First Annual Youth Art Showcase To Go On Display At UDC

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The P.A.I.N.T.S. Institute, a newly-founded, D.C. based arts education nonprofit, will host its first annual Youth Art Showcase featuring original, local art created by the 2016 Art Leadership Program interns. The Showcase will be held at The Howard Theatre on Saturday, July 30 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The Art Leadership Program is a holistic summer internship that focuses on art education in the context of the whole person by combing both academic and technical instruction in various artistic mediums with experiential learning opportunities, including community service opportunities and an introduction to fundamental business skills, and competencies as well as lesson related to financial literacy, health and wellness. The 2016 intern class boasts 19 of the most creative D.C. youth between the ages of 14 and 24.

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“We’re grateful to have strong partners within the DC Government,” said John J. I. Chisholm, the P.A.I.N.T.S. Institute’s founder and executive director, speaking about such instrumental partners as the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), the Department of Employment Services (DOES) and Child & Family Services Agency (CFSA). “But we’re proudest of the youth who participated in this year’s Program. The Program allowed them to hone their artistic skills, while they grew and developed as individuals.”

The Showcase will feature (paintings, sculptures and drawings) created by individual interns, as well as a collaborative mural that gives an authentic look into the District. Following the Showcase, the mural will be on display for the general public in Gallery 42 at the University of the District of Columbia Van Ness Campus.

“D.C. represents more than where we are: it’s what we are,” said artist Matthew McLean. “We all grew up here, our families and friends are all here, and we wanted to share our perspectives on this City in a way that a tourist couldn’t see or experience otherwise.”  

“I’m excited that the public will get to see, firsthand, some amazing D.C.-theme artwork,” Chisholm said. “And I’m excited to celebrate these young artists and aspiring adults who are all truly amazing!”

To support ongoing programming, the P.A.I.N.T.S. Institute suggests a $25 donation in exchange for General Admission tickets, and $40 for VIP tickets to the Showcase. Corporate Sponsorship packages are also available. To make donations and reserve tickets, visit here. The Howard Theatre is located at 620 T St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, and is Metro-accessible by the Orange, Bliue and Yellow lines. For event information and questions, contact Ms. Breanna Robinson at B.Robinson@Paintinstitute.org, or by telephone at (202) 594-8128. Please, join us in celebrating and supporting some of the District’s young, aspiring artists!

This post originally appeared at UDC.edu.

B-CU Student Goes From Homeless And Hardships To College

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Recent high school graduate and North Carolina native, Tra’Quan Cunningham will be an incoming freshman this fall. Tra’Quan has an amazing story of overcoming obstacles youth may relate to but have never shared. As an adolescent, Tra’Quan had a turbulent upbringing. He moved from home to home living with friends and close relatives. It was not until his current mentor, Trevor Beauford reached out to Tra’Quan’s middle school seeking interest in mentoring a youth. School administration immediately thought of Tra’Quan.

As a youth pastor by trade, Mr. Beauford mentored many youth from the Charlotte area, however, “this mentee relationship was much different,” said Beauford. Tra’Quan was embraced by Beauford’s family and they shared many conversations about life and academics. In no time, Beauford became a strong support for Tra’Quan, giving him a place to live so that he could focus on academics and learn how to become a man.“My goal was to make sure that Tra’Quan stayed on track to graduate high school and now, I am going to make sure he completes college,” Beauford said.

Tra’Quan was recruited to B-CU this past Spring during the Wildcat Experience Tours at the Battle of the Bands in Atlanta. “My mentor and I went to the college fair that weekend and I visited the B-CU table. I filled out the application and I received my acceptance to the university on site,” Tra’Quan said. After having other schools on his radar, Tra’Quan felt welcomed by B-CU students and the admissions team, which aided in his decision to become a Wildcat. “Ms. Manicia Finch has been phenomenal in the process of getting us to B-CU. We have met several faculty and staff and it has put me at ease sending Tra’Quan to B-CU. We were treated like family,” stated Beauford. As Tra’Quan prepares to attend in the fall he is expecting to study sociology and become a social worker so that he can help others succeed much like his mentor helped him.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly spelled the last name of Trevor Beauford, who is the current mentor of Bethune-Cookman student Tra’Quan Cunningham.

