MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The sound of music is something Larry Dodson has been surrounded by for decades. But this time his music has a different tune to it. A different band and now, one solo artist.
You may know Dodson from his role as lead singer of the R&B funk band, The Bar-Kays. Last year, after 30 albums and 40 years with his crew, he hung up his mic.
But he just couldn’t stay away from the music.
“I really thought that I could really retire and just maybe call it quits and ride off into the sunset, spend some time fishing and doing other things.”
Those retirement plans sounded good at first, but they just couldn’t compare to time spent with fans.
Now as a new solo artist Dodson finds himself a bit nervous at times wondering if fans will likes his new music.
“You know Just being accepted as Larry D now.”
But one thing he is certain about is his love for education and dedication to students, especially at LeMoyne-Owen College.
“Those are some special people at LeMoyne.”
For more than 10 years he’s helped send students to the college through a scholarship foundation. Later this month he will receive an honorary doctoral degree for his contributions to the music industry and all that he’s given to historically black colleges.
“I`m just humbled by it. I`m humbled by it,” Dodson said. “I`ll have a handle on my name.. Doctor.. so you know, it`s very very cool.”
But that`s not the only honor making that day special. His wife, who has been by his side for almost 50 years, will walk the stage too. She will receive her degree in business management from Southwest Community College.
Dodson has always valued family. In fact, that was his big reason for giving up music. But it’s something that he can’t let go of and something he will continue serving his community through.
WASHINGTON – Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick is the 2019 recipient of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Distinguished Alumnus Award, an honor given to prominent individuals who’ve made distinguished contributions in their respective fields. As a former trainee at the cancer center who completed his post-doctoral research and surgical oncology fellowships at MD Anderson, Dr. Frederick was selected from nominations received by the institution’s faculty. Notable researchers and scholars have received the prestigious award since it was introduced in 1980.
“For almost 40 years, MD Anderson has honored an alumnus who has made a significant impact since graduating from the institution, and that certainly is the case for our 2019 awardee, Dr. Wayne Frederick,” says Diane Bodurka, M.D., chief education and training officer at MD Anderson. “Dr. Frederick is recognized as a role model for his vast professional accomplishments and his dedication to others, such as his commitment to mentoring. Sharing his perspectives as our keynote presenter builds on that commitment as our current trainees and faculty benefit from his insights.”
On Tuesday, May 7, Dr. Frederick will deliver the Keynote Lecture for fellows and faculty of MD Anderson for its 23rdAnnual Trainee Research Day. He will speak on the value of an MD Anderson trainee experience and how it can position one for a successful career. Additionally, he’ll serve as a featured judge during the Oral Competition of Trainee Research Day.
“It is indeed an honor to be recognized and honored with the MD Anderson Distinguished Alumnus Award for leadership and a fulfilling career in surgical oncology,” says Dr. Frederick. “I am humbled to return as the keynote lecturer for this event and I look forward to sharing how this esteemed program prepared me for leadership and my journey in surgical oncology.”
On July 21, 2014, Dr. Frederick was named the 17th president of Howard University. The Board of Trustees voted to appoint Dr. Frederick after a unanimous recommendation by the University’s Presidential Search Committee. Dr. Frederick’s goal is to enhance the Howard University legacy, ensure that the University maximizes its impact and that its students receive a well-rounded educational experience. Through his experience as a scholar and an administrator, Dr. Frederick strives to develop innovative approaches to focus on the institutional priorities of his beloved alma mater and support the success of its students.
As an undergraduate student, Dr. Frederick was admitted to Howard University’s B.S./M.D. dual degree program. He completed the requirements for both degrees in six years, allowing him to earn both his Bachelor of Science and his medical degree by the age of 22.
