Winston-Salem State Campaign Raises Nearly $3.4M For Student Financial Aid

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

When Winston-Salem State University began their fundraiser campaign to increase funds for student scholarships, they had no idea just how big of a success it would be. Many students will now get the assistance they need thanks to the WSSU community’s support and a very generous local couple. Read the full story from WSSU below!

Winston-Salem State University’s Million Dollar Match campaign exceeded its $2 million goal by more than 60 percent–providing almost $3.4 million for student scholarships. The campaign was possible thanks to Winston-Salem couple Anna Reilly and Matt Cullinan, who agreed to match any donations for need-based student scholarships between Feb. 2019 and April 2020. Their nearly $1.7 million matching gift is the largest single gift from a couple in WSSU’s 128-year history. More than 500 alumni and friends of the university contributed during the campaign, creating 31 new alumni endowments.

Winston-Salem State University, courtesy of Woolpert

“This was a community-wide effort that created an important source of support for our students,” said WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson. “The matching gift from the Reilly-Cullinans — to whom we are very grateful — energized our donors in a very significant way. The Reilly-Cullinans were great partners in this endeavor.”

Initially, the goal for the Million Dollar Match was to raise $1 million that would be matched by the couple; however, after receiving overwhelming support from alumni and friends of the university, the Reilly-Cullinans agreed to exceed the original match.

“We were introduced to Winston-Salem State about three years ago and our interest grew as we learned more about this incredible university,” said Anna Reilly. “When we understood that more than 40 percent of WSSU students are first generation, and many more of modest means, we felt like we had to invest. It became clear that Winston-Salem State University truly sits at the nexus of opportunity and resources coming together to change a person’s life. It may present the greatest point of leverage in higher education today. Our previous experience had been with private elite universities with few resource limitations. After meeting the Chancellor for the first time, our eyes were opened to the financial environment in which the University operates.”

Matt Culinan, courtesy of the Duke Alumni Association

“We were impressed by the talented leadership team Chancellor Robinson was developing.  Those administrators set the stage for what could happen,” said Matt Cullinan.   

After meeting with Chancellor Robinson in 2018, the couple learned more about the challenges facing students—particularly juniors and seniors who may have difficulty with an outstanding balance or the loss of a parent or other support person. The couple immediately established a $50,000 emergency fund for students; however, they desired to do more.

“These students were not returning to finish degrees after they had done the hardest part—getting in, getting through two or three years and then being sidelined by small financial impediments.  It was tragic,” said Cullinan.   

After establishing that fund Anna Reilly said the couple “tried to dig deeper and learn more. Winston-Salem State University is our community’s main branch of the University of North Carolina System. It should be commanding the kind of resources that other schools in the system do.”

“It is an excellent school, and they do everything on a very limited budget. They make the most of every dollar in service of their students,” added Cullinan.

What followed was a series of conversations with Robinson and Vice Chancellor for Advancement LaTonya Afolayan to determine the best way they could have a positive impact on the university.

“We asked the Chancellor, where was the greatest opportunity for Winston-Salem State? What could have a significant impact?  Immediately, the Chancellor said that the most significant need is financial aid,” said Cullinan. But there was more.  Chancellor Robinson saw a chance to generate excitement for Winston-Salem State and build its capacity to generate philanthropic resources. 

“It was clear that the university has a long tradition of alumni support, but they didn’t have a deep history of large-dollar philanthropy,” said Cullinan. “That culture must be built over time.”

That is when the Million Dollar Match was born. The match provided an incentive for alumni, friends and a variety of organizations to support the University.

Anna Reily, courtesy of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

“We accepted their challenge. We offered alumni and friends of the college the opportunity to match. It changed everything,” said Afolayan, noting that prior to the challenge the minimum for an endowment was $25,000, but with the matching challenge, an endowment could be established for $12,500.

“A lot of young alumni stepped up and said, ‘We can do this.’ We had a lot of people who wanted to give $5,000 or $10,000. People started coming forward.”

The Million Dollar Match was launched in Feb. of 2019 coinciding with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament in Charlotte. In that first month more than $140,000 was raised and that figure kept growing.

“When we got to the end of 2019, we were at $1.1 million,” said Afolayan. “When we met with the donors they said ‘Keep going. You guys have shocked us, and we want you to keep going’.”

And keep going they did. By the time the campaign ended in April of this year, the university had raised $1,698,000 which Reilly-Cullinans matched.

“It’s fantastic that the University met and exceeded this ambitious fundraising goal” said Cullinan. “This experience has provided momentum for Winston-Salem State and has given the Chancellor and his team the chance to stretch even further. It puts the University in the position to pursue a larger campaign in the future.  It was an honor for us to be part of this effort.”

