Howard University alumna Susan Kelechi Watson shared how Howard helped to shape her career in acting, and the rigor of the school’s fine arts programming. Watson is signed to the United Talent Agency, a firm representing some of the nation’s top talent in film, media and entertainment. The actress plays Beth Pearson, the wife of Sterling K. Brown’s character, on the breakout NBC drama.
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) exceeded its $7.2 million goal for the 2016-17 annual giving campaign.
NCCU completed the fundraising program with gifts and commitments totaling approximately $7,235,834. More than 7,000 contributed to the campaign, including 564 first-time donors to the university.
The $7.23 million included a $1 million planned gift from the estate of Jill Hamilton, wife of NCCU Board of Trustee Chairman George Hamilton. The future bequest will benefit the university’s new School of Business.
“Thanks to our generous contributors, NCCU continues to advance in providing high quality education to students,” said NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D. “Every gift makes a difference in the lives of students and expands the impact of this great university on the world.”
NCCU received more than $2.5 million of the $7.23 contributed by 3,913 alumni, who responded generously to the ongoing Every Eagle. Every Year. initiative during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2017. Many of the new donors were millennial graduates, with alumni graduating in 2000 or later comprising nearly 40 percent of all contributors – a 20-percent increase over fiscal year 2015-2016.
“A successful fundraising year is always exciting, especially one that includes new donors,” said Harriet Frink Davis, Ph.D., vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement. “NCCU’s culture of philanthropy is continuously developing. The continued success of NCCU’s annual giving campaign is the result of the commitment and generosity of our alumni and supporters.”
For NCCU students, successful fundraising means wider availability for need-based financial aid and scholarships. The contributions will also be used to support faculty needs and research efforts.
North Carolina Central University prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University, NCCU offers flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts. Founded in 1910, NCCU remains committed to diversity in and access to higher education. Our alumni excel in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. Visit www.nccu.edu.
HBCU Top 30 Under 30 2017
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Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) produce more than a quarter of all African-American graduates in the country and are responsible for producing the nation’s leading black citizens. Revolutionary civil rights leaders, doctors, religious leaders, bankers, writers, Olympians, lawyers, musicians, engineers, actors/actresses, humanitarians, professional athletes, educators, scientists, and politicians that hail from historically black campuses, all graduate with more than a degree or honors.
An HBCU education is a world class one, and it is found both in the classroom and on the yard. Amid intensifying cultural tensions, political warfare, and blatant appropriation and injustices targeted toward people of color, we are thrilled to celebrate the black community and highlight 30 stellar young minds.
Every year, the HBCU Top 30 Under 30 honors talented and selfless young men and women who are making phenomenal steps forward in a multitude of industries including education/academia, science, sports, fashion, journalism, technology, business, community/public service, politics, and entertainment. Check out the former classes here.
This year, with nominations more than doubling from last year, we are exceptionally proud to present the 2017 HBCU Top 30 Under 30 class. Congratulations to the young leaders who are honored and congratulations to the esteemed historically black colleges and universities that have unquestionably helped mold these leaders of today and tomorrow.
Timothy Moore | Harris-Stowe State University (30)
Timothy Moore, better known simply as “T.Moore” is the Founder and CEO of T. Moore Media and he is one of the few individuals who possess the ability to capture moments through a lens and allow their stories to live authentically through a single moment. Moore began his career in photography almost eight years ago as a high school student and since then he has grown to become more than just your average photographer. He now serves as a Creative Director & Branding Specialist for some of the world’s leading brands. To bring his most iconic visions to life, he has always dedicated his energy to aligning his vision to opportunities that he can use to help change the trajectory of the next generation.
As T.Moore begins preparation for 2018, he is tirelessly working to develop new programs and outlets to start serving his community and various industries. With a mission to serve T.Moore is sure to continue raising the bar with his hustle and innovation. Anyone can take a photograph. But not many people have the ability to capture a moment in its true essence. And while it is very true that a picture is worth a thousand words, not many pictures can tell you an entire story. In the words of T.Moore, “If you keep your head low and your hustle high, then you’ll find yourself on the other side of fear by the time you look up.”
Sapphira E. Martin | Johnson C Smith University (29)
Queens, NY Native, Sapphira E. Martin is a Full-Time sassy Entrepreneur. With a boss mindset instilled in her at a young age, becoming an Entrepreneur has always been her number one goal. After graduating from Johnson C. Smith University with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Communication Arts and interning her way to the top, Sapphira acquired the “ dream job.” She worked as a Social Media and Content Producer at Emmis Communications. Being able to create content for the very audience and generation that she was a part of was so rewarding. However, there was something more rewarding about working for herself while positively uplifting black women, thus SassBoxx was born.
Living by Habbakuk 2:2 “Write the vision, make it plain.” Sapphira believes that you truly have to see yourself where you want to be and envision all your desires to happen. Over a year later, SassBoxx has shown tremendous growth. SassBoxx is a monthly subscription box that offers products exclusively from businesses owned by black women. Sapphira was inspired to create SassBoxx because she saw there was a need for businesses owned by black women in the African American community to be uplifted and financially supported. “Of course the many subscriptions that came before me played a major role in inspiring SassBoxx” she said. “But it was definitely the hardest working, biggest spending demographic, black women. “SassBoxx is meant to create a huge network and sisterhood of African American women that support, uplift and inspire one another.