Following his post-doctoral research and surgical oncology fellowships at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Frederick began his academic career as associate director of the Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut. Upon his return to Howard University, his academic positions included associate dean in the College of Medicine, division chief in the Department of Surgery, director of the Cancer Center and deputy provost for Health Sciences. He also earned an MBA from Howard University’s School of Business in 2011. Dr. Frederick continues to operate and lectures to the second-year medical students of Howard University’s College of Medicine. His medical research seeks to narrow the disparity in all cancer-care outcomes, with a focus on gastrointestinal cancers.
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ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University visit www.howard.edu
Announcing that the former mayor of Atlanta will address the Howard class of 2019, this HBCU graduated is returning to his alma mater. ”Howard University President Wayne Frederick announced Thursday that Kasim Reed will speak to the school’s graduates, their families and school officials on May 11,” according to the Washington Post. ”The school will award Reed the Presidential Medal of Achievement,” according to the Washington Post. ”Reed, who is a graduate of Howard, served two terms as mayor of Atlanta between 2010 and 2018.” The Washington Post went on to mention that Howard will award more than 2,000 degrees, including 282 master’s degrees and 114 Ph.Ds.
Syracuse, N.Y. — A whole new collection of college football players will get to grow up knowing that “the hay is never in the barn.”
Former Syracuse running back Jerome Smith has accepted a job as a running backs coach with Morgan State University, his first job a college coach. He’ll coach on the staff of former SU running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley.
Smith played his first three seasons at Syracuse under Wheatley, who left with former head coach Doug Marrone to join the Buffalo Bills in 2013. During his sophomore season under Wheatley, Smith rushed for 1,171 yards in 2012, the last time a Syracuse running back rushed for 1,000 yards in a season.
“He was a guy that was very hungry,” Wheatley said. “He was relentless, enthusiastic and stubborn. But stubborn in a good way. He wanted to be the guy and he was came in every day trying to prove he was ready. He had that saying, ‘The hay is never in the barn,’ and he’d say it all the time.”
Smith spent four years at Syracuse, leaving after completing his redshirt junior season, when he rushed for 12 touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2014. He played one game in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.
Known for his dependability and rugged style, Smith worked with young football players in Delaware as a trainer and at an area prep school.
Wheatley said that he keeps in touch with his former players through text messages and he follows them on social media. Smith frequently posts videos of his workouts with young players on Facebook, and Wheatley recognizes many of the drills they worked on together. Smith had put his own personal twist on some of them.
Morgan State hired Wheatley as head coach in February after he had been fired by the Jacksonville Jaguars, taking the fall for Leonard Fournette’s regression in his second NFL season.
Morgan State has been a difficult place to win historically, and the Bears compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which is generally one of the lowest-resource conferences in FCS football. The league is made up of historically black colleges and universities. Morgan State went 4-7 last year under interim coach Ernest T. Jones.
Wheatley opted to take the head coaching position when it was offered, in part, because he knows how infrequently those opportunities come for black coaches. Last year, only 14 of 130 FBS head coaches were black, according to USA Today. Only three of the NFL’s 32 head coaches are black.
“To be honest with you, African-American coaches don’t get a lot of looks and opportunities,” Wheatley said. “You look at the pro level, at a guy like (Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator) Eric Bieniemy. He’s done a great job. People still say it’s Andy Reid’s offense. You have to create your opportunity.”
When Wheatley was hired, he said he looked back proudly on a pair of SU running backs who he believed would go a good fit at Morgan State. Wheatley said he thought about both Antwon Bailey and Smith, with Smith being the better financial fit. Bailey is currently a coach and physical education teacher at Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C.
“I had a great relationship with all those guys,” Wheatley sad. “We all stayed in touch. I told them all they’d be good as coaches someday because they accepted coaching and worked hard. Guys just need opportunities and we have to create the lane to have that. (Jerome) has done a great job helping young guys develop.”
The votes are in and Mississippi Valley State University is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of a $50,000 grant awarded by the 2019 Home Depot “Retool Your School” program.
The annual competition is open to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is designed to provide winners of the competition with funds to help complete a campus renovation project of their choice. The participating HBCUs were grouped into three clusters, based on size, and supporters were able to cast votes online and through hashtags used on social media.
