Did Cardi B And Megan Thee Stallion Lowkey Take A Stingette 8 Count?

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HBCU family, last week Cardi B announced that she would be releasing a new song—let’s not forget about the original artwork featuring her and Megan Thee Stallion that looks straight out of a scene from the 90s—and she came through that Friday with “WAP”, putting on a lot of looks in the video. 

The song didn’t come without its fair share of haters though. The Texas Southern University student and Cardi are being dragged across social media over their “vile” choice of words throughout the song. Conservatives hated it, many are “pouring holy water in their ears” and other traditionalists are “moaning about women’s rights and the Stone Age,” according to NBC News. 

From NBC News: 

The conservative Republican activist Deanna Lorraine crowed on Twitter: “Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion just set the entire female gender back by 100 years with their disgusting and vile ‘WAP’ song.” 

James P. Bradley, a Republican congressional candidate from California, clutched his pearls and tweeted that Cardi B and Stallion “are what happens when children are raised without God and a strong father figure.” He said he accidentally heard the song and “it made me want to pour holy water in my ears.” (He also promises, if elected, to force Hasbro to change the design of Bratz dolls because, he tweeted, it “makes a joy noise when you press the button on her PRIVATE PARTS!” Apparently, women’s nether regions are a major focus of his campaign.)

Similar criticisms of the song were heard far and wide over the weekend. Carole Baskin, of “Tiger King” infamy, called it “lurid” while criticizing the video’s use of big cats. Ben Shapiro, after quoting it at some length on his podcast, called it “really, really, really, really, really vulgar.”

But not only were traditionalists upset. A Twitter account called Buzz University posted a tweet asking if Cardi and Meg lowkey stole an 8 count from the ASU Stingettes? 

https://twitter.com/buzzuniversityy/status/1292055119769604096

Many people dragged the female rappers again on Twitter, this time for robbery and fraud. Check out the tweets below. 

Benedict Women’s Tennis Named ITA All-Academic Team

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College women’s tennis team was selected as an All-Academic Team by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, one of 129 NCAA Division II programs to achieve this honor.

The Lady Tigers also had all seven student-athletes named ITA Scholar Athletes. The recognized student-athletes are: Shakendra Alston, Catina Gamo, Sofia Gomez, Karina Izakova, Beverly Matiswe, Oliva Simms, and Gabriela Zelaya.

To be selected as an ITA Scholar-Athlete, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

For a team to earn the All-Academic Team honor, the team must have a have a team grade point average of 3.2 or above (on a 4.00 scale). All varsity letter winners are factored into the cumulative team GPA for the current academic year.

Benedict was one of three women’s tennis teams in the SIAC recognized by the ITA as an All-Academic team, joined by Clark Atlanta University and Spring Hill College.

The Lady Tigers have one of the most successful tennis programs in the SIAC, winning three consecutive conference titles from 2016-18, while finishing second in 2015 and third in 2019, before last spring’s season was cut short due to COVID-19.

This story was published via https://benedicttigers.com

FAMU Alumna Staci R. Collins Jackson Named To Oscars Panel

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(FAMUNews.com) Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Staci R. Collins Jackson will be among those judging entrants for the Oscars.

The Chicago native was recently named as a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which includes the most successful film executives, filmmakers, and artists who select the nominees and winners of the Academy Awards also known as the Oscars. The veteran public relations executive is also a voting member for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the organization that votes for the Emmys. 

In a statement released by The Oscars, the organization acknowledged the representation of women and individuals from different ethnic and racial backgrounds out of 819 individuals selected.

 “The 2020 class is 45 percent women, 36 percent underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49 percent international from 68 countries,” the organization said. 

Jackson was the only African American selected to join the organization’s marketing and public relations branch’s Class of 2020. 

Jackson believes her time at FAMU helped her prepare for success.

 “I am elated to join the magnitude of talent in The Academy’s Class of 2020. It is an honor to be a member of this elite global group,” said Jackson. “My leadership roles at FAMU and education from the School of Journalism, Media and Graphic Arts definitely prepared me for my career in the entertainment business.” 

