Former Bowie State University President Dr. Samuel L. Myers, Sr. has unfortunately passed away at the age of 101. Myers served as Bowie’s 4th president for 9 years from 1968-1977.
Over the weekend Bowie’s 10th and current President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux shared the sad news with the BSU community in a tweet.
Dr. Samuel L. Myers, Sr. courtesy of Bowie State University
“Under his leadership, the university saw tremendous growth in enrollment, curriculum enhancements and a new program in social work,” shared Breaux. “He also moved the university to the next level with the first offering of a graduate degree, the master of education, and establishment of a Graduate Division.”
A profile from the American Economic Association highlighted just how much Dr. Myers accomplished in his lifetime. He earned a PhD in Economics from Harvard University in 1949. In 1994, he received the National Economic Association’s Samuel Z. Westerfield Award, which is presented to Black economists every few years to honor their “distinguished service, outstanding scholarship, and achievement of high standards of excellence.”
He went on serve as an economist at the U.S. Department of Labor, and a financial adviser to Latin American countries during the Kennedy Administration. He worked with U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Executive Order 12232, which created a federal program “… to overcome the effects of discriminatory treatment and to strengthen and expand the capacity of historically black colleges and universities to provide quality education.” Myers served at Bowie State University both as an economics professor and as president.
Dr. Myers Sr. with his son and other academics at a Westerfield Awards ceremony, courtesy of the University of Minnesota
After leaving Bowie, Myers continued to dedicate his time to advancing HBCUs. For over 20 years, he served as president of the National Association For Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. He later focused his efforts on Minority Access, Inc. where he worked to diversify universities and corporate spaces.
Myers’ children were educated at HBCUs and have created their own legacies. After teaching at Morgan State University, his son and daughters all earned degrees from the HBCU. Myers’ son, Dr. Samuel Myers, Jr., is the Roy Wilkins Professor of Human Relations and Social Justice at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. His daughter, Judge Tama Rose Myers Clark, was Morgan State University’s first female student government president, and became a successful district attorney.
A spring memorial service is currently being planned Dr. Myers, according to Bowie’s President Breaux. His family is also working to establish endowed scholarships in Dr. Myers’ name at both Bowie State University and Morgan State University.
Morgan State University alumna Yogananda Pittman has been chosen to serve as acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police. Her promotion is a result of the fallout from the riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Yogananda Pittman, Courtesy of Morgan State University
“In the wake of this past week’s horrendous and thwarted attack on the U.S. Capitol, I am pleased to announce that a decision was made to elevate distinguished and decorated Morgan alumna Yogananda D. Pittman to serve in the role as acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP),” Morgan State University President David Wilson shared in a statement. “This appointment is notable for our nation and our University, as she will be the first woman and first African American to hold the post of leading the USCP. We commend this wise decision as it is widely known that Morgan graduates are purposefully prepared to not only Grow the Future, but to Lead the World.”
Pittman graduated from Morgan in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. According to U.S. Capitol Police, she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marist College in New York in 2019. She is pursing her Ph.D. in Public Administration from West Chester University.
Pittman joined the USCP force in April 2001, and her first assignment was to provide security and protective details for U.S. Senators and visiting dignitaries. She has since been promoted several times. First, in 2006, to the rank of Sergeant of the Department’s Communications Division. Second, in 2010, to the rank of Lieutenant to the House Division. Third, in 2012, she became one of the first Black female supervisors to attain the rank of Captain. At that time she supervised the President Obama’s 2013 Inauguration, and managed over 400 officers and civilians. Since, she has been promoted to Inspector in 2015, and Bureau Commander for the Command and Coordination Bureau in 2018.
In her new position, Acting Chief Pittman will be responsible for overseeing the U.S. Capitol Police’s laws and regulations, and ensuring that everything possible is done to prepare and protect the Capitol. On January 17 she will replace outgoing chief Steven A. Sund, who has resigned following the mayhem of the riot.
Philander Smith College has an established history of developing leaders into church ministers and pastors, as well as supporting them. Now, a new grant from Lilly Endowment will add to a previous donation that will ultimately fund the college’s ministry initiatives to the tune of $1 million. Read the full statement from Philander Smith College below.
Philander Smith College is excited to be the recipient of funds totaling $1,049,130 to help establish the Strengthening Ministries in Black and Small Churches in Central Arkansas program. It is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving in Ministry, an initiative that supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation as they create or strengthen programs that help pastors build relationships with experienced clergy who can serve as mentors and guide them through key leadership challenges in congregational ministry.
Philander Smith College students, courtesy of UNCF
Earlier in the year the College received a $50,000 award from Lilly Endowment to support the development of the Thriving In Ministry grant submission. That planning grant, combined with the full grant award of $999,130, represents a total $1,049,130 investment in PSC’s effort to strengthen the pastors serving small churches in Arkansas and nearby states.
Thriving in Ministry seeks to help pastors develop meaningful relationships with wise colleagues who can help guide them through key leadership challenges, especially during transitions in their ministerial careers. The initiative builds upon recent studies that have examined the importance of colleagues and mentors who help pastors face and overcome common professional challenges. These studies include research from the Endowment-funded Flourishing in Ministry project.
Philander Smith religious life, courtesy of Philander Smith University
“Philander Smith College has a legacy of developing clergy who have become leaders and mentors to generations of ministers and pastors,” said PSC President Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. “Our alumni have broken barriers, published extensively in the field of religious studies, and blazed spiritual trails for a new cohort of preachers and scholars. Funding from Lilly Endowment will help us to continue building upon this sacred foundation,” he continued.