In honor of the competition’s 10th year anniversary, the top three contenders from each cluster were announced as winners Monday, including MVSU in Cluster 2.
“I would like to thank the MVSU community for supporting our University,” said MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs. “Your votes definitely mattered, and we are extremely grateful. I would also like to thank Home Depot for this grant…the $50K will help assist us in our efforts to provide a quality educational experience for our students.”
MVSU’s Office of Advancement incited support from students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the Valley to capture the 2nd place win in Cluster 2. Other winners joining MVSU in Cluster 2 were Alcorn State University and Coahoma Community College.
MVSU received a total of 352,737 votes.
“This is a win we all brought back to Valley,” said MVSU Director of Development Kendall Tanner, who organized the campaign. “Thank you to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of MVSU for your support and dedication to the campaign. This victory is a glimpse of the bright things that are in store for Mississippi Valley State University.”
MVSU will use the funding to help renovate the campus pavilion and make it more inviting and accommodating for the campus community and visitors.
To help support this MVSU initiative and other campus projects, visit www.mvsu.edu.
HOUSTON – Texas Southern University is pleased to announce its Campus Royalty for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Adonis Warren, a junior journalism major from Los Angeles, California will serve as Mister Texas Southern University. Adunola Rachel Olaydoyin Osinuga, a junior speech communication major from Chicago, Illinois, will serve as Miss Texas Southern University.
“Adonis and Rachel are the embodiment of academic excellence and social responsibility, and the growth they will experience throughout this year, as Mister and Miss Texas Southern University, is something they will look back several years from now and be proud of,” said President Austin A. Lane.
Throughout the school year, Mister and Miss Texas Southern will serve as student ambassadors for the university making appearances and hosting programs for TSU students, faculty, staff and community.
“Our Mister and Miss Texas Southern are the face of our university and I am excited to see what they have planned for the upcoming year,” said Wendell King, Royal Court Advisor.
“These students have committed to serving this illustrious institution and I have faith they will go above and beyond the duties required of their positions.”
The first runners-up for the scholarship pageant are Angelica Olunkwa and Joshua Phillips. Sidney Guillory and Ellis-Wolv Salahuddin are the pageant’s second runners-up.
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.
Sen. Kamala Harris introduced new legislation to help students from underrepresented communities gain access to educational materials, mentorships, and work experience related to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). On May 2, the Democratic senator and 2020 presidential hopeful introduced the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, which would authorize a $40 million competitive grant program for school districts to improve participation in STEM education among girls, students of color, LGBTQ students, disabled students, and kids from low-income neighborhoods.
“When we have more women, people of color, LGBTQ folks, and people with disabilities in STEM jobs, we get better results,” said Harris in a press release. “Preparing our nation’s students for the jobs of the 21st century starts in the classroom, and we must ensure that the benefits of that education are shared equally with those who are currently underrepresented in STEM professions.”
The bill seeks to provide funding for school districts across the country, and ultimately increase opportunities for women and minorities to secure high wage jobs in STEM fields. According to a 2018 Pew Social Trends report, , 69% of STEM workers in the U.S. are white, while only 9% of the STEM workforce is black and 7% are Hispanic. If passed, funding for Harris’ bill would be allocated towards:
Providing tutoring and mentoring programs in STEM subjects.
Providing afterschool and summer activities designed to encourage interest and skill-building in STEM subjects.
Providing subsidies to minimize the costs of STEM-related educational materials, equipment, field trips, internships, and work experiences.
Educating parents about the opportunities and advantages of STEM careers.
Providing professional development services to teachers, principals, and other personnel aimed at reduced racial and gender bias.
In addition to Harris, co-sponsors of the legislation include Democratic senators Dick Durbin, Sherrod Brown, Amy Klobuchar, and Jacky Rosen. The bill is also being supported by Girls Who Code, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, NAACP, National Society of Black Engineers, and other organizations.
