The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Morris Brown College has announced $3 million toward’s the university’s Hospitality Certificate Program.
The milestone donation will help expand the Atlanta college’s hospitality program in an effort to reach underserved students in Georgia. The Blank Foundation’s grant marks the largest donation to Morris Brown in 20 years.
“I am thrilled about this collaboration with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which has a long history of supporting young people, where Morris Brown is situated,” said Dr. Kevin James, President of Morris Brown College.
Three-million-dollar gift! I am excited to announce that Morris Brown College has received funding in the amount of 3 million dollars from the Arthur Blank Foundation! #TheHardReset#Hospitalitypic.twitter.com/agLrKFNls5
Morris Brown’s hospitality program currently includes a partnership with Hilton Hotels to provide classroom and training spaces for students. The partnership is a valuable resource for students given the company’s large and diverse portfolio of hotels across Georgia.
Morris Brown College, a private Methodist HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia via RoughDraft.
The program will not only help students gain skills and connect them to career opportunities, but also help address the labor shortage in the hospitality industry.
“The partnership between Morris Brown College and Hilton Hotels represents a promising model of employer engagement that both trains students and provides strong connections to immediate job opportunities in a thriving industry,” said Daniel Shoy, Jr., Managing Director of Youth Development at Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
“We believe this investment in the reinvigorated Morris Brown could be a scalable model for other industries and locations.”
The program’s online platform will begin development in early 2024. The first cohort is expected to enroll in Fall 2024 and complete the program by Spring 2025.
Click here to learn more about the Morris Brown College Hospitality Program.
The new interim dean says she plans to utilize this experience to guide and assess strategies needed to enhance the graduate school and its programs.
“One of my goals is to provide leadership in evaluating the graduate school’s programs and processes to ensure the school is more successful,” said Dr. Guyden.
“It’s important for me to listen, ask questions and provide feedback on the evaluation as we strive to take the graduate school to the next level, particularly R-2 research status.”
Dr. Guydon earned her B.A. degree in English from Howard University, her M.Ed. degree in counselor education from Worchester State University and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University.
Since 2013, Dr. Guyden has served as Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of the College of Professional Studies School of Graduate Studies and Research at Grambling State University.
“It’s going to be important for me to provide information that will help in making the decision on who leads this organization and its programs,” Dr. Guyden says.
Bowie State University’s graduate programs computer science, education and public administration ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report in 2023 for their level of excellence.
The Color Purple hit theaters this Christmas Day and the performance reviews are already giving Black Excellence! It’s no surprise to know that some of our key figures in TCP franchise hail from HBCUs.
Check out the HBCU-studded Color Purple Alum:
Alice Walker from Spelman College
Walker is an American novelist, writer, poet, and activist, notably known for authoring The Color Purple in 1982. After graduating valedictorian from Butler Baker High School, Walker enrolled in Spelman College in 1961 on a full scholarship.
Much of her time at Spelman College was spent participating in the fight for Civil Rights in the state of Georgia. Walker spoke out against segregation and marched in several demonstrations. Though leaving in 1963 for Sarah Lawerence, Walker cites her time at Spelman as an “influential force” in her life as a writer and activist.
Oprah Winfrey is an American talk show host, producer, actress, and author, best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986-2011). After winning Miss Black Nashville in 1972 and Miss Black Tennessee, Winfrey won a full scholarship and enrolled in Tennessee State University to study communication and performing arts.
Winfrey was near degree completion when she co-starred in Steven Spielberg’s adaption of The Color Purple in 1985. Winfrey played Sofia, the wife of Harpo and daughter-in-law to Mister. She was nominated at the Oscars and Golden Globes for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. Winfrey graduated from TSU the following year in 1986.
Winfrey has been publicly dubbed the “Queen of All Media”, and is ranked one of the most influential women in the world.
Fantasia Barrino-Taylor from Central State University
Fantasia Barrino-Taylor is an American singer and actress, widely known as the Season 3 winner of American Idol in 2004. In 2005, Fantasia released her autobiography Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, and later starred in the 2006 film adaption. Taylor revealed in her autobiography that she attended Andrews High School in High Point, North Carolina. However, she later dropped out due to public embarrassment from being raped by a classmate.