“Leading a congregation today is multi-faceted and exceptionally demanding,” said Christopher Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for Religion. “When pastors have opportunities to build meaningful relationships with experienced colleagues, they are able to negotiate the challenges of ministry and their leadership thrives. Promising efforts in this initiative including the Philander Smith College program, will help pastors develop these kinds of relationships, especially when they are in the midst of significant professional transitions.”
Shaw University‘s Center for Racial and Social Justice has just received a generous gift of over half a million dollars from Gilead Sciences, Inc. In its just to drive social and racial equity, the center recently partnered with the City of Raleigh, North Carolina. Read the release from Shaw below to learn how this recent gift will help support the center’s mission.
Today Shaw University announces that Gilead Sciences, Inc. has awarded the university’s Center for Racial and Social Justice (CRSJ) a $525,000 grant distributed over a three-year period. Shaw’s Center for Racial and Social Justice launched in June 2020 to further the development of a more just and equitable society.
Shaw University Professor Dr. Lynette I. Wood, courtesy of Diversity MBA
The funding will help build general infrastructure and sustainability efforts for the CRSJ including targeted initiatives: lectures, workshops, seminars, certificate programs, forums, exhibits, student-led civic engagement, and ongoing advocacy work.
“Throughout its 155-year history, Shaw University has been a consistent, visible leader in social and racial justice,” stated Dr. Paulette Dillard, President of Shaw University. “Gilead’s investment in the Center for Racial and Social Justice will help us train the next generation of leaders and continue our mission.”
Shaw University, the Progressive Pulse
“Gilead is strongly committed to working with our employees, partners and communities to advance racial and social justice,” said Amy Flood, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences. “Our partnership with Shaw and the Center for Racial and Social Justice will ensure that meaningful social engagement can continue to develop and strengthen civil and human rights, and build up the next generation of leaders who will fight for the health and wellness of Black communities”, said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences. “The Racial Equity Community Impact Fund will provide resources to groups that are working on the frontlines to combat social inequities directly impacting the health and wellness of the Black community. This program is one of the ways that we are delivering on our commitment to promote racial equity and social justice.”
Shaw University’s Center for Racial and Social Justice was also recently awarded grants from Duke Energy and the City of Raleigh.
While playing football at North Carolina A&T State University, Justin Cates had dreams of making it to the big league. The unexpected pandemic suddenly sidelined his dreams, but he just caught a big break! Read below to learn more about Cates’ exciting comeback with the Canadian Football League from WFMY News.
North Carolina A&T defensive lineman Justin Cates signed to play football with the Edmonton Eskimos.
Many of us have faced struggles during the pandemic in some way. Imagine being an athlete trying to make it to the next level in a time when the sports world was uncertain. After a little bit of patience, a North Carolina A&T football player’s dreams finally come true.
NC A&T beat Alcorn State in the Celebration Bowl a season ago. It was the final game as an Aggie for defensive lineman Justin Cates.
Courtesy of Justin Cates
“Pro day was the first thing on my mind,” said Cates. Then I got invited to the HBCU combine, the first-ever. I was excited and then everything went down.”
The pandemic canceled both of those opportunities, which were chances for Cates to show off his talent.
“It was a really down point in my life,” said Cates.
Since football didn’t seem to be working out, he had to find some way to bring in money.
“I got a job at Lowe’s,” said Cates.
Almost a year later, one text message popped up on his phone, changing everything.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while,” said Cates.
Courtesy of North Carolina A&T State University
A CFL team, the Edmonton Eskimos, asked Cates if he wanted to play football again.
“I had to read it twice,” said Cates. “I didn’t believe it at first. As soon as he sent the contract over, I signed it immediately I didn’t play no games. Me and my agent signed it immediately and sent it over.”
Cates said it was a big relief to know the work he’s been putting in since he was 5 years-old is now paying off.
“I almost gave up,” said Cates. “I thought the dream was over but mom and dad always told me to always keep the faith and pursue your dreams. I just stuck with it. I stayed the course and the benefits came for me. I’m just excited as you can tell.
Initially, Earl Monroe saw himself studying at Winston Salem-State University to become a teacher. But after his talent shined on the court, he became a record-breaking basketball player. From becoming the highest-scoring player in the CIAA to an NBA championship win, Monroe has quite the story to tell. Now, his legacy will live on in youth for years to come. Read his captivating story from Winston-Salem Journal below to find out how.
Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, who is in nearly every hall of fame there is, will get another honor this summer when a new chartered high school in New York City is named for him.
The Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball High School will be located in The Bronx with its first class of freshmen starting this fall. The charter high school will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June and will open in September. The school will have its new building by 2023.
“This is a project that I couldn’t do by myself because if that was the case it never would have happened,” the former Winston-Salem State star said by phone from New York City. “Our board of directors and Dan Klores have put my vision together and we’re excited about it.”
Earl “The Pearl” Monroe was in Winston-Salem in April 2019 to accept the Ann Lewallen Spencer Sports Connector Award from the National Sports Media Association. (Courtesy of Andrew Dye)
Before he died, NBA commissioner David Stern was also on the board of directors and was a big influence on the project, which has been in progress since late 2017. Others who have helped Monroe see this vision are Russ Granik, Val Ackerman, Marv Albert, Sonny Hill, Bill Rudin, Michele Roberts, Liz Robbins and Jeff Zucker.
