Edward Waters University Leads Florida’s HBCUs in Enrollment Growth

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(Jacksonville, FL) — Edward Waters University now has the highest enrollment growth of all HBCUs in the state, according to a recent report by News4Jax. Earlier this year, the university began reporting record growth in enrollment, new student admittance, and student retention. Just one academic year ago, EWU had only 638 students attending. However, for the 2023-2024 school year, EWU had nearly 1,175 students enrolled.

Edward Waters also has new leadership and has been making changes highly visible within the community. Jenese Harris at News4JAX spoke with students who confirmed the same. Tenaj Davis, a 4th-year senior, and Travales Woodard, a 3rd-year biology major, both expressed their love for Edward Waters University.

“So Edward Waters University was not my first choice but…but coming here and being here for all four my years it has become a home away from home and it has made me grow as an individual as a Black woman in society and has pushed me to greater heights honestly,” Davis said.

It’s that kind of feedback that Dr. Ivana Rich wants to hear. Rich is the Associate Vice-President of the University and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“So, we are growing, we’ve had record growth over the last three years, since the arrival of our fearless leader [A. Zachary] Faison Junior, and a lot of our growth has been in athletics,” Dr. Rich said.

Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., became the 30th president and CEO of Edward Waters University in 2018 after receiving a unanimous vote from the college’s board of trustees. At just 37 years old when appointed, Dr. Faison became the youngest serving president and CEO of an HBCU.

A. Zachary Faison Jr., the 30th President and CEO of Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida.

The university wrote in a statement that reads in part:

“Edward Waters University’s enrollment has skyrocketed by 30% since 2019, having welcomed its largest ever class of new students (540) in 2023 and achieving its highest enrollment in almost two decades at nearly 1200 students (1187) in fall 2022. EWU’s recent remarkable growth has made it the fastest growing college or university in Jacksonville, and the fastest growing historically black college or university (HBCU) in the State of Florida per published reports.”

One of the biggest changes at the educational institution is its name, from college to university in 2021. Davis was there for the change.

“It was so fun to see everyone start calling us, we are a university now, we are not a college anymore. Start seeing EWU signs go up and taking down EWC signs. That transition just made us love our university even more,” Davis said.

Student Travales Woodard said, “It’s been tremendous. I think after our class, fall of 2021, we were the largest enrollment class in the school year. This last class that came through, they took it by the wind, they came in from all over the place, different countries, ethnicities and cultures.”

When we visited the campus, students were preparing for graduation and the end of the semester, but the changes were obvious.

The university is working on getting NCAA membership, they are expecting a call on July 11. EWU has also added 5 new athletic programs including men’s and women’s basketball. The school also launched its first season of women’s tennis.

Dr. Rich says she hopes the program will be even better by maintaining a small supportive community for students.

“When I talk to moms and aunts that bring their sons and daughters to campus, I say we are like the moms and aunties on campus. We are going to take care of your babies when you bring them here. That’s a part of the selling point that is what we offer here. It’s a family environment,” she said.

Credit: Edward Waters University.

Edward Waters University (EWU) is the first independent institution of higher learning in the state of Florida and the first institution established for the education of African Americans in Florida.

With a distinguished higher education history spanning over 150 years, EWC is poised to continue its emerging eminence as a premier urban, private, Christian (African Methodist Episcopal – AME), historically black, liberal arts college. It offers high-quality four-year baccalaureate degrees and prepares students holistically to succeed in a global society through an intellectually stimulating academic experience.

The institution transitioned from Edward Waters College to Edward Waters University in 2021.

Gregory Gerami Doubles Down On Controversial $237M Donation, Says FAMU Has Gone Radio Silent

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Gregory Gerami, who claimed to have donated nearly a quarter billion to Florida A&M University, still insists that the value of his donation to the university is worth an estimated $237 million.

FAMU, the nation’s top-ranked historically Black public university, now seems to have severed all public ties with Gerami, the CEO of Batterson Farms Corp.

At the special Board of Trustees meeting on May 15, President Larry Robinson apologized, stating that the donation has been “ceased,” although he did not explain what that meant. He admitted to making mistakes and “ignoring warning signs along the way,” which has led to the board’s decision to conduct a third-party investigation.

In a Thursday interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, Gerami said he didn’t watch the special meeting, adding he was “on vacation and trying his hand at pickleball and was unable to tune in.”

As of May 16, Gerami said he hasn’t ‘received any formal communication from FAMU about its decision to cease all activity related to the donation,’ adding he hasn’t been contacted by Robinson or anyone from FAMU leadership in nearly a week. And while he stands by his purported donation, he has not responded to requests from the Democrat to share any appraisal or valuation of the stock.

“I have not received information that they were going to pull from the gift (as of May 16),” said Gerami, who said he understands both FAMU Foundation board members and trustees want to see a third-party valuation of the private stock. “It’s premature, and I can’t speak for FAMU and I have no issues with FAMU … My commitment still remains.”

“The university and other folks and the media are doing things that are premature because we don’t even have a valuation.”

He said he was “aware of a few things,” including Shawnta Friday-Stroud’s sudden resignation as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation and that an interim director was named.

