU scholar experience with top prospective students.
Speaking the Orange Blossom Classic press conference Wednesday, FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., lauded Vice President for Student Affairs William E. Hudson Jr., Ph.D., for his role in successfully recruiting Lawrence. Hudson visited Lawrence’s Washington, D.C., high school, School Without Walls at George Washington University, last fall and visits whenever he is in the Washington area. One of the assistant principals at the school is a FAMU alum. Lawrence is one of at least four School Without Wall seniors who plan to enroll at FAMU this fall.
“FAMU is very fortunate to have students of the caliber of Curtis Lawrence III confirming attendance. We always seek the best and brightest talent globally and he fits the mold of the distinguished FAMU alumni. We pride ourselves in producing successful students who meet the global workforce needs,” Hudson said. “I am actively engaging with Corey Lawrence to follow in his brother’s footsteps. I look forward to welcoming the Lawrence family to the Rattler FAMUly.”
This fall represents a return to full in person instruction following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Applications are up compared to 2020 and the academic profile of admitted students has also increased, Hudson said. Having a student like Lawrence enroll at FAMU makes a big difference and sends a strong message about FAMU’s intense focus “on student success, academic programs, faculty engagement and research opportunities,” Hudson added.
“Students realize the impact FAMU graduates have on the global economy and want to contribute to that legacy,” he said. “Our alumni, faculty, current students, and supporters actively recruit students, and we sincerely appreciate all efforts on behalf of FAMU.”
HBCU players were dramatically snubbed in the latest NFL Draft, after not one was chosen among 259 picks. While factors like rule changes and the COVID-19 pandemic are being listed as possible factors, the problem remains that HBCUs are not given the same consideration as other institutions. Learn what HBCU coaches are saying about last weekend’s dramatic oversight in a new article by Adam Kilgore at The Washington Post below.
North Carolina A&T cornerback Mac McCain III signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos. (Kevin L. Dorsey)
After the final pick of the NFL draft had been made, North Carolina Central Coach Trei Oliver spoke with cornerback Bryan Mills. A long-limbed and explosive athlete, Mills had expected to be taken in the late rounds. Every team passed on him, though, and he settled on signing with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. Mills confronted disappointment, but he still had a chance at an NFL career.
“Don’t get frustrated,” Oliver told Mills. “All you need is an opportunity.”
In this year’s draft, players from historically Black colleges and universities found themselves stuck between frustration and opportunity. The NFL has long looked to HBCU schools as a pipeline for talent, from Hall of Famers such as Mel Blount and Walter Payton to current all-pro linebacker Darius Leonard. Of the 259 players drafted this past weekend, zero came from HBCU programs.
The absence of HBCU players in the draft stemmed from factors large and small, starting with the coronavirus pandemic postponing fall seasons to the spring or canceling them altogether. Even acknowledging the hurdles, HBCU coaches and advocates were surprised and disheartened.
“It’s hard to believe that not one guy is worthy of being drafted,” said Washington Football Team senior adviser Doug Williams, a Grambling alum and the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. “That, to me, that’s a travesty. Hopefully we can fix it.”
In an Instagram post Monday evening, Jackson State Coach Deion Sanders, whose September hiring brought a wave of attention to HBCU football, wrote HBCU players had been “neglected and rejected” and called on HBCU programs to work together.
“I witnessed a multitude of kids we played against that were more than qualified to be drafted,” Sanders wrote. “My prayers are that this won’t EVER happen again. Get yo knife out my back and fight with me not against me!”
HBCU prospects could still make NFL rosters in the summer. Immediately after the draft, Grambling tackle David Moore (Carolina Panthers), Florida A&M tackle Calvin Ashley (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), North Carolina A&T cornerback Mac McCain (Denver Broncos) and Mills signed free agent contracts.
None of them being drafted still stung. More than 40 players attended the first HBCU combine in April, which organizers hoped would improve last year’s draft showing, when Tennessee State guard Lachavious Simmons, a seventh-round pick by the Chicago Bears, was the only HBCU player taken. The NFL drafted four HBCU players in 2019, when the Houston Texans made tackle Tytus Howard of Alabama State the first first-round pick from an HBCU since 2008.