Dual HBCU Grad Ruby L. Taylor, MSW Creates National Family Game Night for Black History

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Ruby L. Taylor, MSW is a visionary set on bringing her community together through education and healing. She attended Virginia Union University, where she received her bachelors in social work, and then Howard University, where she received her maters in social work. Since founding the LEGACY! card game, which helps black and brown families create generational wealth, she has moved on to something greater! The National Family Game Night for Black History Month is her latest initiative that will celebrate Black History Month and Black board and card game developers from the comfort of home. See the full details from her PR Web release below.

The LEGACY! Card Game

National Family Game Night for Black History Month is bringing the history of black wealth and black board and card game developers to the Black History celebration. Often we hear about the racial wealth gap and we rarely hear about the history of black wealth outside of Black Wall Street. February is a great month for us to celebrate the history of black wealth and black game developers. National Family Game Night will do that and so much more. 

National Family Game Night for Black History invites corporations, organizations, churches, and families to join our night of celebrating the history of black wealth and black board and card game developers. On February 26th, 2021 we are asking all participants to play a game with their families and co-workers that was created by a black creator. Next, we are asking all participants to read the National Family Game Night Guide and learn a new fact about the history of black wealth within the United States of America. 

This year we will celebrate The Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers. The Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers was one of the largest and most successful Black business enterprises in the United States. We want to go back to our past in order to bring this legacy to our future. 

Ruby L. Taylor, MSW

On February 26th, 2021 participants will use the National Family Game Night Guide and Build Generational Wealth Planner to have an amazing game night experience in the comfort of our homes. Families will be gifted with a list of games created by black creators (before 02/26/2021) and last but not least all participants will be invited to a thirty-five minutes Zoom Celebration to officially start off National Family Game Night for Black History. Cash and game prizes will be won and the best game by a black creator and the best investment platform will be announced. 

“Ensuring there’s an event intact to celebrate black wealth and black game developers will help us build generational wealth and unite as a family to get ahead and maintain what we have is necessary,” said Taylor.

“It’s my mission to celebrate black wealth and game developers and do so in a fun, exciting way.” National Family Game Night for Black History Month will offer participants a generational wealth planner, games and cash prizes and a night of fun. Those interested are encouraged to sign up at https://NationalFamilyGameNight.com to participate in the event.

Some HBCUs Struggle With Funding Despite Increase In Enrollments

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

HBCUs are well-known for their community outreach, sports, and successful alumni. However, it is often insufficient funding that hinders these institutions from becoming even greater. A new profile on this issue by CBS News explores why fundraising is such a challenge amid donations and increased enrollment.

Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are some household names who have graduated from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Kamala Harris, courtesy of Howard University

The majority of HBCUs were founded after the Civil War to provide higher education for African Americans when most schools in the country prohibited Black people from attending.

At the heart of every HBCUs is the Black experience. But beyond the culture is the curriculum. 

“Learning about my history, learning about where we come from before slavery. I think it’s something that needs to be discussed because, in regular school, we don’t learn that. That’s not a part of the curriculum,” Chandler Claiborne, a student at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, told “CBS This Morning: Saturday” co-host Michelle Miller. 

Since 1867, Howard University in Washington, D.C., has awarded more than 100,000 degrees. The university ranks among the highest producers of the nation’s Black professionals.

“Over the past 50 years, the number one producer of African Americans who went to Harvard’s MBA program was a Harvard undergrad, and number two was Howard,” Howard University President Wayne Frederick said.

HBCUs have also produced 80% of the nation’s Black judges and 50% of its Black doctors, according to the Network Journal.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the first woman of color to be vice president, graduated from Howard University in 1986.

“We have a history of turning out folks who are endued in with social justice,” said Vann Newkirk, interim president of Fisk University. 

Fisk University, courtesy of Chattanooga Times Free Press

Some of those people include W.E.B. Dubois, Ida Wells, John Hope Franklin and John Lewis, Newkirk said.

But despite the important role HBCUs have played in America’s education system, Newkirk said many of the colleges and universities are facing funding challenges.

“There were once about 400 historically Black institutions or HBCUs. There are about 100 left and they were the ones that survived and made it through all the tough times,” he said.

About one-third of HBCUs have experienced record increases in applications and enrollment over the past three years, according to the Rutgers Center For Minority Serving Institutions. 

Newkirk attributed the rise in the number of applicants to “what’s going on in the nation right now,” particularly the issues of social justice and racism.

“You see students coming back to HBCUs, coming home. We want to make sure that we move more into the mainstream,” he said. “And we become a university that is sustainable.”

