41 Noteworthy HBCU Alumni in Entertainment

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Attending college at a historically black institution is an experience that is unparalleled. It is often suggested that these schools are inferior, or not as esteemed or equipped to prepare students to accomplish their dreams and become successful. Bull-crap! Here are 41 well-known dispelled of that myth.

1 – Toni Morrison

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American Novelist, Editor, and Professor Toni Morrison graduated from Howard University with a B.A in English. The author is best known for her novel Beloved, which one a Pulitzer Prize. The novel was later adapted into a feature film which starred Oprah Winfrey. Morrison has also written best sellers like The Bluest Eye and Song of Solomon.

 

2 – Saul Williams

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With a BA in Acting and Philosophy, Actor and Musician Saul Williams graduated from Morehouse College. He is remembered for his appearances on the hit show Girlfriends. Williams also starred in the 1998 film Slam

3 – Wendy Raquel Robinson

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Famous for her sassy and snappy role as Tasha Mack on The Game, Wendy Robinson graduated Cum Laude from Howard University with a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts

4 – Spike Lee

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Director, producer, writer, and actor Spike lee, received a BA in Mass Communication from Morehouse College. Lee is responsible for iconic movies like “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Do the Right Thing,” and many more.

5 – Yolanda Adams

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World renowned gospel singer Yolanda Adams graduated from Texas Southern University. Adams went on to begin a career as a school teacher. She gave up her career in education to pursue music full time.

6 – Wanda Sykes

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Comedienne Wanda Sykes graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, in 1986. Sykes went on to work for national security for 5 years and did comedy on the side until she got her big break at a comedy club. Sykes has gone on to do a plethora of television shows and movies.

7 – Jacque Reid

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Reid received her B.A degree in Print Journalism from Clark Atlanta. She was former lead news anchor for BET nightly news, and is currently a co-host on NBC’s “New York Live”

 8 – Randy Jackson

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Producer and former American Idol Judge Randy Jackson, is a 1979 graduate of Southern University, where he majored in Music.

9 – Pam Oliver

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NFL and NBA Sportscaster Pam Oliver graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism

10 – Lionel Richie

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Singer, Song writer, and Producer Lionel Richie, went to Tuskegee University. There he and friends formed the famous group The Commodores. Richie is a Grammy award winning artist and co-author of the hit song “We Are the World”.

11 – Roberta Flack

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Singer Roberta Flack attended Howard University on a scholarship. She is well known for her hit single “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”

12 – Anika Noni Rose

0311-celeb-anika-rose.jpgActress Anika Noni Rose is famous for her role as Disney’s first African American Princess in Princess and the Frog, and her role in Dream Girls. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Florida A&M University.

13 – Tom Joyner

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Radio Host of the critically acclaimed Tom Joyner Morning show, graduated from Tuskegee University with a degree in Sociology.

14 – Reuben Studdard

110113-shows-sta-performers-performs-Ruben-Studdard-1.jpgAmerican Idol winner Reuben Studdard graduated from Alabama A&M University. He received a degree in Music

15 – Killer Mike

072412-music-killer-mike.jpg Down south rapper and Dungeon Family affiliate attended Morehouse College

16 – David Banner

banner-david-50480de543483Rapper, Producer, and Activist David Banner graduated from Southern University with a degree in Business

17 – Will Packer

Image result for will packerDirector Will Packer, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida A&M University. There he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He directed blockbuster hits Think Like a Man, Ride Along, and About Last Night.

18 – Laz Alonso

010912-celebs-laz-alonzo.jpgActor Laz Alonso and former BET affiliate, graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Alonzo had a career in investment banking before he pursued his career in acting. He is known for his roles in Movies like Avatar and Jumping the Broom

19 – Bobby Valentino

Image result for Bobby ValentinoSinger Bobby Valentino is a Clark Atlanta University graduate. He obtained his Degree in Mass Communication. The R&B singer is famous for songs like “Slow Down” and his hits single collab with Lil Wayne “Mrs. Officer”.

20 – Toni Braxton

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R&B songstress Toni Braxton, contrary to popular belief did attend Bowie State University. The Grammy Award winning artist has gone on to sell millions of records and become one of the faces of R&B as we know it.

21 – Debbie Allen

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World renowned dancer Debbie Allen is a Howard University graduate. The Director, Television producer, Choreographer, and Actress obtained her B.A degree in Theatre.