After her acclaimed performance as Celie Johnson in the The Color Purple musical, Taylor was cast to reprise her role in the 2023 film adaption. Taylor has already been nominated for a Golden Globe Award and Satellite Award.
Taraji P. Henson from Howard University
Taraji P. Henson is an American actress and singer, mostly known for her roles in Baby Boy (2001), Hustle & Flow (2005), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), and Hidden Figures, (2016).
After graduating from Oxon Hill High School in 1988, Henson enrolled in North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she intended to study electrical engineering. However, after realizing she wanted to be an actress, she transferred to Howard University to study drama. Henson graduated from Howard in 1995.
Henson plays the new Shug Avery in the 2023 Color Purple. She is ranked one of the most influential actresses and has received several accolades for her timeless performances.
Deon Cole from Philander Smith College
Deon Cole is an American comedian, screenwriter, and actor, mostly known for his roles in Blackish (2014-2022), and the Barbershop movie series.
Cole plays Alfonso, Celie and Nettie’s stepfather in the 2023 Color Purple. In May 2023, he received a Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from PSC.
Aunjanue L. Ellis from Tougaloo College
Aunjanue L. Ellis-Taylor is an American actress, mostly known for her roles in several films such as, In Too Deep (1999), Men of Honor (2000), Ray (2004), The Help (2011), and the Oscar-nominated, King Richard (2021).
Ellis enrolled in Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi before transferring to Brown University, where she received her B.A. in African American studies in 1992. Although Ellis left TC for Brown University, she credits the HBCU for giving her the platform to hold her first on-stage performance. She cited that it gave her the motivation to pursue acting.
Ellis-Taylor plays Celie and Nettie’s mother in the 2023 Color Purple. She has received several awards including nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Hill plays Henry ‘Buster’ Broadnax, Sofia’s boyfriend, in the 2023 Color Purple.
Hill would go on to receive his B.A. in Broadcast Journalism in 2000. His previous roles include starring in the HBO mini-series, Lewis & Clark, Pete Chatmon’s BlackCard, and in the fifth season of Boardwalk Empire in the recurring role of Clarence.
Tiffany Elle Burgess from Hampton University
Tiffany Elle Burgess is a actress, writer and producer from Nashville, Tennessee. Burgess is notably known for her children’s books, Skin Like Mine (2016), The Adventures of Junior and Baby Brother (2019), and Decisions, Decisions (2023). Her work has also been featured in The Huffington Post and Blavity.
In 1997, Burgess received a Presidential scholarship to Hampton University. Burgess would go on to earn a B.S. in Biology in 2001. Burgess plays Olivia, Celie’s daughter, in the 2023 Color Purple.
In addition to her work as a public health consultant, Burgess is also known for her acting roles in ABC’s The Wonder Years (2021) and appearances in short films such as Glitter Ain’t Gold (2022).
The Color Purple is now in theaters worldwide! Check out the latest trailer below.
In 1837, the first HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was founded. Richard Humphreys, a silversmith and quaker philanthropist, allocated $10,000 of his estate to establish more educational opportunities for African Americans. Since the founding of Cheyney University, HBCUs have become a vital source of accomplishment and pride for African Americans. The self-determination and principal mission to serve African Americans with equitable opportunities would continue into the 20th century.
The 1965 Watts riots were an uprising of looting-protests to end police brutality against African Americans, housing discrimination, and racial barriers preventing our access to education and employment. After six days of unrest, informed change took place such as constitutional amendments, public awareness from civil rights leaders, and more importantly, — an African American holiday.
In the aftermath of the Watts uprising, professor and author, Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1996, — with the intended goal of providing an existing holiday alternative to Christmas for African Americans. The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits of the harvest”. Karenga also wanted Kwanzaa to be an opportunity for us to celebrate ourselves and our history, rather than imitating the practice of the popular holidays.
Kwanzaa is observed annually from December 26 — January 1 and celebrates the Seven Principles of African Heritage centered on purpose, identity and unity.