This post originally appeared on Cookman.edu.

Livingstone’s Dr. Flowers Awarded $57,744 For STEM Workforce Training Lab

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Dr. Lawrence Flowers, department chair and associate professor of biology at Livingstone College, will utilize a $57,744 award from the National Science Foundation to establish a STEM Workforce Training Laboratory on campus. The STEM Workforce Training Laboratory will contain state-of-the-art scientific research instrumentation and will be designed to provide real-world laboratory experiences in the areas of bioinformatics, cell biology, forensic science, microbiology and molecular biology to underrepresented students. The STEM Workforce Training Laboratory will employ innovative career training activities that will enrich the science and mathematics education curriculum, strengthen the College’s research infrastructure and improve employment outcomes for current and future Livingstone students. Additionally, the STEM Workforce Training Laboratory will further the efforts of AIM for STEM Careers, a nearly $300,000 project funded by the National Science Foundation for which Dr. Flowers is the principal investigator.

Recently, Dr. Flowers conceptualized and trademarked the term “STEMployable” to denote the requisite attitudes, behaviors, credentials and technical skills that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math graduates must possess to enhance their employability and competitively pursue STEM careers in the 21st Century. “It is imperative that STEM faculty incorporate career development evidence-based practices, career theories and authentic laboratory training experiences in their courses to produce graduates who demonstrate felicitous STEMployable skills,” Dr. Flowers said.

The STEM Workforce Training Laboratory will train students to be proficient in a variety of scientific procedures, including DNA profiling techniques, cell culture methods, gene expression analysis, fluorescence microscopy, small interfering RNA technology, nucleic acid extraction procedures and protein expression analysis. Improving diversity in the STEM workforce is a national mandate. The overarching goals of the STEM Workforce Training Laboratory are to improve students’ extant discipline knowledge and to enhance students’ career preparation experiences by exposing undergraduates to essential laboratory competencies and problem-solving skills important to employers in today’s STEM labor market.

This post originally appeared on Livingston.edu.

Trump Edges Out Clinton In New HU Poll

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If the presidential election were held today, Virginians would vote for the GOP nominee Donald Trump over presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton as our nation’s 45th president, a new Hampton University poll finds. In a roughly even race to the White House, Trump edges out Clinton 39.2 to 38.8.

Even when asked if actual enforcement of rules and regulations that prevent and stop illegal immigration into the United States — the signature issue of the Trump campaign — Virginians at 80 percent overwhelmingly favor those regulations to prevent illegal immigration into the country. According to the HU poll, 57.7 percent of Virginians would also prefer an increased on regulations regarding legal immigration into the country.

Concerned over a terror attack in the U.S., the majority of Virginians think the U.S. should lead a ground force coalition against ISIS. Virginians also significantly favor the U.S. to participate in a multi-nation campaign against ISIS compared to those who oppose it.

But Virginians still see Clinton as dishonest and not to be trusted—just 36 percent of Virginians say they could trust a President Clinton. Trump performed slightly better, with 42 percent of those surveyed responding that Trump is not to be trusted.

Morehouse Student Writes Self-Help Book For All Ages

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In his new book, Dealing With This Thing Called Life, Chris Sumlin, 22, offers 12 relatable stories to help people of all ages become their best selves.

The Morehouse College student is a man on a mission. You may remember Sumlin from his “Beyoncé Resume Tips Video” which we featured back in January. If you thought Sumlin was going to stop there, you were sadly mistaken. This ambitious young man shows no sign of slowing down. In April, Sumlin published his first book called Dealing With This Thing Called Life. Sumlin says he wrote the entire first draft of this book in just one month while still managing classes at Morehouse.

“I just felt like I had something to say that would help people,” Sumlin said, when asked why he decided to write the book.