At FAMU, Jackson held several campus queen titles, served as the Secretary of State for Student Government Association, and was an adviser for Miss FAMU and the Royal Court. She joined the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and is a life-member and chairman of the sorority’s International Honorary Members and Awards Committee. 

Jackson earned a bachelor’s in journalism from FAMU and a master’s in arts, entertainment & media management from Columbia College. She also completed executive programs at UCLA, Harvard Business School, and Stanford University. 

Jackson serves as the CEO of The Collins Jackson Agency PR firm. She has led PR campaigns for Oscar nominated films and top movies in the box office such as Girls Trip, Think Like a Man film franchise, Ride Along 2, and the upcoming Coming 2 America, which stars Eddie Murphy. She also served as the director of communications at Harpo Studios and publicist for Oprah Winfrey. 

This article was originally published via FAMU Newsroom

Chris Davis Joins Advancement Staff As Associate Vice Chancellor For Development At Fayetteville State

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Christopher Davis has been named Associate Vice Chancellor for Development at Fayetteville State University. Davis will report to Dr. Harriet F. Davis, Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement.

Chris Davis previously worked at other institutions in the University of North Carolina System and has a reputation for garnering needed support for those schools. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Chris Davis to our team. I am confident that he will have equal success at FSU and will work in collaboration with our university community to provide priority support for the University,” states Harriet F. Davis.

Chris Davis, a native of Fayetteville, NC comes to FSU with a decade of experience in various areas of higher education fundraising. Prior to his new role at FSU, Chris Davis served as Associate Director of Development with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill College of Arts and Sciences Foundation. During his tenure, Chris Davis was able to help raise millions to support several initiatives across campus. In addition to his duties as a major gift officer, he managed development efforts for the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, six Global Area Study Centers and the Office of Study Abroad within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Before coming to UNC, Chris Davis served as Director of Annual Giving at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he oversaw all areas of the annual giving program for the University. Prior to UNCP, Chris Davis held several athletic fundraising positions, most notably with The Ohio State University Buckeye Club and for the Wolfpack Club at North Carolina State University.

At FSU, Chris Davis will manage development operations and advancement services areas of the division while also assisting the Vice Chancellor in the design and execution of fundraising planning and management. He will also work in collaboration with key university constituents.

Chris Davis earned his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree from North Carolina State University. He is married to Pherren Scriven, an FSU alumna and they have one daughter. 

This article was originally published via UNCFSU

Elizabeth City State Counseling Services Offers New Online Program Designed To Cope With Stress, Anxiety

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Navigating life under normal circumstances can be stressful but add the pressures of a pandemic on top of returning to campus, and things can get pretty anxious for some people. Elizabeth City State University’s counseling services director, Jody Grandy, wants students, faculty, and staff to know that there is a new program designed to provide assistance during these unprecedented times. 

Counseling services is rolling out a program called TAO. It’s a word from the ancient Chinese philosophy Taoism which means “the way,” and it’s an acronym for Therapy Assistance Online.

“It provides educational tools for people having high level of anxiety and depression,” said Ms. Grandy. “There is a large library of mindfulness techniques to help you cope and develop a happy place and minimize anxiety.”

For people familiar with the term, “go with the flow,” it is derived from the principles of Taoism. In short, it means to move through life with ease, not letting things burden you with anxiety. It is at the foundation of TAO’s efforts to provide students, faculty, and staff with a means to cope with day-to-day life, especially while coping with the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are a lot of different emotions coming out with what is going on, but you can use these tools to help cope,” she says.

TAO was created by a former director of counseling services at Florida State University. Ms. Grandy says, not unlike ECSU, FSU had a small counseling staff and there was a need for options to aid students. 

“It’s a way to develop your own treatment module to help you cope better,” she said. 

The program is designed with students in mind, however it is useful to anyone. Ms. Grandy says she wants to encourage faculty and staff to use the program as well. 

Anyone at ECSU, with a university email address, can log onto TAO, create a password and begin using the services. 