Kwanzaa Seven Day Principles
December 26: Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
December 27: Kujichagulia(Self-determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.
December 28: Ujima (Collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and to solve them together.
December 29: Ujamaa(Cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
December 30: Nia(Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
December 31: Kuumba(Creativity): To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
January 1: Imani(Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
A poll study from Public Policy provided that at least 4% (an estimated 12.5 million) of Americans celebrate Kwanzaa during the holiday season. Since its founding in 1966, the annual week-long celebration has grown in popularity.
Despite statistics providing varied estimates of participants, Kwanzaa is an official holiday and its vital impact continues to manifest within the African American community. During Kwanzaa, families and communities unite to feast, honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and celebrate African American culture.
Each day they light a candle to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities.
Moreover, the principles of Kwanzaa share a deep-rooted connection to that of the nearly 200 year old history and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities have played an instrumental role in the unity and celebration of African Americans. The HBCU mission, like the creation of Kwanzaa, advocates primarily for African Americans; – seeking to uplift our purpose and remove discriminatory barriers necessary to our access and freedom.
HBCUs continue these efforts today, organizing fundraising initiatives for students, collaborating to address key issues prevalent to the HBCU community, and celebrating our culture through music, dance, sports, and art.
The first HBCUs established in the 18th century were a self-determining effort in the Black community. The mantra, ‘making something out of ourselves’ is a constant key in our strive for education, equality, and empowerment. HBCUs continue to represent the unfailing commitment to creating our own power.
Much like an HBCU, Kwanzaa was created with equitable access for African Americans in mind. With now over 100 in over 20 states, HBCUs’ relevant impact has been and will always be a vital resource in how we celebrate and recognize our history, culture, and legacy.
HBCYoU dolls was founded by Hampton University alum Brooke Hart Jones in 2022 to educate future generations about the importance of HBCUs in American culture.
“We are the world’s first doll line centered around historically Black colleges and universities at major retail,” Jones told 11 Alive in 2022.
The Howard University and Spelman College addition joins other HBCU dolls from Hampton University, FAMU, Morehouse College, Clark University, and Tuskegee University.
Similar to previous collections, the new HU x SC dolls comes with a significant leadership position that embodies the spirit of HBCUs. The 18-inch dolls comes as a cheer captain, student body president, homecoming queen and more. Each doll also has a college major and hobby, like a debate team member.
Which HBCU do you think should be featured in HBCYoU next?
The HBCYoU dolls can also be found at Amazon, CVS, Macys, and Sam’s Club. To learn more about the HBCU doll line and organization, please visit hbcyoudolls.com.
The application window for the 2024 NBA HBCU Fellowship is now open!
The foundation announced their open enrollment for applications starting December 18th through January 7th. Applicants selected will get the opportunity to work within various fields of the organization including corporate, IT, legal, marketing, ticket sales, and more.
Since launching in 2022, the partnership has represented 36 HBCUs total, — including Howard University and North Carolina A&T University. To date, the fellowship has served 133 HBCU fellows total across 2022 and 2023.
The paid 10-week summer fellowship program, now in its third year, — aims to provide career and business development opportunities for HBCU undergraduates and graduates, while offering touchstones reflecting the culturally relevant experience of attending an HBCU.
The NBA x HBCU Fellowship will run from June 3rd — August 9th in Summer 2024.
Hampton, VA — Leon Burns, President and CEO of Open Technology Group, is proud to announce a significant milestone in his ongoing journey of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the field of technology, with a $100,000 scholarship commitment to students in the James T. George School of Business at his alma mater Hampton University.
The launch of the transformative “DEIB in Black Analytics” Scholarship, represents a substantial 4-year, $100,000 commitment, providing $25,000 annually to support the academic journey of deserving students.
“Since the start of my career, it has been my mission to bridge the gap between corporate and community through a push for DEIB by providing valued opportunities for those who might be overlooked,” says Burns.
“I have always resonated with the quote by Ernie Fletcher that ‘education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation’ and it’s an indescribable feeling that I can make these words come to life by giving back to students at my Home by the Sea.”
