We buy what we value. Even during those times when our resources are meager, we find a way to buy what we want. We cherish what we respect, we guard, protect and defend those people, places and things that give our lives love, meaning and purpose. We make important decisions about our lives based on how we spend our money and distribute our resources.
The Wilberforce Unite Campaign (www.wilberforceunite.com) is about much more than giving to Wilberforce University. To be sure, that is an important and essential goal, but there are other considerations. We have the capacity to build a first-rate Wilberforce University with an uncompromising commitment to excellence, high performance and innovation. We need only look back at Wilberforce’s history and the accomplishments of past Wilberforceans to look forward and imagine a future that is formidable and possible. We have but two choices; we can allow the naysayers to spew their negativity about what we cannot do, or we can collectively commit to facing our challenges together with determination and certainty and show the world what we can do. We are Wilberforce!
For the first time ever, HBCU students were able to participate in a Career Combine just for them.
On March 29th, the Ravens hosted 7 HBCUs located near the Baltimore area including Howard University, Bowie State University, and Lincoln University.
The combine supported an initiative to increase both diversity and professional preparedness in the sports industry workforce.
“A lot of people don’t know about HBCUs, so the fact that the Ravens took time to acknowledge us and say, ‘We should give these students a chance,’ just really means a lot,” Kiana Fludd, a sports management major at Howard, explained.
“It means they actually care about people. Instead of just, ‘Oh, we need an employee,’ it was, ‘We want quality people. We want to make sure everybody gets a chance. We want to get to know new people. We want to make new connections and relationships.’”
Brad Downs, vice president of marketing for the Baltimore Ravens.
Dior Ginyard, senior player manager for the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
Melanie LeGrande, current vice president of social responsibility for Major League Baseball and former director of community relations and foundation chair for the Baltimore Ravens.
Adrienne Lofton, former SVP of global brand management, philanthropy and marketing operations at Under Armour, who will soon join Nike in an executive marketing leadership role.
Students then heard presentations from several departments within the Ravens organization, including human resources, marketing, public relations, community relations, corporate sales/business development, client services, stadium operations, guest experience, retail, ticketing, information technology and digital media/broadcasting.
Additionally, head coach John Harbaugh and longtime executive Ozzie Newsome delivered remarks of encouragement and answered questions from the attendees near the day’s conclusion.
“In general, when meeting people in your field, what I realized is that it’s not just about getting a job or an internship right away,” noted Aaron Dykes, a sports management major at Bowie State. “It’s about having people you can reach out to for information and help you along the way. Possibly in the future, they can connect you in areas that you want to be connected.”
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, Pastor, and Social Justice Advocate
WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, a pastor, social justice advocate, author, former president of the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP, and a 2018 MacArthur Fellow, will deliver the Central State University 2019 Commencement address. Approximately 200 diplomas will be awarded during the ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, at the Dayton Convention Center.
Barber is a contributing op-ed writer for The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, and The Washington Post. Barber is also a 2018 MacArthur Fellow.
Central State University is pleased to announce Barber as the Central State University 2019 Commencement feature speaker. Barber is a distinguished author and social justice advocate, has built a national grassroots movement, that crosses race, gender, age, and class lines to address poverty, inequality, and systemic racism. He is a phenomenal orator whose work and ideas inspire and motivate the nation to the greater good.
As pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina (since 1993), and president of the North Carolina conference of the NAACP (2005–2017), Barber approaches social justice through the lens of the ethical and moral treatment of people as laid out in the Christian Bible, the Reconstruction and civil rights movements of the South, and the United States Constitution.
When his work to expand voting rights, healthcare, living wages, immigrant rights, public education, and LGBTQ rights was thwarted by opposing groups and lawmakers in North Carolina, Barber began a series of “Moral Monday” rallies outside of the statehouse in Raleigh to protest laws that suppressed voter turnout, cut funding for public education, healthcare, and further disenfranchised poor white, black, First Nations, and LGBTQ communities. The Moral Mondays rallies and associated nonviolent acts of civil disobedience grew to involve tens of thousands of participants across North Carolina and spread to states across the South. The movement waged successful legal challenges to voter suppression and racial gerrymandering, winning twice at the Supreme Court.