Once you log on, you are asked to answer a few basic “screening questions” to get you started. The questions are as simple as rate how you are feeling and will lead you to several more questions before you are given a prompt for options. 

One option might be to find ways to cope with, “Getting stuck in our thoughts.” Choosing this option will lead you to an interactive video that offers tips on dealing with this issue. 

A library index offers a number of topics to explore. One of the top options is mindfulness practice, a tool that is being utilized throughout society today, especially in the mental health field, and is based on Zen Buddhism meditation practices, adapted for Western cultures. 

Ms. Grandy stressed that while this program is an option for everyone, using her services as a counselor are important. She encourages students to reach out to her office for a confidential teleconference appointment. 

Students, faculty, and staff who would like to access TAO can log on with their ECSU email HERE. Students who would like to contact Ms. Grandy for an appointment can call her campus office at 252-335-3275.

Delaware State Mourns Passing Of Alumna Courtney Stevenson, Age 106

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Delaware State University is mourning the passing of Courtney Stevenson, who had been the institution’s oldest living graduate. Mrs. Stevenson – who passed away on Aug. 5 at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover where she was hospitalized for almost the last two months – had reached the age of 106 on June 12.

Prior to her hospital admission, Mrs. Stevenson spent her last years residing at Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover.

Due to the COVID-19 visitation prohibitions at the facility, her Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, gathered on June 12 to celebrate her birthday at the Legislative Mall, where they sang happy birthday and released 65 balloons in her honor of the 65 years she had been a part of the sorority. Dover Mayor Robin Christensen also took part and presented a certificate from the City of Dover in recognition of her birthday milestone.

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Stevenson are incomplete at this time. Once finalized, this website article will be revised to include that information.

After completing public school in her native Lynchburg, Va., and attending then-Morgan State College for a period, then-Courtney White later completed her undergraduate education at the State College for Colored Students, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1944.

During her Del State undergraduate years, she lived with the family of Dr. Charles Henry, a prominent African American dentist. She also attended services with them at Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Dover, where she met her future husband William Stevenson, who she married in November 1944. Their union would last 56 years until Mr. Stevenson’s passing in 2001.

She went on to serve as a teacher for countless youths at the Garrett Preschool Program in Wilmington, Delaware State College High School, Thomas Clayton Elementary School in Smyrna and the Louis L. Redding Comprehensive High School in Middletown.

In 1961, Mrs. Stevenson joined the Home Economics faculty at then-Delaware State College where she taught for 30 years until her initial retirement in 1991. Not long afterwards, then-Del State President William B. DeLauder persuaded her to come out of retirement to serve as the College’s acting Chair of the Home Economics Department – an interim post she had filled twice during her previous tenure. She retired again in 1994.

Mrs. Stevenson was a past president and treasurer of her AKA Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter and was a graduate advisor of the Delta Lambda Chapter at Delaware State University.

During her career, she also earned a Master of Art in Higher Education from New York University and did further graduate studies at the University of Delaware, Iowa State University and Philadelphia College of Arts and Science.

Shavonne Bailey, the President of the AKA Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, said that as 65-year AKA member of the AKA chapter, she was an institution in the Dover community and beyond.

“With a warm heart and sweet spirit, she personified commitment and service to her community. As a former chapter officer in the Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, she laid the groundwork for what our chapter is today, and she will be missed dearly,” Ms. Bailey said. “On behalf of the members of the Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, we extend our condolences to her family as well as the Delaware State University Community – where she was the oldest living alumni.”

She has been an active member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Dover for 77 years. According to a recent article in The Dover Post, Mrs. Stevenson attributed her century-plus longevity to God’s grace. The article further stated that members of her sorority chapter said her warm and kind spirit positively affected the lives of everyone who knew her.

Experience In Data Science Research Gives Bowie State Students A Leg Up

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(BOWIE, Md.) – Ten Bowie State University student researchers, matched with faculty mentors, spent the summer using data science to analyze some of society’s most pressing issues, like modeling COVID-19 cases by socio-economic factors, as part of the Data Science & Analytics Summer Undergraduate Research Institute. View the first-ever BSU Data Science & Analytics Virtual Research Symposium from July 28.