For Sapphira, she hasn’t been happier and more liberal than she is now. She’s more appreciative of her business now because the time and effort she spends on it has already lead to great things. She’s providing a platform for women of color business owners, celebrating and honoring women entrepreneur’s through SassBoxx’s six city Brunch Series Tour, and speaking, inspiring and uplifting all black women through “ Black Girl Podcast” in which she co-hosts with four other amazing women in media; discussing everything under the sun. Sapphira’s goal is to continue flourishing and lifting her fellow sister up alongside her!
DeJonique N. Garrison | Clark Atlanta University (28)
DeJonique Garrison is an anchor/investigative reporter for 12 News Now. Prior to making her way to Southeast Texas, she was a multimedia journalist concentrating on government affairs at WFXG Fox 54 in Augusta, Georgia. DeJonique graduated magna cum laude from Clark Atlanta University in 2011 with a degree in Mass Media Arts. While there, DeJonique served as a member of the Essence Dance Line, Admissions Ambassadors, Junior Class Council, and Miss Black and Gold Georgia for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. The position that DeJonique held in the highest regard during her matriculation was being crowned Miss Clark Atlanta University 2010-2011. In that capacity, she was able to mentor students, advocate for the institution, and raise awareness surrounding the importance and relevance of HBCU’s in the 21st Century. DeJonique capped off her reign by being voted as one of the nation’s top ten campus queens for Ebony Magazine.
Her southern roots, specifically experiencing natural disaster and political scandals in her hometown of New Orleans, La., created the foundation for her passion of service through reporting. Before devoting her career to storytelling, DeJonique worked for the extras casting department for MTV Productions and Bunim/Murray Productions on projects that included The Real World, Teen Wolf and Worst Cooks in America.
She then went on to complete a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in December 2014. During that program, she was able to report on the education and immigration beats via both the streets of Chicago and committee rooms of Washington D.C. That range of perspective has helped DeJonique relate to a plethora of populations, boosting her ability to effectively tell balanced stories.
Kimberly F. Monroe | Grambling University (27)
Kimberly F. Monroe is a two-time graduate of Grambling State University. Having received a Bachelor’s in History in 2012 and Master’s in Mass Communication and History in 2015, she is continuing her education as a third year Ph.D. student at Howard University. At Howard she is a history major concentrating in African Diaspora and Women’s studies. While a student at Grambling, she was an editor for the school newspaper The Gramblinite, a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, and founder of Natural Sistahs, an organization for natural haired women on campus.
On the national level, she served as the historian for the National Black Graduate Student Association from 2014 to 2016. In 2016, she published her first book titled Homecoming in Tigerland with Mascot Books as a way to give back to her Alma mater. Homecoming in Tigerland was written as a way to expose children to Grambling and HBCUs at an early age. While there is a need for more youth to attend college, Monroe’s goal is to expose children to the rich history of HBCUs by highlighting homecoming, football, marching bands and more.
As a doctoral student studying the African Diaspora and Women’s Studies, Monroe is also the secretary of the Howard Graduate Student Council and president of the History Graduate Student Association. Over the past two years, she has studied abroad in London, Paris, and Tanzania. In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, she became fluent in Swahili in order to teach it in her classroom. Swahili has always been the language of revolution for many prominent African American leaders. She feels as though an African language like Swahili supports the rich Africana presence of HBCUs.
Kimberly devotes her time mentoring HBCU undergraduate students with their graduate application process. As a Life Member of the Grambling University National Alumni Association (GUNAA) she continues to support Grambling as the secretary of the Washington DC Alumni chapter, and returns to speak to current students whenever possible. Upon graduation from Howard University, Monroe plans to become a History professor at an HBCU. As Lake Charles, Louisiana native, she is in the process of creating a non-profit organization to help high school seniors from her hometown matriculate to college. She will also continue her mission to ensure more undergraduate students attend graduate school.
Most recently, her efforts were recognized by DC Metro Alumni Alliance by being the awarded the “Young Alumni Award.” This honor will be given in September to highlight the work she has done in the community and for HBCUs. She was also recognized at the Grambling Alumni Convention, which took place in Los Angeles California by receiving the “Distinguished Alumni Award Freshman Category.” The Howard University Graduate Student Council presented her with the “Most Likely to Publish Conscious Raising Books.” Her forthcoming book, which will be released August 1st, is titled So Lyrical, If Feels Spiritual and compiles eight contributing women poets, all of whom graduated from Grambling. As an author, HBCU advocate, mentor, and historian, this young alum deserves recognition for all she has done and is going to do for HBCUs across the nation.