“You can go back as far as you like, from Jerry Rice to Tarik Cohen,” North Carolina A&T Coach Sam Washington said. “The quality of the athlete is definitely within our league. Them being seen or not being seen, it happened. For what reasons, I have not figured that part out. But the fact is that it happened.”
Smaller programs across the board suffered in the draft from the pandemic, which canceled fall seasons, eliminated pro day workouts and decreased travel for NFL scouts. Faced with uncertainty, NFL front offices relied on powerhouse programs more than usual. Only five players from the Football Championship Subdivision were chosen, the lowest since 1993, along with two Division II players and one from Division III.
Jackson State University coach Deion Sanders discusses strategy with JSU players. (Getty Images)
“I think that [the pandemic] played a huge role in the lack of players represented from our conference and also from HBCU football,” Grambling Coach Broderick Fobbs said. “There’s plenty of guys who have the ability to be drafted and should have been drafted. But I think when it boils down to it, these teams were not able to do as thorough a search as they normally are. … But yes, it is a little bit of a disappointment. I don’t think it’s anything personal. People are trying to fill their rosters with the best players that they can and also with no-brainers. The pandemic played a huge role in eliminating a lot of those diamonds in the rough.”
The absence of any HBCU players indicated HBCU schools were hurt disproportionately.
“Ain’t no question they’re affected a little different than other programs,” Williams said. “That still don’t mean they can’t have one or two” players chosen.
Last year, 29 players from HBCU schools started the season on an active NFL roster or practice squad, according to HBCU Gameday. Leonard, whom the Indianapolis Colts drafted in the second round out of South Carolina State in 2018, has been named defensive rookie of the year and made two all-pro first teams in his first three seasons.
“I don’t know if a lot of scouts go into the Black schools,” Williams said. “If they see somebody on a Black college campus, they usually judge the school and not the player. I think they need to get into judging the player and not the school. But really there ain’t no answer to it. … I wish I could give you a good answer. But it’s hard to give a good answer right now. It’s hard to see not one player from a Black college get picked.”
All 32 NFL teams sent a scout to North Carolina Central to gather information about Mills, Oliver said, but Oliver wondered how decision-makers ultimately used the evaluations. For years, Williams and James Harris, another former Grambling quarterback, worked in high-ranking personnel positions. New Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes graduated from North Carolina A&T, but otherwise NFL executives from HBCUs are a rarity.
“Without us having an advocate in those meetings in the front office, it kind of puts you behind the 8 ball,” Oliver said.
Oliver pointed out that the HBCU players with draftable grades this year played offensive line and cornerback, two of the deepest positions in the draft. Many talented players returned for the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted after fall seasons were postponed or canceled. “You’ll see a lot of guys next year with draftable grades,” Oliver said.
The recent change to college football’s transfer rules, which now allow players to transfer from one Football Bowl Subdivision program to another without forcing them to sit out a year, inadvertently affected the talent level at HBCU programs, Fobbs said.
A handful of possible NFL prospects would trickle into HBCU programs because they wanted to play right away after transferring and wanted to be “somewhere where they love their coach, or they love their institution, or they love being around people that look like them,” Fobbs said.
Those players can now move to another major program without penalty and receive larger cost-of-attendance benefits at higher levels. Fobbs said players now approach what once was an emotional decision as a business decision.
“I think the rules have been set up against us,” Fobbs said. “It’s great for our kids to get the opportunities, but the institutions have suffered. We’re not able to acquire those players.”
The lack of thorough evaluation led in some cases to players being overlooked or misevaluated. Fobbs expected Moore would be taken between Round 3 and Round 5. Washington was baffled when he read a scouting report of McCain that listed accelerating after making cuts as a flaw.
“That’s his strength,” Washington said. “Had they been able to come on campus and see it, they would have known. … If they’re going to say that’s his weakness, they’re going to be so disappointed when he makes all-pro.”
