Wayne Brady And Bill Duke, Newest Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., historically African-American Greek letter fraternity founded in 1914, has two new honorary members.

On June 13, the fraternity welcomed actor, singer and television personality Wayne Brady as well as actor, director and screenwriter, Bill Duke. The fraternity announced their membership on social media:

Brady shares, “I’m thrilled to say that I’ve been inducted as an Honorary Brother, along side @realbillduke, into the @pbs_1914 Greek Fraternity. Much love to my @zetaphibeta Sisters! I see you @sherylunderwood! To be surrounded by such excellence is humbling. Blue Phi…YOU KNOW!“

Duke shares, “Thank you Phi Beta Sigma for welcoming myself & Wayne Brady. “We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King.“

Black fraternities were founded over a century ago and pride themselves on propelling the advancement of Black men. “The Divine Nine” is comprised of 9 public-service organizations with highly selective intake processes including 5 sororities —Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (1908), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.(1913), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.(1920), and Sigma Gamma Rho Inc.(1922)— and 4 fraternities—Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (1906), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (1911), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (1911), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. (1914) and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (1963).

Congratulations to Brady and Duke on joining the legacy of Sigma men!

Beyoncé Pens Letter to Attorney General for Breonna Taylor

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Beyoncé publicly takes a stand in the fight for justice for Breonna Taylor. The 38-year-old mom of three pens an open letter to the Attorney General demanding justice.

Vulture

Her letter references how three months have passed and the open investigation has made little progress. She shares:

Your office has both the power and the responsibility to bring justice to Breonna Taylor, and demonstrate the value of a Black woman’s life. I urge you to use that power and:

  1. Bring criminal charges against Jonathan Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and Brett Hankison.
  2. Commit to transparency in the investigation and prosecution of these officers’ criminal conduct.
  3. Investigate the LMPD’s response to Breonna Taylor;s murder, as well as the pervasive practices that result in the repeated deaths of unarmed Black citizens.

Read the full letter:

This is the type of action we need to secure justice.

Shannon Sharpe Talks HBCUs And Professional Athletes

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In the uprising follow the racist murder of George Floyd, the country is having several overdue conversations about supporting the Black community and Black college athletics is a trending topic. Shannon Sharpe, graduate of historically-Black Savannah State University, played professional football for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. Following his career on the field, he became an analyst for CBS Sports, and now he co-hosts “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed with Skip Bayless.”

Sharpe talks about his young athletic dreams of playing in the big leagues and how he almost transferred to the University of Miami to help him do so. He later shares,

“No regrets. One of the greatest decisions I ever made was to go to an HBCU.”

Listen to his full conversation with co-host Skip Bayless:

In the past month, former NBA Guard Mo Williams accepted an offer as head coach of he basketball program an at HBCU, Alabama State University, top recruit Trace Young committed to an HBCU and star recruit Mikey Williams tweeted that he was considering Black colleges. This could be the beginning of a wave of Black athletic excellence coming from Black colleges and we are excited for college sports to shift.

Texas Southern University Offers George Floyd’s Daughter Full Ride Scholarship

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In the wake of the murder of 46-year-old George Floyd, the world unites against racial injustice and police brutality. The Black community and allies are also coming together to uplift one another and the families of loved ones who were taken from this world due to racist antics and normalized bias.

A few days ago, George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna Floyd, was gifted a college fund from Kanye West. She has also just received a full-ride scholarship from the Texas Southern University Foundation to attend Texas Southern University. A press release from the university stated:

Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

The Board of Regents of Texas Southern University (TSU) honors the memory of George Floyd on the day that he is laid to eternal rest. Mr. Floyd was a lifelong citizen of the Third Ward and a revered graduate of Jack Yates High School.

The Board, in conjunction with the TSU Foundation Board, has approved a fund to provide a full scholarship for Floyd’s beloved daughter, Gianna. TSU’s executive and academic staff will prepare a place for Miss Floyd if she wishes to attend the University.

“This Board is committed to education and understands that a college degree is one of many powerful steps toward a productive and successful life,” said Albert H. Myres, chair of the Board of Regents. “We know that this gesture cannot take the place of her dad’s loving presence, but we hope that it will contribute to easing her journey through life.”