Divided into five interdisciplinary teams, the students and faculty worked virtually over the past nine weeks to uncover patterns and trends in large datasets. The Bowie State Data Science & Analytics Initiative hosted the summer research experience, led by Professor LaTanya Brown-Robertson in the Department of Accounting, Finance & Economics, and funded by a nearly $400,000 National Science Foundation grant. The experience with data science research is paying off for BSU students.

“Students from last year’s program are now working and interning with PwC, American Airlines, Brookings Institute and American Chemical Society as Data Analysts,” said Dr. Brown-Robertson. “Our student researchers from this year already has an offer from ESPN in the Analytics division.”

For senior biology major Jasmin Perkins, the summer research institute taught her the skills to achieve her goal of becoming a genetic researcher.

“This program has given me many necessary tools in order for me to take my career to the next level. It introduced us to many different machine learning tools, such as Tablaeu and WEKA, to help us better understand data science,” Perkins said. “I am now looking forward to seeing the future participants and how much this program positively affects their future, like it has done for me.”

Here are the teams and their projects:

  • Uncovering Ethnic Disparities in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infections
    Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tyesha Burks
    Student: Jasmin Perkins 
  • Using Data to Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on the Creation and Destruction of the Small and Medium Enterprises in the United States
    Faculty Mentors: Dr. Falih Alsaaty, Dr. Kavita Kapur and Dr. Augustin Ntembe
    Students: Cyndi Gilliam and Christopher Moss 
  • Stock Price Reaction to the Announcement of Mergers and Acquisitions
    Faculty Mentors: Dr. Tibebe Assefa, Dr. Sunando Sengupta and Dr. Satina Williams
    Students: Noel Knott, Joekorvaya Sallia and Bobby Stanley  
  • Linkage Among Industries and Service Sectors Within Prince George’s County and Their Contribution to its Economic Growth
    Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elkanah Faux
    Student: Ariel Glove
  • Modeling of Communities’ COVID-19 Cases by Demographic and Economic Indicators
    Faculty Mentors: Dr. LaTanya Brown-Robertson, Dr. Nega LaKew and Dr. Azene Zenebe  
    Students: Justan McNair-Sneed, Ramar White and Kirk Williams 

Alcorn State Director Willie Moses Retires After 45 Years

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Another Alcorn State University employee has entered retirement after a long career at the University. Willie Moses, who last served as the director for the James L. Bolden Campus Union, retired from the University after 45 years of service. As Moses reflected on his tenure, he’s grateful for his experience with the University.

“It feels wonderful to have been a part of the Alcorn family for so many years,” said Moses.

Interacting with thousands of students and employees was one of many highlights of Moses’ career. He credits those who have played a role in Alcorn’s success over the years.

“A university has a certain immortality about it. It belongs to no one, yet it belongs to everyone, and it transcends time. Working with students, faculty, and staff has been a joy for me.”

It’s his humble beginnings that prepared Moses for his journey at Alcorn. He credits the University for the completion of his professional development.

“My parents, faith, high school, and community prepared me for the challenges I have faced at Alcorn, both as a student and an administrator. Alcorn finished shaping the mold that was started long before I arrived here.”

Students are the lifeline of the University, which is why Moses feels honored to have been of service to them.

“I will always cherish the fellowship, friendships, and relationships spawned throughout the years. The co-curricular support of students in a university setting has been the highlight of my professional life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Moses often quotes Mahatma Gandhi’s saying, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” He applies this to the changes he’s seen at Alcorn due to the talented people that graced the campus. He believes that more bright students and the advancement of technology will lead the University into the future.

“The world has always changed one person at a time. It is the same with Alcorn because Alcornites and friends have always sent the best scholars from all walks of life. I believe Alcorn is poised to make a huge leap forward through its surge in online education. I believe that technology has always been the gateway to a boundless future.”

