My professional writing journey started approximately three years ago while attempting to discover ways to increase my impact and influence online. I didn’t earn a degree in journalism like most of my colleagues. I didn’t have connections with publishers and editors, and I generally had no idea how to contribute content and pitch newspaper editors. Fast forward to the present day, I am not only honored to contribute to Black Enterprise (a life-long aspiration), but I am also one of the youngest African American nationally syndicated columnists in the nation. Regardless of your background or educational level, you too can become a more influential blogger, contributor, or contributing writer (and possibly syndicated writer). As an award-winning columnist, I have four rules to increase content visibility that I have developed through writing content for brands such as Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, The Business Journals, and many other global publications. Check out my top four content rules and leave a comment below and share your best tips and tricks to increase content visibility.

INCREASE DISTRIBUTION PHYSICALLY

Newspapers are not dead, they have simply expanded. While contributors and bloggers shy away from writing for physical newspapers, I have expanded my content to them. This has not only helped me make history, but it also brings more eyes to my content. I write for traditionally non-diverse publications, anytime a reader sees an African American writing content in their trusted business publication they investigate online. Sometimes out of curiosity or simple plain amazement. After all, who would imagine that a “young black guy” could write business content for their prestigious online publications? I do, and it plays well into the increase in my online visibility.

STAY HYPERFOCUSED

I try to stay in my lane. My content both in print and online has remained aligned. Google (smaller search engines) and my readers know what to expect when they see a Jeff Shuford article, this also helps when pitching editors. I see too many contributors writing about anything at any time, it not only can confuse a reader but it also doesn’t let a writers voice develop through consistent content (Google Searchability is key).

PERSONAL BLOGS (FOR ME) ARE A NO-GO

I don’t run a personal blog; I believe that it would do a disservice to my print and online publishers. I also don’t send people through a funnel on my personal website; it keeps readers searching for content through search engines and utilizes my website simply for validation and information gathering. When readers stumble upon my personal and business website, they are redirected to my published articles and not to a personal blog section. Simply put, the views are redirected to the individual publication that I contributed the piece to. Major Key Alert: Editors and publishers appreciate the effort to keep readers on their website as opposed to yours!

BECOMING LEGENDARY

My goal has always been to be memorable and to build a legacy. Last year I discovered the power of sticking to my content roadmap. Having my content named one of the top articles on LinkedIn Business (No. 3) was a great learning experience. It has also led to more people searching for my content, this helps my editors more than myself due to the fact that I don’t monetize my readers. Publications like the Jacksonville Business Journaland other publications in my network of syndicated partners bring me in to speak at their events, also increasing my digital footprint. I maintain great relationships with newspaper and digital editors throughout the 44 regions that I write for, they teach me a great deal about distribution, networking, and content market strategy. My marketing team emails editors and influencers about my new content (Thanks Celeste Everett & Cher Davis!). I am not saying that this strategy works for everyone but it sure works for me.

NATIONAL SYNDICATION IS KEY

It all boils down to distribution points and brand footprint. A Google search of my name (Jeff Shuford) yields a ton of results, all pointing back to me and my content. The newspapers do a great job of generating interest for my name, and with 44 regions with an average readership (of the physical newspapers alone) of 100Kk (3.6 million readers total), I do very well (and you can too!).

This post was written by Jeff Shuford, a writer at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Bennett College Board of Trustees has charged an independent committee of national and state leaders to develop plans that advance a sustainable, successful future for Bennett College.  The Bennett Re-Engineering Committee (BRC) is composed of 19 members who will work with the College leadership to chart a path forward that builds on Bennett’s rich and unique history.

The BRC will be co-chaired by Yvonne Johnson, executive director of the nonprofit One Step Further and former Greensboro mayor, and Tom Ross, president of The Volcker Alliance and president emeritus of the University of North Carolina System.  Other committee members include experts from education, business, strategy, diversity and public health.

“As an alumna of Bennett College, I have a deep appreciation for the role this Institution plays in shaping the lives of young women,” said Johnson.  “I am honored to co-chair this committee of esteemed and capable leaders who have answered the call to reposition Bennett for both immediate and long-term success.”

The BRC will identify opportunities for Bennett to develop high-demand academic programs, provide exceptional student services and support, improve operational efficiencies and strengthen its overall governance, administration and financial sustainability.  The Committee’s first meeting will be held April 18, and its work will continue over the course of the summer.