William Barber received a B.A. (1985), from North Carolina Central University, an M.Div. (1989), from Duke University, and a D.Min. (2003), from Drew University. He has also received seven Honorary Doctorates. He is also a distinguished visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary. Barber’s publications include the co-authored books Forward Together: A Moral Message for the Nation (2014), The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of a New Justice Movement (2016), and Revive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing (2018). He also is a contributing op-ed writer for The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, and TheWashington Post. Barber is a 2018 MacArthur Fellow, 2018 Tar Heel of the Year, an Auburn Seminary Senior Fellow, and holds the Visiting Social Justice Chair at St. John’s University.
About Central State University:
Central State University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, is a regionally accredited 1890 Land-Grant University with a 132-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research and service. The University, which has been named 2017 HBCU of the Year byHBCU Digest, fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a strong liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.
As we all know, college isn’t cheap. With students saddled with unprecedented amounts of debt, it is critical that college students obtain degrees that will earn them well-paying jobs upon graduation. Degrees that yield a high salary are important for African American students.
As you may guess, the highest-paying jobs for graduates with Bachelor’s degrees are mostly concentrated in the STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math) fields. Take a look at the 10 highest-paying college degrees from PayScale (data from 2018).
HIGHEST-PAYING COLLEGE DEGREES FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS
Your business plan is the step between pitching to and pinning down investors. Entire TV shows have been dedicated to the art of the pitch, but your business plan is the make-or-break that acts as the cherry on top for investors.
Not only that, but a solid business plan can hone your idea and start you off on your entrepreneurial journey the right way. Whether you’ve written your pitch or are overcoming the writer’s block that can waste valuable time, here’s the good and the bad.
DO: BUILD YOUR PITCH FROM YOUR PLAN.
Whether they read your plan ahead of time or not, the best pitches have rhyming notes with their accompanying material. Doing this can be as simple as including specific points that can ramp up the emotional impact of your pitch and hopefully, a potential investor’s interest.
DO: UNDERSTAND YOUR MARKET.
Investors aren’t just looking for a great idea—they’re looking for a great idea in a booming market. Breaking down your competition is critical. Examine successful companies in your field and consider comparing your product to the success of another company. Ideally, include figures that investors might stand to make if your business is successful.
DO: FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS AND FUTURE PROFITS.
Offer insight into how your competition grew in comparison with your own growth plans.
DON’T: FORGET YOUR RHETORIC.
The worst mistake you can make is boring anyone with a business plan. They’ll expect the numbers, but the art of salesmanship applies most when the person whom you’ve just pitched is considering whether or not to fund your dream. You’ve been building this business for a while—convey what makes you excited about your venture.
Focus on the value of the project beyond numbers—or instance—what will an investor be investing in by supporting your project? Also, consider having your business plan proofed by someone with a background in editing.
DON’T: SHY AWAY FROM REPETITION.
Close your business plan with a bite-sized explanation of what your product is, where you’ll sell it, and why it’s great, even if you opened your business plan with this information. Delivering a plan with enthusiasm and complete information is something investors look for.
This post was written by Jeff Shuford, a writer at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.
Some of the best chefs in the world came to Washington, D.C. on April 3rd and you’ll be sorry you missed it. Chefs from Barbados and Haiti won top prizes.
Sponsor TMCA brought out the heavyweights at the 11th Annual Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge. Embassy chefs from around the world came prepared with the most delicious and creative recipes of the year. The mouth watering winners were a guava brûlée pork belly from Barbadian Chef John Cummings, and a surf and turf pumpkin soup from Haitian Chef Dimitri Liliavois. Chef Cummings won the coveted first place “Golden Pineapple” in the Judges’ Choice category presented by TCMA. Chef Lilavois took home first place in the People’s Choice Award presented by Events DC. In addition to the food, there was live music, dancing, priceless networking, and even a best beverage challenge. C
Judges’ Choice Podium
People’s Choice Podium
Chef Javon Cummings, Barbados, Guava Brûlée Pork Belly
Chef Javon Cummings, Haiti, Surf and Turf Pumpkin Soup
Chef Anuradha Wijesinghe, Sri Lanka, Milk Rice with Onion Paste and Chicken Curry
Chef Faycal Zahraoui, Morocco, Seafood Pastila with Smoked Potatoes
Chef Ron Johnson, Bahamas, Lobster and Coconut Soup with a Curry Cracker and Red Pepper Gel
Chef Dries Molkens, Belgium, 70% Cocoa Chocolate Desserts
For a second year in a row, two additional award categories were spotlighted. The Best Beverage Award presented by PepsiCo was awarded to Chef Francis Otoo of Ghana for his Ashantie Mule Cocktail and Tebabu Assefa was named the Macy’s Best Dressed for their cultural display.