22 – Michael Clark Duncan

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Famous for his role in “The Green Mile” Duncan attended Alcorn State University

23 – Keshia Knight Pulliam

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Pulliam who will always be known as Rudy Huxtable from The Coby Show, got her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Spelman College. Keshia has gone on to do more television as well as films. Including Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Madea Goes to Jail

24 – 2 Chainz

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Tauheed Epps a.k.a known as 2 Chainz graduated from Alabama State University. The G.O.O.D. Music rapper went on an athletic scholarship and graduated with a 4.0 GPA

25 – Lance Gross

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NBC’s Crisis actor Lance Gross, graduated from Howard University with A Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Theatre. Gross is best known for his role as Calvin Payne on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne television show.

26 – Rob Hardy

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Film Producer Rob Hardy attended FAMU for Mechanical Engineering. He is known for working on projects like Stomp the Yard and episodes of Criminal Minds

27 – Terrence J

 

Image result for terrence jFormer 106 & Park host Terrence,J is a graduate of North Carolina A&T University. The Entertainment Tonight Host received a degree in Mass Communication from the HBCU

28 – DJ Envy

 

Image result for dj envyBreakfast Club DJ and Co-Host, DJ ENVY received his Business degree from Hampton University. Envy has produced a plethora of mixtapes and currently Hosts MTV’s This Week in Jams.

29 – Alice Walker

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Walker a novelist, poet, and activist attended Spelman College. She is most famous for her novel “The Color Purple” which was later adapted into a movie starring Whoppi Goldberg

30 – Common

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Common who entered the rap scene in the 90s, attended Florida A&M University where he majored in Business Administration. The rapper and actor recently won a Golden Globe Award

31 – K. Michelle

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R&B songstress and reality star K. Michelle graduated from Florida A&M University with a degree in Psychology. She was also Miss FAMU in 2003

32 – Erykah Badu

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Erykah Badu who is known as the “Queen of Neo-Soul” attended Grambling State University to study theatre

33 – Phylicia Rashad

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Award winning actress, Phylicia Rashad graduated from Howard University with a degree in Fine Arts. She is best known for her role as Claire Huxtable on Bill Cosby’s Cosby Show. She is the first African American actress to win a Tony Award for her role in the play Raisin in the Sun.

34 – Samuel L. Jackson

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Highest grossing actor of all time Samuel L. Jackson is Morehouse College Alumni. Jackson holds a Degree in Theatre from the prominent university

35 – Diddy

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Entrepreneur, and record producer Sean “Diddy” Combs attended Howard University before he left to intern for Andre Harrell. Diddy then went on to start Bad Boy Records, which handled stars like Notorious B.I.G, Faith Evans, and Lil Kim. The Hip Hop Mogul recently received an Honorary Degree in Humanities from the University.

36 – Taraji P. Henson

 

Image result for taraji p hensonAward winning Taraji P. Henson and Empire’s Cookie Lyon, is a Howard University graduate with a degree in Theatre Arts.

37 – Oprah

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Oprah Winfrey the media queen attended Tennessee State University where she studied Communications. Winfrey has so many jobs it’s hard to keep up. Producer, Talk show host, Media Owner, Philanthropist, and Actor, Winfrey is one of the most celebrated African Americans of our time.

38 – Chadwick Boseman

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Chadwick Aaron Boseman is an actor known for portraying Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. Boseman is a graduate of Howard University.

39 – Towanda Braxon

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Towanda Braxton is a singer, actress, producer and reality star personality on shows “Braxton Family Values, and in films including “Misguided Behavior”. Braxton attended Bowie State University where she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

40 – T’Keyah Crystal Keyman

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T’Keyha Crystal Keymah graduated from FAMUwhere she studeied in the theater department. She has been named the very first Kellogg Artist-in-Residence for the Essential Theater program at FAMU + is the namesake of an endowed scholarship. Rattler Pride!

41 – Fonzworth Bentley

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Fonzworth Bentley, born Derek Watkins, is a musician and author. He is perhaps best known as former personal valet and assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs. He is a host, designer, and published a book about etiquette.

WATCH: I Come From This Beautiful Culture Called Hip-Hop – Diddy

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Howard University alum and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was a keynote speaker at Shape AT&T conference on Warner Bros.

Speaking on the subject “New Platforms for Artist,” Combs speech should’ve been called “Black Proud & Digital.” [We’ve been called] thugs, slaves. And we’re not slaves, by the way, We’re Kings and Queens. That’s where we were first … and that passion, that’s Revolt.”

John Donovan, CEO of AT&T Communication interviews Sean Combs were they share a common childhood story that helped separate them from the rest while also announcing a new partnership, you can only watch it here first at Tech This Out!

“Forbes named you one of the best business minds of the last century,” stated John Donavan, CEO of AT&T Communications. “You have the ability to notice things before others do, but more importantly, you figure out how to capitalize on them.”