The BRC convenes at a critical juncture in Bennett College’s history.  In December 2018, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to remove Bennett from membership, citing concerns over its financial stability.  Bennett appealed the decision, and in a national demonstration of overwhelming support for the College, more than 14,000 donors contributed $9.5 million in over two months.  When SACSCOC denied Bennett’s appeal, the Institution filed a lawsuit and remains accredited by SACSCOC during the legal process.  Bennett College is also seeking accreditation from a second body, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).

“This is a pivotal time in Bennett’s history and in higher education. The BRC has the cross-sector perspectives and skills needed to put Bennett on a sustainable trajectory and to satisfy accreditation concerns,” said Ross.  “We are committed to generating new ideas and welcome the input of all Bennett College stakeholders.”

As part of the BRC’s work, it is conducting a survey of all key stakeholders.  That survey and more information about the BRC can be found at BennettBRC.com.

Alabama A&M University alumnus John O. Hudson, III, will be the speaker for the spring commencement program Friday, May 3, at the Von Braun Center Arena, at 6 p.m.

Hudson is a licensed attorney who serves as executive vice president and chief external and public affairs officer at Southern Company Gas. He is also president of the Southern Company Gas Foundation.

Before assuming his current role, Hudson served as senior vice president of marketing and business development at Alabama Power, responsible for the company’s marketing, economic development, business development and corporate entrepreneurship functions, as well as customer service centers in Birmingham and Montgomery.

Previously, he served as the chief executive of the Alabama Power Foundation and as vice president of public relations and charitable giving. Hudson joined Alabama Power in 1996 and held positions of increasing responsibility, most notably serving as assistant to the company’s president and CEO and as area manager for the Birmingham division.

Hudson received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Alabama A&M University and is a cum laude graduate of Miles College School of Law. He also completed the Executive Accounting and Finance Program at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School.

Hudson and his wife, a municipal court judge in Birmingham, have one daughter and reside in Birmingham and Atlanta.

Over 800 undergraduate and graduate students have applied for graduation to receive degrees in the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences; the College of Business and Public Affairs; the College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences; the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences; and the School of Graduate Studies.

Latoya Nicole, bestselling author and owner of Entrepreneurs Color Too, is back with the release of her newest edition Alma Mater and it’s just in time for graduation! The coloring book is full of highlights that showcase the Black College Experience including its education, diversity and culture. The illustrations are inspired by beautiful Black women and range from Greek life and the Royal Court to STEM and science labs. It even includes activities that test your HBCU knowledge.

“I couldn’t be more excited to release this book,” says Latoya. “I’ve been so humbled by the response thus far and the overwhelming interest.”

When asked what inspired her to create Alma Mater, Latoya replied, “My godmother, who recently passed away, was an advocate for education and we share the philosophy that HBCUs are an important part of history. As an ode to her I wanted to create something that not only promoted education but also captured the spirit of Black Colleges in an artistic manner. It’s also a way to celebrate the people I see in my community, help women practice self care and pay homage to my own Alma Mater, Winston Salem State University.”

The book is great therapy for women and it’s a great way to help students de-stress! Sometimes we just need to unwind, unplug, and relax and coloring can help with that. You can color by yourself or even have fun celebrating a girls’ night out by having a coloring party!

About Entrepreneurs Color Too:
Entrepreneurs Color Too is a coloring book series that gives women of color a new method to relieve stress on the go, at the office, or even at home. Other books in the series include 80’s Ladies which features fashion trends from the 80’s and 90’s, and 24 Shades of Business which is filled with 24 inspiring illustrations of Black women in various occupations from CEO to a yoga instructor. The books have already sold thousands of copies and their first book 24 Shades of Business was even endorsed by O, The Oprah Magazine which recently published an article highlighting the significance of adult coloring books in the lives of people who have to face stress and anxiety on a daily basis.

Alma Mater is available for purchase on Amazon. For additional information, please visit www.entrepreneurscolortoo.com

About the author:
Latoya Nicole is a bestselling author, publisher and social entrepreneur. She is from Raleigh, North Carolina and has received a Master’s Degree in Counseling/Psychology. She is creating her own lane while bridging the gap between coloring books and black culture! Her books have been featured in Curly Nikki, Black Enterprise, Madame Noire, Official Black Wall Street and more. Being passionate about uplifting females in the community she also teaches emerging entrepreneurs how to start and market their online businesses. Find her at https://iamlatoyanicole.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

The NFL Draft seems to be pretty stocked with talent this year. Some of these outstanding football prospects are from the ranks of the historically Black colleges and universities.