Led my emcee Ed Henry, Anchor & Chief National Correspondent for FOX News Channel, guests ate their way through an abundant array of foods and drinks prepared by the embassy chefs representing The Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Cameroon, ElSalvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Haiti, Kenya, Morocco, Peru, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The judging panel consisted of:
Executive Chef Xavier Deshayes, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Maria Godoy, Senior Editor, NPR Science Desk, and Host, The Salt
Rose Previte, Owner, Maydan and Compass Rose
Ashley Rose Young, Food Historian, Smithsonian National Museum of American History
“Every year the Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge grows bigger, better and even more delicious! Barbados and Haiti may have gone home with the Golden Pineapples, but with amazing food, drinks, music, dancing, and such celebration of diplomacy everyone can go home feeling like a winner said Events DC president and CEO, Gregory A O’Dell. “We had exceptionally talented embassy chefs representing their country’s native cuisines. Congratulations to all of our participants and thank you for helping to celebrating all the culinary treasures right here in our nation’s capital.”
NORFOLK, Va. – CollegeInsider announced on Friday its recipients for several national coaching awards, and Norfolk State head men’s basketball coach Robert Jones beat out 24 other finalists to take home one of those honors; the organization announced that Jones has been named the winner of the 2019 Skip Prosser Award.
The award is named for former Wake Forest head coach Skip Prosser, who died suddenly in 2007. It is presented annually to a Division I coach who not only achieves success on the court, but also displays moral integrity off of it.
It marks Jones’ third award this year, along with the MEAC Coach of the Year and the NABC District 15 Coach of the Year awards. This year marked the first time he was nominated for the Skip Prosser Award.
Jones was also a finalist for the Hugh Durham and Ben Jobe awards this year, presented by CollegeInsider. It marked his fourth nomination for the Ben Jobe Award, presented annually to the top minority coach in D-I basketball. It was his first nomination for the Hugh Durham Award, presented to the top mid-major coach in D-I.
The Spartans finished 22-14 overall this year, capturing the MEAC regular-season title at 14-2. They advanced to the second round of the NIT after upsetting No. 1 seed Alabama in the first round.
ATLANTA, GA (WALB) – WALB is taking a deeper look at a bill that could greatly impact Albany’s only state university.
WALB News 10′s Asia Wilson has been tracking the controversial legislation and the withdrawn senate bill (SB 273) along with a new bill (SB 278) that has been proposed.
Senate Bill 273 indicates the names of three historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, would change to a uniform name. They would be called the Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical University System (Georgia A & M).’ Now, under the new version, Albany State, Savannah State and Fort Valley State universities would keep their names but operate under the new system.
You may remember us telling you Tuesday about five senators withdrawing the bill, including Freddie Powell Sims, because they did not want the schools’ names changed.
The new bill states the Georgia A & M System will still stand and include a government-appointed team to make annual visits to the schools and inspect them regularly.
We’re working to get clarification from the bill’s author on who will make up that team.
Georgia A & M will have the power to appoint and remove professors, consolidate or suspend institutions, merge departments and more.
Why the HBCU bills were created
The bill’s author, Senator Lester Jackson, said that right now, the Board of Regents has lobbyists from schools in the University System of Georgia, voicing issues at the Capitol every day, but not for HBCUs.
Senator Jackson said the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia currently have one African-American out of 19 people on the board.
Jackson said this led him to drafting the bill to bring more attention and conversation about the needs of Albany State, Fort Valley State and Savannah State universities. He wants to form the Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical University System.
Senator Jackson said the five drivers pushing this proposal are decline in enrollment, historical under-funding, low endowment, lack of student and alumni involvement with the selection of presidents and lack of equity compared to other universities.