Klores was the New York City-based co-producer with Monroe for “Black Magic,” a documentary paying homage to HBCU basketball legends and history. Klores led a successful public relations firm before becoming an award-winning producer.
Now Monroe, a legendary HBCU player himself, is putting his name on a high school that he’s proud of.
“It has basketball in the name of the school, but it will be about more than just playing the game,” Monroe said. “About 99% of our students will come from diverse backgrounds, and we will be keeping each class to 18 and no more than 20 students.”
About 80 freshmen will enroll this summer, and in four years Monroe said the school would have 430 students. Monroe said families of children can apply to the school, part of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Hall of Fame basketball player Earl Monroe with a retired jersey from the NBA’s Washington Wizards, formerly the Baltimore Bullets, in November 2007. (Courtesy of the Associated Press)
Monroe said the school would expose youth to careers within the sports industry while still having an emphasis on academics. Courses will be offered in broadcast journalism, business, law, finance, print media, analytics, digital media, coaching, physical rehabilitation, nutrition, design, psychology and sports agency.
“It will only be maybe 12 percent of the students who play basketball for the school and participate in the league,” he said. “Our commitment is not only toward each student but to their families as well, and all of our marketing materials will be bilingual.”
Soon after his retirement, in the 1980s, Monroe started a small academy; this is bigger and broader.
“Our motto is ‘a ball and a book can help change the world,'” Monroe said. “Basketball is such a global common denominator. We are not a ‘sports school,’ but we believe strongly in our mission, that the fruits and lessons of the game, off the court, can be used as a tool of hope, teaching, educating and listening.”
Monroe, a 1967 Winston-Salem State graduate whose NBA career earned him entry into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, is the all-time leading scorer in WSSU and CIAA history. He helped lead the Rams and Coach Big House Gaines to a Division II national championship in the 1966-67 season.
During his stellar playing career with the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks, he teamed with Walt Frazier to help the Knicks win the 1973 NBA championship, the franchise’s most recent title.
After his retirement from basketball in 1980, Monroe settled in New York City and had several successful business ventures. In 1996, Monroe was selected as one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, and a ranking in 2020 of the league’s all-time best by ESPN.com placed Monroe at No. 64.
Earl Monroe is the all-time leading scorer in CIAA history with 2,935 points. (Courtesy of Winston-Salem State University)
Monroe, 76, was born and raised in Philadelphia. He arrived at WSSU in fall 1963 with his good friend, Steve Smith, after deciding to play for Gaines. Both had never seen the campus until they arrived by train from Philadelphia.
One of Monroe’s inspirations throughout his life was the legendary Gaines, who died in April 2005. Gaines preached education and the importance of earning a college degree to Monroe and his teammates.
“I think this would put a smile on Coach’s face if he was still around,” Monroe said. “And this is something he would be proud of because he always stressed the importance of education. Coach Gaines also talked a lot about giving back, and he was constantly on us to work in the classroom toward our degrees.”
Monroe graduated with a teaching degree but instead became an NBA star.
“It’s kind of come full circle because WSSU was known as a teacher’s college, and that’s what I would have become if not for basketball,” Monroe said.
Monroe is proud that the entire 1966-67 team graduated, and he said his education was a testament to HBCUs.
“Enter to learn, depart to serve,” Monroe said about WSSU’s mantra. “I have so much respect for the city of Winston-Salem and for WSSU and what it did for me back in the day.
“I think folks are coming to understand the impact graduate HBCUs can have on our society. You look now at (vice president-elect) Kamala Harris (a Howard graduate) and (Georgia senator) Raphael Warnock (a Morehouse College graduate), and it shows what impact the HBCU experience can have on individuals.”
Bob Ryan, Boston Globe columnist and author, discusses his memories from covering Earl ‘The Pearl’ Monroe. (Courtesy of Andrew Dye)
The pandemic has only exasperated the economic disparities experienced by the homeless, low-income workers, and the unemployed. To help those in need, Honduran University of the District of Columbia student Osman Milla has gone all over the world. He’s given meals, clothes, mattresses, and an ear to hear their stories. Read his inspirational story from ABC7.
Osman Milla has made it a purpose to help others in need for years and it’s something he attributes in part to his upbringing in Honduras.
“I grew up in a village in Honduras without running water and electricity. My mother, father, and four siblings survived without having much to eat and that was the experience. With my experience growing up, I don’t want people to have the same life that I had, I want to help others. We can’t change the world, but we can help impact the lives of others,” Milla says.
Osman Milla has been helping others in need for years and it’s something he was inspired to do early in his life. Milla prepared meals from the restaurant and distributed the meals to the homeless in the D.C. area. Sunday, Jan. 3, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Osman Milla)
The 29-year-old student works at a local restaurant, volunteers, and has been feeding the homeless in the D.C. area for over five years. He’s also a recent graduate from the University of D.C. with an associate’s degree in Hospitality and he’s currently working on his bachelor’s in Hospitality.
Milla prepared meals from the restaurant and gave it to the homeless on his way to class at Union Station three times a week on days he worked at the eatery.
The business would have to throw food away but Milla spoke with and convinced the restaurant manager to let him give the food to the homeless instead of disposing of it.
Osman Milla has been helping others in need for years and it’s something he was inspired to do early in his life. Milla prepared meals from the restaurant and distributed the meals to the homeless in the D.C. area. Sunday, Jan. 3, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Osman Milla)
However, Milla tells ABC7 the pandemic has affected his volunteering activities.