A member of the Moses family has been at Alcorn since 1950. When Moses thinks of the University, he thinks of family.

“There has been a Moses at Alcorn since 1950 when my late uncle O. W. Moses enrolled as a freshman. When he got his foot in the door, he held it open for his family, friends, and many students. He began his career at Alcorn in 1954 and gave 29 years of service to the University as a business manager/ chief financial officer. All nine siblings in my family followed him to Alcorn. That’s what Alcorn means to me.”

This Story was originally published via Alcorn State University

Albany State And Columbus Technical College Announce Partnership

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Albany State University (ASU) and Columbus Technical College (CTC) announced the establishment of a cooperative relationship on July 16. The agreement formally recognizes that ASU and CTC are active educational partners committed to expanding educational opportunities in Southwest Georgia. This partnership will create a pathway for students pursuing a career in nursing, as well as, 20+ other business-related fields. 

“Being able to provide this easy transfer of credit from Columbus Tech to Albany State will help our students in so many ways,” said CTC President Martha Ann Todd. “It is our hope that, with a student-friendly system in place, our students will seize this opportunity for affordable, career-building bachelor degrees to add to their already impressive associate degrees.  The RN to BSN program transfer opportunity will be especially valuable in developing the health care workforce that is widely needed.”

CTC alumni who have completed their associate degree in nursing will be able to transfer to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at ASU. The CTC graduates must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.80 or better, have achieved licensure from the National Council of the State Board of Nursing (NCSBN), and have met Albany State’s admission requirements. 

Additionally, the partnership allows for an easy transfer of more than 20 different associate degrees to ASU’s Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs, depending on the area of study. Included are Columbus Tech degrees in accounting, business management, human resource management, culinary arts, engineering, computer support, computer networking, cyber security, criminal justice, early childhood education, and more. 

“The partnership between Albany State University and Columbus Technical College is a huge step forward for educational opportunities for nursing students in Southwest Georgia. This effort will serve the needs of both communities and surrounding areas,” said ASU President Marion Ross Fedrick. “We are excited to welcome CTC alumni to the RAMily and extend to them our Golden RAM Guarantee to ensure academic excellence and student success.”

The partnership will serve and facilitate a student’s ability to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program without jeopardizing the intended mission and stated goals of either institution, and by avoiding duplication of curricula where appropriate. 

“The opportunity for CTC alumni to continue their education through a baccalaureate degree with ASU creates an accessible opportunity. We are committed to serving the educational growth of students and the economic development of the community,” said ASU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Angela Peters.

Read more via Albany State

ASU Alum Co-Founds #My54 To Honor Legacy Of John Lewis

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(Hazel Scott/ASU) DeMark Liggins, an Alabama State University alumnus, and his friend Mark Spatt have developed a unique initiative in response to the deaths of Congressman John Lewis and the Rev. C.T. Vivian, two Civil Rights giants who died on the same day.  

Liggins and Spatt have launched a campaign called “#My54” to honor the life and legacy of these two champions. The initiative encourages people to commit to moving 54 miles over a 30-day period. 

“We decided to develop a platform that shared Rev. Vivian and Congressman Lewis’s history, which was the 54 miles they marched from Selma to Montgomery. We want people to share what their 54 is,” said Liggins, who serves as chief of staff for a civil rights group.

Liggins, who met Spatt through the Atlanta Black Jewish Coalition, an organization that John Lewis co-founded, said to date a couple of hundred people have signed on, including civil rights leader Andrew Young.

“When Mr. Young heard about the initiative, he went to our Web and shared his #My54 story,” Liggins said. “We want to give that same opportunity to others. We have been amazed at the response we’ve received so far.”

Liggins said people can support #My54 by walking, running, riding a bike or    doing other activities that are important to them. 

“We encourage people to be active, but for those who can’t do physical activities, we ask that they do something that represents 54 miles of intentional activities. My father said, ‘Hey son, I don’t know if I can walk 54 miles, but I will get 54 people to register to vote.’ That was his #My54.  Others have committed to do 54 yoga classes or 54 intentional tweets. People decide for themselves what issue is their 54,” Liggins said.