Each year, the initiative will benefit five exceptional students at Hampton University, with each recipient receiving $5,000 for the academic year. To be eligible for this prestigious award, candidates must be a full-time junior or senior with 3.0 or higher GPA.
“We are grateful for illustrious alumni, like Leon, who make it a point to give back to their fellow students, especially in such an impactful way,” says Information Systems Professor Dr. DeShea Simon.
Burns has consistently demonstrated his commitment to breaking down the social barriers that have historically constrained Black and Brown people in the field of information technology. His belief is clear: “collective efforts by diverse populations can make a more significant impact than government funding alone.”
“Leon’s commitment to creating opportunities for the underrepresented in tech will not only set the students selected for this scholarship up for success but also inspire and open doors for others aiming to pursue careers in information technology,” added Dr. Ziette Hayes, Dean of Hampton University’s James T. George School of Business.
Leon is looking forward to speaking with scholarship applicants and selecting awardees during National Mentoring Month in January 2024, as a component of the scholarship is also to receive guidance, expertise and resources from the CEO himself.
Learn more about Leon Burns and his committed work in DEI here.
For more information about Hampton University’s School of Business, please visit their official website.
Demorie Tate, the ex-Florida State five-star has joined the FAMU Rattlers!
Florida A&M University made the announcement yesterday evening from their Twitter account page. Tate who signed with FSU in 2019, is getting a second chance on the field as The Rattler’s new defensive back.
🚨 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗘𝗗 🚨
Rattlers signed defensive back Demorie Tate from Florida State.
Tate was a five star cornerback coming out of high school and ranked as the nation's fifth best cornerback.
Tate was a five-star prospect in the 2020 class. Despite his immense amount of talent, he struggled consistently on the field with the Seminoles and chose to enter the portal following the 2022 season.
Tate didn’t end up landing with a program and sat out this past year.
The signage presents Tate a second chance with the recent HBCU national champions. FAMU finished 12-1 and defeated Howard in the Celebration Bowl in head coach Willie Simmons’ sixth year with the program.
This transfer also adds to the growing number of FBS players acquired by an HBCU.
HBCUs has acquired the most FBS transfers in 2023, with FAMU ranking No.3 with 12 transfers so far.
Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced $600 million to 11 Grantmakers to fund Environmental Justice Programs nationwide. Among the recipients, Texas Southern University will receive $50 million to support the university’s Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice.
Dr. Bullard, founder of the BCECJ, joined VP Kamala Harris and EPA administrator Michael S. Regan to announce the historic grantmaker award today.
“Every person has a right to drink clean water, breathe clean air, and live in a community that is healthy and safe. For too long, however, low-income communities, immigrant communities, Native communities, and communities of color have endured disproportionate levels of air, water, and soil pollution. That is why President Joe Biden and I have put equity at the center of our nation’s largest investment in climate in history,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.
Excited about @Bullardcenter@TexasSouthern awarded $50 million under the Biden-Harris Administration $600M Grantmakers Program to Fund Thousands of Environmental Justice Projects Across the Nation as Part of Investing in America Agenda | US EPA https://t.co/jmv8l2Rokx#HBCU
The grant is also in conjunction with the EPA’s U.S. Department of Energy partner initiative to address key environmental issues impacting underserved and overburdened communities across the country. EPA administrator, Michael S. Regan also spoke about the grant’s plan to remove barriers from applicants in underserved communities.
“For years, community advocates have been calling for federal support and resources to help address our country’s most pressing environmental justice concerns. Thanks to President Biden and VP Harris’ leadership, we’re responding by removing barriers that have traditionally held communities and applicants back from accessing these historic investments in America.”
“In partnership with these Grantmakers, we’re taking a giant step toward a future where every person in America has equal opportunity to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live a healthy, productive life.”
Dr. Robert Bullard speaks at a roundtable event with EPA Administrator Michael Regan at Texas Southern University on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.
The BCECJ, founded by Dr. Robert D. Bullard, was created to address long issues of systemic inequality and structural racism that disproportionately impact Black and POC communities. Texas Southern’s Bullard Center has worked specifically to promote Education & Training, Research & Policy, Civil Engagement & Advocacy, Networking, and Technical Assistance & Support.