“I come from this beautiful culture called hip-hop. It started out as this small, disruptive musical genre in the Bronx that now has grown to be the most powerful cultural force in the world,” said Combs. “I think my secret is that I believe. I believe in the power of my community, I believe in us, I believe in the art of us, I believe in our value, and it put me on a mission to not just want to make music—not just want to be known as a rapper. I wanted to come and change the world. I wanted to come and make a difference and be a platform, be a place of inspiration but also to be a foundation, to give these voices that aren’t heard, this community that’s underserviced, to give it the life that it needs, but most importantly, to give it the support that it needs.”

During the AT&T Shape conference this past Sunday, Combs listed off his projects, which include every lifestyle touchpoint imaginable (ranging from clothing to the drinks that fuel our bodies). He radiated with excitement when he talked about Charter Prep Harlem, the school that he recently opened in his hometown. It was evident that his emotion was contagious, as the crowd erupted into cheers. His stage co-host and moderator Donavan chimed in, vowing to make a substantial investment as well.

Three HBCU Graduates Become The First Beer Bar in Harlem 100% African-American Owned

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Three graduates of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are bringing a stylish take to a trendy craft beer bar in New York’s historic Harlem neighborhood. On June 9, owners Kevin Bradford, Kim Harris and Stacey Lee officially opened the doors of Harlem Hops to the public, making the establishment the first craft beer bar in Harlem to be 100 percent owned by African-Americans.

Harlem Hops sits nestled in the heart of Harlem at 2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd., a bustling street alive with independently owned businesses, convenient stores, curious neighbors and schoolchildren counting down the days until summer vacation begins. Walking into the bar gives the feel of everything Harlem embodies: a cozy, close-knit community where everyone is welcome.

“We want Harlem Hops to be Cheers for a lot of people in the neighborhood,” Harris said. “We want it to be the safe haven where you can just come and learn about something different.”

The vision of Harlem Hops began for Harris, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, nearly five years ago. Born and raised in Harlem, Harris appreciated her neighborhood, but good beer was hard to find. Her quests to drink beer she enjoyed included traveling to Brooklyn to get it.

“I thought, there’s something missing here,” Harris said. “And that’s when it came to me that we should do a beer bar in Harlem. That’s was one of the reasons I thought about it.”

At the time, Harris had been in what she described as a distressed partnership with another business. But upon meeting with restaurant consultant Jason Wallace, Harris learned there was another entrepreneur who shared a similar vision for a craft beer bar. Bradford, a graduate of Hampton University, had the same problems as Harris when it came to finding good beer. Originally from Detroit, Bradford would find himself bringing beer back from his hometown to New York.

5 Reason You Should Attend the #BYOBretreat

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Over 1000+ diverse founders, leaders, creatives, mentors, brands, athletes & entrepreneurs gathered in Washington D.C. during Memorial Day weekend for the #BYOBretreat. A little mixture of Forbes x Coachella x Afrotech x ComplexCon. The was weekend full of personal, professional, and entrepreneurial development all-in-one experience to grow your network, gain clarity on your goals, mastermind with peers, enjoy our garden vibes, official afterparty and much more! The next one is schedule for next year in Atlanta, GA. Here’s five reasons why you should attend:

Socialize

Socialize and collaborate with diverse creators and changemakers! The inaugural had over 1000+ creators and we’re looking to double that in ATL for 2019! There will be plenty of other upcoming creatives  and entrepreneurs just like yourself. We all know teamwork is the dreamwork. Take this time to meet others that have similar interests and work on building together. Folks called us the Wakanda of branding events and we couldn’t agree more! It’s like if “Afrotech, Forbes, Essence, & Grits and Biscuits had a Baby”

Mark my words 👉🏽 We will have 1,500 – 3,000 young & hungry 🧠 leaders & changemakers at #byobretreat ATL in 2019. . Early early bird retreat passes are available online 👉🏽byobretreatlive.com🏆 We’re already 1/4 sold and still 360 days away lol. . Bigger stage, bigger speakers, more resources, more connections. Programs and tours are launching this fall. The world is watching, be apart of history @byobsociety. If you liked our set designs, BOSS signs, and 7 ft frame that was all @brightlyeverafter. Thank you for believing in our mission 🙏🏽 . Let the blessings flow and the community grow @byobsociety 🤑 . #byobretreat #crushingit #insecure #yvonneorji #insecurehbo #boss #blessings #forbes #huffingtonpost #fastcompany

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Knowledge

Gain authentic knowledge from top industry speakers! Not just the typical “How to be a Successful Entrepreneur” article that you find on Google or panels with “social media influencers” that are broke in real life. Our speakers are credible 6 and 7 figure business owners with real boots on the ground and real life perspective. Cheat codes, hacks, and more that will elevate your skills and overall mindset towards achieving your goals.

