The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is firing back on an initial choice made by a NCAA Division I Committee Infractions panel to ban the university from postseason play tied with a five year probation penalty because of inconsistencies with the university’s self-assessed findings.
Penalties include:
five years of probation
a postseason ban for the football
men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams
a vacation of all wins in which ineligible student-athletes participated
and scholarship reductions for 11 of the university’s teams
The UAPB athletics program and the university, who in a press release stated that it self-imposed a number of penalties and self-reported errors to the NCAA, says it is exploring options to appeal the decision made by the Committee.
According to reports over a span of five academic years the university failed to follow certain rules on the education and training of staff members who allowed ineligible student-athletes to compete.
On Wednesday UAPB Chancellor Dr. Laurence B. Alexander thanked the Committee for the “attention given to the [UAPB] appeal initially assessed” but says he is displeased with the additional penalties slapped on by the Infractions panel.
“…we remain disappointed even with the reduced penalties imposed by the Committee,” said Alexander in a press release. “…[we] will take the next several days to explore whether any further appeal options should be pursued,” he said.
A report released by the NCAA revealed that Arkansas Pine-Bluff allowed more than 120 ineligible student-athletes to participate in games. If there is no appeal, UAPB will vacate wins spanning every sport from 2007-2012, including the 2010 men’s basketball SWAC championship.
“Dr. Alexander, Director of Athletics Lonza Hardy Jr., and the entire Department of Athletics staff remain committed to insuring that the eligibility certification process is in full compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations,” according to the university’s website.
A second man was charged in the shooting of a student at an off-campus residence hall, according to Delaware State University officials.
University spokesman Carlos Holmes said in an email that Dover Police arrested 25-year-old Michael Clark of Dover at approximately 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Clark is charged with assault, conspiracy and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony.
On Tuesday voters in Alaska voted to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use in the state. Alaska now joins Oregon and Washington, D.C. who also passed legislation Tuesday night to legalize weed in each state, reports say. Colorado and Washington State legalized recreational marijuana use in 2012.
“In Oregon, the law legalizes personal possession, manufacture and sale of marijuana for people 21 years of age and older. Mimicking similar plans in Washington State and Colorado, the Oregon law will also create a commercial regulatory system for the production, distribution and sale of marijuana,” according to a CNN article.
So what does this mean for the African-American people living in those states?
1. Less African-Americans in prison
One of the most important ways African-Americans are affected by the legalization of weed in Oregon, Alaska and Washington D.C. is that less African Americans will be sent to prison.
In The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, Alexander argues that marijuana should be legalized because of it’s use to place many African-Americans in prison. “…in seven states, African Americans constitute 80 to 90 percent of all drug offenders sent to prison,” writes Alexander citing recent evidence by Human Rights Watch.
With this new change in policy, we can expect far less African Americans to be ushered to prison on drug charges–in Colorado after they passed marijuana legalization, the number of marijuana petty possession charges has fallen to just 133 per month a year later after being as high as 714 a month.
2. Less decriminalization
Alexander also writes, “In at least fifteen states, Blacks are admitted to prison on drug charges at a rate from twenty to fifty times greater than that of white men. (Humans Rights Watch 2000)”
African Americans have been targeted through arrests and if the reason for arrest is absent, we can believe that persons will be arrested far less. Arrests can’t be made without any available grounds.
3. Opportunity for jobs
One of the major obstacles in job searches in the African-American community is having gone to prison or being a felon. Many people who have “moved weight” in the Black community have felons and find a tough time finding jobs. However, the new policies guarantee African Americans of tomorrow equal access to jobs in America.
Former CEO of the NAACP Ben Jealous, said, “Arrest disparities have led to mass incarceration and criminalization of African Americans. Any arrest, even for marijuana, is a blot on someone’s record and an impediment to future jobs and opportunities.”
4. The Government will capitalize off of our recreation
Why it matters? Instead of Pookie and Ray Ray making money off of selling weed on Main Street corporations and stores can profit on Wall Street. Also, the government will be able to produce more money on taxes. Thus, we will have to cast our eyes on what our elected officials are doing in DC, Oregon, Alaska, and Colorado, and other future states.
