This Howard University Graduate is Running for Senate

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California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who graduated from Howard University, a historically black college or university (HBCU) in Washington, D.C., recently announced that she will be seeking a Senate seat vacated by Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2016.

Harris was the first to formally declare her candidacy since Sen. Boxer announced that she would step down from her seat, according to CNN.

Notably, the Howard grad became the first person outside the long lineage of white males to hold the AG office when she was elected in 2010.

From her new campaign website: “I’m excited to share with you that I’m launching my campaign to represent the people of California in the United States Senate,” Harris said.

She added, “Your support has been crucial to me every step of the way, and I’m asking you to help me build a grassroots campaign that reaches every community of California.”

“From my first days as a prosecutor in Alameda County, to my work as San Francisco District Attorney to my current service as California Attorney General, I have worked to bring smart, innovative and effective approaches to fighting crime, fighting for consumers and fighting for equal rights for all,” said Harris.

Jay-Z Has ‘Strong’ Views on Hip-Hop and Race Relations

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To commemorate civil rights leaders and legends, and recognize the newly released movie “Selma,” the OWN network, owned and operated by Tennessee State grad Oprah, is hosting a month-long celebration of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. 

In a recent episode of Oprah’s Master Class, Jay-Z shed some knowledge on how he feels about race relations regarding Hip-Hop and police brutality.

“I think that Hip-Hop has done more for racial relations than most cultural icons,” Jay-Z said. The rapper warned that he had “strong” views on how hip-hop has impacted racism, and to many, these were some interesting choice words since the rapper usually is not very vocal on political and racial issues.

Looking back at recent incidents of police brutality occurring in Ferguson, New York and Florida, and around the country I think that his opinion is honest and is, perhaps, somewhat accurate.

The recent deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner have caused many rappers in the hip-hop industry to use their voices for good for a change:

A collaborative song by The Game, Rick Ross and Diddy was released in early August to honor Mike Brown and to contribute to the victim’s memorial fund. J. Cole was seen at Eric Garner protests in New York and Missouri, and released a song called “Be Free” in memory of Eric Garner. Kendrick Lamar spoke on how his song, “I,” impacted the situations of Mike Brown and Eric Garner.

These artists have used their voices to make an impact, no doubt.

Like Jay-Z said, people listen to Hip-Hop music all around the world so even if you are not engaged the issues happening in the world, in particular happening here in America–thanks to Hip-Hop, you are now informed. 

And perhaps, this is what Jay-Z meant by “doing more.”  

6 Reasons Selma is a Must See for HBCU Students

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Director Ava DuVernay impressively depicts Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s time and energy spent on Voting Inequalities in her film “Selma.” It specifically pinpoints the work King put forth in Selma, Alabama during the 60’s.

“Selma”, which made its theater debut on Jan. 9th, is already a sparking conversation among the public.

If you haven’t gone to see it yet, here’s six reasons why you should.

Directorial and writing chemistry is notable

Writer Paul Webb and Director Ava DuVernay (whom also co-wrote the screenplay), seems to have concocted cinematic gold with bringing their ideas to life. The script of the movie peaks interest by hitting the audience over the head with effect and influence; while the directorial aspect gives an exciting, dramatic, and artistic feel to the visuals.

This is not the MLK you learned about in History class

What makes this movie so unique and interesting to watch is that it doesn’t follow the pattern of the MLK stories you’ve heard since elementary school.

The movie focuses on a pivotal point in MLK’s life and the impression he had on society. “Selma” doesn’t shy away from the fact that King, just like any other human being, had flaws; yet those same flaws didn’t diminish his powerful impact. The movie touched base on his marital issues, vulnerability, etc. Nevertheless “Selma” still painted him in a positive light.

DuVernay has kept it all the way real!

The actors do a heck of a job

David Oyelowo, who has been featured in movies such as Red Tails and The Butler, put an immense deal of time and effort into practicing his role as Martin Luther King. His talent and knowledge of King’s defining presence has set this MLK depiction apart from the others.

Oyelowos co-stars Carmen Ejogo (Coretta Scott King), Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper), and Lorraine Toussaint (Amelia Boynton), do riveting jobs on letting their characters speak for themselves, all while still showcasing their own talents. When watching the movie, one could say it gives the feeling of actually being there.

Critics are giving rave reviews.

…and the movie is receiving some great feedback.

Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritc, and a plethora of others have given the movie high praises. New York Times states, “Even if you think you know what’s coming, “Selma” hums with suspense and surprise. Packed with incident and overflowing with fascinating characters, it is a triumph of efficient, emphatic cinematic storytelling and much more than that, of course.”

No sugarcoating the violence

Selma does an impeccable job at portraying the real life acts of violence against “Selma” protestors. There was no skipping of police brutality in this movie. The audience will get to see the inhumane ways that the victims were treated, and possibly cringe at the realistic yet powerful depictions.

IT IS IMPORTANT!!

It is dire that we as African Americans, support movies that highlights and celebrates our history in in the manner in which it deserves to be. “Selma” is a movie of substance that can give its audience something to be proud of, something that can only push the culture in a forward moving direction. Right in the thick of current issues that a large portion of society has chosen to protest over (Mike Brown and Eric Garner killings), Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” is right on time with its message of standing for what you believe in.

Grammy-Nominated CSU Chorus Performs at Ohio Governor’s Inauguration

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Grammy-nominated Central State University Chorus performed during Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s second inaugural address today, Monday.

The only choir participating at the ceremony, the CSU Chorus entertained more than 900 people attending the event. Assistant Professor of Music & Chorus Director Jeremy Winston said, “We are honored to participate in the celebration of Governor John Kasich’s inauguration,” according to a Central State press release.

Winston added that the choir at the historically black college or university (HBCU) located in Wilberforce, Ohio is praised worldwide, and believes the Central State Chorus is “one of Ohio’s gems musically.”

“…We have continued to represent Ohio both nationally and internationally,” Winston said. 

“The Central State University Chorus is one of the most highly acclaimed choral groups in Ohio and we are thrilled to have them participate in this historic event,” said Doug Preisse, chairman of A New Day Committee, who planned the inauguration.

John Kaisch, a member of the Republican Party, is a possible candidate for president in 2016.

5 Fashion Tips for Spring 2015

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With the new spring semester the weather is looking frightful!

First you have to deal with harsh winters and then a hot spring right before summer break. Sometimes getting dressed in the morning can be hard to task when trying to stay warm or cool and still trying to look good.

Here are 5 fashion tips for Spring 2015:

1. Invest in a good coat

A coat can not only be fashionable but it will keep you warm for the winter in the beginning of the semester. Peacoat’s are always a great choice! They’re stylish yet still professional and classy.

2.Accessories: Useful & Stylish

Accessories can really make or break an outfit. For men a nice watch can make all the difference. Using scarves, gloves and hats will not only add some flare to outfit but it will also keep you warm on those cold walks across campus.

3. Layer, Layer, LAYER!

With unpredictable weather layers are your friend! They keep you warm but are easy to take off when you need to cool down. Thermals are an easy way to keep warm, while sometimes it might come in handy to wear an extra camisole or cardigan just in case you need to shed a layer later on in the afternoon.

4. Less isn’t always more 

When it does warm up later in the spring time that doesn’t necessarily mean its time to get naked. Ladies I know we love our crop tops and high-wasted shorts but we don’t have to wear them immediately at the first sign of sunlight just to go to class.

5. Be Yourself!

No matter what the weather forecast is, or what everybody else has own, find your own style! The best way to sell an outfit is to actually feel good in what you have on.As long as you’re comfortable nothing else matters.

No. 24 Gold Rush Rallies Against No. 16 Panthers

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Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) rallied past Philander Smith in stunning fashion on Saturday.

The No. 24 Gold Rush outscored No. 16 Philander 20-1 during the last 10 minutes. From the XULA athletic website, Junior Guard Morris Wright said, “Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a hole, but we know how to get out if it.”

“Our team has a lot of fight in it,” Wright said, scoring 12 points on the night among two other teammates. “The defense picked it up in the second half, and the offense got better.”

Wright led the team in crucial moments in the game.

He scored 5 points during their rally past the Panthers to take the lead with one minute left, and his three pointer put the Rush up by 4 points.

Crashing the boards was important in XULA’s win over Philander. They out-rebounded Philander 18-6 in the final 11 minutes, and totally controlled the entire game at rebounding, 45-29.

The Panthers had dominated this season at rebounding, but XULA managed to beat Philander at their own game.

The Gold Rush obviously played great defense. Jarvis Thibodeaux had seven boards and a career-high two blocks. Aquil Baynard finished the game with just 8 points but entered this contest with 18.5 points per game. He struggled 3-11 from the floor and had a season-worst seven turnovers.