That sustainability becomes even more challenging with students in need. According to the American Council On Education, more than 70% of HBCU students have limited finances. 

Michael Lomax, the CEO of United Negro College Fund, said HBCUs have rarely gotten large donations, resulting in endowments that are about 70% smaller than other schools.

“For two reasons, one, the Black community is one of the poorest communities in America… and frankly, because philanthropy,” Lomax said.

2020 has brought some of the largest single donations to some HBCUs campuses. MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings donated millions of dollars to HBCUs to help with scholarships, campus infrastructure and talent retention. 

“These big gifts mean that American philanthropy is beginning to see that equity and equality mean equitable giving as well,” Lomax said.

The donations help students who feel that a price tag can’t be put on what can be gained at historically Black colleges and universities.

Legendary FAMU Athlete Willie Galimore Highlighted By NFL

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

The often untold story of former NFL player Willie Galimore is one of triumphs and an early demise. Recently, NFL analyst and current Morehouse College Fellow Scott Pioli put the spotlight on Galimore, a football legend who got his start at Florida A&M University. Learn a piece of history in the story from the NFL below.

Curious about the changing selection of photos appearing behind former NFL executive Scott Pioli during his appearances on NFL Network? Each image is from a framed cover of a sports magazine, chosen to highlight some of the lesser-known stories from football history that deserve to be widely told. For example, Pioli has focused this season on featuring some of the greats associated with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who have not been given their due.

Below, Pioli digs into the story of Willie Galimore, a former Florida A&M and Chicago Bears running back whose scouting story is as sensational as his nicknames.

Willie Galimore, courtesy of the PRO Football Hall of Fame

In an NFL Films documentary short, Willie Galimore — known as “The Wisp” and “Gallopin’ Gal” — was described as one of the last great steals before scouting became sophisticated. I’d definitely agree with that assessment, as Galimore’s journey to the NFL involved one of the more fun, interesting and nontraditional scouting stories I’ve heard over the years.

This is because the Bears learned about him from, of all sources, a jockey, who offered Chicago assistant coach Phil Handler a tip while Handler was taking in horse races at Hialeah Park Race Track, just outside Miami. As recounted by the Chicago Tribune, the jockey told Handler of a Florida A&M running back who wore No. 50, a player who earned All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) honors four times and was named Black College All-America by the Pittsburgh Courier three times during his career with the Rattlers (1953-56). Over Galimore’s four seasons at FAMU under Jake Gaither, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, the Rattlers won four conference titles and one Black College National Championship while compiling a 33-4-1 record.

Willie Galimore, courtesy of Fold3

It’s hard to believe a team needed a tip on a player of his caliber, but that was the reality for great HBCU players in the mid-1950s. Galimore was drafted in the fifth round by the Bears in 1956 before joining the team for the ’57 season, and it didn’t take long for the rookie to turn heads. In seven seasons with George Halas’ Bears, Galimore recorded 2,985 rush yards (10th in franchise history) and 37 total touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry for his career. The one-time Pro Bowler also helped the Bears win their eighth championship in 1963 — before his career and life came to a premature end the following year.

On July 27, 1964, during the team’s annual training camp in Indiana, Galimore and teammate John “Bo” Farrington died tragically in a car accident when driving back to the St. Joseph College dorms from a country club. Galimore’s No. 28 was retired by the Bears after his passing.

There are also several notable non-football items about Galimore. Shortly before his death, he struck a blow for civil rights by becoming the first Black person to register as a guest at the Ponce de Leon Motor Lodge in his hometown of St. Augustine, Florida. Galimore’s son, Ron, was also the first Black U.S. Olympic gymnast.

Though Galimore is one of the more well-known names to come out of FAMU, the school’s talent list is rich. Among HBCUs, Florida A&M boasts the fifth-most players drafted (69) — including Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Hayes, as well as Pro Bowlers Henry Lawrence, Ken Riley and Nate Newton — behind Southern University (78), Jackson State (101), Tennessee State (117) and Grambling State (121). Forty-two NFL players learned under Gaither’s tutelage. Gaither coached the Rattlers from 1945 to 1969 and compiled a record of 203-36-4, the best winning percentage (.844) in college football history among coaches with at least 200 wins.

Though Galimore’s NFL career was shortened, his impact on Halas’ Bears is evident, as his uniform number is one of the franchise’s 13 retired digits. And to think, the NFL may have missed out on his contributions if not for a jockey.

Over $800K Raised For HBCUs And Their Students At Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

For the first time ever, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) held its annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as their students, UNCF managed to raise almost $1 million virtually. The action will air starting today! Read below for the full details from PR Newswire.

The UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball will air on WXIA TV 11 December 29 at 11 a.m. and on WATL TV December 30 at 8 p.m.