The Center’s Academy supports mentoring of students, faculty and community leaders and is designed to reach an audience that historically has been underrepresented in environmental and climate education, green jobs and green careers.
It’s giving “One Band, One Sound!” Congrats are in order for North Carolina A&T‘s Marching Team. The Blue & Gold Marching Machine have won the 2023 ESPN Division I HBCU Band of the Year Award.
BGMM competed against Jackson State University last Friday, December 16th at the Mercedes-Benz Dome in Atlanta.
“These events are great opportunities to not only showcase the excellence of our students to national audiences, but also to expand our students’ horizons,” said Kenneth Ruff, Ed.D., A&T director of bands.
The BGMM, which has been established since 1918, consists of about 200 students from diverse majors and concentrations, making it the largest student organization on the A&T campus. The marching machine performs different genres of music, incorporating all styles of marching and maneuvering, at a variety of school and community functions throughout the year.
The DI Band of the Year Award sets the stage for BGMM’s performance at the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California.
Since 1890, the Tournament of Roses has produced America’s New Year Celebration, bringing the traditions of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game to Pasadena and the world for nearly 130 years. Expecting to be viewed by 46 million people worldwide, this year’s theme is “Celebrating a World of Music.”
“BGMM is among the 20 exceptional bands selected to participate in the parade based on its “musicianship, showmanship and amazing talent,” says Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian.
Click below to watch BGMM’s full winning performance.
Karl Jones and his wife Angel Rich-Jones are helping Black people get in their golf bag! In partnership with PGA, the couple has launched a non-profit, signature HBCU program called 4tee Acres, to provide students equitable access to golf clubs, clothes, clinic resources.
The program will enable students to travel for golf tournaments, support recruiting efforts, and build a pipeline to being a PGA professional while learning real-world skills.
The program is created by proud HBCU alums. Angel is a Hampton University alum, and Bowie State University Foundation board member, and Karl is a Howard University alum.
The 4tee Acres will promote financial literacy, STEM, and golf at HBCUs with the mission to Drive for Diversity and increase Black women in golf.
“Expanding opportunities for HBCU students without barriers opens doors for an infinite future of young Black golfers to accomplish new heights and for HBCU golf programs to increase authority as they grow beyond expectation,” Rich-Jones says. “4tee Acres is devoted to promoting equity in golf from students to professionals and we look forward to working together to expand diversity across the industry.
There are currently 20 HBCUs with golf programs. At 4Tee Acres, the mission is to “expand the golf industry” throughout all HBCUs. One of the program’s primary goals is to place ‘putting greens’ at 50 HBCUs across the United States.
4Tee Acres believes providing access to golfing facilities promotes more physical activity, teamwork, and healthy competition among HBCU students.
This program will allow each school the ability to invite more students to participate in learning golf, building financial health, and strengthening STEM skills. With increased resources 4tee Acres aims to assist schools with quality golf clinics with lessons from PGA professionals, appropriately sized clubs, and clothes from an upcoming fashion line.
“Through PGA REACH we will be able to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf,” said J.P. Lunn, PGA member and President of PGA REACH Middle-Atlantic.
4Tee Acres also hopes to host annual Golf Tournaments in the future to showcase the skills of their members and raise funds for HBCU-based community goals.
To learn more about 4tee Acres, please visit its official website at 4TeeAcres.com
Be sure to also follow the brand on Instagram @4Tee.Acres.
‘Tis the season to be giving all the glory and praise! Howard University & Florida A&M University’s Gospel Choirs, in conjunction with Warner Brothers Pictures are celebrating 12 Days of #TheColorPurple countdown with melodic renditions from the movie’s soundtrack.
HGC shared their rendition of “I’m Here“, (inspired by Fantasia’s performance as Ms. Celie) to their Instagram page his past Friday.
“We are so excited to join with our friends at @wbpictures and our #HBCU family across the nation to showcase our #PurpleLove by reimagining our favorite songs from the movie.”
Established in 1968, the Howard Gospel Choir is comprised of students, alumni, and community members with a legacy of five decades of musical excellence.