Though it was born in Atlanta, #My54 has quickly gained a following across the globe, according to Liggins.

Read Full via ASU

NCCU Athletics Launches $1 Million Giving Campaign

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DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University Department of Athletics launched the #NCCUStrongerTogether giving campaign on Thursday (Aug. 6), with the goal of raising $1 million to help offset the financial impact of the pandemic and assist with ensuring a championship experience for NCCU student-athletes.
 
The first phase of the yearlong campaign is a Virtual Homecoming Stadium Sellout, an initiative encouraging alumni and friends to invest what they would have spent on The NCCU Ultimate Homecoming festivities into the Department of Athletics. Each virtual stadium seat is $100 with the goal for this phase of the campaign to raise $750,000 before Oct. 31, the originally scheduled date of the homecoming football game before the suspension of fall sports. Phase one will conclude with a virtual homecoming experience on Oct. 31.


“I am thrilled to launch the #NCCUStrongerTogether fundraising campaign to support our Athletics program during this critical time in our society,” said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree. “The decision to suspend fall sports will most certainly have an impact on our ability to provide financial resources to sustain operations, but we will always make the best decisions to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes. This campaign will not only support our strategic priorities, but assists with the loss of revenue due to the pandemic.
 
“The first phase of the campaign, the Virtual Homecoming Stadium Sellout, will energize our fan base and encourage them to show support of our student-athletes and program.” McCree added. “We invite everyone to visit NCCUFanCentral.com to learn more about how you can participate and support our student-athletes.”
 
To secure a virtual stadium seat by making a donation to the #NCCUStrongerTogether giving campaign, text STRONGER to 243725 or visit NCCUFanCentral.com.
 
“Thanks to our development team for the hard work in orchestrating a plan to create this fun and engaging opportunity for our entire Athletics family,” said McCree.

2 Chainz New HBCU Anthem “Money Maker” Samples Human Jukebox

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Artist, Alabama State University Alum, 2 Chainz reunites with Lil Wayne on his latest single “Money Maker.” which the world-famous marching band from Southern University is featured.

The frequent collaborators announced the track on social media Thursday night, ahead of 2 Chainz’s much-anticipated Verzuz battle against Rick Ross. As part of the broadcast, Tity Boi gave viewers an early taste of “Money Maker,” which paid tribute to HBCU band culture and samples Southern University‘s marching band Human Jukebox.

The cover art for the single also features a photo of the band in action.

Central State University Releases Opening Plan

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After months of planning, Ohio’s only public historically black college released its opening plan Wednesday, laying out how students will return to campus in fall 2020. Check out the press release below:

As we navigate through the COVID-19 global pandemic, popular questions being asked to higher education leaders are; will school resume in person sessions this fall? Will classes be online or in person?  The short answer for Central State University is “Yes,” we will have classes this fall, and we have decided to offer classes in-person as well as online.  We established an Institutional Response Team (IRT) comprised of a cross functional internal team that is in constant contact with local and state health officials.  In coming to our decision, it is important to be clear about what drove us to our decision, what our plans are, how we came to determine the plan and how we intend to execute and manage that plan.  Lastly, and even more significantly, we must be prepared for the dynamic environment that we find ourselves in as it may require that we have a detailed contingency plan should there be a drastic change with the COVID-19 pandemic cases.

The global pandemic has been a constant dialogue since March of 2020, shortly after I was named the 9th President of Central State University.  My predecessor convened the IRT and immediately, the team began assessing and planning for CSU.

 

Why we decided on this plan?

We believe that CSU’s preparedness provides a safe place for our students.  We also realize the importance of providing a remote solution so that all students can join and continue their education journey.

Higher education is a proven game changer for individuals.  When we look at who CSU serves and their individual backgrounds, many are first generation and from lower socio-economic backgrounds.  The data and our experiences show that our students greatly benefit from getting a college education. Given where the economy is, it is important that we position CSU to enable these individuals to begin or continue their education journey.