The TSU Foundation is proud to provide this privately-funded scholarship to Ms. Floyd,” said Gerald Smith, chairman of the TSU Foundation. “We know the value of an education in the pursuit of solutions and generational progress. We look forward to embracing her into the TSU family.”

Myres said that George Floyd’s powerful legacy will be strengthened by the offer of an educational pathway for his daughter.

Gianna will never fill the void of her father, but hopefully the community continues to support her through all of her endeavors. An HBCU is without question, the place where Gianna would be welcomed with open arms and learn the history of her people, including her father’s uprising.

Incoming Central State President Jack Thomas: ‘I Stand In Solidarity’

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In a post on Facebook yesterday, incoming president of historically black Central State University, Jack Thomas, joined in the conversation surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd, saying “I Stand In Solidarity.”

“#GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #BLM,” he added in the post’s caption.

We all should stand by those words

In these times of uncertainty amid the novel coronavirus, many people are working from home or trying to find a job and praying for better days on their block. But lots of things had to be put on the back-burner while the nation witnessed a 9-minute video of a Minneapolis officer grossly putting his knee of the neck of Floyd, killing him.

The officer kept his knee on Floyd’s neck the entire time during the duration of the video.

It has since gone viral.

“In America, it is not enough to say that we stand for the guiding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without concern for gender, race or religion,” said Thomas, suggesting that there’s a large picture. “We must actively live these principles every day. When will see injustice big or small in a grocery store, at our workplace, or on the street, we must act.”

He continued, “President Barack Obama stated that ‘if we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must do better.’ We should all stand by those words.”

DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 7: Thousands taking part in a Black Lives Matter march along Colfax avenue on June 7, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Denver Public Schools students organized the peaceful march in solidarity with the ongoing efforts around the country to proclaim that #BlackLivesMatter. The marchers gathered in Civic Center Park and marched along Colfax Avenue to the Martin Luther King Jr. statue in City Park. Marchers sang, danced and chanted the entire way. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

In September 2019, the University announced that president Cynthia Jackson-Hammond will be stepping down after the 2019-2020 academic year. Five months later, CSU named him as its next president. The black college’s new man Thomas was the biggest announcement the black university had made since it spoke on the stepping down of the current president Jackson-Hammond.

Read more: Central State President, Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, To Step Down After 2019-2020 Academic Year

The new leader condemned “The needless death of George Floyd” and the “fringe violence it has spawned across the country under the guise of peaceful protests.”

Thomas also said that the matter “weighed heavily upon me.”

“These callous and unwarranted killings [by some people sworn to protect and serve] must stop. Until they do, no American should sit idly by while they continue,” he said, adding “Our actions should not be reactive and random, but rather, like our great Civil Rights Leaders of the 1960s movement, our actions should be strategically planned, coordinated and executed to impact CHANGE.”

TSU Board Approves Temporary Revision To Admissions Standards Due To COVID-19

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HOUSTON – The Texas Southern University Board of Regents unanimously approved a temporary addition to the existing university admissions standards, allowing an important COVID-19-related exemption for first-time, incoming freshman who meet specific criteria. TSU will provide automatic admission for any student in the top 25 percent of his/her graduating class who has a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, these students will not need to present ACT or SAT scores. This change is effective immediately and is due to limited or lack of ACT and SAT testing as a result of COVID-19. 

“This is an extraordinary time for incoming, first-time students,” said Regent Pamela Medina, 2nd vice chair and head of the academic affairs sub-committee. “This action gives prospective future Tigers a measure of latitude as they deal with circumstances beyond their control.” 

Dr. Teresa McKinney, vice president of student services and enrollment management, said this is a much-needed, albeit temporary, opportunity that will benefit students and the university. 

“We have seen similar action taken with many universities across the state and nation,” said McKinney. “While we still have automatic admission for any student in the top 10 percent of their class, this change will help us to maintain high academic standards in a way that is sensitive to the current situation.” 

The change provides an added feature to the university’s admissions standards, which require incoming freshman to hold a 2.5 or higher grade point average (on a 4-point scale) along with an ACT score of 17 or higher (composite) or 820 SAT Critical Reading and Mathematics combined (if taken before March 2016), or 900 SAT total score (if taken after March 2016). 

ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 9,700 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.

Morgan President David Wilson Joins Alumni & Current Students For Protest In Baltimore

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On Saturday, June 6, 2020, Morgan State University alumni, students, staff, faculty and the President of the University, Dr. David Wilson, participated in an organized, peaceful protest march through the campus and the Northeastern neighborhood that surrounds it. The aptly named March for Black Lives was held to protest police brutality and racial injustice following the death of Mr. George Floyd. The march was organized by Morgan alum Allahsha C. Farmer from the Class of 2019.

Regarding the march, Dr. Wilson said he was proud to see so many students and alumni speaking out to say, “Injustice is not something we will embrace.”

Wilson also indicated that Morgan was founded on those same principles 153 years ago, going on to state, “When a student matriculates here at Morgan, we expect them to understand history. We expect them to be strong advocates to change the world and remake it to the way it is supposed to be.”

NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace Represents Black Lives Matter

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As the world unites for racial justice and collectively expresses its discontent following the racist murder of 46-year-old George Floyd, Bubba Wallace takes a stand on the track. Wallace is one of the very few Black faces among top NASCAR drivers currently and he is proudly representing Black Lives Matter.

According to Ranker, there are about 15 notable African Americans known to the sport. The 26-year-old Alabama native says, “My next step would be to get rid of all Confederate flags…No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. So it starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them.” to CNN.

Before his last race in Atlanta, he can be spotted wearing a shirt reading “I Can’t Breathe BLACK LIVES MATTER.” He also shared this video in solidarity from his Twitter page:

Wallace says, “There’s going to be a lot of angry people that carry those flags proudly, but it’s time for change,” he said. “We have to change that, and I encourage NASCAR — we will have those conversations to remove those flags.” He continued, “We should not be able to have an argument over that. It is a thick line we cannot cross anymore.”

Take a look at his car for his next race at Martinsville Speedway:

The hood of the car reads three words that America desperately needs to get across the finish line, “Compassion. Love. Understanding.”

Prairie View A&M University Holds Silent Vigil In Honor Of George Floyd

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Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) joins the list of Black organizations, communities and businesses that are recognizing the state of our country following the murder of George Floyd, and doing something about it. President Ruth J. Simmons announced she was closing the university for a day and designating it as ‘A Day of Reflection for PVAMU.’ Simmons penned a letter to the panther community:

PVAMU

Acknowledging the anguish that recent events have caused, I am designating Monday, June 8, 2020, as A Day of Reflection for Prairie View A&M University. The campus will be closed on that day. In addition, we will gather in Panther Stadium at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2020, for a silent vigil honoring the life of George Floyd.

I call on all members of the extended Prairie View family to use these opportunities to consider how each of us can make a positive difference in our communities. Take this moment to reflect not only on the need for change in how people are treated but also what affirmative role each of us can play to ensure that our children and grandchildren will not be further victimized because of the color of their skin, their religion, their sexual orientation or preference, their economic status or their national origin. Eradicating the scourge of bias and discrimination and achieving a wholly inclusive and just society must be our ultimate goal.

I do not expect one day of reflection or a vigil to solve the persistent ill of disparate and unjust treatment in our country. To achieve such a result will take a more significant investment of time, treasure, and determination. I have outlined a possible plan of engagement for the university and will share more information about how we will advance that plan in the coming weeks and months. Still, each of us must formulate our own plan of engagement. How can we use the specific and unique talents given us to advance the cause of justice? How can we assure that, over time, our commitment to that goal will not lessen even in the face of persistent challenges?

Many of you have called to volunteer in our efforts to seek justice for those whose lives have been ended or traumatized by the criminal justice system. The unwavering support of the Prairie View A&M University community has been overwhelming and inspirational and I thank you humbly for coming forward and committing your voice to this urgent cause.

Read the letter and visit PVAMU’s newsroom.

Beyoncé’s Message To The Class Of 2020

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For the first time in history, graduates across the country celebrate graduation and commencement ceremonies virtually. The Class of 2020 has enjoyed congratulatory messages and words of wisdom from a number of celebrities and Beyoncé just added to their celebration.