Connections

Make crazy connections! If you’ve been to an HBCU you know the value of community and value. You also know that their are like-minded, highly educated, smart, and beautiful minority change makers who are out there and looking to connect, partner, and mentor with you. #BYOBretreat is where all that magic happens in an environment MADE for you to level up and win.

Content

Build content and share! We encourage everyone to BUILD YOUR OWN BRAND. Participate in live feeds, join in on hashtags, and take a million photos! By participating in the “conference buzz”, you can get your name out there and gain attraction to your various platforms. We were top 3 in the nation and trending on twitter. We have blogs and media outlets producing and creating video footage for their social and youtube channels! We’re here to create and learn!

Nothing to Lose

Nothing to lose and all the fun to gain! No matter what industry you’re in, you’re almost guaranteed to discover something new. (It’s also a great investment that you could write off come tax season.) Believe it or not, this isn’t just about boring workshops and keynotes, we provide a wholistic approach to personal and professional development. Everything from mental health, to budgeting, to growth marketing is essential to the modern day entrepreneur and we want you to have it ALL! Oh yea, we also had the most epic afterparty with world famous DJ BABEYDREW to cap off the night

Smithsonian Exhibit Highlights Oprah Winfrey

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“This is not a show for Oprah or by Oprah,” he said. “This is a show about other issues using the lens of Oprah.”

Among the first objects that visitors see is a yellowed pennant from the 1963 March on Washington, and the diploma of Carlotta Walls, one of the nine black students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.

“This exhibition is really an opportunity to explore the cultural impact of The Oprah Winfrey Show,” said exhibitions curator Kathleen Kendricks. “This is a chance to really put Oprah in this broader context of African-American history and culture and unpack her popularity and significance.”

On her walkthrough, Winfrey watched one of the exhibit’s televisions displays showing the Supremes singing and dancing on The Ed Sullivan Show. “It was the first time I realized you could be a beautiful black woman on television,” she said.

READ FULL New York Times

This Howard Alumna Was Racially Profiled at Victoria’s Secret

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The list of racist retail incidents across the nation just got its latest addition after a Howard University graduate detailed the racial profiling horror — complete with handcuffs— that she was subjected to during a visit to a Victoria’s Secret in Tennessee this week.

Jovita Jones Cage previously bought a bra before bringing it back because its sensor wasn’t removed at the time of purchase. She went back to the store in the Carriage Crossing mall in Collierville Monday with her receipt, which an employee verified before removing the sensor. However, all hell broke loose when she then decided to do some browsing in the store before leaving, WREG Memphis reported.

A Collierville Police Officer decided to profile Cage while she was on her way to the store’s fitting room. Cage, who is a children’s tutor, was instantly accused of shoplifting and ordered to put both of her hands behind her back.

“The police officer walked straight up to me and slapped handcuffs on me. I think it was for the simple fact that I was black,” she said, adding that the store manager called the cops without speaking with her.

The horrific scene played out in front of store shoppers, which could have been friends or colleagues of Cage.

“I don’t know if one of the parents of the kids I tutor could’ve been there,” she added, touching on the stigma and embarrassment felt by people of color who are racially profiled. “I don’t know if one of my old professors could’ve been in there.”

The officer forcefully searched her purse before finally realizing that she hadn’t taken any merchandise. A crying Cage was escorted out of the store and banned from coming back. Really?

She later made a complaint to Victoria’s Secret corporate office, speaking with a representative who only offered a standard apology and a $100 gift card, which Cage turned down. The company later pulled out all the familiar stops: an executive’s phone call to Cage, investigation, termination of the employee involved in the incident and promise to better educate workers on the stores’ policies.

Cage was still dealing with the trauma over the incident, having reached out to the NAACP for help. The standard protocol for stores when employees are caught racial profiling doesn’t fully address the biases that prompt discriminatory behaviors.

“They’re going to have to do more,” Cage said. “I want justice not only for me, but for people everywhere. I hope after this, other victims of racial profiling will come forward. It’s solidarity. It’s not just about African-Americans. It’s about everyone being treated fairly.”

How A Black Woman Shut Down Racist Border Patrol Agents

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When possible, we all have to find ways to resist. Whether it is filming police assaulting an unarmed man, peacefully protesting by kneeling, or what a young woman did on a Greyhound bus — shutting down some clearly racist border patrol agents.