Celebrity attendees of the 35th UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball

UNCF celebrated its 37th annual Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball online for the first time Dec. 19. The event successfully raised more than $800k for UNCF’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their students. The newly digital event featured entertainment, virtual red carpet photo opportunities, silent auction, unveiling of the 2020 UNCF Billye Suber Aaron Masked Award Honorees Eduardo Martinez, president, The UPS Foundation, and Helen Smith Price, vice president, global community affairs, and president, Coca-Cola Foundation.

The event was hosted by the honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta.

“2020 has been a challenging year, so much as changed but our mission has remained the same. The Mayor’s Masked Ball has always been our largest event of the year. Creating an experience that would bring the familiarity of the “live” ball with the comfort and safety of a large gathering was the challenge,” stated Justine Boyd, regional development director, UNCF.

Presented by Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Atlanta is a premier fundraising gala and major social event, focusing on raising awareness of the need of a college education and contributions for historically Black colleges and universities. The event co-chairs were Charles J. Johnson, managing director, Entertainment Industries Group Truist Securities and Andrea Carter, senior executive vice president, chief human resources officer, Global Payments.

Actress and producer Lynn Whitfield served as mistress of ceremonies and music producer Jermaine Dupri provided a special performance.

This year’s corporate event sponsors include The Coca Cola Company, Global Payments, The Home Depot, Truist Securities and UPS.

Morehouse Alum Nathan K. Ford Appointed To Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently appointed Morehouse College graduate Nathan K. Ford to one of two open seats on the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. The decisions were handed down Monday December 28 according to a statement from the university. Read below for more details on the exciting news.

The eight-member board is the governing body of the University.

Nathan K. Ford

Nathan K. Ford, of Detroit, is the associate vice president and director of public engagement for HNTB Corporation. Ford is a member of the COMTO Michigan Board and vice president of the Morehouse College Alumni Association Detroit Chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehouse College. Ford is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds Mary Treder Lang whose term expires December 31, 2020.

Jessie Kimbrough Marshall, M.D., M.P.H., of Grosse Pointe Farms, currently volunteers at community mobile clinics with COVID-19 testing and flu vaccinations in several counties in Michigan. Dr. Kimbrough Marshall previously served as the medical director for the Washtenaw County Health Department and as a practicing clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Dr. Jessie Kimbrough Marshall

She earned her Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University, Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Kimbrough Marshall is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. She succeeds Jim Webb whose term expires December 31, 2020.

Eunice Jeffries, chair of the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents, said, “I welcome Nathan Ford and Dr. Jessie Kimbrough Marshall to the Board of Regents. We are fortunate to have them and I look forward to engaging with them in the continued success of the University. I am thrilled with their background and credentials, and know they will join our other Board members in upholding the wonderful work of the University and its support of students in the new year and beyond.”

“I am pleased to learn of the appointments of Nathan Ford and Dr. Jessie Kimbrough Marshall to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents,” said EMU President James Smith. “They bring an impressive skill set and perspectives to the board that are extremely important and relevant at this time  – particularly their deep involvement in public health and strategic community partnerships.”

HBCU Football Teams Prep For Sunday Games

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the football teams of Tennessee State University, Jackson State University, and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to almost cancel their entire seasons. But for those teams who are able to make it to the field, games will be played through one of the rarest schedules in the history of the sport. Read the full story from HBCU Sports below.

TSU football will have a different feel in the spring with all of its games scheduled to be played on Sundays.

HBCU football after church.

In less than 60 days, a new, different kind of football season will begin for schools across the HBCU landscape.

The Tennessee State University Football Team

Because several FCS conferences decided this past summer to postpone fall football due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, what was supposed to be the 2020 campaign is scheduled to start in February.

And the majority of the games — for the first time ever in many cases — will be played on Sunday, which is an intriguing opportunity for programs, said Tennessee State head coach Rod Reed.

With no NFL or major college football as competition, HBCU football will garner a huge chunk of the spotlight

“It will be a different experience,” said Reed on Nashville Sports Radio WSNR. “And like I said, hopefully, you know it’d be a great experience for our players. It will be pretty cool if we can get some TV contracts out of it.”

Tennessee State, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, will play a seven-game schedule starting Feb. 21 versus Jacksonville State.

The Jackson State University Football Team

The regular season will conclude on April 11.

In August, the OVC board of presidents voted to postpone fall sports, joining 13 other FCS leagues, including the SWAC and MEAC to hold off football.

“Our kids are ready to play,” Reed said. “It’s going to be a challenge with some teams playing four games this fall, but we’re excited about our team and we’re excited about the guys coming in. We’re just excited about the opportunity to play.”