If I told you that North Carolina A&T State University was the choice historically black college or university (HBCU) to be during homecoming season, I probably would be looked upon as some novice Black college tourist, or someone who never really appreciated the value of the Black college experience, and definitely not “GHOE.”
I was given the opportunity to drive 422 miles from the heart of Ohio in Wilberforce to Greensboro, North Carolina to step with some members of my fraternity’s step team at the University’s homecoming step show. And this year’s N.C. A&T homecoming exceeded all of my expectations.
The drive back was better than expected, too.
Here’s what some other students had to say about the now infamous #GHOE:
Department of Media Relations Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331 About Tennessee State University With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 42 undergraduate, 24 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Clinton Gray III, Derrick Moore and Emmanuel Reed wanted to turn their three-man moving company into a thriving business, but they didn’t know how.
The three former college roommates, who dreamed up their moving business idea while still in school at TSU, only had a rented truck and the “grandiose” dream to build a successful moving company like no other.
In 2010, the NBIC stepped in, providing access to business expertise, networking opportunities, mentoring and consulting relationships, and office space for the business start-up.
In three and a half years, since moving into the center, The Green Truck Moving Company has more than doubled sales each year, growing from three employees and a rented truck, to 30 employees and seven company-owned moving trucks. For a business that started with an initial $3,000 investment, the company’s revenue projection is $1.6 million by the end of the next business cycle, according to Gray, who, as director of marketing, is the front man for the company.
“We wouldn’t be halfway where we are today if it wasn’t for the incubation center,” said Gray. “We have outgrown two previous spaces and have had to move to another. From 500 square-feet when we first came here, we are now occupying a 2,000 square-foot area.”
The incubation center offers management and technical assistance to small businesses for up to five years through classes, programs, onsite mentoring, one-on-one business counseling and peer support.
“Our goal is to increase an entrepreneur’s or startup’s likelihood of success by orchestrating connections to coaching, capital, customers, resources and talent,” said Director Angela Crane-Jones.
She said since its establishment in 1986, the NBIC has provided “a well-rounded entrepreneurship and incubation platform” for local businesses. NBIC embraces diversity with a focus on microenterprises: minority, veteran and women owned businesses.
“In the past five years NBIC’s clients have generated over $44.1 million in sales and created 253 new jobs,” Crane-Jones said.
Last year, NBIC clients reported a combined 21 percent increase in sales to close the year at nearly $17 million, while creating 64 new jobs for the Nashville area.
“When they come in, we assess their idea or business growth potential,” Crane-Jones said. “We help them to understand the core functions of human resources, accounting, marketing, legal and operations.”
This way, she said, they can be held accountable to be sure they are hiring the right people, reinvesting their profits into the company, have access or a path to obtain capital, and building sustainable business relationships.
These core values of accountability, reinvestment and sustainability have been a key reason why NBIC start-ups have been successful, and many beat the odds while others floundered under the weight of the recent economic downturn, said Crane-Jones.
U-Kno Catering, a professional catering service and cafeteria food service contractor that prides itself on offering fine cuisine and quality service at an affordable price, knows well the benefit of abiding by the NBIC’s core values.
During the recent recession, while other companies and businesses were struggling and reporting losses, U-Kno Catering, which joined the incubation center in 2008, was maintaining a comfortable profit margin, says owner Brenda Odom, a TSU graduate.
“With the help of the center, we made it a point to reinvest our profits, found a better way to market our business using QuickBooks to track sales, expenses and create invoices instantly,” added Odom, who has more than 20 years experience in the catering and food service industry.
She started the company seven years ago looking to fill a Middle Tennessee market in search of a dependable, fast and quality food service entity with its origin “right here.” There is every indication that Odom has hit her stride. From an initial 1,000 square feet, her business now occupies 2,000 square feet of space at the incubation center.
Among U-Kno Catering’s clients are such notables as Vanderbilt University, Deloitte, Allstate, and NES (Nashville Electric Service), which according to Odom, needed a substantial security bond to sign a contract with the catering service.