“I’ve had the setback of attempting to run for office that nobody thought that we could win and all that comes with that,” she said, revealing that people have doubted her ability to become an elected official. However, she added that she has used people’s negative perceptions of her as a source of motivation. “Good, underestimate me. I can work with that,” she said.
This post was written by Selena Hill, a writer at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.
Howard University and the National Institutes of Health today launched a pilot program called the NIH-Howard University Intramural Research Collaboration (NIH-HUIRC). The collaboration aims to successfully position Howard junior faculty on the path to becoming seasoned research investigators.
The first phase of the NIH-HUIRC will be a two-year pilot to engage junior faculty, graduate and medical students to identify innovative ways to address routine and recurring issues that arise in scientific research collaborations. Upon successful implementation of the pilot, the partnership’s subsequent phases will expand to include faculty and students from other academic programs in the University.
“The purpose of the NIH-HUIRC collaboration is to engage in collaborative scientific discovery through research and development of joint training programs between NIH and Howard University,” said Dr. Hugh E. Mighty, dean of the College of Medicine and Howard University’s vice president of clinical affairs. “We expect junior faculty who participate in the NIH-HUIRC to develop the requisite skill sets to procure external grants and enhance scholarly productivity.”
NIH-HUIRC is expected to become a beacon of intellectual exchange and mentorship. It will establish a cadre of NIH researchers who are interested in undertaking a mentorship role. Lecture exchanges, shared equipment, and student training initiatives in biomedical research are also a component of this innovative partnership.
“NIH is delighted to have Howard University as a partner,” said John I. Gallin, M.D., chief scientific officer, Clinical Center, and associate director for clinical research at the NIH. “We are excited about the prospect of leveraging our diverse communities to optimize the research and training at both our institutions.”
Howard University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Anthony K. Wutoh said, “We are very excited about this opportunity to partner with NIH, in order to further position our biomedical faculty and graduate students to become successful researchers. This is a key element in further strengthening our research portfolio and training programs.”
Howard University Vice President for Research Bruce A. Jones said, “This partnership serves as a model for developing and implementing large-scale institutional relationships that are longstanding and research focused.”
Researchers within the College of Medicine who are interested in participating in the collaboration should contact Dr. Celia J. Maxwell, the associate dean for research, at cmaxwell@Howard.edu
ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars, and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University visit www.howard.edu
Broadus comes to Morgan from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he has been one of the nation’s best recruiters as the top assistant on Mark Turgeon’s coaching staff. This past season Broadus was influential in the successful NCAA tournament run for the Terps. Consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally for recruiting, Broadus was instrumental in signing a number of local Baltimore talents such as DeJuan Summers, Brandon Herbert, LaFonta Johnson, and Henry Sims.
“Kevin Broadus embodies all of the characteristics that we desired in the hiring of our next head men’s basketball coach,” said Dr. Scott. “Throughout his career, Kevin has built a tremendous reputation for his ability to recruit outstanding talent and developing his student-athletes on and off the court. His prior experience as a head coach and strong relationships in the DMV area will be a valuable asset to our program. We are excited to welcome Kevin, his wife Belinda, and their children to the Morgan family.”
“On behalf of my family, we are extremely honored and excited to join Morgan State University and to become a part of an institution steeped in the tradition of athletic excellence,” said Broadus. “I thank University President, Dr. David Wilson and Director of Athletics, Dr. Edward Scott for this tremendous opportunity. We look forward to working with the student-athletes, administration, and campus community at Morgan and bringing an exciting brand of basketball to Baltimore.”
The University will host a press conference on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. in the University Student Center to officially introduce Broadus as Morgan’s new head Men’s Basketball coach. The press conference will also be live streamed via the University’s main and athletic websites.