Shaquille Dillon | Southern University & A&M College (26)
Friend, brother, mentor, advisor, leader, designer, humanitarian, are a few words to describe Shaquille Dillon. I’d like to call him “The Small Town Hero“. Mr. Shaquille Dillon is a 26 year old native of Franklinton, Louisiana. He began his matriculation at Southern University and A&M College in the Fall 2009 semester. Since his arrival on the Mighty Bluff of Mississippi River, Shaquille has not only served his university in leaderships roles but his community as well. Upon his graduation in the Fall 2013 semester, he was the Sophomore Class President 2010-11, Vice President of the T.J. Jemison Baptist Student Union 2010-11, Men’s Federation President 2011-12, Collegiate 100 Black Men President 2012-13, a Jaguar Ambassador for three consecutive years, and also served on Miss Southern University Royal Court for three years. Shaquille enjoyed traveling and encouraging students to seek higher education during his undergraduate years. In the summer of 2014, Southern University approached him with an opportunity to become an Admissions Recruiter.
This opportunity began his journey in Higher Education where he had found his passion in life. The native of a small town gave the university a new directive in marketing the institution which eventually increased enrollment. He is a active member of the Southern University Alumni Home Chapter, has been the advisor to Men’s Federation for three consecutive years, the Historian, Education Chair, Juneteenth 2017 Chair – where he helped raised 12,500 in scholarships, and Scholarship Gala Co-Chair of the Beta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and also serves on Advisory Board to the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dillon was selected to be the Keynote Speaker of the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program in his hometown, where he encourage the youth to seek higher education and the community to invest in our youth’s education. He was presented the Unsung Hero Award at the 2017 Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight Vigil and Program hosted by Southern University Office of Student Life and the Beta Sigma Alphas.
Shaquille lead the Beta Iota Lambda and Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to victory, winning the National Charles H. Wesley Award at the 94th General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. this summer. At the 2017 NASAP SLI Conference in Savannah, Georgia, Shaquille was presented with the Male Advisor of the Year Award, voted on by the 44 HBCUs leaders that were present at the conference. On August 1, 2017, Dillon will begin his new role as Assistant Director of Recruitment at Southern University and A&M College.
Amber G. Johnson | Spelman College (25)
Amber Gayle Johnson is a 2017 Woman of Excellence and Leadership Scholar, a Young Ambassador for the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst(DAAD), a CIEE HBCU Scholar and a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar. She also speaks German, is a a two time Investigative Reporters and Editors(IRE) Knight Scholar, a Lead UPS Community Service Scholar, the Co-Special Events Director of the Spelman College Student Government Association and the 1st Female PR Director and Business Manager of the Maroon Tiger Student Media Group at Morehouse College.
She spends her free time reading, traveling, working and volunteering in her community and is an influential leader at her school of Spelman College. She studies Comparative Women’s Studies & Political Science and she aspires to be a philanthropist, educational consultant and superintendent of a school district. She will use her background in gender studies, research skills, German language skills and leadership experiences to help fund and uplift the students of the future.
Aria Hill | Hampton University (24)
Aria entered Hampton University as a merit scholar. Throughout her collegiate career at Hampton University, Hill has answered her call to lead in countless ways on campus and in the neighboring Hampton Roads, Virginia community. Her passion for being the “voice” of the students, led her to Student Government Association Senate which she joined in 2014, and currently participates in as Chair of Buildings and Grounds. Soon thereafter, Hill received the Hillary Clinton Award, being honored for her recognizable ambition.
That ambition led her to be very active on and off campus and she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., served as Executive Secretary of Volunteers Around the World, held an internship with Texan Dental, tutored in the campus university assessment center, conducted CVD research using zebrafish interning for one of her professors, and is an active member in American Pharmacist Association Academy of Student Pharmacist and Student National Pharmaceutical Association.
As if her hands weren’t already full, Hill created “Senators in Action”, establishing a program for student leaders to actively service the community. This ultimately led to the birth of Service Spree. Service Spree became the bridge that students on campus used for public and community service. The non-profit provides and schedules assistance for social service organizations throughout the Virginia Peninsula; making those who desire to serve, aware of many opportunities.
As the liaison of service opportunities throughout the Peninsula area, it has obligation to remain in constant communication with the leaders of 10 organizations and connect them to volunteers. The Service Spree motto is: “Providing helping hands of service throughout our community” currently has over 400 hands who serve at 10 community sites including local churches, hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, and mentorship organizations. The young organization is expanding and has developed new initiatives: 1- a big brother mentoring program for middle school young men-Gentilligence, 2- a program providing young women living in shelters with purses filled will feminine hygiene products-Passionate Purses, and 3- a scholarship program awarding Hampton students studying abroad-Service Spree Across the 7 Seas.
The young pharmacy major and non-profit owner is dedicated to the community and the study of medicine and her favorite quote is “When God sends you His calling to serve, you must be an open vessel.”
Russell Pointer Jr. | Morehouse College (23)
On January 29, 1994, Russell Andrew Pointer, Jr. was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and he was raised in Gallatin, Tennessee. Russell graduated from Morehouse College with a BA in Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education with a minor in Leadership Studies. Currently, Russell is pursuing a Master’s in Sport Management at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Once he has completed this program, he plans to begin a JD/M.Div program.