“With the pandemic, I don’t do the same things I was able to do. I used to feed the homeless in downtown D.C. every day, says Milla. The pandemic changed that. I had to find new ways to help. During the pandemic, I was able to help eight families with getting groceries and supplies and was working with two local nonprofits who donated food. And the nonprofit would drop off the food at my home and the families would stop by to pick it up. I was laid off for four months while I was doing this.”
Milla is also enthusiastic about a new endeavor he’s planning to delve into to further support communities in need.
Osman Milla has been helping others in need for years and it’s something he was inspired to do early in his life. Milla prepared meals from the restaurant and distributed the meals to the homeless in the D.C. area. Sunday, Jan. 3, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Osman Milla)
“I’m always trying to do something different. Casa Ruby is a non-profit located in D.C. that helps homeless people in the area and nationwide. This a place where I plan to support starting next week. They help people to secure employment, learn English, find appropriate healthcare and get an education. In the beginning, the nonprofit served the LGBTQ community but now it serves all communities,” Milla says.
In November 2020, Milla worked on a project helping the Honduras community back home after the area was ravaged by two hurricanes.
He sent 20 extra-large boxes of donations and bought 100 mattresses to help the community members in Honduras affected by the hurricane. Milla raised over $10,000 for seven nonprofits in Honduras that helped families in need. The money was used to buy medicine, supplies, clothes, and shoes to help families impacted by the hurricane. And the money was used to ship the supplies and to purchase mattresses.
In November 2020, Osman Milla worked on a project helping the Honduras community back home after the area was ravaged by two hurricanes. He sent 20 extra large boxes of donations and bought 100 mattresses to help the community members in Honduras affected by the hurricane. Milla Raised over $10,000 for seven nonprofits in Honduras that helped families in need. (Photo courtesy of Osman Milla)
Milla also emphasized to ABC7 the need for action by everyone to support those less fortunate because he adds there are a lot of individuals in need globally.
“Let’s help our friends and family and those in need. There is a lot of need in the entire world. We have to work hard. If we can help someone, we can make an impact on that person. We can start by helping one person at a time and we have to keep going and we can help more people. I use my social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to show what I’m doing to help others, and my friends see what I’m doing. If people see you’re doing a great job, they will support you. I got a lot of support through social media,” Milla concludes.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) just approved Saint Augustine’s University to expand its education in a significant way. For the first time in over a century, the university will finally have a graduate school program. Read about the great news from Saint Augustine’s University below!
One year after being approved by SACSCOC to offer online programs, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) has officially launched their first graduate program in its 154-year history. Starting this year, SAU will offer a fully online practitioner-oriented Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program. The MPA Program is a rigorous program of study designed to prepare career professionals to serve in leadership roles such as public administrators, public managers, and policy analysts with critical decision-making skills.
Courtesy of Saint Augustine’s University
“Launching the MPA program is a new dimension that we have reached to support the workforce needs of the region,” said Dr. Maria A. Lumpkin, SAU’s Interim President. “Saint Augustine’s educates change makers to build flourishing futures. Transformative leaders in the public and social sectors need education that helps to move organizations beyond the status quo. The academically rigorous program is accessible in price and format to be equitable for students and working professionals from every background.”
Introducing a graduate-level program initiates a new chapter for SAU and the students that enter her gates, aligning with the school’s vision of being nationally recognized as a comprehensive institution with high performing students, renowned faculty, focused community engagement and a strong alumni base of change agents.
“Gaining the SACSCOC Level III designation, which permits graduate programs, ushers in an entirely new frontier for SAU,” said Dr. Michael Boone, Online Program Consultant. “I see the MPA Program as a great start along the path of offering many exciting new graduate degree programs. I am delighted to be a part of this development and am excited about the future benefits to students who pursue the MPA Program at SAU.”
The Program operates in six (6), eight (8)-week sessions throughout the academic year and is designed to accept students regardless of their undergraduate degree background. Once students are accepted, the Program provides five (5) foundational courses that provide an understanding of the nature of public administration. After completing these courses, students move on to take remaining courses in the major areas of study. There is a total of thirty-six (36) credit hours required to complete SAU’s MPA Program.
Courtesy of Raleigh News & Observer
“The Masters of Public Administration (MPA) degree is one of the most sought-after degrees of this time period,” said Dr. Josiah Sampson, III, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “It provides strategic value, insight, and ability to the individual holding it and the entities that hire those people. It leverages the ability to understand and develop policy with management of resources of all types; human, fiscal, and other. The added plus of the MPA from Saint Augustine’s University is ability of individuals to flow through a cutting-edge program at an institution that is known for innovation, social action, and cultural awareness.”
The SAU MPA program is one of the most affordable advance degree programs in the region, boasting a Tuition rate of $450 per credit hour (all program courses are three credit hours) and an administrative fee of $125 per session. It is designed to be a high-quality, affordably priced, fully online program of study leading to greater career and professional achievement. The SAU administration anticipates this program becoming one of the most desirable and practical advanced degree programs in the marketplace.
“I am thrilled about the continued impact that we at Saint Augustine’s University will have on society with the newly-minted Master of Public Administration degree,” said Dr. Wanda Coneal, Dean and Associate Professor of the School of Humanities, Education, Social & Behavioral Sciences. “Preparing individuals to create, implement, and evaluate public policies that concern quality of life issues is empowering. Certainly, by offering rigorous courses that require critical thinking and requiring authentic internship opportunities in leadership, the MPA graduates will be innovative problem solvers at all levels of government and business.”