Broadus arrived at Maryland following his second stint at Georgetown University, a run that lasted seven years. He was a member of Coach John Thompson III’s staff that won three Big East championships and advanced to seven postseason tournaments during his total nine years with the Hoyas, including two trips to the Sweet Sixteen and one trip to the Final Four in 2007. He also spent two seasons as the head coach at Binghamton University (2007-09), leading the Bearcats to an America East championship and their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009.
Known for his outstanding local ties, Broadus has coached at five universities in the DC metro area. His professional coaching experience also includes having coached and recruited five high school All-Americans and 12 National Basketball Association (NBA) players, including Austin Freeman, Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert, Vernon Macklin, DeJuan Summers, Patrick Ewing, Jr., Otto Porter, Chris Wright, Henry Sims, J.R. Pinnock, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, and Mike Hall.
Broadus played a season of college basketball at Grambling State University before finishing his Hall of Fame career at Bowie State University, where he graduated from in 1990. Upon graduation, Broadus remained at Bowie State as an assistant coach until 1993, before serving as an assistant at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) for four seasons. While coaching at UDC, he earned a master’s degree in counseling in 1995. Broadus also had coaching stints at American University (1998-2001) and George Washington University (2001) before landing at Georgetown in 2004.
A native of the Washington D.C. suburbs, Broadus played basketball at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in the District and at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Md. He began his collegiate career redshirting his freshman year at Grambling State before returning home to attend Bowie State, where he lettered three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1990.
Broadus and his wife, Belinda, have four children, Nicol, Milan, Paris and Kevin Jr.
Remember your senior year of high school? You were drained worrying about college, the SATs, and just surviving until graduation. It seemed impossible to get it all done and still have a social life… right?
BOOKSMART is a raunchy story that begins with two hard-working BFFs finding out that all the slackers in their school got into the same top-tier colleges as them. Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) realize there was a balance of work and fun that everyone figured out but them. From that moment on, they vow to have the most action-packed night of their life.
Make no mistake, this movie is a wild ride. Imagine being loaded, and falling into random parties on your way to the main turn up. You spot your crush, there’s making out, and of course your best friend lost their phone. BOOKSMART has enough recklessness to break some friends up forever. Amy and Molly have been tight all 4 years, but can they survive this night?
Check out BOOKSMART in theaters May 24th. End your semester with a bang.
Faculty and staff members at Alcorn State University soon will have new and improved housing on campus.
The university held its Faculty and Staff Housing Groundbreaking Ceremony Friday, May 3 near the Product Development Center. The development includes a combination of 30 new townhome and apartment units for university employees.
Dr. Jeff Posey, associate vice president for Facilities Management, thanked everyone who was involved in bringing the project to life. Posey also said that construction of the housing complex would be complete by October 2020.
Dr. Valtreasa Tolliver-Cook, associate professor of social science and president of the faculty senate, talked about the convenience that on-campus living will provide for Alcorn employees.
“These are great times at Alcorn,” said Cook. “The option for us to live near campus and enjoy modern amenities has been a long time coming. Employee housing would help us to attract the best talent to work and live on campus. Living here will greatly enhance our productivity. We must keep up the good work so we can continue to be the best.”
Terri Williams, principal, and owner of ArchitectureSouth, P.A., said that she is proud to be a part of the housing project. She applauded Alcorn’s leadership for their courtesy and professionalism.
“It is a pleasure to work with Alcorn,” said Williams. “The excitement and investment of your leaders are just incredible. You all make us feel at home when we come here, and we appreciate the effort. This is one of many signs of the university’s efforts to provide life balance for the faculty and staff.”
Dr. Donzell Lee, interim president, applauded Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. for having the foresight to lead the charge on the inception of the initiative during his presidency at Alcorn.
“The dedication of those who have preceded me made this happen,” said Lee. “Dr. Rankins is to be congratulated for this project. It was one of the last projects he worked on before he left the university. I appreciate the faculty and staff that for so long have requested this complex. This project is going to be helpful.”