The relatable, riveting and inspiring book discusses Sumlin’s life and follows some of his most controversial experiences. Dealing With This Thing Called Life shares stories of Sumlin meeting celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West and Rihanna, to his journey to being accepted into HBCU Morehouse College in Atlanta. Along with captivating, hilarious stories, each chapter of the book is accompanied by an insightful life lesson. Some themes of the lessons vary from the importance of surrounding yourself with good friends to having a positive attitude. This book is simply one you have to read to believe.

For any young college student wanting to become their best self, this particular book is the book for you. While the media attempts to portray black men in a negative light, it is inspiring to see some of the positive things many black men are doing.

Dealing With This Thing Called Life is available on Amazon today. Currently Sumlin’s book possess an impressive 94 percent approval rating from customer reviews.

To learn more about Chris Sumlin and his new book visit his website at http://www.thechrissumlin.com/.

Howard Grad Kasim Reed And Spelman Grad Stacey Abrams To Speak At DNC

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On Monday, several Democratic leaders and multiple celebrities are scheduled to offer their shared vision for the future of America in Philadelphia for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

After the Republicans gave their vision of a better America—and to “Make America Great Again”—at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last week, the Democrats will have their chance to bring their message to the table.

The mainstream media called Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on Thursday at the Republican National Convention “dark” and divisive and too long. But in the wake of the “DNCleak” emails surrounding Bernie Sanders, Democrats need to prove why their message is the right message for the country, when a significant amount of voters find presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as dishonest and untrustworthy.

To help flip the script are Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who is a graduate of Howard University in the nation’s capital, and state House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, a Spelman College alum, who will help make that case as both are scheduled to speak at the upcoming Democratic National Convention which begins Monday.

Reed is expected to speak Wednesday, and Adams will take the stage on Monday.

VSU’s Softball Standout Cameryn Smith Named 2016 CIAA Woman Of The Year

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Charlotte, NC – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) subcommittee of Senior Woman Administrators have selected Virginia State University’s softball standout Cameryn Smith as the 2016 CIAA Woman of the Year.

Smith, a recent graduate, is a three-time CIAA All-Tournament Team honoree as a first baseman (2015 & 2016) and a third baseman (2013). She was named to the CIAA All-Rookie Team in 2013 and the Daktronics Atlantic Region/District 2 All-Region 1st Team. Smith was the highest ranking accounting major at Virginia State her freshman, junior and senior year. She garnered recognition to the Beta Gamma Sigma and Golden Key Honors Society and received the 2016 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Award.

“Being a college athlete has taught me time management, patience, determination, compassion, accountability and selflessness. This has influenced my life because; I will use what these last four years have taught me to pursue my career in accounting,” said Cameryn Smith. “I will use my love of community service to create [community service] opportunities within my firm. This will make a small impact in our communities, but a global impact starts with local change.”

During her stint at VSU, Smith contributed her personal time with the Families United Foundation Children’s Organization Celebration, Peabody Middle School Clean-Up Project, Ettrick Elementary School and the Trojans youth softball camps.

Cameryn Smith, along with Shaw University’s cross country and outdoor track runner Destinee Williams, will represent the conference on a ballot for the NCAA Top 30 Women of the Year Honorees.

Williams, a hurdler and sprinter, is the Shaw Bears’ three-time MVP. As an ambassador of Shaw, she was the 2016 president and 2014 vice president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and two-time member of the student government association’s Royal Court as Miss Sophomore (2013-14) and Miss Shaw University (2015-16). Destinee Williams graduated Magna Cum Laude with the second highest grade point average amongst her athletic training majors and is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree at Duke University’s School of Nursing.

The NCAA Woman of the Year award honors graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academics, athletics, service and leadership.

From the top 30, the selection committee (made up of representatives from the NCAA membership) determines the top three honorees from each division and announces the nine finalists in September. The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics then chooses from among those nine to determine the 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year.

The top 30 honorees will be celebrated and the 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year winner will be announced at the annual award ceremony October 16th in Indianapolis, Ind.