“Our main avenue is to work with the university system. We want to be included in the university system but we want equity. We want the same things that the other institutions are getting. We want help in recruiting the best and brightest,” said Jackson.
Jackson said the schools combined only have a little over 12,000 students, which is why he wants a board of trustees for the state historically black college system that models after other states like North Carolina A & T and Florida A & M.
According to Pew, Morgan State University in Baltimore recently organized a daylong hemp informational event, where more than 100 people attended.
Pew:
“More than 100 people attended the recent daylong hemp informational event organized by Morgan State University, a historically black university in Baltimore, Maryland. A handful of the attendees were black. Among them, few were farmers. Instead, most were entrepreneurs or academics connected to Morgan State.
Willie May, vice president of research and economic development for Morgan State, touted its vision for an industrial hemp program, including education, applied and academic research and quality control services. The school plans to offer bachelor’s and master’s programs in medicinal plant science and a certificate program in hemp and cannabis.
Hemp is providing an opportunity for historically black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs, to tap into a convergence of interest among farmers, legislators and consumers.”
HOUSTON (April 5, 2019) –A new tradition was born at Texas Southern University, as students who have reached or exceeded
90+ credit hours attended the “Be Ready and Graduate” (B.R.A.G.) event on Tuesday, April 2, in the H&PE Arena. Speakers included representatives from the Office of the Provost and Student Services. During the event, students spoke with representatives from
their college/school regarding their degree path and degree audit. They also received a B.R.A.G. pin, which they will turn in for an alumni pin upon graduation.
“We are excited to start this new tradition for our future TSU grads,” said President Austin A. Lane. “TSU wants to ensure our students make it to the finish line. As part of our Project Graduation initiative, we want to celebrate the students
who have reached this critical 90-hour milestone.”
The initiative is an effort to increase the University’s graduation rates and help students on their pathway to success and completion at TSU.
“Our students are one of a kind; they are so different and unique,” said Provost Kendall Harris. “They have worked so hard to make it this far. We want them to know we are rooting for their success, one hundred percent, and are ready to
see them across the finish line.”
To engage the students and incorporate social media, attendees were encouraged to post a #TXSUBRAG and talk about why reaching this milestone was important to them. To follow their stories, search the event’s official hashtag, #TXSUBRAG.
TSU plans to make this event a new tradition, giving students another milestone to look forward to along with their upcoming graduation.
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.
TMCF offers four types of unique scholarships that are merit, plus need-based designed to address the financial needs of students attending TMCF member-schools. The awards process is highly competitive and the awards are given to outstanding and qualified students who plan to earn a baccalaureate, graduate or law degree from an accredited college or university. Occasionally, we may offer scholarships to students not attending one of our member-schools.
TMCF | 19th Annual Leadership Institute
The Apple HBCU Scholars Program is just one element of the $40 million partnership between Apple and Thurgood Marshall College Fund announced earlier this year. (Photo Courtesy of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund) (PRNewsFoto/Thurgood Marshall College Fund)
Application Deadline: April 30, 2019 The award-winning Leadership Institute is a national program intended to develop students’ leadership skills, create a community of scholars, provide companies access to a talented and diverse student population, and help students make connections that lead to careers. The 2019 Leadership Institute will take place on October 16-20, 2019 in Washington, DC. Apply
TMCF | Ford Blue Oval Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 7, 2019 Selected scholars will receive a one-year scholarship of $6,200 for the 2018-2019 academic school year.TMCF and Ford Motor Company Fund are proud to offer financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend one of the 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the TMCF member-school network. The TMCF | Ford Blue Oval Scholarship is open only to African American male students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Apply
TMCF | Keybank Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 7, 2019 Selected scholars will receive a one-year scholarship of up to $7,500 for the 2018-2019 academic school year. TMCF and Keybank are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending one of the 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs)within the TMCF member-school network. The TMCF | Keybank Scholarship is open to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Apply
TMCF | Teacher Quality and Retention Program
Application Deadline: April 5, 2019 From its first Summer Institute in 2009, the Teacher Quality and Retention Program (TQRP) has provided high-caliber training and mentoring to aspiring, pre-service and new teachers from publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country. The result of lessons learned from a 2006 Gates School Reform grant, as well as the Teacher Prep Program Pilot in 2008, TQRP has emerged into a robust, research-based program that has impacted over 600 Program Fellows over the last 10 years across 20 different states and 45 TMCF Member Schools. Apply
TMCF | MillerCoors Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 7, 2019 One-year scholarship of up to $6,700 for the 2019-2020 academic school year. TMCF and MillerCoors are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending one of the 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the TMCF member-school network. The TMCF | MillerCoors Scholarship is open to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Apply
TMCF | USDA-NRCS Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: April 7, 2019 Selected Scholars will receive up to $15,000 in scholarship funding based on individual financial needs that will be applied to their junior and senior years of study.The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending one of the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the TMCF member-school network. Apply
HOUSTON (April 2, 2019) –Longtime Texas Southern University Photographer Earlie Hudnall, Jr. was selected by the Texas State
Legislature as one of the Texas State Artists for 2020 in the two-dimensional category. During each Legislative Session, the Texas State Legislature designates Texas State Artists for the following positions: state poet laureate, state musician, state two-dimensional
artist, and state three-dimensional artist. Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) manages the TCA nomination process.