Clark Atlanta Professor James McJunkins Named NABJ Educator of the Year

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

The National Association of Black Journalists just gave a significant award to James McJunkins Sr., a determined Clark Atlanta University professor who has made his mark at the school for over 40 years. At a time where journalists are under attack like never before, he has taken a stand to pave a way for those coming behind him. See the release from Clark Atlanta below for more details!

McJunkins is a professor of journalism and media studies at Clark Atlanta University and this year’s recipient of the Educator of the Year award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

James McJunkins Sr.

As a black journalist himself, McJunkins has stressed the need for more Black voices in the profession to his students throughout his 45-year career. He does this by highlighting the low number of Black journalists and the differences in the way news stories about different races are covered.

“We have to tell our own story,” McJunkins said. “We need people in position to make important decisions about news coverage. 

Professor McJunkins’ impact has spread far beyond the classroom. He has served as the director for Clark Atlanta University’s study-abroad program for Jamaica for more than 25 years. Through this program he encourages students to expand their horizons and distinguish themselves from their peers.

“Just having a degree does not mean you will have a job; you have to do something that is different and dare to be different,” McJunkins said. 

McJunkins credits his own desire to pursue a career in journalism to the influence of one of his high school teachers, Mr. Freeman Jones. Jones convinced McJunkins to begin writing for the school newspaper, the same newspaper in which he would later become editor. 

Being recognized by the NABJ as this year’s Educator of the Year is an honor that McJunkins cherishes dearly. Although he is not in this line of work for the recognition, he appreciates the honor.

“It means so much to me,” he said. “It feels good to be recognized for your hard work, and this is one of the biggest rewards I have ever received.” 

Professor McJunkins was recognized for his outstanding achievements in journalism during the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) virtual awards ceremony on the night of December 19, 2020.

13 HBCUs Partner With IBM On New Quantum Education Center

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

IBM is known as a global leader of innovative technology, yet it leads in driving racial equity as well. The company recently announced its plans for the first IBM Quantum education and research initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The initiative is working to create a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce. See the full story from IBM below!

Led by Howard University and 12 additional HBCUs, the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center will offer access to its quantum computers, as well as collaboration on academic, education, and community outreach programs.

In addition, as part of the company’s continued efforts around diversity and inclusion, IBM will make a $100M investment in technology, assets, resources and skills development through partnerships with additional HBCUs through the IBM Skills Academy Academic Initiative.

Courtesy of IBM

“We believe that in order to expand opportunity for diverse populations, we need a diverse talent pipeline of the next generation of tech leaders from HBCUs. Diversity and inclusion is what fuels innovation and students from HBCUs will be positioned to play a significant part of what will drive innovations for the future like quantum computing, cloud and artificial intelligence,” said Carla Grant Pickens, Chief Global Diversity & Inclusion Officer, IBM.

Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Quantum Computing 

The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center is a multi-year investment designed to prepare and develop  talent at HBCUs from all STEM disciplines for the quantum future. It will emphasize the power of community and focus on developing students through support and funding for research opportunities, curriculum development, workforce advocacy, and special projects. 

“Diversity is a source of competitive advantage, essential to create a thriving quantum industry,” said Dario Gil, Director of IBM Research. “We could not be more excited about partnering with our HBCU colleagues to help educate and empower the first generation of quantum computing native students and researchers.”

The 13 HBCUs intending to participate in the Quantum Center were prioritized based on their research and education focus in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other STEM fields. They include: Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Coppin State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Southern University, Texas Southern University, University of the Virgin Islands, Virginia Union University, and Xavier University of Louisiana. 

“Howard University has prioritized our efforts to support our students’ pathway to STEM fields for many years with exciting results as we witness more and more graduates becoming researchers, scientists and engineers with renown national companies. Our faculty and students look forward to collaborating with our peer institutions through the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center. We’re excited to share best practices and work together to prepare students to participate in a quantum-ready workforce,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA.

For more about the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, read HBCU Center Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Quantum Computing.

Investing in Under-Represented Talent to Drive Innovation

As part of the Skills Academy Academic Initiative in Global University Programs, a multi-year program, IBM is donating more than $100M in assets, including university guests lectures, curriculum content, digital badges, software and faculty training to select HBCUs by the end of 2020. The IBM Skills Academy is a comprehensive, integrated program 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, design thinking and quantum computing.

The HBCUs who are part of the Skills Academy Academic  Initiative include: Clark Atlanta University, Fayetteville State University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Southern University System, Stillman College, Virginia State and West Virginia State University. 