Ultimately, Russell wants to work to provide a voice and equal opportunity for minority and at-risk populations. He also wants to set a standard of high character and high work ethic within a program to create a culture of better coaches and athletes on and off the court.
Russell always had a heart to praise God. He began his music ministry at the age of 11, and he began preaching at the age of 19 under the tutelage of Russell Andrew Pointer, Sr., his father. Through his ministry, Russell desires to provide hope to his peers and inspire others to walk closer with the Lord.
NaAsiaha Simon | Wilberforce University (22)
NaAsiaha Simon is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Mu Zeta Omega Chapter. She is the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director of Media and Publicity for The NxD Group. Her specialties include, but are not limited to: Event Production, Marketing, Branding, Media, and Public Relations. From inception to execution, whether for a social event or brand development, NaAsiaha aims to create well-tailored strategies in line with her clients’ goals and vision. As a member of a close-knit family, NaAsiaha understands the value of a strong community and activism, in all aspects of life. With her most recent project, she chose to celebrate her 27th birthday with the launch of “Project 27K”, an initiative created to raise awareness on reading fundamentals, by gathering 27,000+ book donations for the youth in her hometown Fresno, California and the surrounding area.
Her education has laid the groundwork for strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and her passion for people and service has been nurtured through her central desire of giving back. Simon is no stranger to running businesses, for the past 2 years she’s ran her public relations firm with her business partner, Damilola Bajamo. She personifies the new guard of PR strategists who has her finger on the zeitgeist of the intersection of issues, the news cycle, and pop-culture and consistently positions her clients to break through. She remains behind the scenes, helping to propel artists and influencers such as Hill Harper, Nate Parker, Lance Gross, YG, Angel Brinks and Amber Rose while placing clients in outlets including Revolt TV, VH1, TMZ, Essence Magazine, Bossip, Necole Bitchie and many more.
Now, she’s embarking on a new journey to take on a whole new feat; empowering the school that taught her so much. In July, NaAsiaha will walk through the threshold of Wilberforce University once again but this time, as staff serving as the Director of Public Relations & Marketing. Her journey will surely be something meaningful to witness.
Tamara Bates | Philander Smith College (21)
Tamara L. Bates, a native of Memphis, TN who is a 2016 graduate of Philander Smith College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She is active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Ambitious Girls Inc , and Central Arkansas Urban League Young Professionals. During her tenure at Philander Smith, Tamara was selected by President Obama to serve as a 2015 White House HBCU-allstar. She was involved on campus which ultimately lead her to receiving student of the year award.
She is founder of RockARVote, a non-partisan political initiative to mobilize and educate millennial voters about the importance of voters education. Post graduate Tamara worked as field organizer for former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton in Tallahassee, Florida. After building so many relationships through networking, Tamara was given an opportunity to work at the 2017 Essence Festival with the Human Rights Campaign, which is America’s largest civil rights organization working to provide LGBTQ people their basic rights to be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
Tamara has developed a reputation as “Tap the Connector” amongst her social circle due to her ability to bridge the gap between individuals based on her conversations of getting to know and understand a person’s passion for what they do. After being well known for this ability, she has been inspired to develop a business venture to build a social platform for individuals who either don’t have access or the ability to connect with influencers for their network. “What good is a product if you don’t have the support behind it to help showcase it?” Tamara has a plethora of gifts and she shares her gifts by adding energy to the spaces of those she encounters each and everyday.
Roland Martin Features Wilberforce University #HBCUGivingDay
Wilberforce University Alumni Takes Action
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“Renaissance or Revolution”, the open dialogue last Thursday between TV One/NewsOne’s Roland Martin and Wilberforce University President, Dr. Herman J. Felton Jr. during the Wilberforce University Alumni Association Conference. The HBCU Town Hall meeting was 360 degrees of interactive conversation.With 250+ attendees fired up to address the priorities required to heighten survivability amid advancing institutional excellence, innovation, and sustainability at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Opportunities that reflect on the Wilberforce mission as it relates to the HBCU community, this discussion proved to be necessary and result driven.
This powerful conversation highlighted topics such as “how to” build sustainable partnerships internally and externally, including: framing new success pathways to HBCU curriculum innovation; research funding, improving student recruitment accessibility and opportunity, and responding to the needs of non-traditional and diverse student populations.
The primary thinkpiece for the evening correlated the strength of Alumni relations and the corresponding pressure faced at every level of Alumni giving to the institution. Keynote Roland Martin posed this question, “How do we teach to give to our churches, give to the Obama campaign, but not give to Historically Black Colleges and Universities”. Martin expounded on the practice and significance of Alumni giving, to support scholarship funds and research for institutions of higher learning. He explained that too often people get overwhelmed by the size of the gift and forget that multiple small gifts can be just as impactful.
As America’s first privately owned and operated HBCU, Wilberforce University, founded by African-Americans in 1856 is currently experiencing a renaissance .The transition is defined by operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, strength on intentional focus on providing a rich campus engagement experience for every student enrolled. President Dr. Herman J. Felton Jr. stated, “ In the 2015-2016 fiscal year the Alumni giving percentage was 1 percent, fast forwarding to now Alumni giving has increased 9 percent”!