“I am grateful for the honor and recognition but my joy comes from carrying this camera, finding a subject that is interesting and “clicking,” said Hudnall.
As a Texas State Artist, Hudnall will serve a one-year-term and represent the state’s artistic legacy. He will be widely recognized for his contributions to the state and advancement of his art form, he will also have the opportunity to
be included on TCA’s Texas Touring Roster.
“Earlie Hudnall is a true Tiger institution. He has left an incredible legacy at TSU,” said TSU President Austin A. Lane, “Not only has he perfected his craft of photography, he has mentored and inspired so many TSU students along the way.
This is a well-deserved honor.”
Nominations for Texas State Artists are reviewed by the TCA and a final list is provided to the selection committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who
designates the Texas State Artists during the Legislative session.
“The great talents of the 2019-2020 State Artists, along with all of those who were nominated, help contribute to a distinctive cultural identity that makes Texas
a great place to live, work and visit,” said State Representative John Cyrier, Chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, & Tourism. “It is important that we celebrate the distinguished career achievements of these artists that have enhanced the
lives of so many.”
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.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Morgan State University President David Wilson has been appointed to the NCAA Board of Governors and Division I Board of Directors, as announced by the NCAA. Dr. Wilson’s term of service on the committees will begin in August 2019, at the close of the Board of Governors and Board of Directors meetings and continue through the close of the August 2023 board meetings.
“Dr. Wilson has a wealth of experience and is a proven leader on the Division I level,” MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas said. “He will be a tremendous asset to the NCAA Division I Board of Governors and Directors.”
Dr. Wilson calls his appointment to the committees “a unique opportunity.”
“It is a great honor to be appointed to the NCAA’s highest governing body and presented the unique opportunity to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience while working to expand the understanding of the challenges faced by those in higher education with limited resources,” Dr. Wilson said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board of Governors to ensure that our student-athletes are students first. I humbly accept this worthy opportunity to represent the best interests of our amateur athletes with integrity and fairness.”
Dr. Wilson has served as president at Morgan State since July 1, 2010 and is the 10th president in the university’s history. He has more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration and holds four academic degrees: a B.S. in political science and an M.S. in education from Tuskegee University; an Ed.M. in educational planning and administration from Harvard University; and an Ed.D. in administration, planning and social policy, also from Harvard.
Dr. Wilson’s achievements as a leader of Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university have clearly been strong, but it is the character he brings to the presidency, a character shaped by the intangibles of his background, that is perhaps most impressive of all.
Dr. Wilson’s educational philosophy is to put the students’ experience first. As a leader, he is a consensus builder and a strong believer in transparency of process. His goal is to make Morgan State a leader in producing the next wave of innovators in the U.S. Under his guiding leadership, Morgan has experienced record growth in campus development, research and development, enrollment, retention and graduation, academic progress and University fundraising, including the successful completion of an historic $250 million Sesquicentennial Anniversary Campaign.