On June 7, Tiana Smalls wrote on her Facebook that she was on a Greyhound bus from Bakersfield, California to Las Vegas, Nevada. When crossing the state line over to Nevada, the bus driver made an announcement,  “We are being boarded by Border Patrol. Please be prepared to show your documentation upon request.”

“Show us your documentation” sounds very much like “Show us your papers” — Tiana was not here for it. According to her, she stood up loudly and said, “This a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. You don’t have to show them sh*t. This is illegal. We are We are not within 100 miles of an international border so that (sic) have no authority to ask you for anything. Tell them to f*ck off!”

Read full News One

Dr. David “Scott” Gines Announced as New Athletic Director at DSU

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Dover, Del. — Delaware State University announced today the appointment of Dr. David “Scott” Gines as its new Director of Athletics.

A veteran of more than three decades in collegiate athletics administration and coaching, Gines joins the Hornets after serving since 2013 as Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a member of the NCAA Div. II Lone Star Conference. He was the school’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement from July 2009 through December 2012, overseeing the departments of Athletics, Career Services, Alumni, Development, Marketing and Communications. His tenure at TAMUK began as the school’s Director of Athletics from 2007-09.

“In hiring Dr. Scott Gines as the new DSU Director of Athletics, the institution has gained an executive with a diverse and proven background in overseeing intercollegiate sports departments as well as fundraising,” said DSU Interim President Wilma Mishoe. “We have high hopes and expectations for the University’s Athletics Department under his capable leadership.”

Gines said he is honored and gratified for this opportunity to lead, build and advance Delaware State Athletics. “As a Land Grant, flagship HBCU in a capital city, DSU can become a Division I prototype for classroom, community and competitive success,” Gines said. “I am moved by President Mishoe’s passion and vision for DSU. She embraces the value of successful college athletics and how it can positively impact campus and community culture.”

During his recent tenure overseeing TAMUK athletics, the Javelinas posted their most successful six-year period of departmentwide competitive success. The highlights include 28 NCAA postseason appearances, eight national top 10 finishes, four Lone Star Conference Championships, one national runner-up, two team national championships, a College World Series appearance, a Live United Bowl victory, and 25 NCAA Division II individual national champions.

Also, Gines spearheaded the development of TAMUK’s comprehensive gender equity plan and launched women’s golf, tennis, and beach volleyball, while nearly doubling women’s student-athlete participation during his tenure.

Boeing Partners with TMCF to Invest $6 Million in HBCUs

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Continuing with its commitment to diversify its own internal workforce and available talent in the aerospace marketplace, Boeing is partnering with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to invest $6 million in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

When Congress passed its $1.5 trillion Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last December, Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg praised it as a “critical driver of business, economic growth and innovation” in a news release.

“On behalf of all of our stakeholders, we applaud and thank Congress and the administration for their leadership in seizing this opportunity to unleash economic energy in the United States,” Muilenburg said. “It’s the single-most important thing we can do to drive innovation, support quality jobs, and accelerate capital investment in our country.”

The new tax law he praised unequivocally gives corporations a massive permanent tax break, temporary rates to individuals and of course, repeals the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, but Muilenburg made a $300 million commitment to invest in additional employee-related and charitable investments, as a result of the new law.

A few months later, the company is making good on its promise. With $100 million already earmarked to be invested internally through its employee development initiatives, Boeing will also commit $6 million to HBCUs through its partnership with TMCF, the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.

Boeing’s partnership with TMCF comes as no surprise. Theodore Colbert, the architect of the partnership with TMCF, is a senior executive at Boeing; an HBCU alum of Morehouse College; and he sits on TMCF’s board of directors. The nonprofit also has a stellar record of providing programming and financial assistance to its member-schools since its inception in 1987. Named after the first African American Supreme Court Justice, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund has been a source for employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and jobs. It has also awarded more than $300 million to HBCUs and predominantly black institutions (PBIs). In addition to scholarships, TMCF provides programmatic, capacity building, public policy and advocacy support for its 47 member-schools and the nearly 300,000 students who attend them.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2017 median pay for an aerospace engineer starts at $113,030 per year or $54.34 per hour. Projected percentage change in employement over the next eight years is at 7%, which makes the new investment all the more important to HBCUs and students of color looking to break into the industry.

Boeing’s $6 million investment in HBCUs isn’t its first. Dating back more than a decade, the aerospace company has been partnering with minority colleges as part of its strategy to develop beneficial and patent relationships that it believed will drive its future business and customer growth enterprisewide. Its strategy is also a derivative of the 1978 law passed by Congress that ensured a fair share of contract awards were awarded by federal agencies to HBCUs and minority colleges.