To make up for Baynard lack of scoring Philander shot terribly from the free throw line. They were 6-16 while the Gold Rush shot 14-19.

XULA will play Tougaloo on Monday. Tougaloo is undefeated after blowing SUNO out by 20.

A version of this article originally appeared on Xula.edu/athletics

Posted by Robert Hoggard Posted on 231 articles

Central State Cruises Past Davis & Elkins, 82-60

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Sophomore guard Sterling Gilmore had a stellar performance on Saturday, scoring a season-high 20 points as the Central State Marauders cruised past the Davis & Elkins Senators 82-60 in their first G-MAC win of the season.

Central State University led the entire game, and led as much as 26 in the 2nd half. It was their largest margin of victory this season.

In 24 minutes of play, Gilmore impressed with 4 three pointers made and 7 free throws. Guard Masceo Harmon had a second team high with 19 points and added 6 assists and 5 steals in the Box Score.

The Marauders improved to 8-6 and travels back home to play the 6-8 Trevecca Nazarene Trojans on Thursday at 7:30 pm.

Read more at MarauderSports.com.

Tennessee State Moves to Four Day Class Schedule

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President Glenda Glover and Tennessee State recently announced that the university will move to a four day class schedule in the Spring of 2015.

Tennessee State University will hold classes from Monday-Thursday, and the offices will be open five days per week. Dr. Glover said this change will allow more time for advising, faculty office hours, and more time for faculty to research in their expertise.

According to My FOX Memphis, “It is the first university in the Tennessee Board of Regents system to condense classes to four days. Institutions that have adopted the change include Southern University in Baton Rouge, and Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Mississippi.”

This switch does not mean that TSU students will spend less time in class–in fact, 50 minute classes will be extended to one hour and 20 minutes for each class, according to the university’s website.

From TSU News, Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mark Hardy said, “We have a president who is innovative and always looking for new ways to help our students succeed. The four-day class schedule ad our book bundle effort, which started last semester, are just some of the ways that demonstrate this administration’s commitment to providing an academic environment that promotes student success.”

Chris Attaway, who is President of ACA Ministries, told HBCU Buzz, “In a moment where mentorship is minute, I believe that TSU is moving in a productive direction. I salute Dr. Glover for taking the academic arena from a ‘typewriter–do it if you can’ model to a ‘computer assist and always possible’ praxis.”

Attaway added, “We thank her for her leadership, her covering, and tutelage in this time. We’re praying that the All-wise and Knowing God will continue to lead her in her cutting edge endeavors.”

Walter Kimbrough Remembers College Prez Dream and Says ‘Do What You Love’

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This story is a part of the series “Presidents Corner” about the unique experiences, vision and leadership styles of each president at our nation’s 107 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)

Many call him the “Hip Hop Prez” because he is still one of the youngest HBCU presidents in the country.

Walter M. Kimbrough is the 7th president of Dillard University, a historically black college or university in Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. He talks with the Buzz in this exclusive interview on his goals and achievements, advice for those of us wanting to be an HBCU president in the future, and new things happening at Dillard.

Here’s our conversation…

Robert: Anything new at Dillard?

Kimbrough: The main new thing at Dillard is our center for law and public policy. We had Benjamin Crump in December speak for our annual law and society lecture and then announced we would work to increase the number of students who go into the legal profession. With all the high profile issues (Mike Brown, Eric Garner) we have seen that the prosecuting attorney is a key person, and there are so few people of color in the pipeline we are at the mercy of whomever is in that role, and most of them have no real sense of diverse perspectives. Does not make them bad people, but that is a limitation.

Robert: Was it always your desire to become a college president?

Kimbrough: I ended up wanting to be a president after being an involved student at the University of Georgia and active in Alpha Phi Alpha. I met and got to interact with college presidents and it somehow became my goal. So I was about 21 when I made that my goal. Prior to that I always wanted to be a veterinarian, which is why I went to Georgia and even spent 2 quarters in vet school.

Robert: You have accomplished a lot over your time in Higher Ed. Your time has been full of many awards and high achievements. What has been the most important thing that you have learned over time?

Kimbrough: Not sure if there is one most important thing. I think in general it is to keep learning. See how other schools and leaders do things well and maybe adapt. Learn from people outside of higher education and try something in which you have no model for success- that is take risks. And probably most important, study failures. You can learn what not to do (and sadly, this is what so many people do not do so they repeat mistakes of the past).