Cameryn Smith, a native of Powhatan, Va., will be honored during the CIAA’s Football Media Day Reception on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

This post originally appeared at TheCIAA.com.

AAMU Community Have You Noticed The Hustle And Bustle Throughout The Hill?

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If you haven’t visited the Alabama A&M University campus in a while, then you’ll likely notice a sense of “bustle” from the top to the bottom of The Hill.

Following the demolishment of Gravitt Apartments to make way for a new 600-bed residential facility on Meridian Street, a site contractor is now preparing the grounds, according to Brian Shipp of Physical Facilities (right).  Also leveled was the Old Pump House located in the rear of Normal Post Office (below, left).  Shipp said the area will simply return to being its original green space as part of campus beautification efforts along Meridian.

In keeping with its aim to renovate one building unit a year, the University has begun renovations to Building 7 in the massive Normal Hills Student Apartments complex.

Art and music students and faculty returning in the fall will find that the parking lot of the Morrison Building has been resurfaced.  From Morrison, the view across Legacy Lake and Meridian Street reveals a sizeable void, not only because of the disappearance of Gravitt Apartments, but also because of the relocation of the structure that housed the Office of Human Resources.  Shipp noted that the structure and HR offices are now located near the rear, northeast entrance of the campus, directly behind the Councill Federal Credit Union (above, right).

CarterHallReno.jpgRenovations are also on target in Carter Hall science building (above), as labs and office renovations continue to take shape.  Second, third and fourth floors of Hopkins Hall, a male residence hall, are at 85 percent completion, said Shipp.  Next door, the former police station has been demolished.  Finally, a structure that will be used to wash the vehicles of the Bulldog Transit System is out for bid.

This post originally appeared at AAMU.edu.

Nashville HBCU Hosts SDPC Launch Of Summer Leadership Training For “Generation Now” Students

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A week after the shootings of African Americans in Minnesota and Louisiana, young adults from 11 different colleges and universities met in July 2016 on ABC’s campus to discuss together ways to equip persons of color to fight for Social Justice throughout the United States. Proving ABC once again an incubator for student activism, students from Fresno Pacific College, Texas Southern University, American Baptist College, Fisk University, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta Metro State College, Meharry Medical College, Georgia State University, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Prairie View A&M University, & Virginia Union University spoke adamantly about their role in shaping the world in which they want to live.

The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference’s Generation Now Network (GenNowNet) is committed to working with youth in neighborhoods and in educational environments along with young adult clergy and lay and community-based organizations. The purpose of the GenNowNet is to grow a national social justice awareness and action movement that is grounded in faith-driven advocacy, activism, and technology beyond the “church.” The organization seeks to infuse human and social rights awareness methodologies into the learning contexts and lives of these future leaders.

This post originally appeared at ABCNash.edu.

Donna Brazile Named Interim DNC Chair

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Donna Brazile, who is the proud recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from HBCUs including, North Carolina A&T State University, Grambling State University and, most recently, Spelman College, has become the new head of the Democratic National Committee.

Brazile, currently serving as DNC Vice Chair, “will lead party through the remainder of the 2016 election,” says party spokesman Luis Miranda on his personal Twitter account, according to Bloomberg News.

Brazile, an author, academic, and political analyst, will head the DNC after Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced Sunday that she will step down in the midst of controversy over internal DNC emails that show anti-Bernie Sanders bias.

From Bloomberg News:

“She’ll follow Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who will resign as DNC chair at end of the party’s convention this week in Philadelphia, following Wikileaks publication of DNC e-mails that raised questions on if the party leadership was actually neutral behind the scenes in the primary between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.”

Released on Friday, according to Time, and just days before the Democratic Party kicks off its national convention in Philadelphia, the “DNCleak” emails has “cast a pall over the celebrations that were meant to highlight the unification of the party after a bitter primary season, while setting back efforts to fully line up Sanders’ supporters behind presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton.”