In 2001, for example, the company donated unused patents relating to optical logic and optical computing technology to the Alabama A&M University Research Institute. In 2003, Boeing donated two unused patents relating to engine pollution control technology to Florida A&M University and donated five patents to California State University Long Beach. In 2003, Boeing awarded subcontracts valued at more than $2 million to HBCU/MIs.

“This $6 million from Boeing into TMCF is more than a gift, it is the programmatic manifestation of a longtime strategic partnership that will change the trajectory of so many innovative, intelligent, and deserving HBCU students,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF.

The financial investment will be spread across eight HBCU partners that Boeing pre-selected: Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Tuskegee University. It will fund scholarships, internships, on-campus engagements, and immersive “boot camp” programs that will introduce students to Boeing’s culture and career paths. Students will also benefit from the program’s on-campus engagements that provide high-touch opportunities for students, faculty, and administrators.

“This investment is another example of how we are building a diverse pipeline of future talent,” said Michael Ford, Boeing vice president of Global Diversity and Inclusion. “Through scholarships, internships, on-campus engagements, and immersive opportunities at Boeing, we hope to inspire and enable HBCU students to pursue careers in the aerospace industry.”

Students from other HBCUs may also benefit from the investment through special immersion opportunities to source top student leaders through TMCF’s award-winning Leadership Institute. Other historically black colleges and universities such as South Carolina State University, Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Florida A&M University, and Tennessee State University will continue to receive investments from Boeing focused on infrastructure and capability building

Four From HBCUs Picked in Major League Baseball Draft

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HBCUs provided four draftees in rounds 19-29 of the 2018 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.

Randy Norris

Winston-Salem State junior outfielder Randy Norris led the group with his selection by the San Francisco Giants in the 19th round.

Darrien Williams

Prairie View A&M senior pitcher Darrien Williams was picked in the 26th round by the Los Angeles Angels.

Marshawn Taylor

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Grambling State senior shortstop Marshawn Taylor in the 28th round.

Ray Hernandez

Alabama State senior third baseman Ray Hernandez closed out the HBCU draftees with his selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 29th round.

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Norris has had an historic career at Winston-Salem State. He has played three years with the Rams and is currently the team’s career leader in hits (231), at-bats (608), and stolen bases (92). He is coming off of a stellar junior season that including finishing the season ranked fourth in the nation with a .437 batting average. He is also tied for ninth in the nation in stolen bases with 34. Last season, Norris led the nation with 47 stolen bases.

Williams is the first PVAMU baseball player since 2009 to be selected in the draft. He was a four-year player for the Panthers, and began his career as both an outfielder. He became a pitcher in year two before solely focusing on the mound during his final two years.

Taylor, who spent two seasons in the GSU Black and Gold, earned several accolades, including being named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Player of the Year, Hitter of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in 2017. He is a two-time All-SWAC First Team shortstop and earned All-SWAC Tournament Team honors after Grambling State finished runner-up to Texas Southern in the 2018 Baseball Tournament.

Hernandez was among the nations best in several categories as he led Alabama State to the East Division championship in the SWAC this season. He finished the season hitting .379 with 11 home runs – both team highs for the Hornets – and finished with 45 runs batted in and 46 runs scored. He also connected on 12 doubles and led the team with a .601 slugging percentage as the Hornets made the semifinals of the conference tournament.

CNN: DeVos, Trump, and what we’re missing about HBCUs

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(CNN) Once again, leaders at historically black colleges and universities find themselves in the news responding to a move by the Trump administration. Wednesday, it was Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ commencement address at Bethune-Cookman, where, over a din of boos, she “reaffirm[ed] this administration’s commitment to and support for [historically black colleges and universities] and the students they serve.”

Students and alumni had already tried to pressure the school to cancel DeVos’ address because of her later-recanted statement that founders of HBCUs were “real pioneers” of school choice (when, in reality, HBCUs were founded during segregation when black students were barred from attending many white colleges).
But perhaps some of the booing also stemmed from the contrast between her comments about “support,” in light of President Trump’s comments the week before, in which he questioned the constitutionality of HBCU construction financing. On Friday, officials at Texas Southern University in Houston canceled a planned speech by GOP Sen. John Cornyn after strong student protest.
Even though Trump later said he has “unwavering support” for them, he and his staff have on multiple occasions generated controversy when it comes to the history and mission of HBCUs.
These fundamental missteps and misunderstandings matter to HBCUs because of just how much of their funding comes from the federal government. Direct federal investments and student aid make up 25% of HBCU revenue. So, engaging federal policymakers is not something HBCU leaders and their advocates can avoid or ignore — nor should the federal policymakers be taking their responsibility to HBCUs lightly.