Things have been looking up for Morris Brown College amid its journey to re-accreditation. A leading Black gaming technology organization just gifted the school with enough funds to get an eSports program started! Read the full details in the heart-warming story from Black News below!
Pharaoh’s Conclave (PCX), Georgia’s leading organization for diversity and inclusion in competitive video gaming, and the Thomas Family Fund are proud to announce a contribution of $160,000 to Morris Brown College in honor and memory of the family patriarch, Ronald Floyd Thomas (MBC 2002). The gift was designated to establish the Ronald Floyd Thomas Center for eSports and Innovation. The Morris Brown College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the decision to establish the center in October 2020.
Courtesy of PCX
Jakita O. Thomas, Ph.D. and Erich Thomas founded Pharaoh’s Conclave (PCX) in 2017. PCX is a company that uses education and exposure to video gaming to address diversity and inclusion in the technology industry by leveraging eSports. They created the first high school state eSports championship in the United States, which they featured at DreamHack, the world’s largest gaming lifestyle festival. Through PCX, the Thomases have exposed over 10,000 children across the country to eSports. They have awarded over $30,000 in college scholarships and guided youth and young adults in becoming eSports professionals. Their work in technology has most recently received non-dilutive funding of $100,000 from Google for Startups and financial support from the Stadium Neighborhood Community Trust.
PCX will now complete its “Cradle to Career” model with the opening of the Ronald Floyd Thomas Center for eSports and Innovation at Morris Brown College, the alma mater of Erich Thomas’s father. The focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will help to address the lack of diversity in eSports and technology.
“When my husband, Ronald Floyd Thomas, entered Morris Brown College to complete the work on his degree, he fully embraced becoming a true “Brownite.” Funding the establishment of the Ronald Floyd Thomas Center for eSports and Innovation at Morris Brown College is a fitting tribute to a man who valued education and the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to our culture and family. Morris Brown College, in the words of her Alma Mater, was “a welcome true to everyone until thy work was done.” It is in keeping with his commitment to educational opportunity that a program exists to equip this generation of scholars with the skills to excel in STEM and be on the cutting edge of this new technology at—Dear Old Morris Brown,” said Geri Thomas, Grant Advisor of the Thomas Family Fund.
Courtesy of WSB-TV
“Google has provided us with a very unique opportunity to be the people on the ground doing the real work. My wife and I both grew up in Atlanta; we are both graduates of HBCUs and are now watching the fourth generation of our family attend HBCUs. As a product of the Atlanta Public Schools System, I was inspired to teach and work with youth by graduates of HBCUs all throughout my life, many of whom were alumni of Morris Brown College. So it is imperative that we continue the work of creating opportunities that will allow our children to thrive in the generations to come,” said Erich Thomas.
“I am so grateful for the gift from the Ronald Floyd Thomas family and Pharaoh’s Conclave. This designated gift will help take our new eSports program to the next level. I am so excited that Morris Brown College can lead as Georgia’s first State approved eSports Performance degree program. The institution has two tracks including a certificate and a degree. Additionally, high school students will be able to dual enroll and complete high school with 24 college credit hours in eSports. Morris Brown will lead in eSports education and competitive gaming. This gift just catapulted us forward. We will immediately begin plans to remodel an area on campus into the Ronald Floyd Thomas Center for eSports and Innovation, which will include top-notch eSports equipment. Moreover, we will begin recruiting the best gaming students to attend Morris Brown and compete competitively on our eSports team,” said Dr. Kevin James, President of Morris Brown College.
Dr. Jakita Thomas was the recipient of the Blacks in Tech Award in 2019, which recognizes African American Tech Entrepreneurs and Innovators. Dr. Thomas is an author and researcher whose work was recognized by President Barack Obama in 2016 with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Valuable artificial intelligence and open hybrid cloud technology is heading to a Missouri HBCU from one of leading companies of tech in the world! The gift will is part of a larger initiative to drive HBCU diversity in STEM fields, and will put the students at the forefront of technology development. See the full statement on plans for the collaboration from IBM.
Harris-Stowe State University announced today a multi-million dollar collaboration with IBM (NYSE: IBM) on a comprehensive program designed to develop diverse and high demand skill sets that align with industry needs and trends so both students and faculty can develop the skills they need today for the jobs of tomorrow.
IBM and Harris-Stowe State University are building on the need to advance digital skills in education and are dedicated to providing future focused curriculum and educational tools to help train the diverse workforce of tomorrow in fast-growing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, data science, cybersecurity, cloud and quantum.
“Harris-Stowe State University is thrilled to collaborate with IBM to provide greater access to skills and training in the tech industry,” said Dr. Corey S. Bradford, Sr., president of Harris-Stowe State University. “As the world, more than ever relies on the use of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve grand societal challenges, Harris-Stowe must continue to develop well prepared and ready graduates to join the STEM workforce. This collaboration is yet another example of our commitment to supporting student and faculty development and assisting in preparing students to compete and lead globally.”
Harris-Stowe State University President Dr. Corey S. Bradford, Sr., courtesy of SLBJ
The collaboration extends IBM’s recent investment in technology, assets, resources and skills development with HBCUs across the United States through the IBM Skills Academy and enhanced IBM Academic Initiative.
“Equal access to skills and jobs is the key to unlocking economic opportunity and prosperity for diverse populations,” said Valinda Scarbro Kennedy, HBCU Program Lead, IBM Global University Programs. “As we announced earlier this fall, IBM is deeply committed to helping HBCU students build their skills to better prepare for the future of work. Through this collaboration, Harris-Stowe State University students will have an opportunity to gain modern skills in emerging technologies across hybrid cloud, quantum and AI so they can be better prepared for the future of work in the digital economy.”