Reiterating the importance of giving, Wilberforce University was featured as the HBCU of the day for the #HBCUGivingDay Initiative, Monday July 31st .The HBCU Giving Day is a national call to action in support of raising funds for historically black colleges and universities. Created by Roland Martin, the fundraising initiative represents a different historically black college and university by wearing a lapel pin and then posting the photo on social media using the hashtag. From the one day initiative, Wilberforce University raised 1,304 dollars; we are proud to declare that the renaissance is moving forward!
https://twitter.com/NCCU/status/892052311962509312
Watch the North Carolina Central University Sound Machine’s feature on a recent episode of ESPN’s ‘First Take.’
Nine GSU alum worked collaboratively to create So Lyrical, It Feels Spiritual, an anthology of Black women poetry book set to release on August 1.
This ground-breaking collection of poetry tackles issues surrounding race, sex, body image, relationships and more!
The featured poets include: Kimberly F. Monroe, Blythe Dennis, Kourtney Thurmond, Katrina Harris, Ardella Player, Landis Anderson, Ja’Mell Fairly, Regernique Rasco and Danielle Savage.
These contemporary poets uniquely bring together contrasting visions and styles that illuminate aspects of women, African-Americans, and life experiences.
Blythe Dennis, who is also a music artist, has been writing poetry since she was a kid. Its actually how she got into writing her own songs.
“Writing poetry for me is freeing,” Dennis said. “It makes me feel at ease and it gives me an opportunity to be as raw and honest as I want.”
She believes this poetry book is awesome not only because she is apart of it, but because she and the poets had a chance to showcase the talent that comes from products of GSU, especially women.
Along with working on the poetry book this year, Dennis also released a project entitled “The Heartbreak EP” that also showcases the authentic her and the pure emotions that she often times gets from poetry.
Kimberly Monroe, editor of the book, posted to social media representing African-American queens, “For Us, By Us” and many supporters responded with excitement and eagerness to purchase the book to dig deeper into each of the poets work.
This is Monroe’s first poetry book, but this is not her first rodeo. She is no stranger to using her gift to write to produce extremely creative content. The alum and current Howard PhD. student wrote her first children’s book about GSU’s homecoming experience entitled “Homecoming In Tigerland” illustrated by Christian Ryan West last year. The book has become a GramFam favorite.
All of the featured poets have been busy working hard to make sure that this also is a favorite for not only poetry lovers, but for supporters of strong women who refuse to go unheard around the world.
The new book described as ‘real, raw and uncut’ is available NOW on Amazon Books and in Barnes & Nobles.
CONNECT WITH: ‘So Lyrical, It Feels Spiritual’:
Instagram: @solyrical_itfeelsspiritual
Rio Lewis is a senior, sociology major at Morehouse College from Harlem, New York. This summer Rio has spent his time away from classes, impacting the lives of young men through an innovative summer camp program that he has founded.
Operation Summer Exposure is the name of his program. It is a subsidiary of his non-profit program, Operation Exposure. The goal of the Operation Summer Exposure program this year was to bring ten young men ages 12 and below, to experience a summer camp. Each young man was a member of the Salisbury-Concord area. The young men experienced a week long camp in New London, North Carolina. The camp’s intention is to expose the young brothers to new recreational activities that they may have never encountered. These activities included fishing, kayaking, archery, rifle shooting, motorboating, paddleboarding and much more.
After talking with River Lewis it is clear to see that this is a project close to home. He says,
“One summer, I was granted a trip to a camp, and have since become a lifelong lover of the experience. I began working there at 14, and have yet to miss a summer of mentoring, leadership, and most importantly, fun. I am a firm believer in doing anything you can to improve the lives of others, and this [summer] project is just one of the many ways I plan on doing so”.
Lewis came up with the idea on a volunteer assignment at Morehouse College. As a Morehouse College Bonner Scholar, Lewis mentors young students at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. During his time at the school, he learned that many of the children he mentored had never been out of their neighborhoods. The young men had never been to a camp or experienced the camp lifestyle that he had learned to appreciate at their age. This acknowledgment compelled him to want to get involved and expose the young men to different activities he enjoyed as a young child.
With his goal set in mind, Lewis raised over $6000 dollars for the camp through crowdfunding. His drive comes from lessons he has learned while at Morehouse.
“Morehouse has taught me how to be the light even if no one follows you, and to trust in your judgement. My time in undergrad has helped me become more confident in myself and to stand up for something I believe in, and have a passion for.” Lewis expressed.
He also plans to continue his project every summer. Within the next few years Rio Lewis wants to expand the project to not just target young men but young women as well. He aspires to to increase the size of the groups, and one day even travel abroad with his camp participants.
“I simply care for the future of black bodies, most importantly their developmental period. I think that the lack of positive exposure equals ignorance, that’s why I would like to expose more youth to something different.”
We at HBCU Buzz appreciate Rio’s work to exposing the youth to a different way to spend their summers. To learn more about Rio’s work you can follow him on Instagram. at @rio_smoov.