The response to combating systemic racism in the US must be timely, strategic and more than a statement of support. The response needs to be tangible action. IBM’s investment in HBCUs is part of the company’s efforts around social justice and racial equality by creating equitable, innovative experiences for HBCU students to acquire the necessary skills to unlock economic opportunity and prosperity.

Howard Historian To Lead New U.S. Commission

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Howard University‘s historian was just chosen as the senior adviser to the national initiative Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Movement. In the position, Lopez Matthews Jr., Ph.D. will be using his expertise on historical injustices to heal the United States and bring it toward a brighter future.

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker introduced legislation that would establish the nation’s first-ever U.S. Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Commission earlier in December. According to a release from Booker, the commission is the first of its kind created to acknowledge and examine how disenfranchising African Americans has lead to the inequities that exist and persist today.

Lopez Matthews Jr., Ph.D.

“This year has brought to bear the harsh reality that systemic racism is ever present in our political, legal, environmental, economic, health, and social institutions,” said Senator Booker. “As a nation, we must acknowledge and grapple with the systemic racism and white supremacy that have been with us since our country’s founding and continues to persist in our laws, our policies and our lives to this day. The first ever Congressional commission on truth, racial healing, and transformation will be a critical compliment to legislative efforts to build a more just and equitable future, including the recent George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the long time movement to establish a commission to study reparations.

Dr. Matthews was a strong choice for the leadership position. As Howard shared in a statement, he serves as the manager and digital production librarian of the Digital Production Center for the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and the Howard University Libraries. HBCUs lead Matthews’ educational background. He earned his B.A. in history from Coppin State University in 2004, a master’s degree in public history in 2006 and a doctorate in U.S. history from Howard University in 2009. He enhanced his degrees with certifications in archival records data management, federal records management and Library of Congress digital preservation training. He has prior work with the Maryland State Archives, the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C. 

As a historian at Howard University, he is well-versed in the role that HBCUs have played in the Civil Rights movement. Dating back to the 1930s, Howard students fought against racism in the segregated South, and faculty members were among leaders of the movement.

In his position, Dr. Matthews will collaborate with a diverse group to advocate for racial equity. Academics, faith leaders, celebrities, artists, and national civic groups all recently met to form the Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Movement’s leadership group. A top priority will be to ensure that the commission’s activities are supported by federal legislation and are able to thrive.

“The goal of a commission is to find and promote racial healing in America,” says Matthews. “This movement is a valiant effort, and I am hopeful that we have no reason to be pessimistic about the future of race relations in this country,” he shared hopefully.

New Central State Partnership Offers Accelerated Graduate Programs

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

In a partnership that is being called one of a kind, the HBCU Central State University will partner with PWI Missouri State University. According to Springfield News-Leader, the new partnership will allow for undergraduate students to pursue their master’s degrees in an accelerated program through the MSU Springfield campus. See the full details from News-Leader below.

CSU, a land-grant university, was named the 2017 HBCU — Historically Black Colleges and Universities — of the Year. It is located in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Central State University

This partnership with a HBCU is the first of its kind for MSU.

“With this partnership, CSU students can complete their bachelor’s degree, while at the same time jump-start the process of earning a top quality master’s degree from MSU,” said MSU President Clif Smart, in a news release. “This will save them time and money, and support their future academic and career success.”

The two universities recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

According to the release, top undergraduate students from CSU will be able to enroll in any of the accelerated master’s programs at MSU that are in line with CSU’s academic offerings.

Missouri State University

CSU students will be able to start taking graduate course work in their program of choice during their junior or senior year. This option will be open to all students coming from 33 diverse areas of study.

The targeted date for the first group of CSU students to enter MSU’s accelerated options is fall 2021.

“It’s an honor for Central State University to partner with Missouri State, a university that aligns with our values and mission, which is focused on empowering students and campus community members to become global citizens who influence society for the better,” said CSU President Jack Thomas, in a release. “It certainly warms our hearts to partner with them as we develop the next generation of innovative leaders.”

FAMU Alum Jerry Lorenzo Named Global Head of Adidas Basketball

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Fashion designer and Florida A&M University graduate Jerry Lorenzo has just landed a ground-breaking deal that will change the basketball industry, even without being an athlete. The owner and founder of the highly-regarded streetwear brand Fear of God, Lorenzo has become a fashion visionary, with celebrities and collaborations keeping him high demand. Now, according to a statement released from Fear of God, Jerry Lorenzo has reached a long-term deal with adidas.

Jerry Lorenzo Courtesy of Joshua Kissi

Coming in, he will focus on globally driving the creative and business strategy for adidas basketball. Lorenzo has long idealized the number 3, and now this partnership will bring his third pillar: Fear of God Athletics. The new athletics brand will complement Fear of God and Essentials already under Lorenzo, creating a trio of exemplary fashion. Fear of God Athletics will offer designer products geared for performance basketball and active lifestyles.