Dr. Wilson has also been honored and recognized as a leader in higher education. Most recently, he received the national Boy Scouts of America’s 2018 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award presented by Baltimore Area Council, BSA, and he was named to the Maryland Daily Record newspaper’s Circle of Influence for being selected as an “Influential Marylander” on three separate occasions (2018, 2016 and 2011). He was also named to the Baltimore Business Journal’s 2019 Power 10.
No stranger to service, Dr. Wilson has served as the Chair of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Council of Chief Executive Officers (CCEOs) for the past two years, and he currently serves on the NCAA Division I Presidential Forum in a term that lasts until August 2021. Additionally, he was elected to the Lumina Foundation’s Board of Directors in January 2018. Prior to that election, the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology had appointed him to serve a three-year term as a member of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology.
Dr. Wilson is a former chairman of the HBCU/China Network, a member of the Maryland Cybersecurity Council and the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Governing Board and he serves on the Boards of Directors of the Greater Baltimore Committee, the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and the Association of American Colleges and Universities. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed him to his 11-member Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He also served on the Board of the United Way of Central Maryland.
As a member of the NCAA Board of Governors and Division I Board of Directors, Dr. Wilson will sustain and advance the Association’s mission, traditions, values and reputation.
About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) begins its 48th year of intercollegiate competition heading into the 2018-19 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is made up of 12 outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Savannah State University and South Carolina State University.
Morgan State University (MSU) President David Wilson announced today that Congressman Elijah E. Cummings will be the keynote speaker for the University’s 143rd Spring Commencement ceremony, on May 18, 2019 at Hughes Memorial Stadium. Cummings, a member of Morgan’s Board of Regents, will deliver his address before a diverse graduating class of nearly 800 undergraduate students. Morgan alumnus and journalist William C. Rhoden will also be in attendance to receive an honorary doctorate during the exercises.
The occasion marks the second time that Congressman Cummings will address a group of graduating Morgan students. He also served as Morgan’s commencement speaker in 2006 and was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws.
“It is a great honor to have Congressman Cummings, an iconic civic leader of our time, share his perspective, experience and wisdom with our graduates on this grand occasion,” said President Wilson. “Having an opportunity to work closely with Congressman Cummings in his invaluable service to our Board of Regents, and witnessing his contributions to this nation and his community, I am certain there is not a voice that could make a greater impact on students as they embark on the next stage of their journey.”
A native son and current resident of Baltimore, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings proudly represents Maryland’s Seventh Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since beginning his career of public service in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years and became the first African American in Maryland’s history to be named speaker pro tem, Congressman Cummings has remained committed to uplifting and empowering his constituency.
“An ardent advocate for Morgan, and a longtime supporter of our institution, Congressman Cummings brings an ethos that mirrors that of our institution,” added President Wilson. His career accomplishments and passion as a representative of the people cement his connection to the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland.”
Congressman Cummings is chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. As the main investigative arm for the House of Representatives, the committee has jurisdiction to closely examine any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications. In addition to Oversight and Reform, Congressman Cummings is also a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, serving on both the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
In keeping with his commitment to championing the progress of our next generation and widening their access to opportunity, Congressman Cummings is active on numerous boards and commissions dedicated to youth, including the Morgan State University Board of Regents and the SEED School of Maryland Board of Directors, and he is an honorary board member of KIPP Baltimore Schools and the Baltimore School for the Arts.
The lone honorary degree conferred during Morgan’s Spring Commencement Exercises will be bestowed on accomplished sports writer and journalist William C. Rhoden, MSU Class of 1973.
Before making his mark as a journalist and author, Bill Rhoden honed his craft as an undergraduate at Morgan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in speech communication. A former Morgan State football player, Rhoden played on the victorious 1968 Bears team that defeated the Grambling State Tigers in the “Whitney Young Classic.”
Rhoden, who grew up during the civil rights movement, took great pride in his African-American heritage, which fostered his growing political consciousness about racism and his expanding belief in the importance of black institutions. It was this awareness that led him to Morgan when his athletic talents may have provided him opportunities at a predominantly white university.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Rhoden worked for the Baltimore Afro-American, serving as the newspaper’s sports editor, followed by several years writing at The Baltimore Sun and as a columnist at Ebony Magazine. However, Rhoden cemented his career as a sports writer while penning the widely popular column “Sports of The Times” for The New York Times, from which he retired in 2016. In 2006, he published his first book, “Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete,” an analysis of prejudice and intolerance in American professional sports. He was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame in 2018.