The future of American jobs is in STEM. According to the 2016 U.S. News/Raytheon STEM Index, graduate numbers and salaries in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math are increasing as jobs in STEM fields significantly outpace the national average. In order to prep students to compete in this evolving market, HBCU’s are tasked to adapt curriculum and course offerings accordingly. With a new grant program to support STEM pathways for HBCU students, Intel is investing $4.5 million into this effort, and Morgan State is one of six historically black colleges and universities to be awarded a portion of the grant.
“It’s going to support 25 two-year fellowships for students at Morgan, and it’s going to allow us to start a one-year professional master’s program,”
Michael Spencer, dean of the School of Engineering, said in an interview with WBALTV. With a $750,000 share of the grant to be distributed over three years, Morgan State has earmarked the funding to build up the school’s computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering programs.
The inpouring of support has generated excitement among students on campus. It’s a good feeling to receive some extra help,” said Rico Clark, an engineering student. The HBCUs do fall short on funding from time to time, so the fact that Intel is giving us extra money, it’s really going to help out the program here.” Intel hopes that the investment will attract more students into STEM fields.
In addition to Morgan State, Florida A&M, Howard, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M and Tuskegee universities will benefit from the Intel grant. We see you Intel!
This article was originally published via Blavity.com
Washington, DC – July 28, 2017 – The Howard University Board of Trustees announced earlier today the extension of President Wayne Frederick’s contract until June 30, 2024 – a five-year extension of his original agreement.
“President Frederick has been a transformational leader for Howard University and the entire Board of Trustees is excited to continue to work together in service to our community in the years ahead,” Board Chair Stacey Mobley said. “Because of his visionary leadership, Howard has made great strides in advancing the academic progress of students, enhancing faculty experience, and stabilizing the university’s financial position.”
After serving the University as interim president for more than a year, Dr. Frederick was inaugurated as the 17th president of Howard University on March 6, 2015 after an exhaustive national search.
“President Frederick has made tremendous progress in forwarding Howard’s goals and the mission of the university. We are confident that this positive and exciting momentum will continue,” said Vice Chair Mark Mason. “It was incredibly important to the Board that we take a long-term approach and avoid the instability of leadership that seems to be an unfortunate trend today in higher education. Howard deserves a strategic leader and we have that in President Frederick.”
According to Board Chair Stacey Mobley, “Throughout his tenure, President Frederick has successfully led innovative efforts to modernize the institution while ensuring Howard continues to uphold its historic mission. Howard is amid incredible transformation. The president has many accomplishments to date, and this extension will ensure we continue moving in the right direction.” The accomplishments include:
Development of strategies that optimize impact and drive transformation and modernization
- In January 2016, under Frederick’s leadership, the University embarked on a strategic planning process to forward a long-term transformation strategy.
- Diversified revenue streams to support the continued vitality of the University.
- Successful management of a $1.5 billion real estate portfolio, which includes generating capital for the University while retaining asset ownership, optimizing the value of underutilized real estate assets and modernizing the campus environment to benefit faculty, staff, students and neighboring communities.
A dramatically improved financial position for the University and the hospital
- FY2016 saw Howard’s strongest financial performance in five years, with a gain from operations of almost $12 million. Operating revenues stabilized in FY2016, and operating expenses were decreased by 8% compared to FY2015.
- Financial performance at Howard University Hospital has vastly improved over the past two years, and the hospital is now profitable and stable.
Advancements in Faculty and Staff Experience
- Established the Office of Faculty Development to improve the quality of faculty life related to teaching and research, career development, and professional satisfaction.
- Demonstrated faculty and staff retention as a priority. Increased compensation of both over tenure, despite budget constraints.
- Implemented monthly faculty forums, summer academy and other initiatives to nurture development of junior faculty.
- Improved faculty onboarding and orientation.
- Conducts monthly meetings with faculty senate and staff organization leadership to foster collaboration on key priorities.
Significant progress of key academic measures
- Howard is now ranked as a Tier 1 national university by U.S. News & World Report and ranked #124, up 21 spots since Frederick’s tenure began.
- In 2017, U.S. News & World Report cited Howard as one of only two institutions with the greatest improvement in National University rankings between 2015 and 2017.
- Howard’s four-year graduation rate has increased year over year since his appointment.
- Established the Office of Honors and Scholar Development to increase access of prestigious academic awards for students. Specifically, over the last 30 years Howard students have received 90 awards. Under Frederick’s tenure 163 students were selected for prestigious scholarships and or fellowships.
Development of Innovative Programs
- Launch of Howard West campus, a strategic partnership with Google designed to immerse students in educational and professional experiences taught by Google staff and Howard professors.
- Established the Bison STEM Scholars program to increase the number of underrepresented students in STEM masters and masters/doctorate programs, keeping with Howard’s legacy of providing a diverse pipeline of STEM talent.
Increases in Enrollment, Fundraising and Student Aid
- Enrollment is growing, and Howard will welcome the largest Freshman class in its history this Fall.
- The 2017 Charter Day Dinner raised $1.2 million in net proceeds to aid students in need, the most ever in the history of the event.
- The alumni participation rate has increased year over year since Frederick’s appointment, and more than doubled in 4 years.