Forty-five percent of our students come from Columbus,Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Chicago and Detroit.  When you review the COVID-19 cases in those locations in comparison to Wilberforce, OH, the risk is significantly less than in those major metropolitan areas.  Our rural location works in our favor and positions CSU to be a safer location away from the more aggressive COVID-19 presence in their home cities.  Our rigorous plan, frequent testing and cleaning processes will support a haven for all our on-campus students.

 

What is the CSU Plan?

In fall 2020, CSU will offer students the options of both residential and virtual learning. 

For students who prefer a residential college experience, CSU is offering classes using a hybrid-cohort model that combines live, in-classroom learning and remote learning through synchronous video.  To maintain social distancing and assure safety, in hybrid courses, students will alternate attending in-person and through video conference according to their assigned cohort.  For students who prefer to study fully online, CSU is offering classes in two formats.  Some online courses will use the University’s online learning system to deliver all instruction asynchronously while others will meet remotely using live, synchronous video conferencing.  With the option to study either in residence or fully online, CSU provides students with choices and the flexibility to begin or continue their education in a format that fits their needs.

Contingency Plan Should the Virus Get Worse

The hybrid model is designed to make an immediate and flawless shift should COVID-19 get out of hand and universities will have to go back solely online. The IRT will continue to meet to monitor developments related to COVID-19 response and will update reopening plans accordingly. Specifically, the IRT will:

 

– Maintain membership and participation on statewide COVID-19 response teams
– Share information and resources with local governments, townships, city officials, and health departments
– Develop and provide COVID-19 specific training and workshops to faculty, staff, and students
– Communicate operational plan changes and emergency response procedures to the campus community  

 

Resource Plan

The Identification of Resources Will be Key

CSU has and will continue to launch a series of targeted strategic fundraising plans that will be specifically supporting technology infrastructure and immediate student support needs.  Additionally, we have begun soliciting in-kind support for necessary supplies to reinforce a safe environment for the campus community.  Our areas of focus for these efforts are:

– Technology infrastructure
– Immediate student support needs
– University academic support
– Health and safety supplies
 

The Cares Act Funding has been beneficial for CSU. CSU used Cares Act funding to refund spring room and board costs, to provide additional financial aid for students attending summer school, and to implement critical technology upgrades necessary to support on-line and hybrid learning models. It is imperative that such support continues so that we can continue our education process.

As we continue to navigate through these unchartered territories, CSU can not only focus on survival, but rather, we must focus on thriving and elevating the institution and fully embracing every growth and learning opportunity that these unique circumstances present us.  That will require our leadership to be engaged in strategic and critical thinking, our students to be vigilant and stay focused on the pursuit of their education and determine the best way to engage, and our community and stakeholders to support CSU as much as possible as we all work to provide the world with the talent that CSU has been providing over the last 133 years.

BWHI’s Virtual Event Created To Check On Black Women’s Mental Health and Well-Being

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It’s so important that we all do the work to stay grounded during a time when it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed. Most Americans have been affected in some way by the health scares brought on by COVID-19, unemployment, or an overall declining sense of self. Not only are people of color, and women in particular more susceptible to all of these challenges, they simply may not have been prepared for this. 

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is a notable organization that has really stepped up to combat the effects this pandemic can have on young Black women. They recently came up with a series of virtual discussions about different topics surrounding this virus. My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) is a signature program of the Black Women’s Health Imperative, where they are able to talk about issues truly affecting young Black women. 

Next week they’ll be covering an especially important topic. On Tuesday August 11th at 6pm Est., BWHI is virtually hosting the MSK Listening Session: COVID-19’s Impact on the Mental/Emotional Health of Collegiate Students. Through this session, young Black women will have a unique safe space to share thoughts on campuses reopening as well as current mental and emotional health challenges. It is so important for Black women to come together and uplift each other, especially when many are overwhelmed. 