Rhoden is now a writer and editor-at-large for ESPN’s The Undefeated. In addition to his work at The Undefeated, Rhoden is giving back to his community by assisting the next generation of journalists as the head of a fellowship program named in his honor. Established in 2017 and sponsored by ESPN, the Rhoden Fellowship is a two-year program that identifies and trains aspiring African-American journalists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, providing these students with a unique opportunity to report news stories on their campuses through the production of multimedia content.
Morgan’s Spring Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019, beginning at 10 a.m., at Hughes Memorial Stadium on the University’s campus.
About Morgan State University
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
Roughly four months into the spring semester, Howard University students finally caught a glimpse of the most anticipated season of the year: darty season.
The sunny Washington weekend weather invited the annual return of on and off-campus springtime festivities with two back-to-back darties Friday and Saturday. Beginning in late-March, the season brings sunshine, sundresses, sandals and smiles.
At Howard, darty season is much more than a single event marked by weather patterns and daylight hours. Like most things at the Mecca, the season symbolizes a culture and experience ingrained into the student body.
Senior Camille Neal has immersed herself into this culture and continues to enjoy the pre-summertime celebration.
Camille Neal poses for a photo before arriving at the first darty of the semester Friday afternoon in Northeast D.C.
“Howard is a vibe within itself. If you throw in a day party, some music and liquor, it’s unmatched. Darty season means that spring is here and spring at Howard is like your annual block party or family reunion. Once it’s hot out, you start seeing everybody especially those you haven’t seen since freshman year,” said Neal.
DJ Noble, also known as Kelechi Ononiwu, shared similar sentiments as a senior.
“Springtime at Howard is very special. This is one of the many times where everyone is able to enjoy our school. The spring semester is always rough academically which is why darty season is highly anticipated. This one month of consistent sunlight is the best time to be at Howard.”
By eagerly capitalizing on every 75-degree day, the season is welcomed with open arms. Students look noticeably happier, El Rey or Pure usually turn into an after move and social media is typically filled with sunkissed photos matched with clever captions.
For women in particular, the pop-out event features an array of trendy yet comfortable looks that usually give birth to a full set of Pinterest fashion boards. After months of hibernation, the time finally comes to ditch the oversized coats and baseball caps for a neck-turning outfit planned days in advance.
A self-described fashionista, sophomore Deja Davenport said she enjoys dressing up for darties–specifically so her entire outfit can be seen.
Deja Davenport (middle) and her friends attended a darty hosted by promotional groups 237, F-Squad and Noble Nation Friday afternoon in Northeast D.C.
Credit: Mikael (@ethio.mike)
“If you look good, you feel good. Many students love fashion and will use any event to make anything into a look. There are so many different combinations that we want to make and create and so many different ways to dress ourselves.”
With the high demand for darties, the season comes with its own challenges for various party promotional groups. F-Squad, one of Howard’s newest groups to emerge into the party scene, says many townhouses in D.C. do not have adequate backyard space to accommodate everyone.
“It’s difficult finding a space that is both close in proximity to Howard and owned by someone willing to let us throw darties. There is also a chance that police will eventually shut it down due to noise complaints from neighbors,” said F-Squad founder Zaire Johnson.
These issues have not stopped F-Squad from showing students a good time. The group hosted the first darty of the semester with promo groups 237 and Noble Nation Friday afternoon.
F-Squad attended All Things Go Fall Classic, an annual D.C. music festival, in October 2017. Pictured left to right: Myles Youngblood, Darien Mercado, Abudullah Muhammed, Zaire Johnson, Owens Vil and Kalonji McCauley.
Credit: Judayah Murray
“It’s great that we are able to leave a legacy and help students create long-lasting memories. As a promoter, when the weather gets above 70 degrees, it’s go time! Everybody on campus is looking for you to provide an event and if you don’t, you have failed them,” said Johnson.