Williams is trying to enhance HBCU players’ exposure to the NFL. The Black College Football Hall of Fame, of which Williams is a trustee, created a collegiate all-star game for HBCU players with the NFL’s backing that will debut next year. The Legacy Bowl will be played next February in New Orleans to showcase overlooked players and allow NFL scouts the chance to evaluate roughly 100 HBCU players at one time.
Despite his disappointment, Williams said he would chalk this year up to the pandemic and move on. He did not attribute the lack of selections to racism, pointing to the confluence of Black quarterbacks in the NFL. But he also believes HBCU players do not receive the same amount of attention from the NFL as other programs.
“I’m not surprised, because this has happened before,” Williams said. “ … You keep hoping things get better. That’s where I am right now. I’m hoping with the combine and the Legacy Bowl we give the NFL an opportunity to see guys in a whole new light.”
Recently Senator Jon Ossof visited Savannah State University, and brought with him some great news for not only Georgia’s oldest HBCU, but the others in the state as well. Having campaigned beside now-Senator Raphael Warnock, the two men made pledges to honor HBCUs with financial support that is now coming to fruition. Learn more about what Ossof shared at Savannah State in an article from WSAV by Ricardo Lewis.
Sen. Ossoff visits Savannah State University (Credit: WTOC)
Senator Jon Ossoff was back in the Hostess City Tuesday speaking with the public about the work he’s done during his first 100 days in office. He finished off his stop with a roundtable discussion at Savannah State University.
Delivering help to Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) is a campaign promise he ran on. On Tuesday, Ossoff announced his plan in collaboration with Senator Raphael Warnock to deliver millions in relief to students and families.
“HBCUs in Georgia are going to receive more than $75 million in direct financial support and Madame President, we have confirmed Tuesday that Savannah State University will receive $17.5 million in federal funding,” Ossoff said.
The bill requires that half of the financial resources go directly to students. Ossoff said it’s important to him that they are given in the form of grants and not loans.
Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are running as a team in Georgia. (Credit: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images)
“My view is that no American should have to take on a penny of debt to get a degree from an HBCU via public or private or to get a degree from any public college or university in this country,” Ossoff said.
Jasmine Freeman is a junior at Savannah State and said this financial relief is a step in the right direction. She knows first hand what it’s like not to have enough money to attend college. It even led to her having to take a semester off.
“Our student bills the students get every semester that’s where all of the high anxiety is,” Freeman said. “He’s like yes, the money is there, and everything’s been passed, but until we see the result in our student bills that’s where we know that he is keeping his promise to the students.”
Ossoff called student loan debt a crisis in our country and said he will continue to press President Joe Biden with other senators to relieve up to $50,000 of student loan debt per borrower.
“Higher education should not burden people with decades of debt. It should be expanding our opportunities,” Ossoff said.
The HBCU experience is vibrantly multi-faceted, and now one accomplished executive is working to capture it all with a new platform. Curtis Symonds’ connections with the Central State University have influenced him to honor HBCUs through the new “HBCUGo TV,” and he’s making sure he doesn’t miss a thing. Learn more about why Symonds appreciates all HBCUs offer and how his new platform will boost our love for them in a newBlack Enterprise interview by Anthony Quinones.
Curtis Symonds has held high-level positions at BET, ESPN, and the WNBA. For the past 10+ years, he has devoted his life to leveraging the historically Black college or university experience through his platform, HBCUGo TV. HBCUs have been a part of his life for over 40 years. His mother and father were not only HBCU graduates but were educators at Central State University in Xenia, Ohio. He is also a graduate of Central State University. HBCUGo TV is dedicated to being a true destination for the total HBCU experience. His vision is to be the leading media provider illuminating the voice and experiences of the 105 HBCUs by delivering content that empowers, educates, and entertains.
Credit: Black Enterprise
In a recent interview, we talked about a variety of topics from sports to education to family and more. The interview has been edited and condensed.
We’re known for our bands and our entertainment, but we’re obviously more than that. Can you encapsulate what the HBCU experience means to you?