Jackson State Makes HBCU History With NASA Partnership

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Bynum said the partnership will aid in recruitment efforts because

“a big part of this program is about getting a lot of internship opportunities for our students. This will let people know that Jackson State University produces an outstanding product and outstanding students and has the capability to work with an organization like NASA. We’re extremely excited about what this means to our students and their future endeavors.”

“We understand we need HBCUs. … We know that there’s a lot of opportunity and technology that we haven’t thought about. … We’re asking for your help to be able to achieve that,” Kalisa said. “Working with Enterprise Services and other prime contractors helps us add technology to our missions.”

NASA has plans far beyond Earth and is enlisting JSU’s expertise.

“We’re looking at Mars and beyond, and we need your help,” Kalisa said. “We’re looking at your enterprise services, infrastructure and students to be able to help us with our needs.”

She reminded the audience that JSU hosted the NASA Road Tour last year, and “JSU showed us what they can do and what they can bring to the table. … You have the capacity.”

Kalisa said NASA’s success would be measured by having “more money coming in to Jackson State University and more technology coming out of NASA. We’re trying to find innovative ways to “make it lucrative for prime contractors.”

Joseph A. Whittaker, associate provost at JSU, described the signing ceremony as “the beginning and the foundation for which we move forward; we have come a long way historically. This is one step in the process.”

Whittaker emphasized that this partnership “goes beyond just leveraging our knowledge and existing capabilities of the university — the technical capital and knowledge capital.”

He said, “The important thing about this is that it’s for everyone. Staff, faculty and students will benefit from these capabilities and the potential skill set that will come from this agreement with Enterprise Services.” However, he said at some point Enterprise will “let us go, and we’re going to take the lead.”

Whittaker added, “As a university, we don’t always think about doing business in a way like our corporate partners. But part of this is to help us to grow in that direction.”

He said all of JSU’s stakeholders will benefit from the partnership. “There are no limits to what we can do.”

Matthew Welsh is vice president of Space and Science at Enterprise Services, which is primarily a government-focused organization that delivers IT solutions and early transformation technology to customers.

Welsh said, “It’s really an exciting time be in government IT and supporting our public sector. … There are so many transformation opportunities,” including mobile technology that will make the world a better place.

He said Enterprise Services supports scientific and IT missions, and he wants to align with the mission of JSU by empowering people and solving real world problems.

“NASA is one of the best customers I’ve had the chance to work with. When you think about the NASA mission and NASA history they really are a bunch of dreamers. … This is absolutely paramount when you talk about academic partnerships. Every student who walks through the doors are really just trying to do the same thing,” Welsh said.

He’s especially excited about bringing the scientific perspective into the academic space and said the success of the partnership with JSU will look like this: providing a robust pipeline of opportunity both from Enterprise Services and JSU.

Welsh said his organization has 14,000 employees and is always looking for people who are highly trained, highly motivated and willing to make difference.

Meanwhile, JSU also recognized Troy E. Miller for his pivotal role in securing a spot for JSU as a protégé in the NASA program. Miller works as a specialist for NASA’s Office of Small Business Programs.

He indicated that establishing the partnership was not easy.

“It’s been a long struggle to get to this point. It started two years ago. We had to do some relationship-building with Enterprise Services and with Jackson State,” Miller said.

Mahmoud A. Manzoul, a JSU professor of Electrical and Computing Engineering, serves as the technical point of contact for the partnership. He handled the initial conversation about a possible relationship with NASA two years ago.

“We’re excited about this,” Manzoul said. “This agreement is not limited to our department. It’s for all the other departments in CSET as well as the entire university.”

FAMU Marching 100 Band Prepares For Busy Summer

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) – The Incomparable FAMU Marching 100 visited Second Cup on Thursday as they prepare to celebrate their anniversary, for Summer Band Camp, and for their debut at the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Joining WTXL’s Christine Souders are Director of Bands Shelby Chipman and drum major Aaron Torres.

The dates of the events: Anniversary is June 1, Summer Band Camp is July 7-14, and the Tournament of Roses is Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California.

The band is seeking donations to support the band’s trip to the Tournament of Roses parade.

‘Black-ish’ Creator Kenya Barris Just Gave $1 Million To This HBCU

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After donating a huge gift to their alma mater, it’s clear Black-ishcreator Kenya Barris, and his wife, Dr. Rainbow Barris live by the motto, “To whom much has been given, much shall be required.”

On Monday, the Barris family donated $1 million to Clark Atlanta University to kick off the institution’s year-long 30th anniversary celebration. The generous gift has been named the Kenya and Rainbow Barris Annual Scholarship Award, and will be split between students studying mass media arts and biology.