“We did not have the bonding, but the incubation center stepped in and provided a letter of guarantee to the bank to help us secure the contract, and bond in less than 30 days,” Odom said.
The success of the NBIC, according to its director, has been largely due to its vision as “the best place to grow a small business,” supported by the University leadership and a Board of Directors including individuals with proven business abilities and keen leadership skills.
Although TSU President Glenda Glover – a CPA herself and former dean of a business school – joined the University just two years ago, immediately upon arrival saw the need to make the center more responsive to the needs of the business community and the university. She established the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, with an executive director, to serve as an umbrella overseeing the functions of the incubation center, and the Small Business Development Center in the College of Business.
The goal of establishing the CEED was twofold, said Executive Director, Dr. Ruthie Reynolds, also a CPA and a longtime business professor.
“Being so aware of the business world, President Glover wanted a better coordination of the entrepreneurial efforts at the University, as well as begin an interdisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship,” said Reynolds.
She said CEED was created to expand the focus of educating and preparing students for positions within corporations to raising student awareness of self-employment as career alternative.
“By bringing the incubation center and the SBDC under one umbrella, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development endeavors to nurture and encourage entrepreneurial spirit in the students, faculty and staff and the local community,” added Reynolds.
According to Crane-Jones, this coordination of effort has worked well for the incubation center. Although admission to the center is opened to all, she said 27 percent of the new entrepreneurs and startups are either current or former TSU students.
Graduates of the center are making their marks in business and industry.
Take for instance Zycron, started at the center about 23 years ago, is now an industry leader in information technology services, providing client-specific solutions in health care, energy and utilities. It has five offices across the U.S., Latin America and England serving a broad client base.
But while this sounds good, Gray, of The Green Truck Moving Company, says it takes a lot of work to make it all happen.
“Starting a business is not easy, which is why access to business experts and affordable office space that the incubator program offers is so vital,” he noted. “It takes a lot of energy, a lot of will power and a little bit of luck thrown in to succeed.”
And Gray, Moore and Reed know too well what hard work and perseverance can do. Just as they dreamt, they built a moving company like no other…. a real “green company.” Their company trucks run on biodiesel, a cleaner form of fuel, and for every move, the company plants two trees, “which helps beautify our communities as well as clean up our earth’s atmosphere.”
VSU President Keith T. Miller announced that, effective Dec. 31, 2014, he will step down as President.
Virginia State University President Keith T. Miller today announced that, effective Dec. 31, 2014, he will step down as President, but will retain his status as a tenured faculty member. The Board accepted his resignation, which came during a meeting with President Miller.
President Miller became VSU’s 13th president on July 1, 2010. Among the many achievements under his leadership, VSU’s Honors Program has grown to its highest level; the University broke ground on its $84 million Multipurpose Center – a project with Small, Women and Minority (SWaM) business participation unprecedented in the Commonwealth; and last year, VSU student-athletes achieved the highest graduation rate in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
Board Rector Harry Black said the Board and President Miller “agreed that VSU should move in another direction strategically.” He also recognized President Miller’s commitment to the University. “President Miller is to be commended for his integrity and putting the interests of Virginia State University and its students at the forefront of this difficult decision,” he said. “The decision is in character with his dedication as a leader committed to service.”
The Board plans to announce an Interim President at its November meeting. Rector Black said a search firm will be engaged to begin an “open, competitive and comprehensive” national search in January for VSU’s 14th president.
A few months ago, the ALS ice bucket challenge went viral and many people around the world poured water on their heads to support the ALS disease. But American Baptist College, a historically black college or university (HBCU), has created a video denouncing the ALS ice bucket challenge because it doesn’t address major issues in the African American community, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, HIV/AID’s, asthma, mental health issues, domestic violence, mass incarceration, unemployment, racism, classism and sexism to name a few.
Instead, the College has challenged our nation’s HBCUs to “pour knowledge into their students heads rather than water on their heads,” as ABC student and Student Union President says in the video above.