Harris-Stowe State University received $2 million in resources from IBM for a digital skills program that helps train students in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, data science, cybersecurity, cloud and quantum.
As part of its multi-year Global University Programs, which include the IBM Academic Initiative and the IBM Skills Academy, IBM is providing more than $100M in assets, faculty training, pre-built and maintained curriculum content, hands on labs, use cases, digital badges and software to participating HBCUs. The IBM Academic Initiative provides access to resources at no-charge for teaching, learning and non-commercial research with recent enhancements including access to guest lectures. The IBM Skills Academy is a comprehensive, integrated program through an education portal designed to create a foundation of diverse and high demand skill sets that directly correlate to what students will need in the workplace. The learning tracks address topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, data science and quantum computing.
IBM’s investment in HBCUs like Harris-Stowe State University is part of the company’s dedicated work to promote social justice and racial equality by creating equitable, innovative experiences for HBCU students to acquire the necessary skills to help unlock economic opportunity and prosperity.
Robert F. Smith is a man of outreach and of action. He made good on his pledge to pay off the student loan debt of Morehouse College’s whole Class of 2019. He is opening up a school in Denver modeled around HBCU principles. Read the details from Forbes on how the finance executive now plans to relieve even more HBCU students of student loan debt in a new program.
Student Loans
The latest student loan update on Capitol Hill is shaping up like this: many in Congress are calling for $2,000 stimulus checks, which may be bad news for student loan forgiveness. The latest stimulus included limited student loan relief for student loan borrowers. It’s unclear when, or if, you’ll get student loan cancellation. However, none of this has deterred Smith from finding innovative ways to help address student loan repayment. Smith, the CEO of Vista Equity, followed through on his pledge to pay off $34 million of student loans for approximately 400 students who graduated Morehouse College in 2019. Now, Smith wants to expand his student loan repayment effort to help students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) through the non-profit organization, the Student Freedom Initiative, which helps provide financial and career assistance for HCBU students.
As part of this effort, which Smith help fund with a $50 million contribution, the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) is offering an innovative alternative to traditional student loans. Here’s how it works:
Are you eligible?
Rising college juniors and seniors at eligible HBCU’s can participate.
This financing option is available to student after they borrow the maximum amount of federal subsidized student loans, federal unsubsidized student loans, grants and scholarships.
The program is initially available at nine HBCU’s, and is expected to grow over time to additional HBCU’s and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI’s).
How much can you borrow?
Students can borrow up to $20,000 per year
Robert F. Smith, courtesy of CNBC.com
How does student loan repayment work?
This is an income-based student loan alternative.
For every $10,000 of income that a borrower earns after graduation for a certain period of time, borrowers agree to pay 2.5% of their salary each month.
If you earn less than $30,000 a year, you don’t owe a student loan payment.
For example, if your monthly income is $12,000 and you borrowed $40,000, then you could owe 10% of your monthly income, or $1,200, as your monthly repayment.
Your monthly payment is returned to SFI (not your college or a lender), which will use the proceeds to help future borrowers fund their education.
Deferment and Discharge
Borrowers can defer up to 12 monthly payments for any reason (financial hardship or otherwise)
Borrowers can discharge their payment obligations after 20 years, or in bankruptcy, permanently disability or death.
Next Steps: Student Loans
While traditional student loans have an interest rate, this student loan alternative does not. While some features are similar to an income share agreement (another income-based alternative to traditional student loans), SFI wants to limit the repayment amount based on a multiple of your income. The goal is to make this alternative income-based repayment lower than the cost of Parent PLUS Loans, which parents borrow to fund their dependent child’s education. Parent PLUS Loans typically can have higher interest rates than federal student loans and private student loans. While parents can refinance Parent PLUS Loans, federal income-driven repayment plans are limited for parents who are struggling to repay Parent PLUS Loans. Today, there are more than 3 million Parent PLUS Loan borrowers who collectively owe approximately $90 billion. Many of these borrowers are seniors or retirees who have limited income to pay off Parent PLUS Loans. SFI wants to create a financial product to help alleviate this burden.
What is the future of student loan repayment? While income share agreements are available at more than 50 colleges and universities, income-based alternatives to student loans have not gained widespread support in Congress. Therefore, don’t expect student loans to be fully replaced by alternative lending options based on income anytime soon. Congress is also not consider income share agreement as an alternative to cancel student loans. That said, President-Elect Joe Biden wants to reform income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans. As part of his student loan plan, among other proposals, Biden would make enrollment automatic, student loan forgiveness tax-free and lower the percentage of income required for monthly student loan payments for millions of student loan borrowers.
Texas Southern University has world-renowned professors and staff. Now, professor Dr. Kamala Raghavan will sit on the Board of Directors for the world-renowned Fulbright program! See the announcement from Texas Southern University for details on Dr. Raghavan’s career and new appointment below!
Dr. Kamala Raghavan, professor and interim department chairman for Finance and Accounting, has been elected to the Fulbright Association Board of Directors under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. John Bader. The mission of the Fulbright Association is to advocate for the Fulbright program and promote international education. Fulbright alumni are leaders in every field representing over 165 countries, and are committed to advancing mutual understanding, tolerance, and peaceful relations worldwide.