Robert: A while ago, you wrote an article on Dr. Dre’s multi-million gift to USC, and your critique had a lot of attention.

Kimbrough: It really was not much of a critique but rather wondering why would he not look at an HBCU? I tried to argue that we could do some of the same things, and because HBCUs enroll students with backgrounds more comparable than students at USC, it makes sense. But in the end, it was his money and we have to learn how to reach out to entertainers differently.

I never heard from him (and did try to connect). A music publisher, also a USC grad, did reach out and connected us to receive a grant for our music industry program, plus connections for a music industry conference that our students could attend.

But I continue to connect with a range of people. MC Lyte co-taught with me in the fall, and she created a new scholarship program for black men to attend Dillard in the fall of 2015.

Robert: As the times are changing, what advice do you have for future HBCU presidents?

Kimbrough: My single recommendation is do jobs that you first love so much that if possible you would do for free, and then do the best job with the job you have now. There are 107 HBCUs (about 80 four year) so those jobs are not in excess. In addition, you have no control whether or not you will ever become a president. There are great people that will never get a presidency, and bad ones who get multiple ones. So be the best with the job you have.

4 Ways Sigmas Set The Bar High

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1. Seekers of Superior Scholarship

“The Dean”, Alain Leroy Locke, the First Black Rhodes Scholar in 1907, is an excellent member of our wondrous band. Enough said? I think so! Adding to that, Brother Rod Paige went on to be the first African-American US Secretary of Education from 2001-2005 under the George W. Bush administration. Sigma brothers show scholarship!

2. Changers of Public Policies

A Phillip Randolph was known to be a nonviolent and direct action strategist. In fact, he helped push President Franklin D. Roosevelt to issue an executive order banning racial degradation on government defense factories. He also pushed FDR to establish the Fair Employment Practices Committee. Furthermore, Randolph later challenged President Harry S. Truman to issue an order banning racial injustice in the U.S Armed forces.

Randolph helped changed many public policies as a Sigma man. Like Randolph, Sigma brother Rev. Al Sharpton is known today as one of the most efficient organizers in the country. Despite the naysayers, there are so many great things that Sharpton has done to help better the country and its citizens, in particular African-Americans.

On his show, Politics Nation he always talks about the policies that perpetuates injustices in this nation. Sharpton, Randolp and numerous other Sigma brothers, like John Lewis and Hosea Williams, have shed blood and tears for humanity. They purposely live our motto: “Culture for service, service to humanity.”

3. Quality Treatment To All Women 

When I meet Zetas, we share a deep bond that can never be trivialized.

Sigmas have always been known to have an unbreakable bond with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Zeta and Sigma are the nay constitutional bonded Black Greek organizations. Sigmas treat Zetas well and it doesn’t stop there!

4. Mentoring Youth

One of the great things about Phi Beta Sigma is that we have a very powerful mentoring program: The “Sigma Beta Club”. This program is responsible for mentoring young people through the challenges that they face in life.

The Sigma Beta Club is all about investing in the young people, the future leaders of tomorrow, so that they are ready to lead and serve whenever called upon, and no matter the obstacles.

Sigmas sets the bar high, and always think and act on being a part of the DNA of the community rather than being separate from the community. This makes us who we are when we enter the world to serve humanity.

Happy Founders Day, frat!

Follow the author of this article on Twitter: @mindofRKH

Obama Wants First Two Years of Community College Free

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Today, President Barack Obama is heading to the state of Tennessee to announce a huge proposal that will make sure the country’s 1,1000 community colleges is more accessible, and “free for everybody who is willing to work for it,” according to a statement by the Commander-in-chief.

The proposed two years of tuition free community college program will, according to the White House, make community college as universal as high school is today.

From USA Today, “Put simply, what I’d like to do is to see the first two years of community college free for anybody who’s willing to work for it,” said Obama aboard Air Force One amid a three-state tour to preview his State of the Union Address. “It’s something we can accomplish, and it’s something that will train our workforce so that we can compete with anyone in the world.”

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Post by The White House.

Breast Cancer Vaccine Developed by Tennessee State University Researcher and Colleagues Shows Promise in Preliminary Trial

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University scientist and a group of researchers from Washington University School of Medicine at St. Louis have come up with an experimental vaccine for breast cancer that appears to be safe in a preliminary trial.