The challenge is called “Starting with One: HBCU Book Challenge.” Students will read four books per month and pledges to read a review of the books in a video. They plan to raise awareness, create deeper thought, and apply critical analysis to issues that affect the African-American community.
“…it all started from crucial conversation in the classroom that we all understand that we are all modern demonstrators of change. We made it our business to tackle the problems of the day,” Attaway told HBCU Buzz on how the book challenge was created. “Our goal is to bring a shining light to the majority so the minority will be aware and be able to be critical thinkers,” he said.
A former Florida A&M University marching band member was recently found guilty of manslaughter by a Florida jury. Dante Martin was in the “hot seat” on trial because of his role in the fatal hazing of drum major Robert Champion and could now face up to 15 years in prison on manslaughter charges according to reports. Three other Marching 100 members are still facing trial.
Jurors have found a former member of FAMU’s marching band guilty of manslaughter in the fatal hazing of Decatur native Robert Champion.
Alabama State University’s Defensive End Edward Mosley III, a William V Campbell finalist, recently talked with the Buzz in an interview about his leadership skills, playing football at ASU and whether or not Black college athletes can transition into the NFL..
Robert: How does it feel to be in a conversation with Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning?
Edward: Not many people can say they have been mentioned in the same breath as Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning. Their leadership ability and competitiveness is unparalleled. Their work ethic speaks to why they are champions and why they have won this award. To be up for an honor shared by these two is mind-blowing.
Robert: Why did you choose to play football at an HBCU?
Originally, I had been recruited by schools like South Carolina, Mississippi State, UCF, and etc. When my head coach left after my junior season most of the film seemed to disappear, so I had nothing to show these schools, nobody to take me to camps, or keep me in touch with these schools. I didn’t finish my senior season due to injury but I was still able to spark the interest of schools like Cornell, Lee High, Georgia State, and Murray State at the last minute and they all were going to offer partial aid for that first year. All along, one of my academic scholarships happened to be a full ride to Alabama State University (ASU).
Robert: So football is a key reason for your HBCU pride.
Edward: The recruiter from ASU invited me to a reception in downtown Atlanta for other recipients where he encouraged me to give ASU a chance and at least send my film and info to Coach Barlow. From there I was invited to meet coach at the spring game and fell in love with the family feel the university had over other universities. I’m glad I made the decision to come to an HBCU.
Robert: Should more Black athletes play at HBCUs?
Edward: At one point HBCU’s were the only place Black people could go to school, so I feel it is important to keep HBCU’s extremely relevant! It would be nice to build up HBCU’s to that of a University of Georgia or University of Alabama in all aspects (not just sports). However, African Americans are not obligated to play for any school because of their skin color. Civil rights leaders fought for freedom of choice and to break down the color lines in society. Each athlete must choose the school that will give him/her the best opportunity to be successful post-graduation and that best suits them financially. If that is an HBCU then hopefully the athlete will choose that institution.
Robert: You deflated the myth that NFL recruiters don’t visit HBCUs. What motivates you?
Edward: There have been plenty of successful players from HBCU’s to defy the odds and make it to the NFL. My first Defensive Line coach (Tyrone Rogers) was an alumni of ASU and had a successful NFL career along with Coach Barlow and many others. Robert Mathis was the NFL season leader in sacks and he went to a HBCU. They all are an inspiration and I am trying to carry the legacy on for other future HBCU athletes with NFL dreams. Often talented players can fall through the cracks in high school and slip by the bigger universities, and other players get in trouble and are in need of a second chance to achieve their dreams. HBCU’s often step in and give these players (like me) a chance to showcase their talents. A good football player is a good football player regardless of who he plays for, and scouts know that.
An 18-year-old freshmen at Tennessee State University, a historically black college or university (HBCU), was shot at least three times on her way back to campus after grabbing something to eat at a nearby Wendy’s. Her friend who walked with her and is also a student at TSU managed to escape with only a bullet graze wound.