Some of their most noted alumni include Richard Smallwood and Coré Cotton (from Sounds of Blackness), Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark of the Clark Sisters, and R&B star Ángela Winbush. The choir also travels extensively throughout the United States and most recently headlined tours to Italy and Slovakia [Europe].
As one of the most recognized college gospel choirs, HGC is a considered a trailblazer for all Gospel music ministries across collegiate campuses nationwide.
The Florida A&M Gospel Choir was established in 1957, during a time when they did not have the full support nor spaces to practice or hold concerts. Mother Frances Stallworth, an early member of the choir, shared her experience in April 2022.
“Local churches came to our rescue and permitted us to practice in their edifices,” Stallworth said.
With the help of three local churches the choir went on to perform with Gospel music legends such as Rev. James Cleveland, the Clark Sisters and Shirley Caesar. The choir also had the opportunity to record an album with Twinkie Clark in 1996.
Today, the FAMU Gospel Choir is officially a part of the university’s music department and now holds an academic credit.
HU and FAMU gospel choirs’ have certainly set the standard. And it’s giving EXCELLENCE across the board! What HBCU gospel choir would you like to see give a music rendition for The Color Purple next?
Click to watch HU & FAMU‘s full choir performances.
The Color Purple movie premieres in theaters on Christmas Day!
“This is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the wonderful talent of our cheerleaders and represent our university during this historical moment,” said NeSheila Washington, Head Coach of the Powerhouse cheerleaders.
“WSSU’s Powerhouse will make history this Sunday as the first CIAA cheer squad to perform with an NFL team’s professional cheerleaders.”
The Carolina Panthers announced the Inspire Change initiative early this December. In a press release statement, the organization highlighted their commitment to conversations and actions towards a more equal and just tomorrow.
“Inspire Change highlights how NFL players, clubs and the league are joining together to ensure that access to opportunity is a reality for all and to create progress in police-community relations, criminal justice reform, and education and economic advancement.“
WSSU is the first CIAA team to preform with NFL cheerleaders and includes a few Powerhouse alumni who’ve cheered with the TopCats. Brandi Hopson is in her third season with the TopCats’, and Melvin Sutton and Dedra Cherry are former members. Coach Washington is also a former WSSU Powerhouse cheerleader alumni.
With the HBCU stomp and shake of WSSU Powerhouse and the classic cheerleading style of the TopCats’, the performance was proven to be a top-tier sight to see.
“Three members of Powerhouse and three members of the TopCats choreographed eight counts each for the routine and merged them together,” Coach Washington said. “When we have these opportunities, we want to make our ‘Ramily” proud as well as dynamically represent HBCU stomp and shake cheer.”
“By celebrating Black culture this season, we are not only recognizing the contributions of Black individuals to our community, but also fostering an environment where every fan can take pride in the diversity that makes us stronger together,” said Quentin DeBerry, director of Inclusion & Belonging at Tepper Sports & Entertainment
In February 2024, WSSU Powerhouse will perform on their next national professional sports stage during the NBA HBCU Classic during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.
On November 17th, 2023, singer Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit against music mogul P.Diddy, accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse. The suit was filed in accordance with the New York Adult Survivors Act, which allows sexual abuse victims to file lawsuits after the statue of limitations has expired.
Both parties eventually reached an agreement the following day and the lawsuit was dismissed.
Although the case was settled, it compelled more victims to come forward against other high-profile celebrities and politicians such as Jamie Foxx and New York Mayor Eric Adams, alleging similar instances of abuse. But more importantly, the incident also reignited conversations around victim advocacy and awareness.
It is unfortunate that nearly every individual will fall victim to some form of crime or abuse in their lifetime. Acknowledgement around this reality can sometimes be obsolete. And for African Americans specifically, such victim awareness can be hard to come by at any rate.
The recent discourse on adult victim survivors raises inquiry over prevalent concerns in the HBCU community.
These incidents may include, but are not limited to:
Sexual Violence
Domestic Abuse
Mental Illnesses
Physical Attacks
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
College aged victims are most at risk for such incidents and find themselves at the center of a silent, but deadly victim survivor epidemic.