The billionaire superstar shares the following words of wisdom for millions of graduates, but not before acknowledging our forever president and first lady, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She also doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge and salute the Class of 2020 for having to celebrate this landmark milestone, “in the middle of a global crisis, racial pandemic and world wide expression of outrage at the senseless killing of yet another unarmed Black human being. And you still made it. We’re so proud of you.”

Watch Beyoncé’s full message:

‘Say Their Names’ Cemetery Memorializes Black People Killed By Police

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As the world unites to revolt against Black injustices, another heartfelt memorial arises —a “Say Their Names” cemetery. On 37th Street in south Minneapolis, 100 graves are inscribed with the name of an African American who was killed by law enforcement.

Anna Barber and Connor Wright created the memorial after seeing the video of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin killing George Floyd. They are already planning to add 13 more names! The truth is, they aren’t enough cemeteries in the world to memorialize African American who were murdered for unjust reasons or at the hands of the police department.

A candlelight ceremony is planned at the site at 711 E. 37th St. for Sunday night at sundown.

Say Their Names!

ABC KSTP

Hampton University Community Calls For Resignation Of President, William R. Harvey

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Hampton University students and alumni are calling for the resignation of their President, Dr. William R. Harvey. 

A new petition on change.org reads:

It is time for a change at Hampton University! Current President William R. Harvey has repeatedly failed those who he pledged to serve as the President of our Illustrious Hampton University. Due to the reasons detailed below, we the current students, alumni, parents, and supporters of HU believe that it is time for William R. Harvey to retire or resign.

Dr. William R. Harvey

We acknowledge that Hampton University has grown tremendously in the 42 years that William R. Harvey has served as President. He is recognized as the longest-serving tenured HBCU President in history. Unfortunately, this is reflected in the several outdated practices and “standards” that affect students. Such as Hampton’s Business Pro Attire which discourages women from wearing pants and flats. Also, the School Of Business’ Leadership Application Program which prohibits students from having loc’ed hairstyles. Forcing students to either cut their hair or drop out of the MBA program all together. As our world and community change rapidly, we need a President that is ready and willing to change with it. 

Discord between President Harvey and students is not new. The Daily Press documents several protests that have been held during Harvey’s reign. Topics of protest discussed in the article include:

  • 1985-1986- Demanding University divestiture in South African companies during Apartheid and imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. 
  • 1991- President Harvey’s invitation to Republican President George H.W. Bush as the commencement speaker.
  • 2003- The revelation of health code violations in the cafeteria by The Script.
  • 2005- Protests against the George W. Bush Administration and it’s conflicts in the Middle East. 
  • This resulted in half a dozen students being punished and the American Civil Liberties Union becoming involved.

As detailed by the Philly Tribune:

  • 2018- The Hope for Hampton Protests which were sparked by President Harvey and his administration ignoring and blatantly disrespecting students and their concerns during the Hampton University Town Hall meeting. Concerns included lack of dorm safety, Title IX violations, and cafeteria health code violations.

Further, President Harvey has repeatedly  failed to address issues affecting students or waited too long to make a statement. Most recently, Hampton University was one of the last colleges in Virginia to announce the closure of campus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The delayed response led to many students being displaced. Additionally, all on-campus residents were unable to retrieve their personal belongings from their dorms for three months.

One of the most troubling concerns of the student body is the political affairs of President Harvey as detailed below:

  • 1991- President Harvey invited Republican President George H.W Bush to speak at Hampton’s commencement; despite the objections of hundreds of students.
  • 2005- several students First Amendment Rights of Speech and Assembly were violated when The Harvey Administration disciplined them with community service after protesting against George W. Bush.
  • 2017- President Harvey controversially traveled to DC to meet with Donald Trump to discuss the future of our HBCUs.
  • 2019- President Harvey erected a statue of George H.W Bush on campus, without consulting the student body or alumni beforehand.
  • 2020- President Harvey invited Mike Pence to visit Hampton’s Proton Therapy Institute.
  • 2020- President Harvey participated in a phone call with Mike Pence and Betsy DeVos to ensure that Hampton University would not be held liable for any students who may become sick with COVID-19 upon returning to campus for the fall 2020 semester.
  • Most recently, it was revealed that several restaurants have donated millions to Trump’s re-election campaign. Among those listed are Pizza Hut and Chick-Fil-A which were both brought to campus under Harvey’s administration.