Metro Police dispatch confirm one person has been shot near TSU by the entrance. Call came in just after 9:30… http://t.co/VentJLwmds
The Meter, the student newspaper of the University, first reported the news via Twitter. According to the student-ran newspaper Tennessee State freshman students Rosalind Miller and Shayna Graves was returning to campus from the local Wendy’s restaurant before being stopped by a car.
A young man that Miller described to be “college age” got out of the car and then grabbed for the backpack Graves wore. Graves would not let go. The young man reacted by pulling a gun out of his pants and shooting Graves multiple times in different areas of the body, Metro police say. Graves was later rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The gunman, who looked like he was college age according to Miller, got back in his car and drove back towards campus. Graves sat in the street screaming for help. Students nearby called 911.
Taylor Davis, who witnessed the shooting aftermath, said she thought that it was a Halloween prank because it seemed so unreal.
Student Kelsea Martin, who was in the car with Shaun Thompson and Taylor Davis, said that when they stopped the car they could hear Graves screaming “Oh my God, I’ve been shot.
The students said it didn’t take Metro long to arrive. Shortly after, Graves was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Miller said she and Graves are close friends. The two became friends after arriving back in August. Miller says she was shaken because she hears about things like this all the time but never expected anything to happen to her.
According to reports The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) now has the highest alumni contribution rate of any historically black college and university (HBCU) in the nation after achieving an alumni giving rate of 52.49 percent for fiscal year 2014. “We are number one,” said UVI President David Hall, who made the announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 22 during an alumni celebration.
“There is no HBCU that has numbers like this. If you go outside the HBCU realm, there are very few institutions that go beyond 52 percent,” he said.
Claflin University (43%), Spelman College (37.3%), Morehouse College (29.3%), Tuskegee University (23%), and Livingstone College (21.4%) fills out the top 5 HBCU giving rate percentage according to the US News Report.
“As the only HBCU in the Caribbean, the community has rallied around initiatives and campaigns, and they have provided us with support – helping us to reach and maintain our historic goals,” Smith said. “To everyone who believes in paying it forward or giving back, we thank you for believing and making a difference in the lives our students. This is our hometown university.”
Xavier University of Louisiana says it can now triple the number of its graduating African American students who later goes on to achieve their Ph.D.s in the life sciences because of a $19.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that supports the development of underrepresented backgrounds in STEM education. The award is part of a $240 million investment from the NIH, and could also increase the number of African Americans with Ph.D.s nationally by 10 percent according to the University’s website.
In a press release, Xavier President Dr. Norman Francis said the University is the primary undergraduate source of African American Ph.D.s in the life sciences in the country.
2. Central State will hold “economic impact” briefing on land-grant status
Central State University is now only the second land-grant institution in the state of Ohio after what some calls a change of a generations-long injustice. The Black college located in Wilberforce is planning to hold a Breakfast Briefing on the “economic impact” of its land-grant status at the Dayton Arena Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 14.
3. Toni Morrison’s Papers not going to Howard?
Toni Morrison, who originally taught at Howard University before spending more than 25 years teaching at Princeton University, decided to house her papers at the latter over her Alma mater. “…I think 100 years from now people will look back and realize that this is one more symptom of the deep cultural malaise we have in this country,” said Dr. Carr of Howard University.
4. Spelman aims for 50 percent
Because of the significant progress Spelman College has made to achieve a ‘greener community’ Chevrolet is teaming up to build upon the College’s mission to achieve climate neutrality, Spelman officials tells HBCU Buzz. Spelman recently hosted a presentation with Chevrolet on Oct. 22 for Campus Sustainability Day.
The historically black college or university (HBCU) began measuring its baseline greenhouse emissions in 2009 and wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2031.
5. Al Sharpton is fighting for legendary TSU basketball team
The Reverend Al Sharpton is fighting for…sports? There’s a good case here. Sharpton is friends with Tennessee State University alumnus Dr. Richard “Dick” Barnett, a member of all three of TSU’s 1957- 1959 Men’s Championship Basketball Team. They were the first HBCU to win a national championship, and the first to three-peat in collegiate history.