Black girl magic has reached new heights, this time in the pageant industry. For the first time in the history of Miss America—founded in 1921— Miss USA—founded in 1952— and Miss Teen USA—founded in 1983— the 3 reigning queens are all beautiful women of color.
African American women are not strangers to holding the title of Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, or Miss America, but the history books have been updated with note of this powerful trifecta.
Miss New York 2018, Nia Imani Franklin is crowned Miss America 2019. The 25-year-old is graduated with a degree in music composition and competed standing on the platform, “Advocating for the Arts.” In addition to her new title, Franklin also wins a $50,000 scholarships!
The 37th Edition of Miss Teen USA crowns Kaliegh Garris, an 18-year-old of New Haven Connecticut who sported her natural curly fro during the competition. Garris founded the organization We Are People 1st, which assists people with disabilities, and was founded due to Garris’s elder sister struggling with multiple disabilities
Completing the trifecta, Miss USA crowns 28-year-old, practicing attorney, Cheslie Kryst, as Miss USA 2019. Kryst hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. Her final question asked whether the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have gone too far, to which Kryst shares, “I don’t think these movements have gone too far. What #MeToo and #TimesUp are about are making sure that we foster safe and inclusive workplaces in our country.”
Seven years ago, in 2012, the crown holders and black girl magic duo, Miss Teen USA-Logan West and Miss USA-Nana Meriwether made history and gave us reason to celebrate as well.
Congratulations are in order for these ladies who each have their own personal reason of vying for the crown, but collectively inspire every little brown girl around the nation. We anticipate their reigns, and all Franklin, Garris, and Kryst will do for the culture.
We look forward to seeing Kryst represent the Unites States of America as she competes against more than 90 countries for the title of Miss Universe later this year.
HOUSTON – Texas Southern University (TSU) hosted its third annual Maroon & Gray Affairon Saturday, April 27 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Houston. The gala raised a record $1.2 million for student scholarships.
“The Texas Southern University community has delivered a strong helping hand through this event to students who are on their way to graduation,” said TSU President Austin A. Lane. “This unparalleled generosity means that young people can concentrate and stay on a strong academic path to become leaders in today’s ever-changing society.”
Texas Southern alumni and students were honored during Saturday’s sold-out event. Gerald Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Smith Graham and Chairman of the TSU Foundation Board, and Rep.Rhetta Andrews Bowers (D-District 113), were feted as Outstanding TSU Alumni. Orlando Sutton Jr. and Lashawn Hamb, Mr. and Miss Texas Southern University, were recognized as TSU’s Outstanding Students. Eight female graduates (Ronnisha Bowman, Sharon Burney, Linda Dunson, Tonia Finch, Angela Graves – Harrington, Erica Hughes, Germaine Tanner, LaShawn Williams) of the TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law who made history by earning judgeships in Harris County received the Heart & Soul Spirit Award. “We are proud to celebrate our students and alumni in such a dynamic way,” said Loren Lane, first lady of Texas Southern University.
The event is the signature, annual fundraiser for Texas Southern University and has grown in attendance and total dollars raised over the past three years. “We are very grateful for the financial support of our sponsors, alumni and friends to help provide emergency scholarship assistance for our students,” said Melinda Spaulding, Vice President for University Advancement.
“The TSU Foundation is proud to support the mission of the University. I would like to congratulate the host committee and everyone else who helped to make the gala a success and thank them for their efforts for our students,” said Gerald Smith, Chairman of the TSU Foundation Board.
Maroon & Gray Affair guests were entertained by hit-making R&B trio SWV (“Weak,” “Right Here”) and Grammy Award-winning disc jockey and music producer Kid Capri (Def Comedy Jam), and TSU’s Ocean of Soul marching band. Emcees were Billy Sorrells, comedian and TSU alumnus, and Syan Rhodes, weekend anchor at KPRC Houston.
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.
WA proposal developed by Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) students to address food insecurity has been awarded a $100,000 American Heart Association grant.