With the tragic death of George Floyd and Donald Trump’s subsequent responses, HBCU Leaders are being looked to for hope and guidance. Despite this, President Harvey has still yet to make a statement condemning the actions of The Trump Administration. We believe that everyone is entitled to their own political beliefs and affiliation. However, there is no room for a President with these conflicting affiliations on an HBCU campus. As the saying goes, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

The reasons stated above only represent a fraction of the issues under The Harvey Administration. Others include continued Title IX violations, outdated dorm & academic facilities, and discriminatory policies. For far too long, our school has operated on the principle of keeping Hampton’s issues out of the public eye. We share this petition to garner the support of our fellow classmates, alumni, families, and friends. Once we have gained enough signatures to reflect the majority of the current student body, a formal letter will be sent to the Hampton University administration and board of trustees. If our concerns are not acknowledged and addressed, Hampton University will continue to see a steady decline in admissions and donations. There will also be an increase in transfers and un-enrollment. It is time for Hampton University to move into a new era where all of our #BlackLivesMatter and our voices are heard!

Lastly, if this petition is successful, we the students and alumni demand transparency and a chance to be involved in selecting the new President of Hampton University. Removing the current President from office will be fruitless if someone that has already been groomed takes his place. If you are a student or alumni of Hampton University, please email concernedstudenthampton@gmail.com if you would like to share any constructive suggestions on how the current administration should move forward. Negative emails will not be entertained. Thank you! 

VIEW THE PETITION: here

There is also a petition for the resignation of the Hampton University Director of Athletics, Eugene Marshall Jr. who released a statement saying “All Lives Matter.” 

VIEW THE PETITION: here

Road To White House Now Features “BLACK LIVES MATTER” Mural

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As the country unites to stand for the #BlackLivesMatter movement, the nation’s capital is literally “taking it to the streets.” A section of 16th Street in front of the White House between H and K streets is now dedicated to a global outcry for racial equality and justice, that catalyzed following the murder of George Floyd.

The D.C. Department of Public Works, painted the “Black Lives Matter” mural on the ground, in large yellow letters, following orders from DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser. A green street sign was also attached, officially naming the area “Black Lives Matter Plaza.” This area is the same location where the military used pepper spray and munitions on peaceful protestors in order to clear the way for the arrival of Donald Trump. The location he arrived to, to capture a photo —an iconic yellow and white building— was later damaged by fire in a protest.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shares, “We want to call attention today to making sure our nation is more fair and more just and that Black lives and that Black humanity matter in our nation.”

HBCU Students Exhibit Inventions At STEM Showcase

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American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Andrea Korte highlights students showing their inventions at an HBCU showcase:

A social media platform for online education, a smart cane that warns visually impaired users of objects along their path, and a mobile app that connects customers to restaurants eager to distribute surplus food were just a few of the inventions that student innovators from historically black colleges and universities displayed at a recent showcase.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science, with support from the National Science Foundation, hosted the third annual HBCU Making & Innovation Showcase in February 2020 in Washington, D.C. The event, held in conjunction with AAAS’s and NSF’s Emerging Researchers National Conference, brought together 80 students and faculty members from HBCUs for 2 days of interactive workshops and training on invention and entrepreneurship. The conference culminated with 18 teams of undergraduate and graduate students from 13 colleges and universities pitching their innovations.

“Entrepreneurial thinking and an invention mindset are critical to address the challenges that affect communities around the world, and in our own backyards,” said Neela White, a project director in AAAS’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program. “As we look at the shifting demographics in the country, we must be intentional about ensuring that innovation ecosystems are fully inclusive.”

The showcase was inspired by a similar effort held during the White House’s 2015 National Week of Making, which celebrated the maker movement: individuals and groups harnessing technology and creativity to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Quincy Brown, a AAAS STEM program director at the time, proposed the HBCU Making & Innovation Showcase to the National Science Foundation in 2017 and hosted the first showcase in 2018.