Now Sharpton is paying it back by joining with TSU President Glenda Glover, state and local officials, community leaders and stakeholders to get the team inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Bonus: My interview on Fuze The Mc about working with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, being verified on social media and Howard University.
“The biggest thing that has changed since I got a good fan base together is the confidence in the decisions I make,” says Lance Coleman, better known by his stage name Fuze the Mc, “When there’s no one cheering you on, it’s easy to question whether you’re making the right choices or not and second guess yourself.”
The artist, digital strategist and producer spoke to the Buzz about what’s it like working with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, his newest work Boom Boom Clap, being verified on Social Media and Howard University.
Here’s our conversation…
Tommy: Fuze, what’s been up.
Fuze: What’s up?
Tommy: What has it been like since you won the HBCU Buzz 2012 Artist of the Year award?
Fuze: Man where do I start? So much to be honest. Been doing a lot of work with the Blueprint Group and Young Money on the digital side. Oh yeah, and trying to graduate from Howard. (LOL)
Tommy: Your raps inspires social change and explores issues in the black community. Why take the route less traveled?
Fuze: I mean really it’s not so much of active choice as a lot of people think it is. I don’t go into the booth and say “I’m going to make a record about social change”. I normally just listen to the music and talk about what comes to mind. I’m really hyper in tune with what’s going around me for better or worse. It just seems lately it has been a lot social issues arising in all communities—not just black. That’s where my head as been so it comes through my music…
Tommy: Why Howard and not the “Real HU” Hampton, or Harvard University?
Fuze: Howard gave me a scholarship my freshman year so that was really the deciding factor but I didn’t even apply to Hampton or Harvard they never really interested me. I knew everyone in the music industry eventually steps foot on to Howard’s campus or knows someone who has. I wanted to be there when they got there.
Tommy: In your song ‘The Road Until’ you described how you found your calling. Can you tell us more?
Fuze: My calling is a little complicated but I think I’m here to lead people into better place than where they are.
Tommy: Really?
Fuze: It’s funny, as a kid I was pretty shy outside basketball so when I first realized I was meant to be a leader I kind of didn’t embrace it. Over the last year I’ve just came to grips with that and learning how to deal with what that entails. I just want to let people into where my mind is and let them pick it apart critique, disagree, agree, etc. and find out they’re truth and passion. Because I feel no matter what their opinions are on what I think, that critical thinking can be beneficial in shaping themselves and figuring out who they are. If I talk about my feelings towards institutions predisposing individuals to economic enslavement whether you agree or disagree at least you’re taking the time to form an opinion on that. To me that means something.
Tommy: You’re verified on Twitter… Are you something like a “celebrity” on The Yard?
Fuze: Well on the yard at Howard it’s not really an issue.
Tommy: —does it matter to have a fan base/supporters?
Fuze: I have a lot of fans on Howard’s campus, but everyone is doing something and no one really wants to have public displays of their affection for an artist or really anyone for that matter. It’s kind of frowned upon unfortunately. Maybe it’s the competitive nature I’m not sure. And it definitely matters. The biggest thing that has changed since I got a good fan base together is the confidence in the decisions I make. When there’s no one cheering you on, it’s easy to question whether you’re making the right choices or not and second guess yourself. When you have a fan base it’s like “Ok what do they think, Are they riding with it? Then that’s all that matters, let’s do it.”
In an interview Ciara Taylor, a FAMU alumnus and the Political Director of the Dream Defenders, says the “Vest or Vote” campaign encourages more conversation on social issues. “The campaign is to engage in conversation with elected officials around issues in their community,” Taylor told HBCU Buzz in an interview.
“It’s about people being concerned about voting based on the candidate’s stance on each social issue rather than voting across political party lines. Our communities are attacked in many ways. #VestOrVote looks at the livelihood of Black and Brown people and the environment of Black and Brown communities. Without voting, people will keep their families in harms way,” she said.
ATLANTA (October 17, 2014)— Spelman College has partnered with Chevrolet to build upon the College’s mission to achieve climate neutrality. As a result of the College’s sustainability initiatives, Spelman will sell the automaker carbon credits, which will net the institution up to $100,000. In recognition of the partnership, Spelman will host a presentation with Chevrolet on Oct. 22, Campus Sustainability Day.