Dr. Kamala Raghavan, courtesy of Research Gate
“We are very proud to have Dr. Raghavan serve on the Board of Directors for the Fulbright Association; she is among top educators and difference makers in the world and we look forward to her sharing all of the knowledge she will gain back to our School and students,” said Dr. David Yen, dean of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business.
The vision for the association is a world where international exchange is widely recognized as a force for peace. They are global change-makers in politics, business, science, education, and the arts. Their ranks include 82 Pulitzer Prize winners, 59 Nobel Prize laureates, 37 current or former heads of state or government, 70 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, and 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients. The alumni come from thousands of public and private universities in the United States and abroad.
“I’m delighted and honored to serve as a board member of this prestigious international organization to promote education,” said Raghavan. “I am so grateful to be of service to this community of scholars.”
Raghavan will begin her three-year term January 1, 2021, with a portfolio of responsibilities to include finance related activities.
Courtesy of the India Herald
“We are very proud to have Dr. Raghavan serve on the Board of Directors for the Fulbright Association; she is among top educators and difference makers in the world and we look forward to her sharing all of the knowledge she will gain back to our School and students,” said Dr. David Yen, dean of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business.
The vision for the association is a world where international exchange is widely recognized as a force for peace. They are global change-makers in politics, business, science, education, and the arts. Their ranks include 82 Pulitzer Prize winners, 59 Nobel Prize laureates, 37 current or former heads of state or government, 70 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, and 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients. The alumni come from thousands of public and private universities in the United States and abroad.
“I’m delighted and honored to serve as a board member of this prestigious international organization to promote education,” said Raghavan. “I am so grateful to be of service to this community of scholars.”
Raghavan will begin her three-year term January 1, 2021, with a portfolio of responsibilities to include finance related activities.
Spelman College and Sotheby’s Institute of Art are partnering for a truly remarkable intersection in art and education. Read the statement below for how Spelman will have unprecedented access to art programs, scholarships, and more.
Spelman College and Sotheby’s Institute of Art, New York recently announced an innovative academic partnership designed to increase access to art market education for Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective undergraduate students.
Through this new partnership, SIA will launch the SIA+Spelman Collective Futures Scholarship, an educational initiative designed to expand postgraduate pathways in the visual arts by offering one full tuition scholarship each year to attend an SIA master’s degree program.
The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art exhibition for Zanele Muholi: Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, courtesy of Spelman College
“Sotheby’s resides at the center of the global art market. Establishing a relationship between Sotheby’s and Spelman enables our aspiring arts professionals to gain invaluable experience at the heart of a dynamic and rapidly changing art world. said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman. “Through scholarships, and the expansion of curricular and co-curricular programming, the SIA-Spelman partnership will become an integral part of the training of African American arts leaders.”
Students will also have access to annual collaborative events designed to encourage educational diversity, equity and access.
“This partnership provides an exciting opportunity for our inaugural class of art history and curatorial studies graduates, while leading the charge to transform the art industry through sustainable educational pathways,” said Cheryl Finley, Ph.D., director of the AUC Art Collective and distinguished visiting professor, Spelman. “We’re delighted to join Sotheby’s Institute of Art, New York, a global pioneer of art business education, in this cutting-edge collaboration.”
A Sotheby’s auction, courtesy of the Art Insider
The partnership will also include a lecture series covering a range of topics from art and art markets of the African diaspora to art valuation, law and careers. In addition, an annual symposium will offer long-term networking, mentorship and career development opportunities. The first major event will take place virtually during the spring 2021 semester and feature a convening focused on implementing strategies for structural change in the art industry.
“In our 50-year history as pioneers of art market education, we are honored to partner with the AUC Art Collective to take this important step forward to broaden African American and African Diasporic art history in our graduate curriculum and to help foster a more diverse and inclusive global art world for the future,” said Christine Kuan, CEO and director of SIA.
The AUC Art Collective, which is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, is housed at Spelman. The program offers a major in art history and minors in curatorial studies and art history to students at Spelman, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.
Hampton University alumna Marie R. Sylla-Dixon has just been tapped by Raytheon Technologies to advance diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as the company’s new Chief Diversity Officer! Read from the release below to learn how Sylla-Dixon will drive social progress in the corporate space.
Sylla-Dixon will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Gregory Hayes and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team.
As CDO, Sylla-Dixon will be responsible for leading Raytheon Technologies’ diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. The role will integrate initiatives across the four pillars of talent management, community engagement, public policy and supplier diversity, and shape externally how the company shows up in its communities.
Marie R. Sylla-Dixon, courtesy of Raytheon Technologies
“Prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do will make us a better company, a better employer and a better contributor to the communities we touch,” said Hayes. “Marie has a strong track record of aligning diversity and inclusion with business strategy to drive results, and in creating tangible community and societal impact. We welcome Marie to Raytheon Technologies and look forward to her leadership.”
“When diverse minds come together to advance innovation and business growth they propel the economic progress of communities around the world,” said Sylla-Dixon. “I am excited to join Raytheon Technologies to drive the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy that will bring employees, partners and communities together to achieve enduring progress.”
Today, Marie Sylla-Dixon was announced as the chief diversity officer for #RaytheonTech. She reports directly into CEO Gregory Hayes and is responsible for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the organization. Learn more: https://t.co/JI6qxCZbTXpic.twitter.com/TIilXywIJc
As part of its commitment to improving communities, Raytheon Technologies has made a $25 million, five-year community engagement and philanthropic commitment to support marginalized individuals and communities through programs focused on racial justice, empowerment and career readiness. The company is also supporting the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation with the establishment of its first-ever Defense and Aerospace Policy Fellowships, and has expanded its support for the Faith & Politics Institute and the Equal Justice Initiative to address understanding and discourse around issues of race.