The list of quality HBCU players is quite impressive coming from all four Black college conferences — Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

Some of these prospects could hear their names called during the NFL Draft, which will be held April 25-27 from Nashville, Tenn. If they aren’t selected, these players could likely sign with NFL teams as undrafted free agents.

Tytus Howard

Offensive Tackle

Alabama State

6-foot-5, 322 pounds

Howard could be the first HBCU player chosen in the NFL Draft. He was a quarterback coming out of high school. He was recruited by ASU as a tight end. Howard has developed into one of the top offensive lineman. He has great agility. He’s a good run and pass blocker.

Howard could be the first HBCU player chosen in the FL Draft. He was a quarterback coming out of high school. He was recruited by ASU as a tight end. Howard has developed into one of the top offensive lineman. He has great agility. He’s a good run and pass blocker.

Howard participated in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He was a second team FCS All-American and a first team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selection.

Joshua Miles

Offensive Lineman

Morgan State

6-foot-6, 310 pounds

Miles has good size and power. His height and length allowed him to be a good run blocker and pass protector. He could play guard or tackle in the NFL. He participated in the NFL Combine. Miles, an All-MEAC selection, also played in the East-West Shrine Game.

Darryl Johnson

Defensive End

North Carolina A&T

6-foot-5, 232 pounds

Johnson had an outstanding season at North Carolina A&T. He was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Johnson has great lateral quickness. He plays the run and the pass extremely well. He had 50 total and 31 solo tackles. Johnson also had 10.5 sacks. His efforts helped North Carolina A&T defeat Alcorn State to win the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl and the National Black College Championship.

Sterling Shippy

Defensive Line

Alcorn State

6-foot-1, 300 pounds

Shippy is a great run stopper and pass rusher. He moves well off the ball. He’s good at anticipating where the ball is going. Shippy can get to the quarterback with his strength and quickness. He had 38 total and 17 solo tackles. He also had eight sacks.

Amir Hall

Quarterback

Bowie State

6-foot-4, 195 pounds

Hall is a big-time quarterback. He can run and throw the ball down the field. Hall had a sensational career at Bowie State. He threw for 10,198 yards and 94 touchdowns in his college career. Hall has all the skills to play quarterback in the NFL.

Read more here.

TORRANCE, Calif., April 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — In front of a packed studio audience consisting of top HBCU students, school presidents, HCASC alumni and Honda associates, Spelman College took home the championship title and a $75,000 institutional grant at the 30^th annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) National Championship Tournament, America’s premier academic competition for HBCUs. Hosted on the Honda campus in Torrance, California, HCASC is the only program of its kind and provides a national stage for high-achieving HBCU students to advance their dreams. Each year, Honda awards more than $350,000 in institutional grants to participating HBCUs in addition to providing travel, meals and accommodations for the 48 teams.

In a two game sweep against Florida A&M University, the Spelman team demonstrated superior academic prowess, gameplay and teamwork by accurately answering questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. Spelman bested teams from 47 HBCUs and qualified for the National Championship Tournament after winning a series of regional competitions throughout the academic year.

The winning team was coached by Daniel Bascelli and includes Jessika Agyepong, Maati McKinney, Naomi Steplight, and team captain, Ariana Benson.   

“Winning itself isn’t the only reward. It’s about bringing these students together and watching them represent their school in the best possible way,” said Daniel Bascelli, coach, Spelman College. “The spirit at Spelman is really strong. If you talk to the students, the feeling for Spelman, the feeling for HCBCUs and the support that Honda gives them is all a part of the pride that they feel.”

Read more here.

Increased focus on college students may be one way to pave a more diverse future in Hollywood.

A new program from the UCLA Anderson School for Management’s Summer Institute at the Center for MEMES (Media, Entertainment & Sports) in partnership with Howard University gives students the opportunity to learn the ropes of the entertainment industry through paid internships. The program enables students to gain firsthand experience in film and television production via a hands-on six-week course centered around the entertainment industry.

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After it became clear that the cost of the classes, along with  the high cost of living in Los Angeles, made it hard for students of color to take advantage of the opportunities, the program expanded their initiatives to Howard in hopes of casting a wider net. In addition to offering financial support for select Howard students to take part in summer courses, the Center will work to find internships for students while they’re in Los Angeles.