Spelman is one of 12 colleges and universities to take part in Chevrolet’s campus energy efficiency campaign to reduce carbon emissions and the only women’s college, Georgia college and historically black college or university.
“Spelman has made significant progress in reducing our ecological footprint with the implementation of our Climate Action Plan and the integration of specific goals to achieve a ‘greener community’ into our Strategic Plan for 2017,” said Spelman College President Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D. “We are excited about our partnership with Chevrolet as it is recognition of Spelman’s ongoing efforts to increase our stewardship of our natural resources.”
The College began measuring its baseline greenhouse emissions in 2009. With its Climate Action Plan, the College aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2031 (the College’s 150th anniversary) and 100 percent by 2056. The Climate Action Plan provides a framework for the College to advance sustainability in four ways: educational, campus emissions, carbon reduction strategies and community outreach efforts.
“We are halfway to our 2031 carbon emissions goal of a 50 percent reduction. The funds from the Chevrolet Campus Clean Energy Campaign will provide a jumpstart for further reducing our greenhouse gas inventory,” said Art Frazier, Spelman College director of facilities management and services.
Funds received from the sale of carbon credits to Chevrolet will be reinvested in campus energy efficient projects and technologies such as LED lighting and building retro commissioning to ensure Spelman buildings are energy efficient.
The agreement is part of a comprehensive voluntary carbon reduction initiative by Chevrolet launched in 2010 to prevent up to eight million metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the earth’s atmosphere. The company is investing in community-based carbon reduction projects across the country. To date, all investments have been made through the purchase of certified carbon credits, from institutions such as Spelman, reflecting Chevrolet’s desire to catalyze projects that represent a beyond business as usual commitment. Chevrolet will buy and retire the credits, meaning they will not be used to offset emissions related to specific Chevrolet operations or products – or those at any other site.
“Our Chevrolet carbon-reduction initiative reflects our commitment to do more than just manufacture efficient vehicles in a responsible way,” said David Tulauskas, General Motors director of sustainability. “We want to support the ingenious efforts of colleges such as Spelman that are leading the clean-energy movement and engaging students along the way.”
Spelman has reduced carbon emissions campus-wide with a series of energy efficient/clean energy measures such as lighting retrofits in several campus buildings, parking decks and on exterior pole lights; renovation of Laura Spelman Hall, which earned LEED Gold certification in 2012; and central heating and cooling system upgrades.
Spelman students have also been engaged in aiding the College to go green. First-year students learn about the College’s sustainability legacy and current projects during student orientation. The conversation continues with a series of First-Year Experience Sustainability Convocations that focus on teaching students how to “practice sustainability as a way of life.” Sustainable Spelman interns promote campus sustainability issues by conducting workshop and commuter surveys, and managing the College’s sustainability social media portals.
The United States Green Building Council works closely with institutions like Spelman that have made the shift to green building efficiency and LEED certification.
“USGBC is proud to support Chevrolet in this groundbreaking program that provides funding to campuses for reducing their greenhouse gases,” said George Bandy, Jr., chair of the council. “We applaud Spelman College for their participation in this program and continuing to take a leadership role by making a choice to green their campus and change the world.”
Other colleges participating in the Chevrolet program include Ball State University, Grand Valley University, Southern Oregon University, the University of Illinois at Urban Champaign and Valencia College. Additional academic institutions will be announced Oct. 22.
Follow the sustainability conversation on Twitter at #SustainableSpelman and #CleanEnergyU.