“The showcase is designed to provide an opportunity for students to display the talent and innovation already at HBCUs, show how these students are addressing challenges specific to their communities, heighten the awareness of the individuals and resources that support an inclusive innovation ecosystem, and further develop students’ skills,” White said.

Each of the teams created an innovative solution to a problem in its community related to one of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and “no poverty.” The teams designed and built prototypes to address a pressing challenge in their community. Each participant then filmed a video of their prototype to demonstrate and pitch their solutions to expert judges, who selected the top three projects at the showcase.

The winning team—Nicolette Barriffe, a student at Clark Atlanta University, and Stephen Seymour and Leoul Tilahun, both from Morehouse College—tackled the U.N. goal of climate action with a network of communication devices intended for use in disasters and other emergency situations. The Guardian Network allows individuals to report their status when internet connectivity and cellular services are not available using long-range communication networks. The network also features a dashboard to allow emergency operators and first responders to keep track of those in need and allocate assistance.

The February presentation by Barriffe, Seymour, and Tilahun was not the first time they took part in the showcase. The trio competed in the showcase’s inaugural competition in 2018 as first-year college students, placing second.

“Based on their success, they wanted to do bigger and better projects,” said Ayodeji Oyesanya, who served as the team’s faculty adviser in 2018 and 2020. Oyesanya runs the Morehouse College MakerSpace Exploration Center and advised five teams participating in this year’s showcase.

In the break between showcases, Seymour and Barriffe co-founded MakeWay, a student organization dedicated to designing innovative projects that now counts more than 60 members. “This year, I got the gang back together,” said Seymour. “But now of course, you see the world in a different way. Our perspectives are more matured and developed.”

“The trio returned to the showcase determined to win,” noted Oyesanya, and they achieved their goal.

As an adviser, Oyesanya seeks to encourage students to solve problems on their own. “I find it remarkable how these students can make such wonderful projects and such creative projects and innovative projects with what could be perceived as limited resources,” he said. “Because we are an HBCU, we don’t have the resources and the million-dollar budget of a lot of predominantly white institutions. But these students have learned not to allow that to stagnate them and to still be able to compete with any of these schools in the country.”

Added White, “I was blown away by the talent of all of the students, by the level of knowledge they brought and how much more they were willing to absorb. It was just really great.”

White was also impressed with how strongly students connected with the sustainability themes to inform their projects. “They are driven by social good; they are driven by wanting to do something good for their region, for the global well-being,” she said.

“Our number one goal whenever we work on a project is that it’s culturally relevant,” said Barriffe. When Seymour’s family was affected by Hurricane Dorian, which hit the Bahamas in 2019, the team realized that emergency communications would be an important place to focus their efforts, she said.

In addition to the competition, students and faculty attending the showcase took part in workshops on subjects such as technology transfer, the business of entrepreneurship, and career pathways in the innovation sector.

Another session focused on collaboration and teamwork in innovation.

“It’s really hard to make new things happen when you’re by yourself,” said Diana Yousef, who, along with her business partner Huda Elasaad, spoke during a session titled “The Power of Teams: From Invention to Entrepreneurship.”

Yousef and Elasaad are the chief executive officer and chief technology officer, respectively, of change:WATER Labs, which has developed a new type of toilet for use in places lacking sanitation infrastructure. Their “iThrone” uses a waste-evaporating material and a urine-powered bio-battery to dehydrate human waste as a way to replace flushing in places with no sewage plumbing.

The pair were also the first ever to be selected together as co-ambassadors for the AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassadors Program, which seeks to increase understanding of the critical role of invention in improving quality of life and to encourage a new and diverse generation of inventors.

During the showcase, Yousef and Elasaad emphasized to participants that working with a team allows everyone to contribute their strength. Yousef trained as a lab scientist and holds an MBA, while Elasaad is a water system engineer. As the pair traversed the innovation-to-market pathway, they brought varied abilities to the effort. “We cover different parts of that journey,” said Yousef. “We have these different skill sets that all come together, and it makes it all possible.”

Yousef later reflected on her experiences as a woman and daughter of immigrants in the innovation sphere.

“There’s definitely a lot of discounting that happens,” she said. “To see what AAAS and this initiative are doing to promote serious innovators and scientists who don’t look like the scientists that everybody imagines is really amazing.”