What the HBCU experience means to me is the embodiment of knowing who you are. When you go to a PWI (predominately white institution), you become a number. When you come to an HBCU, the president calls you by your name because he knows who you are. And one of the things that has been strong in the HBCU community and on the campus is that it really molds you as an individual. If you talk to anyone who’s gone through an HBCU, the first thing they will say is that university helped me to be who I am today because it taught me the meaning of who I am. And a lot of people don’t understand that. A lot of people go to PWIs. They don’t come back for homecomings. They don’t relate to the people they went to school with because a lot of them didn’t know half the people they went to school with. At an HBCU you know almost everybody. And for years you celebrate that when you come back for your homecomings and the bonding that’s part of this process is incredible, man. And not only do you bond with your classmates, you bond with your teachers who you’ve known for years and years and years because all of them were important to your growth.
How would you say that the HBCU experience has been heightened or highlighted as a result of everything that’s happened in the past year, from George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey, the racial unrest in our country, etc.
I would say it’s now being recognized a little bit better. It’s growing out of the circle of the way normal people would look at HBCUs. Now you have athletes saying if they had to do it over again, they would have gone to an HBCU instead of a PWI. I think the mindset across the board in our community in the people who we look at, we look up to, in Black America is I need to be better involved with HBCUs. For example, Chris Paul, who’s doing a lot more now in the HBCU circle, from North Carolina A&T to North Carolina Central and other places, is putting a stamp on the fact that we have to do more to support HBCUs. It’s definitely through those tragedies that we’ve seen over the last 12 months that has heightened awareness of the value of these universities.
You’ve worked with ESPN for eight years and you were president of the Washington Mystics for two years. So, you’ve been heavily into sports and sports are a major part of this network, right?
Well, in our community, Black college sports has always been the lead-in. But what I’m trying to do now is branch out. In talking to advertisers and business people, you lead with college sports because that’s the first thing they relate to the HBCUs. What I’ve tried to do now is add some of the educational and lifestyle things that make these schools as great as they are today and also help them understand the product that’s come out of HBCUs. The Spike Lees out of Morehouse, other people who have made big strides coming out of HBCUs and keep educating them on that it’s not just sports. There’s a lot of other people who have come out of HBCUs that stand for something. But you need to do your homework and understand who these people are.
A lot of us want to go to HBCUs but don’t feel like the education would be the same. So, how do we change people’s mindsets about education at HBCUs?
You got to get them on the campus. You got to get them involved in the universities to see the quality of people teaching the classes and the quality of the people in the classes. Because I hear every other day, “I can’t find a quality minority to fill the spot.” But where were you looking? If you’re looking for engineers did you go to North Carolina A&T which specializes in engineers? Did you talk to anyone down there? No. So, how are you doing your homework? So, the thing is that we don’t have enough cheerleaders out there that are pushing HBCUs. Now, we’re beginning to get that. You see Kamala (Howard University grad) in the White House. So, the door is open, but you got to get those supporters to help to get through the door.
A lot of times to make it big in sports we feel like we have to go to, as you say the PWI’s, the Dukes, the Kentuckys the Arizonas, the big state schools that may be popular. But you’re bringing sports and education together so that we can have a full experience in the HBCUs.
If you look at PWIs in football and basketball, that’s mainly made of Black young men, and you moved all that talent to HBCUs, you’d see a whole different sway across the board in sports. The only thing that these young people are worried about is how to get to the next level. And because HBCUs don’t have television deals, they can’t be seen. So, if I go to South Carolina State and I’m a decent ballplayer and I’m not getting any television awareness, how am I going to the NBA? But if I go to South Carolina and they’re on television every other week, somebody’s gonna see me. That’s the mentality. The problem is that we’re not out there enough to educate people coming out of high school about HBCUs because counselors are talking about other schools. They’re not valuing what our schools have to offer.
In our community, about 20% of Black households were led by a single parent in the 60s. Now, it’s almost 80%. How can HBCUGo TV improve the quality of our Black families?
I think that’s one of the most important things that we’ll be working on. I understand very clearly, coming from a divorced mother and father, that family is very important. We have to continue to drive on the value of the mothers. You know how important it is to support single mothers out here. We’re gonna try to create programs to help, show these mothers some ways to improve their lives and come up with ways to try to get them educated. Many can’t get an education because they can’t afford it. Maybe we can finally raise some dollars to assist them in furthering their education and also try to create some opportunities. We want to be very involved in trying to open up those doors. So, we’ve got to figure out ways to get better. That’s what HBCUGo is gonna try to do to make that happen.