The two-year grant is through the American Heart Association’s first EmPOWERED to Serve Urban Health Accelerator – HBCU Healthy Community Challenge Showcase. WSSU was selected by a panel of judges at a showcase at the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro on Monday, April 29.
Through the grant, WSSU will partner with two existing community initiatives to mobilize and connect campus and community resources to address food insecurity in Winston-Salem.
WSSU’s proposal was one of two selected for the grant from 19 HBCU proposals.
“We’re very proud that our project was selected,” said Dr. Cynthia Williams-Brown, chair and associate professor of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Studies (HPSS), also a faculty lead on the project. “This student-led project ties into existing initiatives and speaks to our role in the community.”
WSSU students Diamond Bynum, senior, healthcare management; Taylor Daniels, junior, exercise science; Dontae Moore, senior, healthcare management; and Taylor Redfearn, sophomore, sport management, helped develop the proposal. Marian Anderson-Booker, research project coordinator for HPSS; Rochelle Blakeney, program coordinator for CEEHD; and Aaron Jackson, coordinator of the Rams Know H.O.W. Mobile Unit, also supported the proposal.
Redfearn, who presented WSSU’s proposal during the showcase, said Winston-Salem has about 21 food deserts, areas that are void of healthy food options. The issue predominately impacts residents in the minority communities around the university, she said.
“We want every child to have access to healthy food and every child to not go home hungry,” Redfearn said.
WSSU’s proposal aims will tackle food insecurity through:
Partnering with Michael Banner and Island CultureZ to introduce urban gardening and entrepreneurship to residents of East Winston.
Helping to expand the HPSS-developed Rams Fitness Academy, which combats childhood obesity by providing after-school and summer programs for children that focus on physical activity and nutrition education. The camp will be expanded to also introduce students to urban gardening and include economic mobility component.
Creating an on-campus greenhouse to introduce urban farming and entrepreneurship to students on campus.
The showcase was broadcast live through #RolandMartinUnfiltered. Martin, award-winning journalist and writer, was the master of ceremonies for the event.
The funding for the American Heart Association’s EmPOWERED to Serve Urban Health Accelerator – HBCU Community Wellness Challenge was made possible by the Barbara Houston Historically Black Colleges and Universities Legacy Award and through the support of John Houston III.
“Every member of our community should be able to achieve well-being supported by the places they live, learn, work, pray, and heal,” said Jeremy Beauchamp, Executive Vice President, American Heart Association, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate. “We are excited to work alongside HBCUs to increase the opportunity for all of our neighbors to live longer, healthier lives.”
The EmPOWERED to Serve Urban Health Accelerator HBCU Leadership Summit was developed to address critical needs and social issues – in and around campuses – that impact the ability of individuals to attain optimal health. Earlier this year, the American Heart Association called on HBCUs from Maryland, DC, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina to help solve some of today’s most complex problems including removing social and societal barriers to health.
WSSU was one of five HBCUs finalists to present at the showcase. Charlotte’s Johnson C. Smith University was the other winner.
Also during the showcase, students from WSSU’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity provided an overview of the stepping tradition for African American fraternities, and Martin interviewed WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson live during event.
About Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.
## Media Contact: Jay Davis, 336-750-3152 or 954-449-5376
Photo: Jeremy Beauchamp (left), EVP of the American Heart Association Mid-Atlantic Affiliate, presents Winston-Salem State with a $100,000 grant . WSSU was represented by (from left) WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson, Taylor Redfearn, Cynthia Williams-Brown, Marian Anderson-Booker, Melicia Whitt-Glover and WSSU Provost Anthony Graham.
An Alcorn State University alumnus’ dedication to creating products to better society has received a patent for one of his creations that would benefit those who are active in high temperatures.