Brazil, who has lead in the position before in 2011, will be the new interim DNC chair.

Head over to Time to read more.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Donna Brazile is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is not.

Grambling State Invited To Participate In NASA MUREP Educator Institute

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Grambling, LA – Grambling State University (GSU) was invited to participate in the NASA MUREP (Minority University Research and Education Project) Educator Institute that was held June 6-10, 2016 at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Participants from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction were: Ginger Abney, La Sadie Dixon, Asia Scott, and Danyelle Cober. Dr. Loretta Walton Jaggers, Professor of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, served as the faculty sponsor.

The teacher candidates and the faculty sponsor participated in a series of activities that served as an introduction to the on-site experiences at Stennis. The Grambling team also viewed and discussed various webinars and videos that were presented by NASA Specialists, and interacted with NASA specialists regarding the design, implementation, and submission of final culminating projects.

The team had opportunities to develop and implement lesson plans based on NASA concepts that were presented at the Institute. As a result of participating in the NASA Educator Institute at Stennis, Grambling State was presented the plaque, “NASA MSI (Minority Serving Institution) Emerging Stars Network 2016 Institutional Member”.

According to NASA, “the primary goal of this institute is to utilize NASA’s unique assets, resources and Subject Matter Experts to provide high-quality learning experiences for undergraduate and alternative route STEM pre-service educators.”

The diverse, highly interactive program activities at Stennis Space Center involved the use of NASA Education resources, and “best practices” instructional strategies that related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) concepts. Multiple experiences were also provided to minute an increased understanding of “human space exploration”.

According to Dr. Jaggers. “The NASA Educator Institute at Stennis Space Center was an excellent and a rewarding experience for all participants involved. The teacher candidates had diverse opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills about various resources and strategies for developing STEM concepts in the PK-12 classrooms.”

This post originally appeared at Gram.edu.

Kentucky State Saddened By The Violence In Baton Rouge

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Again, we join the nation in mourning the deaths of multiple police officers. This morning, three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers lost their lives, one is in critical condition and two others were injured. Our prayers are with the residents of Baton Rouge, a city already on edge after an African-American man recently was shot and killed by police.

We join the nation as we mourn these senseless acts. We pray that as a country and as citizens of the United States, we unite to overcome this rash of violence.

As President Barack Obama said, “Today, on the Lord’s day, all of us stand united in prayer with the people of Baton Rouge, with the police officers who’ve been wounded, and with the grieving families of the fallen. May God bless them all.”

May God give us wisdom and guidance to come together and heal our wounded hearts and minds.

Sincerely,

Aaron Thompson, PhD

Interim President, Kentucky State University

This post originally appeared at KYSU.edu.

UMES Gets $1 Million Gift For “Green” Initiatives

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PRINCESS ANNE, MD – Delmarva Power, an Exelon Company, announced today it is pledging $1 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to help the land-grant institution expand training a sustainable workforce with emphases on agriculture and renewable energy in the company’s Maryland service area.

The gift will be used by UMES to launch the Green Collar Initiative, a series of energy conservation projects that include crafting a “sustainable curriculum” using research, development and training assistance targeting rural businesspeople, especially those in agribusiness.

“By educating students and the existing workforce in renewable energy – solar and passive solar, geothermal and related technologies – the university will help build a green workforce that is knowledgeable about energy preservation – and committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” said John Allen, Regional Vice President for Delmarva Power, and chairman of UMES’ Board of Visitors.

“This gift will support the company’s commitment to workforce development within its service area,” Allen said. “Growing jobs, especially ‘green jobs,’ within Delmarva Power’s Maryland region will benefit the people whose skills will be enhanced – and the communities we serve.”

The $1 million gift from Delmarva Power is the single largest from a business or corporation in university history.

Allen and his utility company colleagues joined UMES President Juliette B. Bell in making the announcement at the university’s Engineering & Aviation Science Complex, the newest classroom building that incorporates many of the latest green-energy features in its design.