MSK was created to empower young Black college women, with a focus on those going to HBCUs. This program is also a gem because it gives young Black women an opportunity to really grow through leadership development and advocacy. These women are able to advocate for reproductive justice and sexual health, and other factors that contribute to the well-being of women who look just like them. 

Historically, Black women are an often overlooked group whose presence has been underrepresented, and whose communities are often under-funded, The steps BWHI makes outwardly demonstrate that Black women matter, they have a voice, and they are the face of change.

Ladies, be sure to mark your calendars now and RSVP here. As a bonus for attending, participants will be entered into a raffle for a Visa gift card. Take care of yourselves. 

If you have any questions, please email Zsanai Epps, MSK Program Director msk@bwhi.org

HBCU Student Megan Thee Stallion And Cardi B To Release A New Song This Week

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Two of the biggest names in Hip Hop—Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion, who is a student at Texas Southern University—have decided to link up to make better happen in the midst of a pandemic. They’re joining together in a new song releasing this Friday, according to Pitchfork.

The song is called “WAP” and the artwork for it features the two female rappers looking straight out of a scene from the 90s.

From Allure:

One of the most beautiful things about musicians during the social-media age is that their creativity is never limited to just their music. Releasing a new album or single is an opportunity for visual innovation, and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallionhave gone above and beyond with the announcement of their new song, “WAP,” which drops this Friday. The cover photo posted by both artists is a gorgeously shot image with even more gorgeous hair and makeup.

It’s not just the hair that’s got a very ’90s vibe. Some elements of their makeup feel like a throwback to 20-something years ago, like Megan’s dark lip liner surrounding a lighter lipstick color. Their sharp wings, defined brows, and highlighted cheekbones are definitely on-trend for today, though.

Shared on the evening of Monday, August 3, the cover art features Cardi and Megan positioned back-to-back and head-to-head, their tongues sticking out, calling to mind imagery of Hindu gods Agni and Kali. They practically look like twins wearing gold hoop earrings with “WAP” through the middle, their eyes closed, and their long manicurespeeking up from the bottom of the photo.

The star of the beauty look, however, is their matching and seemingly interwoven hairstyles, which are reminiscent of some of the most iconic 1990s updos. The flawlessly formed curls rise more than a foot above their heads, the base is as sleek as can be, and straightened tendrils hang glossily to one side, drawing the eye to sculpted baby hairs.

Head over to Allure.com to read more.

HBCU Alumna Cori Bush Makes History With Democratic Primary Win

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HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) graduate, Harris-Stowe State University alumna, Ferguson activist, single mother, former nurse and pastor, Cori Bush defeated 20-year incumbent Missouri Rep. William Lacy Clay in a Democratic primary on Tuesday night.

The US House seat, based in St. Louis, has been held by Clay and his father, former Rep. William Clay Sr., one of the founders of the Congressional Black Caucus, since 1969. Bush, who challenged Clay in 2018 and lost, was the first candidate launched by Justice Democrats, the progressive group dedicated to toppling moderate Democratic congressional incumbents. Bush captured nearly 49 percent of the vote by late Tuesday evening compared with 45.5 percent for Mr. Clay, according to The Associated Press.

According to Heavy; Bush attended Harris-Stowe State University from 1995-1996 and then Luthern School of Nursing from 2005-2008. She currently works at Hopewell Health Center Incorporated where she helps patients with mental health problems, but before that, she taught early childhood education. 

On Cori’s Website she explained why she ran for office.

” This is a time in our history when complacency cannot be the standard. Americans today must decide between medication and rent. Our justice system over-incarcerates and our education system under-educates, while millions of children live in poverty and thousands live in cages. I am running because our district deserves a purpose-driven leader with a proven track record of fighting for the people, even when it threatens my own life. I am running because I have seen that change can happen across this nation when regular people stand up fearlessly against an unjust system. “

Bush’s victory will send another round of shockwaves through the Democratic caucus on Capitol Hill, where leadership has fought to stave off a new generation of combative progressives, who support “Medicare for All,” the Green New Deal and other economic and racial justice policies dismissed for decades by the party establishment.