Dr. Charles Magee, who earned a bachelor’s degree in general agriculture in 1970, was awarded a patent for his invention of a solar adiabatic cooling apparatus. The device that Magee calls a solar evaporative cooling vest was created to provide cooling for individuals in tropical environments. The apparatus is designed for a person’s upper body to cool the surrounding ambient air 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
“I envision users such as soldiers, football teams, fans at outdoor sporting events, hikers, forest fire fighters, landscape, and field workers would benefit from my product because it will allow them to stay cool and more comfortable while they work in the sun,” said Magee, who serves as a biological systems engineering professor at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.
Magee is known for his creative ability. His latest invention is his seventh creation to be awarded a patent. Currently, five of his creations, an anti-icing/reflective apparatus for automobile windshields and windows, osmotic bandage, an osmotic process and system for food production, and a process and system for rehydration, disinfection, sanitation, storage, and shipping of produce and flowers, have pending patents.
A critical factor in Magee’s motivation to invent a personal cooling system is the recorded instances of football players collapsing and even dying as a result of overheating and heat strokes. He feels that his product could put an end to such happenings.
“There is an abundance of high school, college, and professional football teams that could take advantage of this cooling system to prevent heat exhaustion during games and practices. There have been cases where players have collapsed due to heat exhaustion, and some have lost their lives due to heat strokes, which is one of my reasons for developing this creation. This invention could be a lifesaver.”
Magee currently is working on developing a prototype for his invention to test its functionality.
ATLANTA— The leadership of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity — also known as the Boulé — has made good on its promise to focus its attention on the current state of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities.
The focus, which has gained momentum under the leadership of Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, was on full display on Saturday, when the fraternity hosted a day long forum at Morehouse College dedicated to strategizing and providing best practices on how to recruit, retain and graduate Black students from these storied institutions.
Three panels included experts on HBCUs who also focused on leadership and governance, professional schools and federal, state and external challenges and opportunities for HBCUs.
U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor delivered the keynote address.
“I’ve been a member of the Boulé for several decades and the Boulé is making a focus on HBCUs and I think that’s an appropriate focus,” said Scott in an interview with Diverse. “HBCUs provide a significant portion of higher education opportunities for minorities and for African-Americans and we need to make sure that they stay alive, particularly in light of the attacks on affirmative action that are going on now in the courts.”
Dr. Michael Lomax, president of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) said that he has been a member of the Boulé for three decades and said that the UNCF has a strong relationship with the fraternity, manages a scholarship for them and has partnered on a number of philanthropic initiatives, including one in Dallas.
“What I am excited about is that this is really such an extraordinary network of high achieving African-American males who have influence all around the country,” said Lomax. “They’re beginning to look at how strategically to leverage their influence on behalf of issues they’re concerned about and higher education is one of them.”
As the nation grapples with a student debt crisis, HBCUs have been hardest hit, said panelists who said that philanthropy to these institutions have to be a central focus moving forward.
“Philanthropy has to be taught,” said Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., the civil rights stalwart, who attended Morehouse College and worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the civil rights movement. “It does not come automatically.”
Dr. David Wilson, president of Morgan State University reminded the audience that on the campuses of some HBCUs, many of the buildings bear the names of Carnegie, Rockefeller, DuPont — White philanthropists — who donated dollars to keep these institutions alive.
He said that today, wealthy African-Americans should assume that mantle.
“HBCUs are open for million dollar investments from Black millionaires. We don’t want Black millionaires in entertainment and sports and industry to not see an investment opportunity in HBCUs that White multi-millionaires saw a 100 years ago,” said Wilson. “I think that would be a terrible missed opportunity if this wealth that is being accumulated by Blacks doesn’t eventually make its way back to HBCUs.”
For years, the Boulé which was founded in Philadelphia in 1904 by a small group of physicians and medical professionals largely operated behind the scenes. But that is changing, as the fraternity has become more vocal on social justice issues.
Recently, it has partnered with Emory University to house its modern archives (the older archives are housed at Fisk University) and to digitized editions of the Boulé Journal, which is one of the oldest continuous African-American publications.
Jamal Watson can be reached at jwatson1@diverseeducation.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jamalericwatson