Clark Atlanta University President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson praised the couple for using their powerful voice to support their “beloved institution.”

“Mr. Barris has lifted his powerful voice in the entertainment industry to explore issues of classism and racism in creative and humorous ways,” Johnson said. “In giving back to their alma mater, he has again used his powerful voice to articulate the importance of supporting this beloved institution that is giving our students the skills and confidence to find and lift their own voices in the field of their choice.”

Kenya and Rainbow Barris both graduated from CAU in 1996 with degrees in mass media arts and biology respectively.

 

Tuskegee University Launches First Cybersecurity Focused Engineering Degree

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Tuskegee University launched what it is calling the first of its kind computer engineering program focusing on cybersecurity at a Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU).

The new bachelor’s degree will begin this fall and was approved by the Board of Trustees at its March 2018 meeting.

Those teaching in the new degree program will hold cybersecurity certifications that include Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Privacy Professional/Government (CIPP/G) —among others.

“Our new computer engineering program positions Tuskegee University in a unique niche to provide leadership in cybersecurity studies,” said Dr. Heshmat Aglan, dean of the College of Engineering said in a press release.

“Additionally, this program will provide the platform to expand into other emerging engineering specialties, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, machine learning, deep learning, autonomous vehicle technology, and embedded robotics.”

The degree offering comes at a time when the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were more than 209,000 cybersecurity jobs that went unfilled in 2016.

Nine Top Cincinnati High School Students Commit to TSU

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NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University continues to attract the best and brightest from across the nation.

Nine graduating seniors, each with a 4.0 grade point average from Mt. Healthy High School in Cincinnati, have committed to attend TSU this fall.

TSU President Glenda Glover and university officials welcomed three of the students, who along with their school principal, Thomas Hill, visited the campus Thursday.

The other six students will visit TSU after their school’s graduation ceremony on May 26, Hill said. They are all being admitted with full scholarships.

Glover described the students’ visit as “a great day” for Tennessee State University.

“These high achievers made a great choice by selecting to come to Tennessee State University,” she said. “They are part of the elite scholars we continue to attract who value the world-class programs and quality education offered here in a caring community of faculty, staff and administrators who are committed to excellence.”

The three students — Jierre Franklin, Gelanie Jones and Derrick Sanders — said a special bond they share led them to attend the same college. They grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same elementary and middle schools, and are about to graduate from the same high school.

“We have been friends for 10 years,” said Sanders, who plans to major in business, as well as join the gospel choir. “This school has a great legacy with graduates like Oprah Winfrey, Duke Ellington. I saw the choir perform with Jennifer Hudson, one of my favorite singers, and that really impressed me.”

Another attraction for the students is that they all wanted to attend an HBCU, according to Hill.

“I am a first-year principal in a school with a predominantly African-American student population,” said Hill, who is Caucasian. “We have kids who can compete with anybody in the country, and their desire to attend an HBCU was a preference of theirs. I look at them as my children. All of the students coming here are honor students and I am extremely proud of them.”

For Franklin, a percussionist in her school band, who plans to major in biology and join the TSU marching band, her interest in an HBCU started as a freshman when she accompanied a relative on a college tour.

“That tour was an HBCU college tour and I remember the environment was exactly somewhere I wanted to be,” Franklin said. “Here at TSU it feels like family, and I like the band here.”

Jones, who also plans to major in biology and play on the tennis team, is not a stranger to TSU. His older sister is a junior here, and he said that will help keep him focused.

“I think my sister being here is going to help me to stay on track,” said Jones, the second of three children. “I have been here plenty of times. I have attended Homecoming. I love everything about this school. It’s like a family.”

Audrey Strafford is TSU’s assistant director of Institutional Support (One-Stop Shop), and formerly a longtime financial aid staff, who received the students from Cincinnati. She thinks the students’ “unique” relationship gives them a big advantage to succeed.

“When I find students like these, it makes my heart beat faster because this is what TSU is made of  … this is our legacy,” Strafford said. “I am just so proud they have a principal who would extend himself to make sure these students get a quality education.”

Terrance Izzard, TSU’s associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success, said TSU is “a perfect place for them to grow and to soar.”

“The fact that TSU is a place for family, it makes it wholesome that these young people, who have been knowing each other from grade school and now they are matriculating through college together, are joining our family here at TSU. It is going to be a great experience for all of them.”

Franklin, Jones and Sanders come to TSU as part of a millennial generation of high achieving students that the university continues to strategically recruit in its effort to improve retention and graduation rates. This comes on the heels of sweeping changes TSU President Glover announced in 2016 that raised admission standards to attract the best and brightest.

This article was originally published via TNS