Among projects UMES will undertake:

  • Provide “green” training opportunities through a certificate program for students and the existing workforce with an emphasis on the latest developments in “renewable energy solutions,” including solar, geothermal and related technologies.
  • Keep public attention focused on the Green Collar Initiative long-term by deploying a “mobile transfer substation” that will visit schools and community colleges on recruiting outings, much the way libraries utilize bookmobiles.
  • Design and build a “green power” model home on campus utilizing such energy conservation strategies as radiant floor heating, energy-efficient appliances, permeable paving and low / dual flush bathroom fixtures.

The dwelling will serve as a teaching tool by incorporating “sustainable” technology and design elements endorsed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Students and faculty in UMES’ School of Business & Technology and School of Agricultural & Natural Sciences will have roles in the project.

Kimberly Dumpson, UMES’ Executive Vice President who worked with Allen on the proposal, said “students will see how sustainability concepts are incorporated in the construction of commercial and residential properties, and gain hands-on knowledge about the application of alternative and renewable energy technologies.”

“Students enrolled in the University’s construction management, engineering and agriculture programs will be engaged through their respective disciplines during construction of the house,” Dumpson said.

Upon completion, UMES will hold workshops on sustainable energy design topics, conduct public tours of the house and grounds, and host events for the public at-large.

“This initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to sustainability,” Dumpson said, “and helps produce a ‘green-savvy’ workforce for our Eastern Shore region.”

Plans also call for UMES’ hospitality & tourism management and agriculture departments to nurture and promote organic farming as well as partnerships between farmers and local restaurants “to improve regional access to healthy foods.” The university envisions some of its efforts that evolve from the “LEGUMES” project to be featured in publications produced by Delmarva Power for its customers.

This post originally appeared at UMES.edu.

Howard Alum Ta-Nehisi Coates’ ‘Black Panther’ Gets A Spin-Off Series

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A new spin-off series of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Black Panther comic book was announced Friday and it is generating a lot of buzz everywhere.

Coates, a national correspondent at The Atlantic, and also an alum of HBCU Howard University in the nation’s capital, was offered the opportunity to write an 11 script issue of the first black superhero, Black Panther, which debuted in an issue of Fantastic Four in 1966, in mainstream American comics last year, according to the black college alum. For Coates, who says he “found the tales of comic books to be an escape, another reality where, very often, the weak and mocked could transform their fallibility into fantastic power,” it is like a dream come true.

He writes at The Atlantic:

“Some of the best days of my life were spent poring over the back issues of The Uncanny X-Men and The Amazing Spider-Man. As a child of the crack-riddled West Baltimore of the 1980s, I found the tales of comic books to be an escape, another reality where, very often, the weak and mocked could transform their fallibility into fantastic power. That is the premise behind the wimpy Steve Rogers mutating into Captain America, behind the nerdy Bruce Banner needing only to grow angry to make his enemies take flight, behind the bespectacled Peter Parker being transfigured by a banal spider bite into something more.”

“But comic books provided something beyond escapism,” he added:

“Indeed, aside from hip-hop and Dungeons & Dragons, comics were my earliest influences. In the way that past writers had been shaped by the canon of Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Wharton, I was formed by the canon of Claremont, DeFalco, and Simonson. Some of this was personal. All of the comics I loved made use of two seemingly dueling forces—fantastic grandiosity and ruthless efficiency. Comic books are absurd. At any moment, the Avengers might include a hero drawn from Norse mythology (Thor), a monstrous realization of our nuclear-age nightmares (the Hulk), a creation of science fiction (Wasp), and an allegory for the experience of minorities in human society (Beast). But the absurdities of comics are, in part, made possible by a cold-eyed approach to sentence-craft.”

Coates goes on to put emphasis on his personal approach to the writing process and how at The Atlantic he tries to make every word count, though, he admits that even he fails at this sometimes.