According to a study published in Clinical Cancer Research, Dr. Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi, assistant professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, and his colleagues found that the experimental vaccine, Mammaglobin-A, was “overexpressed” in 40 to 80 percent of primary breast cancers.

Also known as MAM-A, the vaccine prompted CD8 T-cells to track and eliminate the MAM-A protein, noted Tiriveedhi. To determine the efficacy and safety of the experimental drug, he said they conducted a phase I trial involving 14 patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

“The side effects from the vaccine after one year were minimal, and included rashes, tenderness, and mild flu-like symptoms,” added Tiriveedhi, who specializes in cancer and immunology.

By the one-year mark, the study revealed, roughly 50 percent of the patients showed no sign of disease progression. By comparison, only 20 percent of a similar group of 12 patients showed no signs of disease progression one year out.

The researchers, however, stressed the need for a larger and longer study, to prove the current preliminary evidence prior to its use in all breast cancer patients. They theorized that “these promising results” from initial studies could be applied not only to prevent cancer progression but also to prevent the development of breast cancer in women.

“The current one (study) is a small Phase-I trial mainly aimed at testing the safety (does no harm). But we have also found this vaccine to be highly effective against the disease. The next step is to go for larger Phase II/III studies with a higher cohort of breast cancer patients and rigorously test for efficiency, dosing, clinical outcomes, cancer stage specificity, etc.,” noted Tiriveedhi, who holds MD and Ph.D. degrees.

He called the study a “promising move forward” that is not just restricted to breast cancer, but one that can be employed in “similar strategies” to treat other cancers such as lung and colon cancers.

“The MAM-A DNA vaccine is safe, capable of eliciting MAM-A–specific CD8 T-cell responses, and preliminary evidence suggests improved PF,” the researchers concluded.

Dr. Tiriveedhi, who came to Tennessee State University about a year and half ago, started the study, “Safety and Preliminary Evidence of Biologic Efficacy of a Mammaglobin-A DNA Vaccine in Patients with Stable Metastatic Breast Cancer,” with his colleagues at Washington University before leaving to join the faculty at TSU.

Lady Marauders Earn First Road Win

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The Central State Lady Marauders picked up their first road win of the season with a 73-66 victory over Alderson Broaddus.

From CSU’s athletic site, “The Battlers got off to a strong start, leading by as many as 5 midway through the 1st half. A 3 pointer from Sydney Shaffer gave the Battlers a 17-12 lead with 8:51 to go in the period. CSU responded with a 9-0 run en route to a 27-23 lead at half. CSU forward Kourtni Perry finished the half with 10 points to lead all scorers.”

Broaddus was ahead by as many as 5 points on two occurances. Iniquia Snell got hot and made two 3 pointers on back-to-back possessions to help CSU back in the game.

Forward Amanda Pierce capitalized on two free throws to give CSU their first lead since much earlier in the game. The game turned to be much more interesting because each teams were trading baskets, Broaddus led 60-59 with five minutes left.

With their backs against the wall, CSU responded with a 10-0 run. Snell made both free throws at two minutes to put the Lady Marauders up 69-60. CSU’s defense would kept the lead. With much determination, they held the Battlers to just one field goal and forced three turnovers.

Snell and Perry led all scorers with 18 points each. Perry snagged 13 rebounds to record her third-straight double double. Amanda Pierce dominated the game, she finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks.

“Kourtni and Amanda have been playing really well together as of late,” CSU Head Coach Sheba Harris said, according to the school’s website. “As a team, we had another 60 rebound performance, 33 on the offensive end. We still have to do a better job of finishing around the basket.”

CSU’s woman’s basketball will try to make it two in a row when it faces off against Davis & Elkins on Saturday at 2pm.

Posted by Robert Hoggard Posted on 231 articles

Morehouse Grad Sets New Fashion Trend

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Anthony Moultry is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and has his own collegiate apparel line. Moultry, who has a B.A. degree in Political Science from Morehouse, together with his brother Amery and friend Winston Mathis recently started this new clothing company after witnessing what his HBCU had to offer at the college bookstore.

Moultry says he noticed how the apparel at his university’s bookstore gears toward athleticism, events for tailgating and sports games, and simply wanted to create a more classic and sophisticated gear.

“The motivation to start a collegiate apparel line came from a visit to Morehouse College bookstore,” said Moultry.