Sylla-Dixon joins Raytheon Technologies from T-Mobile US where she spent 11 years, most recently serving as vice president for government and external affairs, leading T-Mobile’s DE&I efforts and community outreach through the company’s recent merger with Sprint. She spearheaded the operational management of the company’s diversity and inclusion commitments including a community investment focused on workforce development, digital literacy and adoption, and programming for underserved and underrepresented communities, and has worked with national civil rights groups.
Prior to T-Mobile, Sylla-Dixon served as vice president for government relations at Verizon Communications.
Sylla-Dixon holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Hampton University and a Juris Doctorate from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law.
“They fought two wars,” reads the top of the new U.S. coin honoring the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. With foundations at Tuskegee University in Alabama, the airmen are credited with having the best loss records on combat missions as air escorts, destroying 260 enemy aircraft, and accumulating 850 medals for their service and valor. Read the story below for more on the value of seeing these brave men on a U.S. coin.
The United States Mint honors its final issue of its popular America the Beautiful Quarters Program by honoring the Tuskegee Airmen. The coin which had a Feb. 1 release date was issued on Monday due to an increased demand for circulating coins.
Tuskegee Airmen, courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum
The new quarter displays the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Moton Field which pays homage to nearly 1,000 Black military pilots and more than 15,000 support staff who trained in Tuskegee during World War II.
According to the Mint, the design depicts a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen suiting up to join the fight during World War II with the Moton Field control tower in the background. The pilot looks upward with pride and confidence as two P-51 Mustangs pass overhead. “They fought two wars” is arced across the top as a reference to the “dual battles the Tuskegee Airmen fought–fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home.”
On the other side is a 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” said the Mint.
The new coin courtesy of Tuskegee University
“The legacy of our famed Tuskegee Airmen is forever marked with the release of the newly issued quarter by the U.S. Mint dedicated in their honor,” said Interim President, Dr. Charlotte P. Morris. “These sons and daughters of Mother Tuskegee fought battles, both in air and on land. They served our country with pride and dedication. This is a deserving recognition.”
According to the Bureau of the Federal Department of Treasury the Quarters Program was launched in 2010 and has highlighted a series of 56 quarter-dollar coins with tail-side designs depicting national parks and other national sites. The coins were released in the order the sites officially become a national historic site or park – the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site was established in 1998.
The U.S. Mint honors its final issue of its popular America the Beautiful Quarters Program by honoring the Tuskegee Airmen. The new quarter displays the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Moton Field… – https://t.co/DMndEWJ6qfpic.twitter.com/h4o5kMnItv
Moton Field was recognized as the only primary flight training facility for African American pilot candidates in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Thus, the facility symbolizes the entrance of African American pilots into the Army Air Corps and the singular role of Tuskegee Institute in providing economic and educational resources to make that entry possible, although on a segregated basis.
Several HBCU leaders are stepping up to share why the COVID-19 vaccine is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, Howard University‘s President just created a whole 1-minute PSA with other Howard staff members to show just how simple protecting yourself from COVID-19 can be. Read Howard’s release below for the full story!
Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, a practicing surgeon and person living with sickle cell disease, has a message for Black America: When the time comes, please get vaccinated! As an essential health care worker, educator, father and person at high risk, Dr. Frederick decided to lead by example by producing a public service announcement (PSA) on the importance of getting the coronavirus vaccine. He was among the first to get a vaccine shot at Howard University Hospital, and he hopes his message will encourage others to do the same. Watch the PSA here.
“The coronavirus pandemic is having a significant impact on communities of color, and that narrative won’t change until we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from exposure,” said Dr. Frederick. “The vaccines that are coming to market are safe and have been proven to be more than 90% effective. However, we can’t get to the other side of this pandemic without you. Wear a mask, keep your social distance, wash your hands and, when the time comes, get vaccinated.”
President Wayne A. I. Frederick, courtesy of Howard University
Dr. Frederick has been on the frontlines of the pandemic in a variety of ways, including making the tough decision to close the University in March, spearheading efforts to set up COVID-19 testing sites in urban communities, co-chairing the Mayor Muriel Bowser’s ReOpen DC subcommittee to address equity and vulnerable populations, and actively speaking out to encourage more vaccine trial participation and, now, vaccination participation.
Nationally, African-Americans are almost three times as likely to die of COVID-19 as whites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Washington, D.C., African-Americans have comprised 75% of the COVID-19-related deaths in Washington, D.C., while making up only 46% of the city’s population. Public health officials and academics are pointing to underlying health conditions for the severity of the virus in vulnerable populations.
Howard University staff, courtesy of GlobeNewswire
The PSA, produced in partnership with Howard University’s television station, WHUT-TV; Howard University Hospital; and the Office of University Communications, features several essential health care workers sharing their personal reasons for getting the vaccine. As each person steps up to be vaccinated, they express their “why”: for family, to protect fellow co-workers and in honor of those who’ve lost their lives.
“I understand there is a lot of hesitancy in minority communities across the country when it comes to healthcare, but this is not an American experiment on Black people. The vaccine is a worldwide cure to end a global pandemic and set us on a path back to normalcy,” said Howard University Hospital CEO Anita Jenkins, who is featured in the PSA getting her shot.“We want the public to know that we trust the science, we’re leading by example and taking the vaccine will help us end this pandemic and the tragic loss of life.”