Image result for black panther hollywood reporter

In addition to writing Black Panther, Coates will also be one of the co-writers for World of Wakanda, according to The Hollywood Reporter, joining “both noted writer and educator Roxane Gay and poet Yona Harvey” with “Gay’s storyline focusing on Ayo and Aneka, two former members of the Black Panther’s bodyguard organization the Dora Milaje, while Harvey’s will center on Zenzi, the revolutionary who started the riot that opened Coates’ own series.”

The much anticipated spinoff series launches later this year.

To date, Coates’ Black Panther No. 1 has sold (an incredible) 253,259 orders in the U.S. alone, making it one of the best-selling comics in 2016, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

Hashtag: Black Excellence.

Coates talks on writing the project, you can check out the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSTuUs-HVE8

Lincoln University Faculty And Staff Publish Music, Books

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Lincoln University, Pa. — Three Lincoln University faculty and staff have recently had their work published:

Charles Pettaway released a new piano music CD, “Charles Pettaway Performs Music by Composers of African Descent.” Pettaway, a Lincoln music professor, is chair of the Department of Visual & Performing Arts and a member of the Board of Trustees. The six-song CD includes selections from Le Chevalier de Saint-George, Howard Swanson, George Walker, and John Dangerfield Cooper. Contact the Visual & Performing Arts Department for more information.

Bernadette Melrath wrote a poetry book, “Heartfelt Inspirations, Motivations, Explanations & Relaxations for the Heart, Mind & Soul.” Melrath is a program assistant in the Registrar’s Office. Of the book, Melrath writes, “There are poems to inspire, motivate, and explain things, and ones with heartfelt words to help your mind and soul.” She said this book “helped me to let others know about things that have happened in life and that they’re not alone when it comes to hurt. Available August 30 at Amazon and in bookstores. Available at Tate Publishing. 348 pages, $18.99 (paperback).

Jonathan Harris wrote a self-help book, “Master of Ceremonies: A Male’s Guide for a Successful Life.” Harris is a residence coordinator in Residence Life. Harris said the book is about “how to take ownership over your own life.” The book teaches life skills including the importance of good self-esteem, friendship choices, healthy relationships, financial management, and more. Harris said this is a great book for anyone working through a specific challenge (low self-esteem, poor grades, bad friendships, fatherless homes) or a transition (graduating middle or high school, graduating college, moving on their own, starting a new job). The book has been added to the distribution list of several online bookstores including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and Apple Bookstore. Harris will appear on Fox 5 DC News to promote the book this summer. Available at Xlibris.com. 96 pages, $15.99 (paperback).

Compiled by Shelley Mix, Office of Communications & Public Relations. 

This post originally appeared at Lincoln.edu.

Mississippi Valley State Launches 10 By 10 Challenge

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The Office of Alumni Affairs at MVSU has launched the 10 by 10 Young Alumni Challenge in efforts to increase young alumni involvement and support of Mississippi Valley State University. The 10 by 10 Challenge is a competition among the graduating classes of the last ten years, 2006-2015. The individuals who graduated within the last 10 years are challenged to pay a minimum of $10 per month and to challenge ten (10) classmates via social media to do the same. The challenge will run from July 15, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

Join the challenge by making your contribution today, hold up your receipt, take a picture, and post “Your Class Year”  and #MVSU10X10 to Facebook, Twitter, etc. or email it to alumni@mvsu.edu. (Submitted photos will be featured on our website and social media platforms.)

The class with the greatest amount of contributions at the end of the fiscal year will be declared the winner and receive numerous recognitions. The funds raised through the 10 by 10 Challenge will be used to provide student scholarships, support other student and 10 by 10 activities.

Join the challenge today by visiting: www.mvsu.edu/contributors/ and click the “donate now” button, or you can mail to: Mississippi Valley State University, Office of Alumni Affairs, MVSU 7239, 14000 Highway 82 West, Itta Bena, MS 38941.

All checks should be made payable to Mississippi Valley State University and indicate 10 by 10 Young Alumni Challenge and your class year in the memo section of your check. For more information, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs by calling (662) 254-3579 or via email at alumni@mvsu.edu.

This post originally appeared at MVSU.edu.