- Howard University has significantly advanced its goal of increasing the level of financial aid it provides to its students and their families. In FY2016, Howard awarded to its students over $101 million in University-provided financial aid. As recently as FY2009, Howard disbursed just $40 million a year in University-provided financial aid.
“I am thrilled and honored to continue to serve as President of Howard University, my alma mater and a place so special to me,” said Frederick. “I truly appreciate the confidence the Board of Trustees has shown in me through this extension and I can’t wait to continue working with my exceptional colleagues in the faculty and on staff to ensure the University is well positioned for continued success in the decades to come. We have made a lot of progress but there is still so much work to be done. Our students and faculty deserve the very best and I’m committed to working in concert with all members of our community, including alumni, to ensure that our alma mater is the best that higher education has to offer.”
A full biography of President Frederick can be found here.
Contact: Crystal Brown
202-806-2521
This week, the NAACP’s 108th Annual Convention took place in Baltimore, MD.
With the theme “steadfast and immovable” setting the tone for the business at hand, attendees quickly realized that this convening was rooted in purpose and urgency.
Politicians, humanitarians, civil rights leaders, youth advocates, and concerned people of color united under one roof to discuss the state of black America
.
Attendees and speakers drawn to the convention included the likes of 82nd Attorney General The Honorable Eric H. Holder, The Honorable Kamala Harris, Esteemed author, life coach and attorney, Iyanla Vanzant, Black Lives Matter supporter and Zero Campaign originator and civil rights advocate Deray McKesson, CNN political strategist and former National Press Secretary to Bernie Sanders- Symone D. Sanders, NAACP WIN Director Dr. Thelma T. Daley, National Urban League Young Professionals President Carlos Clanton, former national chair of the Black Youth Project Jessica Pierce, activist Tamika D. Mallory, interim NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, recording artist Lil’ Mama, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz Esq., CEO Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Kristen Clarke Esq., Legal Director for the Human Rights Campaign Sarah Warbelow, Esq., former national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, The Honorable Robin Kelly, MD Senator The Honorable Chris Van Hollen, The Honorable Jewell Jones, Larry King, The Honorable Ben Cardin, The Honorable Cory Booker, The Honorable the Honorable Tammy Duckworth, the Honorable Nanette Barragan, the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, The Honorable Cedric Richmond, The Honorable Robert “Bobby” Scott, The Honorable Scott Taylor, and Mr. Hilary O. Shelton.
Congressmen and women urged NAACP members and convention attendees to understand the power of their voice and their vote. Collegiate chapters showed up with busloads of youth who, despite not being legal by law, were well-aware of their rights and of their power. In fact, when 27-year-old political trailblazer, CNN political strategist and former National Press Secretary to Bernie Sanders, Symone D. Sanders took the podium at the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Freedom Gala, she brought the entire room to its feet within a matter of minutes reemphasizing that we aren’t fighting fo
r a seat at the table, we stand on the shoulder of giants who already did that. Sanders shared anecdotes supporting that it would be inaccurate to say that we, today, in this moment, are fighting for a seat at the table. She specifically addressed her fellow millennials saying
“I know there are many many times when we have been told to keep our heads down, work really really hard , stay focused, raised and someone will recognize our efforts and our work. Well, brothers and sisters I am here to tell you that I don’t necessarily subscribe to that philosophy.” she continued “sometimes we are the best people in the room, presenting the absolute, most amazing product. We are the smartest, the best, the brightest, the fastest, and sometimes the people still don’t pick us.”
She reminded those in attendance that despite having a seat at the table, we need to effectively use that seat.
“We must be Doers! We need urgency. The time is now, right now.”
It brought great joy to know that the NAACP Youth & College National Coordinator, Anthony Davis. Jr, hails from none other than Morehouse College, graduating just last year. In a meeting, Davis shared:
“We need our
collegiate chapters more than ever. I am not sure why at HBCUs, our chapters are not as engaged, but we need to change that.”
Our staff at HBCU Buzz is determined to do something about improving the collegiate engagement of an organization so pivotal to our success as historic, black institutions of higher learning.
As it has done for the past 107 years, the NAACP can now close out the chapter on another amazing, riveting, life-changing convention that certainly planted seeds for change, nurtured seeds already planted in our trailblazing youth, and tended fertile ground for policy reform, political advancement, and civil rights engagement.
For More Information, Contact:
L. Kasimu Harris
504.816.4328 office
504.416.5519 mobile
NEW ORLEANS—In October, Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Dillard University, will join a cadre of voices from higher education, who will convene in Washington, DC, for the ATHENA Roundtable Conference. The discussions on academic freedom and accountability, will feature university presidents, scholars, and trustees on changing education models and solutions to campus free speech issues.
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), the leading nonprofit organization advocating for academic freedom, academic excellence, and accountability in higher education, announced the conference theme and the distinguished speakers who will appear at its annual ATHENA Roundtable. Entitled “Restoring Excellence: Ideas that Work for 21st Century College Leadership,” the conference will feature two panel discussions with presentations and commentary by nationally renowned higher education leaders and policymakers. The talk will be held on October 20, 2017, at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center.