“This is a role that is unprecedented in its very nature and nuanced attribution that it defies all titles and traditional definitions. This is a fearless move where shared vision and conviction are at the heart of the accretion of two brands shaping sports and culture, with the purpose to truly multiply our nuanced strengths to revolutionize the performance basketball industry forever.” says Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God. “adidas and Fear of God share the same dream for the future of basketball, on and beyond the court, and we look forward to changing the face of the industry through a new model that will unfold before us in the coming years.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJG0arSleLs/

This new deal confirms that Lorenzo has officially left adidas rival Nike, where he began a collaboration in 2018. The details on the end of that deal, where Lorenzo created several successful products, are unclear.

“The global impact that Jerry Lorenzo and Fear of God has had on culture and the industry is undeniable. Jerry is a creative visionary and embodies a true expression of the entrepreneurial spirit today.” says Brian Grevy, adidas Executive Board Member responsible for Global Brands. “Jerry’s authentic connection to sport, deep understanding of the past and ability to reinterpret heritage excites us. We look forward to working with him to inspire the next generation of basketball creatives, athletes and communities.”

Jerry Lorenzo

We’ll have to stay tuned on how Lorenzo plans to change the face of basketball, through both fashion and strategy in his new role.

HBCU Esports Organizations Partner With Gillette

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Esports is a booming industry, and continues to rise in popularity amongst HBCU students. While some HBCUs are beginning to offer esports programs, companies like Gillette are forming partnerships with HBCU organizations to ensure they are supporting access too.

Photo courtesy of University of South Florida

Grooming brand Gillette has partnered with the a new esports league madded just for HBCU students, The Yard: HBCU Esports Alliance (HEA), and CSL sports. In the partnership, named “Groomed to Game,” HBCU students will be supported in entering the esports and gaming industry, a predominantly white ecosystem where there they are often the most underrepresented group.

According to their recent press release, Gillette will provide overall support to HEA/CSL’s growing platform that includes 20 member HBCUs and a recent partnership with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

“HBCU students are playing video games daily but are not a part of the broader esports and gaming ecosystems. Gillette’s partnership will provide support to help educate them on how to engage and advance in many aspects,” stated Rod Chappell, General Manager/Associate Commissioner of HEA and CEO of HBCU Direct in Atlanta, GA. “As they learn to stream and broadcast, Gillette will also help them feel confident by being well-groomed on camera.”

Photo courtesy of  The Yard: HBCU Esports Alliance / CSL Esports/ Gillette

Students from HEA member schools will play EA SPORTS Madden NFL 21 during the league season, beginning in February, for a chance to win scholarships and prizes from Gillette. Matchups will be played in Madden’s ‘The Yard’ mode that features a ‘Gillette Style Zone’ which allows gamers to customize their avatar’s facial hair and hairstyle in the game. In addition to supporting HEA league competition, Gillette will support the HEA and CSL as they work closely with HBCUs to provide students education about the esports and gaming industry and access to opportunities within it.

“Our partnership with HEA will allow Gillette to support the nation’s HBCUs and help provide access to the esports ecosystem that hasn’t existed previously,” said Greg Via, vice president of sports and esports at Gillette. “Gillette is dedicated to helping men look and feel their best, and with the ‘Groomed to Game’ initiative we aim to help HBCU students feel prepared to bring their ‘A’ game each and every day.” 

Gillette is a long-standing esports and gaming supporter, as one of the first non-endemic brands to get involved in the space. Throughout the ‘Groomed to Game’ initiative, Gillette will feature its SkinGuard razor that was specifically designed to help men whose skin is prone to razor bumps and irritation, a shaving concern particularly prevalent among Black men.

Grambling Alum Chosen As New Lafayette Chief of Police

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Lafayette, Louisiana has a new police chief who is focused on reducing crime and increasing accountability. That chief is Grambling State University alumnus Thomas Glover, Sr.

According to The Advocate, Glover his sights set high for a career in law enforcement even as a young man, as he graduated from Grambling with a BA in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Now, as a 39-year-veteran of the Dallas Police Department, Glover is especially qualified for his new role. He ultimately spent 29 years in supervisory positions. His background includes leading Dallas’ domestic violence unit for 13 years, supervising numerous special response teams, overseeing community policing initiatives, and managing the personnel recruitment and development team. He ultimately retired as the Dallas Police Department Deputy Chief in 2017.

Thomas Glover, Sr.