How will HBCUGo TV be different from the other Black TV networks we have?
First and foremost, HBCUGo TV will focus on HBCU schools 24/7 365 days a year. Unlike most Black networks, that just want to show you The Jeffersons, Martin, entertainment, and comedy, we want our viewers to come away understanding some of the great history, legacy, knowledge, sports, and lifestyle that come from these historically Black colleges. We hope the programming the students produce will help others to understand the real life of a HBCU student. Finally, we want to educate the public on the power of these colleges and universities.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the upcoming programming:
Chris Paul HBCU Combine – June Black Music Month – June Kamau Murray – US Open Series – August Fall HBCU Football season – September Orange Blossom Classic Football game – FAMU vs. Jackson State – September HBCU Basketball Classic – Virgin Islands – November Winter HBCU Season – December Pigskin Showdown Football All-Star Game – December For more information on how to get involved with this platform, visit www.hbcugo.tv.
On Monday, April 26th, Alaska Airlines unveiledtheir new 737-900ER aircraft designed with the words “The Commitment.” In partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Alaska has pledged to building awareness for advancing racial equity and education.
Credit: Alaska Airlines
Many gathered for a ceremony at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to witness the new plane design. Included on the structure is a powerful quote from the late progressive civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” The message perfectly ties together the company’s ethics alongside with UNCF’s mission as they celebrate a history of its 15-year partnership.
“As a company, we know we are not yet where we need to be when it comes to diversity, but we are inspired and guided by our value to do the right thing. With this aircraft, we are doing the right thing by amplifying the conversation around education, equity and belonging and taking it to the skies,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO. “This aircraft will continue to be an inspiration for us on the journey.”
As this flight departed the following Tuesday morning on a non-stop to Washington, DC, passengers were greeted with a celebration to commemorate this monumental occasion. Attendees were greeted with remarks from Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci and UNCF Executive Vice President Maurice Jenkins who provided more insight on the importance of amplifying their efforts to better our future and creating opportunities as a union.
As Alaska Airline and UNCF continue this partnership it will provide resources for HBCus and promote a pledge of commitment to diversity, representation and inclusion for a better future.
Credit: Alaska Airlines
Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF says, “While small in number, our HBCUs are landmarks to our past and keys to our future. They enable us to keep a legacy — by their very existence. HBCUs are much more than schools. They are places where Black students can feel safe, welcomed, and embraced by the college community. Additionally, the nation’s HBCUs make up just 3% of America’s colleges and universities, yet they produce almost 20% of all African American graduates and 25% of African American graduates in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics — the critical industries of the future.”
The world’s largest student film festival, Campus Movie Fest (CMF) in partnership with Goldman Sachs brings a brand new category focused on BIPOC creators: Rewrite The Script On Representation In Film. As part of their longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, Goldman Sachs’ sponsored category is focused on BIPOC filmmakers and characters in order to help students showcase what genuine, authentic representation looks and feels like. The Rewrite the Script on Representation in Film category challenges students to submit short films that are centered around BIPOC characters, or are created by BIPOC students. Short films to be considered must showcase what genuine, authentic representation looks and feels like. BIPOC filmmakers and content creators, this is your chance to shine. Your story matters and the world needs to see it.
Michael C. Rodriguez for Variety
Campus Movie Fest began in 2001 when four students at Emory University provided fellow students with everything they needed, including camcorders and Apple laptops to make movies in one week. Today, CMF provides free technology and training to more than 1 million students at colleges and universities globally to tell their stories on the big screen through film.
Must promote the idea that diverse perspectives are critical in creating art and showcase what genuine, authentic representation looks and feels like.
Anyone interested in submitting can do so, but CMF strongly encourages HBCU and BIPOC students to share their unique stories and voices with the world.
Eligible films are those centered around the stories of BIPOC characters or are created by BIPOC students.