Moderated by Catherine Rampell, opinion columnist for The Washington Post, “A Galvanizing Year for Free Speech: A Common Agenda for Academic Freedom,” will bring together prominent scholars and free speech advocates for a discussion on the embattled state of free expression on college campuses today. Speakers include Steven Benner, distinguished fellow of the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and student member of the 1975 C. Vann Woodward Committee on Freedom of Expression at Yale, Philip Hamburger, the Maurice and Hilda Friedman professor of law at Columbia Law School, Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Dillard University, and Allison Stanger, 
professor of political science at Middlebury College.
“I have been excited to be part of discussions about how we create a climate on campus where we can learn how to embrace difficult conversations from different perspectives,” Kimbrough said. “I learned a great deal from our hosting of a contentious U.S. Senate debate, and it is important to share that with my colleagues.”
The second panel is “Money, Markets, and Management: The Changing Model of Higher Ed.” The conference is followed by the Philip Merrill Award Gala Dinner, where University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer will deliver keynote remarks.
Contact: Jack Bailey
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University Vice President for Research and Public Service Dr. Orlando F. McMeans is the Association of Research Directors (ARD) recipient of the 2017 Leadership Award from the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP), a division of the national Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU).
ESCOP is the executive body of APLU’s Experiment Station Section (ESS) Board on Agriculture Assembly, and handles continuing business, organization and policy issues on behalf of the state agricultural experiment station directors.
“The research leadership Dr. McMeans provides on both the regional and national levels is commendable, and this award from his peers in the land-grant system is truly deserved,” WVSU President Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins said. “Under his leadership, the research portfolio at WVSU has significantly expanded and diversified. During his tenure, externally sponsored funding has also increased from less than $1 million to more than $16 million annually, which has translated into more than $148 million for the University and the State.”
McMeans oversees WVSU’s Agricultural and Environmental Research Station, which comprises a variety of federally supported research endeavors dealing with diverse research areas including plant genomics, aquaculture, energy, water quality, horticulture and alternative agriculture systems and plant breeding. He served as co-chair of the 2017 ARD Research Symposium in Atlanta, Ga., biannual gathering of research scientists and students from throughout the 1890 Land-Grant University System.
With a membership of 237 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations, APLU’s agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement. The association’s work is furthered by an advocacy arm that works with Congress and the administration, as well as the media, to advance federal policies that strengthen public universities and benefit the students they serve.
McMeans will receive the Leadership Award during the APLU Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in November.
Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @WVStateU.
West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi‐generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.
-WVSU-
ATON ROUGE — Southern University received applications from seven companies seeking to be its medical marijuana grower, as the school sets up one of Louisiana’s two production facilities.
The Southern University Ag Center expects to finish reviewing applications by the end of the month. The university governing board must approve any selection.
The companies vying for the contract are: Advanced Bio Medical, Aqua Pharm, Citiva Louisiana, Columbia Care, Med Louisiana, Southern Roots and U.S. Hemp Corporation.
Under Louisiana’s 2015 medical marijuana law, only the agricultural centers at LSU and Southern University are allowed to grow the plant. LSU has selected its vendor, GB Sciences, and is negotiating contract terms.
The Advocate reports three firms applying for Southern’s contract — Citiva, Columbia and Southern Roots — unsuccessfully bid to operate LSU’s medical marijuana business.
This article was originally published via Shreveporttimes.com
A quartet of DSU students are using a good portion of their summer to help make a crime-challenged section of Dover a safer place to live.
Four DSU students –Dashayna Brown, Danielle McAllister, Ruth Kotter and Eric Wright – are serving as community outreach and engagement specialists as part of the Lights On Dover Strong Program.
While enduring hot summer mornings and afternoons, the DSU interns are providing residences just north of downtown Dover with security lighting designed to discourage criminal activity. Toward that end, the students are installing LED light bulbs in the front of residences and mounting motion sensitive floodlights in the back of those same homes.
One of the first black major news anchors and Washington, DC’s longest serving local TV host Jim Vance, dies aged 75, following a battle with cancer.
WRC-TV President and General Manager Jackie Bradford confirmed in a statement that Vance died Saturday morning. He was 75 years old.
Vance, who was one of the first black major news anchors and DC’s longest serving television news anchor, co-hosted his 11pm show with his longtime broadcast partner Doreen Gentzler on NBC 4.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — A Hampton University Professor won a $1 million prize playing the Gold Bar Bonanza scratch off.
Dr. Calvin Lowe, who is Dean of the School of Science, thought he’d won the top prize, but he wasn’t certain.
After examining the ticket with a magnifying glass, Dr. Lowe realized the ticket really was a top prize winner.
The ticket was bought at the 7-Eleven in the 700 block of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in Newport News.
Dr. Lowe is the first to receive the $1 million prize in the Gold Bar Bonanza.
The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 1,101,600. The odds of winning any prize in this game are 1 in 3.28.
Dr. Lowe said he told his secretary about the win and she replied, “I’m not losing you as a boss, am I?” He assured her he has no plans to quit and plans to save most of his winnings for retirement.