About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a highly selective, liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, Ga., the College’s picturesque campus is home to 2,100 students. Outstanding alumnae include Children’s Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer, Broadway Producer Alia Jones, Former Acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna President Audrey Forbes Manley, Harvard University Professor Evelynn Hammonds, Author Pearl Cleage, and Actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
Media Contacts:
Spelman College
Audrey Arthur
(404) 270-5892 office aarthur3@spelman.edu
Twitter: @spelmanmedia
Chevrolet
Sharon Basel
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ATLANTA (October 27, 2014) — For the third straight year, the Women Interactive Creative Technology Festival will return to Spelman College. Co-presented by the Digital Moving Image Salon and Art of Genius Creative Technology Series, this daylong event will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, at 9 a.m., and is designed to empower and encourage women to become active participants in the tech and startup spaces but anyone is invited to attend. Free and open to the public, the event will be held in the Cosby Academic Center.
During the festival, college students, collegiate faculty and technology, media and creative professionals and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to interact with innovative technology by following the three pillars on which the festival is based: Interaction, Education and Inspiration. The theme of this year’s festival is “Change Your Perspective–Small but Mighty.” Keynotes, panels and presentations will center around the idea of how technology innovation, diversity inclusion, funding and programming can generate an impact on how women create, thrive and lead in the tech space. Festival sessions will deliver firsthand knowledge from some of technology’s top professionals in an intimate setting designed to enhance attendee engagement.
This year’s speakers include: Roshawnna Novellus of Novellus Financial; Jacqui Chew, principal, iFusion Marketing; Caroline Van Sickle, founder of Pretty in My Pocket; Janelle Jolley, founder, Sidewalk District; and Yolanda A. Rankin, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Computer and Information Sciences. There will be workshops on women in startups, funding and video game design.
“The festival’s theme is all about encouraging people to change their perspective of what the technology industry looks like,” said Ashia Sims, co-founder and chief transmedia officer for Women Interactive. “Much of the press surrounding technology and startup spaces feature men. We want to show people that women are also doing great things in those areas by highlighting them at the festival.”
In keeping with the fast-paced nature of technology, the festival aims to: inspire the creation of creative projects using technology; increase the number of women of color in the field of technology; encourage the creative use of technology to solve community issues and social ills; and increase economic prosperity in underserved communities by creating tech professionals that reside in those communities.
“Often when we think about technology we think primarily about hardware, software or coding, but technology is much more than this,” said Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., division chair of Arts and Humanities, filmmaker, interactive digital media artist and founding director of the Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon. “It is a cultural practice that allows us to think and rethink our relationship to the world and with each other. The festival will show that women are involved in technology in many ways.”
During the festival, attendees will experience tech talks in the Inspiration Hall.
“We wanted to create an event that provided more than just information,” said Sabrina Harvey, founding curator of Women Interactive. “The festival will provide action-oriented tips and insights that our attendees can take and use once they leave Women Interactive.”
Women Interactive is targeted at tech enthusiasts, lifestyle agents, graphic artists, filmmakers, game and app developers, artists and curious explorers who are seeking ways to monetize their creativity and move beyond technological boundaries. Festival participants can expect to walk away with an expanded network, practical tips on funding, insight on best practices with game design, and tools and resources to run their business or startup. To register, visit: http://womeninteractive.net/tickets.
About Art of Genius Creative Technology Series
A creative technology series of art, entertainment, science, media and technology events and workshops geared toward women. The mission of the Art of Genius Creative Technology Series is to examine how women can create social responsibility in our society by using art, design, entertainment, science, technology and media as a creative platform to inspire, encourage and bring about social change. Current Art of Genius projects consist of a panel discussion series, Talkback, digital business and art book, Women 2 Watch and creative technology festival, Women Interactive.
About The Digital Moving Image Salon
The Digital Moving Image Salon (DMIS) began at Spelman College in the fall of 2004. Founded by award-winning filmmaker and interactive digital media artist, Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., DMIS is a mechanism through which the college encourages and supports the growing number of students interested in creating stories for digital media platforms. In 2012, DMIS was named Best Fine Arts Program by The Center for HBCU Media Advocacy. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu/dmis.
About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a highly selective, liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, Ga., the College’s picturesque campus is home to 2,100 students. Outstanding alumnae include Children’s Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer, Broadway Producer Alia Jones, Former Acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna President Audrey Forbes Manley, Harvard University Professor Evelynn Hammonds, Author Pearl Cleage, and Actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu.