As part of the program, Lionsgate has already employed three interns across their motion picture, production, worldwide TV/digital distribution and talent acquisition teams. One intern is already hired for an entry-level position at the company post-graduation.

Jay Tucker, Executive Director at the Center for MEMES at UCLA told Deadline that Sen. Kamala Harris played a part in getting the program going. “She was one of the catalysts to help raise awareness around this opportunity,” Tucker said. “It really helped to get the ball rolling.”

Read more here.

Loretta Lynch, the nation’s first female African-American U.S. attorney general, will serve as Tuskegee University’s commencement speaker during its 134th Spring Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 11.

A leading progressive voice during her 30-plus-year highly distinguished career, Lynch was appointed at the 83rd U.S. attorney general by President Barack Obama in April 2015 and served in this capacity until January 2017.  She also served as head of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York twice, under both President Bill Clinton and Obama.

Described by Obama as “the only lawyer in America who battles mobsters, drug lords and terrorists, and still has the reputation for being a charming ‘people person,’” she has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the nation on a number of tough issues. Those issues have included improving the relationship between local law enforcement and the communities they serve, as well as her bold stances on criminal justice reform. 

Lynch has spent years in the trenches rising through the ranks as a prosecutor, aggressively fighting terrorism, financial fraud and cybercrime — all while vigorously defending civil and human rights. While leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, she became known for the high-profile civil rights conviction of two Brooklyn police officers who brutally assaulted Haitian immigrant Abner Louima.

While in private practice, Lynch served as a volunteer legal advisor for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, established to prosecute those responsible for human rights violations in the 1994 genocide in that nation.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, the daughter of a school librarian and fourth-generation Baptist minister was also inspired by stories about her grandfather, a sharecropper in the 1930s who helped members of his community who had no recourse under the Jim Crow system. 

The university’s May 11 commencement ceremony will be held in the campus’ Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Arena. The commencement processional will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the official ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. As a courtesy, guests should be seated by the processional or delay their entry until the processional concludes.

Due to limited seating for graduates and their families, spring commencement is a ticketed event. Visit www.tuskegee.edu/commencement for information about overflow seating on campus and live-stream opportunities.

Other events leading up to commencement will include:

Saturday, May 4

• 10 a.m., College of Veterinary Medicine Spring Commencement Ceremony, University Chapel

Thursday, May 9

• 7 p.m., School of Education Induction Ceremony, Kellogg Conference Center

Friday, May 10

• 10 a.m., Baccalaureate Service, University Chapel
• 12 p.m., Graduates and Parents Reception, Grey Columns (ticketed event)
• 1 p.m., ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, University Chapel
• 3 p.m., Order of the Engineer Ceremony, Logan Hall
• 3 p.m., School of Nursing and Allied Health Nursing Capping and Pinning Ceremony, University Chapel
• 6 p.m., Social Work Pinning Ceremony, University Chapel

Current and future updates regarding spring commencement are online at www.tuskegee.edu/commencement.

The Harris-Stowe community expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Albert L. Walker (August 10, 1945-March 27, 2019) who passed earlier this week at the age of 73.

Dr. Albert L. Walker was appointed Harris-Stowe president in August 2011, succeeding Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. Walker served as president of the university until his retirement in 2013. 

Before coming to Harris-Stowe State University, Dr. Walker served as president of Bluefield College in Bluefield, West Virginia. He also held various positions in higher education, including vice chancellor for academic affairs at Elizabeth City State University; vice president for academic affairs at Kentucky State University; vice president for academic affairs at Harris-Stowe State University and dean of the School of Education at North Carolina A&T State University.

During his successful career in education, Dr. Walker published numerous articles, taught many courses and received several awards. He served as chair of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), was on the board of American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and served as the Assistant Commissioner of Education in the Division of Urban and Teacher Education for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Jefferson City, MO.

Dr. Walker led Harris-Stowe through a rigorous and successful accreditation process and was known as a democratic and policy-driven leader.

Dr. Dwayne Smith, Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Harris-Stowe State University remembers, “Dr. Walker was an excellent leader and visionary whom I respected very much.”

Dr. Walker was a graduate of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. He later earned three Master of Arts degrees from Bradley University in the areas of educational administration, elementary and secondary education, and community college education. He received his Ed.D. in educational administration from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

He also served as a teacher, principal and central office administrator in the Peoria, IL public school system, and served 14 years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of captain.

Walker is survived by his three children, Brian, Lee and Kimberly, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services for Dr. Albert Walker were held on Monday, April 1 in Bluefield, WV.