These statistics provide a snapshot into the growing concern of our at-risk HBCU population. In order to improve the overall safety of the HBCU community, we have to openly address the many ways our students are disproportionately impacted in America.
Be on the lookout for more information on victim awareness from HBCU Buzz in 2024.
Congrats are in order for Florida A&M University! The Rattlers are officially the 2023 HBCU Football National Champions, after their triumphant win (30-26) over HU Bison last Saturday.
It has been a remarkable year for the FAMU Rattlers, who broke into the Top 100 National Public Universities at No.91 and No. 3 among all HBCUS, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, FAMU remains the top ranked public HBCU for the fifth consecutive year.
Kudos is also in order to Head Coach Willie Simmons on leading the Rattlers to a 12-1 overall record. The 2023 Celebration Bowl marked 45 years since the Rattlers won their FCS (I-AA) National Championship in 1978.
45 years to the day!
12/16/78 – Rattlers win FCS (I-AA) National Championship
Coach Simmons has also witnessed his own share of historic wins, leading the only HBCU to have both SWAC and MEAC champ titles and marking his 45th win at FAMU, passing Rudy Hubbard for the most wins in their first five seasons.
“I know Coach Hubbard is smiling right now. I’m sure I have a text from him congratulating me. He’s been one of my biggest supporters…Just to be able to be mentioned in the same breath as Jake Gaither, Rudy Hubbard, Billy Joe, Ken Riley, or Joe Taylor, It’s truly special,” Coach Simmons said on Saturday.
Dec. 16, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida A&M Head Coach Willie Simmons kneels on the ground after the Cricket Celebration Bowl game between Florida A&M University and Howard University at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. FAMU defeated Howard 30-26. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network
“The team’s on field accomplishments serve as a wonderful coda to all the other great things that happen every day at FAMU. It has been a great year. Many thanks to our students, faculty, staff, fans, and supporters who helped us in so many ways during the season,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
FAMU’s SWAC title is now recognized amongst their 16 Black college football championships, eight MEAC titles, and 29 SIAC titles.
Congratulations to the Florida A&M Rattlers for their outstanding 2023 football season!
The significance of Marching bands are one the most recognizable and celebrated institutions at Historically Black colleges and universities. Often at the center of legacy and culture, the marching band is the chief university brand ambassador and is central to the HBCU experience.
The modern HBCU marching band experience dates back to 1946, when HBCUs such as Tennessee State University began birthing a tradition of excellence. It is this historical foundation that provides the artful makings of First Art Museum’s Exhibit: Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage, a Derek Fordjour x 2023 TSU collaboration.
Meet The Artist: Derek Fordjour
Derek Fordjour (born 1974) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator from Memphis Tennessee. A Morehouse College graduate, Fordjour’s work has been exhibited in numerous venues, including the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis (2020), Nasher Museum of Art (2019),and the Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art (2018–2019).
TSU has previously praised Fordjour for his ability to “grapple with art making on straightforwardly human terms, allowing his projects to communicate the widest array of emotions.”
Fordjour x 2023 TSU Mural Exhibit
Fordjour spoke to HBCU Buzz exclusively about developing the project and the essence of perfect timing:
“This project came together through the vision of Senior Curator, Katie Delmez at the Frist Art Museum. The project was in conjunction with another groundbreaking show she curated that features the works of prominent African-American artists. Katie was familiar with my HBCU Band Series and with the grammy-winning TSU Aristocrat of Bands,” Fordjour states.
“It felt the timing was great and that this was a wonderful approach to audience development and creating access for TSU students.”
Ultimately, Fordjour says he hopes this partnership will inspire more museum expansion and forging necessary relationships in the field.
“I hope more museums around the country will take a page out of First Art Museum’s playbook and seek to forge relationships in unexpected places. I believe it will radically expand the mission of the museum.”
“The ways we have previously thought about audience development at museums in the past are antiquated. What we see with the museum and this project is the beginning of what dynamic partnership can look like.”
The art exhibit which began this September, will be available through December 31, 2023. For more information on the collaboration exhibit, please visit The First Art Museum.