“I definitely want to thank the citizens of the city of Lafayette and the members of the police department. It is a tremendous honor to be here. I have almost 40 years of experience in policing….I still love it; it’s a very noble profession. Here and there we have some kinks we have to iron out, but I think in the end we’re going to do a great job,” said Glover.

This week Lafayette’s Mayor-President Josh Guillory tapped him for the position, happy to bring him out of retirement. It was Glover’s integrity, both for himself and for others, that sealed the deal.

Thomas Glover, Sr. with other Lafayette officials.

“I hope everyone can see that we have before us a man of integrity. We have before us a man that appreciates accountability and a man that I find to be a leader who leads in the front, which is what we need. I find our new chief of police would not issue an order or give guidance to anyone before recognizing that he himself would do that same task and follow that same order,” Guillory said.

I’m very much looking forward to working with him and his team, and I believe that he can make LPD the best that it can be,” said a proud Guillory.

With his first day being December 31, 2020, the new chief already has his plans laid out. In particular, his main objectives include reinforcing safety and reducing crime, building a relationship with stakeholders through community policing efforts, boosting staff retention and recruitment, and perhaps most importantly, increasing transparency.

“I am going to identify, isolate and eliminate anything that’s a problem within this department, whether it’s a person, it’s a practice, whether it’s a process. It doesn’t mean I’m coming in with a vendetta, it means I’m coming in to do the job I was hired for and that’s to be the best chief of police for the city and for the citizens, for the taxpayers and to make sure we’re moving forward in the 21st century,” Glover said.

WATCH: Coming 2 America – Official Trailer

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi(Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began. Available March 5th on Prime Video. Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, KiKi Layne, Shari Headley, with Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones. Also starring John Amos, Teyana Taylor, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Paul Bates, Nomzamo Mbatha, Bella Murphy Screenplay by: Kenya Barris and Barry W. Blaustein & David Sheffield Story by: Barry W. Blaustein & David Sheffield and Justin Kanew Directed by: Craig Brewer Based on characters created by: Eddie Murphy Produced by: Kevin Misher and Eddie Murphy Costumes by: Ruth E. Carter.

Posted by Vanessa Roberson Posted on 669 articles

Diversity, HBCU Recruiter Allegedly Fired At Google Over Her Baltimore Accent

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

The tech industry is a pipeline that HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are collectively working to get their students into. However, a former Google employee is now highlighting that the odds continue to be stacked against them.

According to her LinkedIn, since 2014 April Christina Curley lead recruitment efforts as Google’s Tech Student Development Specialist, in Diversity. Her role included bring top HBCU talent into roles like engineering, and other projects. However, for reasons that were blamed both on she and the students, her job was not an easy one. As both a Black and queer woman, she noticed “immediately” that the atmosphere at Google was filled with micro and macro-aggressions. Curley was let go in September.

Abril took to her Twitter to chronicle her experiences in a thread.

“In 2014, I was hired at Google to fundamentally shift the relationship (or lack thereof) that Google had with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Before my role existed, Google had NEVER, and I mean f*****g NEVER hired an HBCU student into a tech role-,” she said in one of her opening tweets.

“Please read that s**t again. It’s as egregious as it sounds. At the time of my departure, I had single handedly increased Google’s black engineering hiring from HBCUs by over 300%. Meaning- I brought in over 300 Black and Brown students from HBCUs who were hired into eng [engineering] roles.”

In one tweet she shared the hostility that those in the Google hiring process had for HBCUs themselves.

“In several cases, students were questioned IN INTERVIEWS about the quality of the computer science curriculum that they were receiving at their HBCU and criticized for “not meeting the bar” compared to “elite”, white institutions,” said Curley.

However, the criticism didn’t just land on the shoulders of the students. For Curley, her work at Google was contentious because she was a minority herself. She alleges was verbally harassed for both her sexuality and even her Baltimore accent.

“My skip-level manager, a white woman, told me VERBATIM that the way I speak (oftentimes with a heavy Baltimore accent) was a disability that I should disclose when meeting with folks internally,” she said.

Amid the thousands of retweets of her story, Curley’s criticism was unfortunately met with other Google employees who co-signed on her experience.

Google New York

“None of this is any surprise to me,” said user “((MarkCC))” in a tweet of support. “I worked at google for 4 years, and for 2 of those, I averaged 3 interviews per week. In all that time, not one woman or minority that I interviewed was hired. Every single time, someone would bash them in feedback, which killed their prospects.”

Even student “My_Moment95” shared that she was warned of the atmosphere at Google during a recruitment visit at her HBCU.

Historically, many founding members of HBCUs have withstood the same environment of obstacles and push-back that Curley has. Yet fortunately, those like Curley who are called to do the work advocating for HBCU students do so relentlessly, and with the knowledge that there are thousands of talented students behind them.