Prizes:
The top winner will receive a $5,000 filmmaking grant, with second place receiving $3,000, and third place receiving $2,000. Winners will also have access to CMF Terminus, workshops focused on BIPOC representation in the industry, and access to exclusive networking opportunities. Finalists will be announced during CMF Terminus in June.
Edward Waters College is now one of 2 Florida HBCUs boasting a women’s golf program after a hefty donation. Whether in sports or academics, HBCUs are global leaders when it comes to providing black students access to opportunities that will change their lives. Learn below just how significant this latest donation is not just to HBCU golf, but to female student-athletes in a statement from the PGA’s below!
From left to right: Mike Hartley, Anne Nimnicht, Dr. Paul A. Bryant, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., Jared Rice, Matt Welch, Michele McManamon, Theresa Hazel (Credit: Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR)
Just yesterday, THE PLAYERS Championship announced a $50,000 donation to help reinstate the women’s golf program at Edward Waters College (EWC). Located 30 minutes from the PGA TOUR’s flagship property and global home, the state’s first private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is now one of only two HBCUs in Florida to offer a dedicated women’s golf program. THE PLAYERS’ grant will help EWC recruit and select a coach, fund student-athlete scholarships and assist with overall operational expenses as the program plans for a 2022 launch date.
The announcement was made on the EWC campus with leadership, trustees and staff of both organizations in attendance. Broadcast publicly via a live-streamed press conference (click here to watch), THE PLAYERS Executive Director Jared Rice and 2022 Tournament Chairman Matt Welch presented EWC President Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr. and EWC Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant with the $50,000 check. Joining them were several past tournament chairmen (Red Coats), who were on-hand to deliver more than $10,000 in golf supplies and merchandise for the team.
“When the EWC team shared their vision with us and indicated that the revitalization of the women’s golf program was a primary focus for the College, we were inspired to support their mission,” said Rice. “As home to the PGA TOUR and host of its flagship event, we are committed to efforts that reflect our mission and values of being good stewards in the communities where we play. We are honored by the opportunity to help elevate the student-athlete experience at EWC and promote and grow the game of golf right in our hometown.”
“I am elated to partner with THE PLAYERS Championship,” said Dr. Paul Bryant, EWC Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “This joint effort to reignite women’s golf will enhance our offering of sports and give young women the opportunity to play the sport they love at a high level.”
JACKSONVILLE, FL – MAY 03: during THE PLAYERS presentation of a $50,000 donation to help reinstate the womens golf program at Edward Waters College on May 3, 2021, at Edward Waters College in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR)
“Edward Waters College is fortunate to be aligned with outstanding organizations such as THE PLAYERS Championship and PGA TOUR,” said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., president and CEO. “This donation will not only reinvigorate the women’s golf team, it will attract talented women to attend Edward Waters College from across the country due to the name recognition of our new partners. We thank the leadership and volunteers of THE PLAYERS and PGA TOUR for this special investment in the College’s athletics program and look forward to becoming a competitive force in women’s golf soon.”
The women’s golf program at EWC was first introduced in 2007 and was discontinued in 2015 following budget and program challenges. As part of EWC’s newly adopted strategic plan, Eminence 2025, the College is reengineering its Division of Athletics to prioritize gender equity ratio in sports across all competition facets.
In addition, EWC announced plans to launch a Student-Athlete Golf Mentor Program, a dual-purpose initiative that will engage student-athletes to serve as mentors in unique professional development environments – including exposure to career opportunities within the PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS network – as well as off-campus volunteer experiences with community-based programs.
The PGA TOUR has a long-standing history of positively impacting the communities where it plays. Most recently, the organization and its tournaments have pledged a stronger commitment to efforts that are advancing diversity, equity and inclusion priorities in its host communities.
This week, TPC Sawgrass – home of THE PLAYERS – is also serving as the host course of the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, an annual championship that features the top student-athletes from HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the nation. The event features nearly 180 competitors representing 24 schools and 51 individuals who are competing in the three-day competition on Dye’s Valley Course and THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. EWC’s women’s golf team previously participated in this championship, which was formerly known as the National Minority Collegiate Championship.
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.
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 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’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.
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!
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