He added, “At that moment I decided there was a need for said apparel within the HBCU community. So my idea for the collegiate line, Chicer Collegiate, was born.”

“Chicer Collegiate” differs from other HBCU apparel. Although some pieces have panache and flair, the majority of the garments’ color schemes and silhouettes are minimalist.

Moultry says he has always been into fashion and immediately began to research licensing so that he could use the universities name on his apparel.

“The most difficult process was obtaining the license from Morehouse College,” Moultry said. “Morehouse was very particular about their brand and who was granted access to it, given that it is one of the top HBCUs in the country.”

The apparel line gives a nod to the 1950’s and 60’s, an era when such designs were prevalent. The clothing line includes polo shirts, cardigan sweaters, rugby pullovers and hoodies. Even though he originally wanted to create a more sophisticated apparel for his alma mater, Moultry plans to acquire licensing to make apparel for other HBCUs and non HBCU institutions.

Outside of Chicer Collegiate, Moultry also does photography and actually started his own photography business while in college, which is still up and active today.

“…My advice to young Black innovators is to keep pressing forward, there will be obstacles and detours, but stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize,” Moultry said on advice and motivation to other black innovators and entrepreneurs.

“Education is the key to unlock many doors,” he said. “The preservation of these institutions and their legacies is also very important, as they are quite significant in American History and should be maintained.”

Moultry said he wants to expand to retail stores in Atlanta where he currently lives.

Keshia Knight Pulliam Speaks Out On Cosby Allegations

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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After months of being on the defensive, Bill Cosby’s longtime friend and actress Phylicia Rashad argued for him after she recently broken her silence about the many rape allegations associated with Cosby, calling the allegations an attack on his legacy.

“Forget these women … What you’re seeing is the destruction of a legacy,” Rashad said. “And I think it’s orchestrated. I don’t know why or who’s doing it, but it’s the legacy.”

“… Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV, and it’s worked. All his contracts have been cancelled,” she said.

Now Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Cosby’s TV daughter “Rudy Huxtable” on the show, draws attention to the allegations, saying they are just that–allegations.

“I wasn’t there, no one was there except for the two people to know exactly what happened,” she said. “All I can speak to is the man that I know and I love.” She added, “It’s very much been played out in the court of public opinion. We’re still in America where ultimately you’re innocent until proven guilty.”

Cosby has yet to break his silence on the rape allegations surrounding him.

However, some historically black college and university leaders have made moves to protect their brands from the rape allegations linked to Cosby by distancing themselves from the matter altogether. Most notably Spelman College, who in 1988 was gifted a $20 million donation from Cosby and his wife Camille, broke ties with Cosby after indefinitely suspending the William and Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Endowed Professorship.

“The William and Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Endowed Professorship was established to bring positive attention and accomplished visiting scholars to Spelman College in order to enhance our intellectual, cultural and creative life,” according to a press release by Spelman officials. “The current context prevents us from continuing to meet these objectives fully.”

Several HBCUs currently still has strong ties with Cosby, and many buildings on Black college campuses nationwide are named after the famed star.

Follow the author of this article on Twitter: @MeadeReport

Edward Waters College Biology Professor to Moderate at Florida Health Equity Research Institute Committee Summit

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20140131_112131JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An Edward Waters College Biology Professor continues to have a hand in helping state lawmakers improve the overall health care of Florida. Prabir K. Mandal, Ph.D. will moderate the first session of the Florida Health Disparities Summit held in Tampa, Florida January 9th and 10th.

Dr. Mandal will preside over ‘Session A: Research Infrastructure and Resources for Health Disparities” during the Florida Health Equity Research Institute’s Steering Committee annual summit. Dr. Mandal was appointed to the committee in 2014 and coordinates with the group to implement the Health Disparities Research Agenda for Florida.

The Health Equity Research Institute (HERI) was approved by the Board of Governors in 2013 to promote and foster collaborative efforts to address health disparities in Florida, especially in areas with limited health care resources.

Florida Rep. Joseph Gibbons (D) of Hallandale Beach created the HERI with the understanding that partnership with academic and research institutions, as well as community, is necessary to identify and eliminate health disparities.

Edward Waters College (EWC), accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges, and Schools (SACS) and member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), is a private, historically black, urban college which offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the Christian principles of high moral and spiritual values. EWC was established in 1866 and is an African Methodist Episcopal Church-related institution of learning. It is the oldest private institution of higher education in the State of Florida.