Knowing the importance of seeing oneself represented in a community, White made sure the event featured speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds, including minorities, women, and HBCU graduates who are now leaders in tech and entrepreneurship.

“It was very relatable for all of the students,” White said.

Participants also had the opportunity to be inspired by each other.

“I learned a lot from my peers, especially those who have been seasoned with years of experience,” said Barriffe. “It’s definitely powerful, especially as a woman of color in STEM.”

Under the leadership of AAAS STEM Program Director Iris R. Wagstaff, the current principal investigator of the NSF grant that supports the showcase, new strategic partnerships and collaborations have been formed, expanding the showcase and providing additional resources and training to students. Social media and online platforms also extend the showcase experience.

The conversation continues online with the newly launched Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM LinkedIn community for participants of the ERN conference and HBCU Making & Innovation Showcase, White said. The online platform means that tech and innovation leaders can reach a much broader cross section of students, including those whose ideas might not yet be fully fledged to take part in a showcase, she noted. Yet, the community has already become a hub for resource-sharing, regular online workshops, and ongoing conversation for students unable to convene in person.

Innovation, after all, is an ongoing, iterative process, White said, adding that students who attended the 2020 showcase were “very eager to go back to their campuses and continue working on these innovations.”

The students from the winning team also plan to continue pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Seymour, for instance, is concerned that the Bahamas—his home country—and the broader Caribbean region lack STEM education resources. “There’s a huge demand for it,” said Seymour, adding that he hopes to get involved with “finding ways to push the envelope on how we utilize our resources” to encourage students to explore STEM disciplines from an early age. Focusing on the social capacity of innovation is another factor driving his interest.

“Sometimes the greatest ideas are just the ones that have the impact,” Seymour said. “If you can’t really help or change someone’s way of living, how impactful is that?” Read the AAAS’ article.

FAMU Set To Join The SWAC

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The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the recommendation of VP/Athletic Director Kortne Gosha to resign membership from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to accept membership into the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Rattlers will maintain membership in the MEAC for the 2020 season. 

The move was approved by SWAC member schools 10-0 Thursday afternoon. “While we have had a long-standing relationship competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Florida A&M’s impending move to the Southwestern Athletic Conference is one that is in the best interest of the University,” President Dr. Larry Robinson said. “The positive impacts on student-athletes, cost savings, re-establishment of long-term rivalries and opportunities to generate revenue are among the key factors in this decision.”

“Today is a defining moment in the history of Florida A&M University and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics,” VP/Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha said. “Our decision to explore this move to the SWAC was the result of exhaustive internal and external collaboration. I want to first thank President Dr. Larry Robinson for his leadership and unwavering support of athletics and our 329 student-athletes.

“I also want to thank our Board Chair Kelvin Lawson, our Board of Trustees, our National Alumni Association President, Colonel Greg Clark, FAMU Foundation Board Chair Jemal Gibson and Selvin Cobb of the Rattler Boosters for their support of this move. I firmly believe that we have collectively positioned FAMU to reach our ultimate potential and further enhance the student-athlete experience. We appreciate the leadership of Dr. Dennis Thomas as MEAC Commissioner and all that they have done for FAMU and Division I HBCU athletics. We hold dear the relationships with our MEAC peer institutions and we wish them continued success.”

Read the Full release from FAMU

Kanye West Creates College Fund For George Floyd’s Daughter In $2M Donation

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Kanye West joins millions in all fifty states and countless countries across the world who are uniting in response to the senseless murder of George Floyd. West donated $2million for the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

In his donation, the father of 4 paid legal fees for the Arbery and Taylor families and he established a 529 education plan that will completely finance college tuition for George’s 6-year-old daughter, Gianna Floyd.

Part of the donation is also being used to help Black-owned businesses in Wests’ home city of Chicago.

Breonna Taylor

The FBI is investigating why 3 officers entered her home forcefully, fatally shooting the young, African American EMT a minimum of 8 times.

Ahmaud Arbery

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has 3 men on trial who are responsible for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man killed jogging near his home.

George Floyd

The 46-year old Black father was murdered while pleading for life, by an unrelenting racist officer who kept his knee on Floyd’s neck.