Although most students may not understand the concept of reading a dance floor or mastering transitions and spontaneous improvised set structures, the season puts a big spotlight on Howard DJs. Spinning for at least seven darties, Noble says his role “is slightly undervalued but a very humbling experience.”
DJ Noble is a senior, political science major at Howard University from Sacramento, California. His says hosting a great darty includes having a great theme, flyer, DJ lineup and location.
“As a DJ, I enjoy making people happy by creating a care-free and welcoming environment through music. Since darties last longer throughout the day and students are not pressed to hear the hottest tracks, I can be more unconventional because the crowd wants to hear good music and good transitions.”
“The music hits differently when you’re outside–like a summer vibe. It’s sad that once I graduate, I’ll be too grown to be popping up at darties. My Howard darty days are almost over,” Neal said.
The power of vitamin D should not to be underestimated. During darty season, the sun contributes to what Neal, Davenport and Noble describe as peace, joy and a happier spirit. According to the three, the seasonal change brings a more inclusive environment.
“The best thing about darty season is the unity amongst everyone. The communal environment puts everyone in a good mood. At house parties it’s too hot to speak, people are bothered, but at darties it’s the complete opposite. Everyone is excited to be there and talk to each other. The fact that we’re outside changes everybody’s vibe,” Davenport said.
Darty season is the taste of Howard students feen for. Students describe it as a magical oasis filled with memorable events including Springfest, LaTex and Daycation. The season will continue to have a lasting impact on Howard’s culture and help define the HBCU experience.
The experience would not be complete without these 10 must-have songs compiled by Neal, Davenport and Noble for your perfect darty playlist.
Many graduates of HBCU institutions are either planning to publish a book or have and working on multiple titles. This information is for those in and near Jacksonville, Florida.
A paradigm of digital innovation and literary craftsmanship is happening on the Northwest quadrant of Jacksonville. Empowering authors with the knowledge to adapt diverse technologies to the writing process. It is not enough to just write and publish a book, authors must manage their Brand, find their Niche and manage their content on Social Media platforms using tools and Apps to bring awareness to their works.
Integration of Social Media platforms, tools, and resources to build Brands and create Niches is a tool-set many authors are learning and integrating. It is not enough to just write a book, authors need to market their Brand.
Building Authors and Integrating Tech
Since its inception Authors RoundTable has been providing guest speakers the opportunity to share their knowledge, tips/tricks and innovative literary creativity to empower and motivate others.
The growing fellowship of men and women, boys and girls of diverse cultural backgrounds share in a brother and sisterhood of literary accomplishment. The goal of writing a book or books that expresses their passions, interests, desires and excitement for reading.
Held at the Jacksonville Public Library – Highlands Branch on the third Tuesday of each month. The gatherings are informative, energetic, inspiring, friendly and fun.
The building of personal and professional self-esteem and providing help in writing, publishing, graphic design, promotion, e-books, technology and other areas that make the writing and publishing process daunting. Every author is unique, the common thread of being a published author is shared as a common goal.
Events like the Jax Book Fest show the fun and engagement of writing and the community it has built in Jacksonville. Blogging as well has been accepted and welcomed into the publishing arena because many people do not have the time to sit down with a book, but will read blogs, e-books and listen online from the free resources that the library has to offer with interactive literature.
The Jacksonville Public Library has 21 library locations across the city, this shows the respect for literature and understanding for a growing community that sees education as the means for improvement and economic elevation and stability. Students in the schools have access to state of the art resources to help them graduate and obtain higher educational degrees with learning outside of the classroom to supplement classroom instruction.
Jacksonville Public Library is one of the largest library systems nationally and each branch caters to youth, teens and young adults.
Resources like the Authors RoundTable is just one of many resources that encourage writers to express their talents on diverse platforms and come out to learn from each other.
The bonding and fellowship gained continues to help the goal of writers to accomplish the goal of being published and embracing the chore of promoting themselves, building their Brands and creating a Niche.
All are invited that have a dream and a goal of being published and need help with tech. Social Media assistance provide by Aida Correa, LoveBuilt Life LLC, Twitter @lovebuiltlife, AC Vasquez, Indie Author Instagram: @author_acvazquez William Jackson, My Quest to Teach, Twitter @wmjackson is a graduate of South Carolina State University 1987