When asked if FAMU has rescinded the gift, he said, “I haven’t heard that.”

On May 4, when Gregory Gerami addressed the audience of graduates, their families, friends, and alumni at Florida A&M University, he proclaimed to applause: “The money is in the bank.”

Yet, mounting evidence behind the donation and donor was not what it seemed when the gift was hailed as the largest act of philanthropy in HBCU history. Instead, documents later revealed that Gerami transferred 14 million shares of stock of indeterminate value that could be worth $300 million or zero dollars, according to one FAMU Foundation board member.

Gerami, a little-known Texas-based hemp producer and CEO of Batterson Farms Corp, presented himself as an innovator on the rise, who owned one of the few Black hemp farms in Texas.

But according to the Tallahassee Democrat, few industry insiders knew his name and his scant digital footprint and missing money trail led to near-instant skepticism. Despite six months of interactions and conversations, FAMU blew past possible red flags, which might have led them to a former Alabama politician listed as Gerami’s co-CEO, who told the Tallahassee Democrat she never received a dime from him.

Florida A&M University x Tallahassee, FL
Florida A&M University is a public historically black land-grant university in Tallahassee, Florida.

Last Wednesday, The Florida A&M Board of Trustees convened a meeting to discuss the next steps following a historic $237 million donation that the Rattlers received during their Spring commencement ceremony. During the nearly two-hour meeting, the Board unanimously voted to commission an external investigation to look into the details of the substantial donation.

The investigation is said to determine what happened during the process that led to accepting the donation and ensure compliance with policies, processes, and financial controls. It will also recommend any necessary corrective actions in a written report under the leadership of the Board of Trustees’ Audit and Compliance Committee chair, Michael White.

Board members are expected to receive regular updates about the investigation once it begins.

In the Thursday interview with Gerami, the Demcorat asked if he would participate in a third-party investigation surrounding the donation. Gerami responded, “It depends on what’s asked.”

“We also understand that transparency is key to an extent,” he said. “We also must protect our business and our proprietary information. So having a third party evaluate our business and determine the stock price, I think (that is) most important in this whole situation.”

Gerami also said he was not asked to participate in the FAMU Foundation emergency meeting last week nor the FAMU Board of Trustees meeting.

“I know for a fact no one said, ‘Mr. Gerami, we’d like you to be on this Zoom call to answer whatever questions from the board,'” he said. “No one’s asked that.”

If he had been on the call, Gerami said he believes his presence would have been well received by some and others would have attacked him.

“That comes with the situation, right?” he said. “You learn that people are going to think what they want to think, and they’re going to say what they want to say.”

Renowned Actress Angela Bassett Gives Stellar Commencement Speech At Spelman College

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No one gives a speech like multi-time award-winning actress and director Angela Bassett, who delivered the commencement speech during the 2024 Spelman College graduation exercises on Sunday afternoon in College Park. Spelman’s commencement took place inside the Georgia International Convention Center.

“Could the day be any more glorious and could you be anymore beautiful?’” She began her speech, “I think not.”

The invocation was delivered by The Reverend Dr. Neichelle Guidry, Dean of Chapel at Spelman College. During the prayer, Guidry spoke of the graduates being in this place at this time to honor God.

Following an introduction by Spelman College President Dr. Helene D. Gayle, Bassett took the stage to immense applause. Her messages to the graduating class of 2024 ranged from recounting her youth in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the empowerment and high expectations for excellence that her mother had set for her and her sisters to keeping your head high out in the world after you walk across the stage as a Spelman College graduate.

“There will be times when you may feel like the unnamed Black woman, this is especially true when you come across people in your workplace and in your community, and your own home, who may not see your full humanity and all of your glory. But it’s in those moments that I want you to remember who you are, raise your head, and embody the queen that you have been prepared to be.”

A graduate of Yale University and the school’s School of Drama, Bassett emphasized the importance of using the education received at Spelman College while pursuing their dreams.

She shared a story about being deeply moved by a play she saw during a high school trip to Washington D.C. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in acting, despite encountering some negative responses when she initially expressed her aspirations while at Yale.

“I was supposed to go to law school, or become a scientist, or a doctor,” she said.

“Anything but an artist.” During the early portions of her career she told the graduates, their families, and the Spelman faculty assembled in the room that she worked “odd jobs” in between acting auditions. The message: All of those little steps got her to where she is today.

Bassett, a wife and mother who is preparing to begin the collegiate journey with her children, referred to Spelman College as “the Mecca of Black excellence and Black womanhood.” She even took a moment to compare it to a fictional country from one of the more popular movies she starred in.

“Spelman College is the higher education equivalent of Wakanda,” Bassett said to thundering applause. “This special place has prepared you for greatness” and “When the world tells you to be quiet, speak up.”

She closed her time on stage with, “Your tomorrow starts today.”

Actress and director Angela Bassett (not shown) and Supreme Court Justice Dr. Kentaji Brown Jackson (center) were awarded honorary degrees during the commencement exercises on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice

Angela Bassett and Supreme Court Justice Dr. Kentaji Brown Jackson were awarded honorary degrees.

Bassett received a Doctor of Fine Arts degree and Brown Jackson received Doctor of Laws. WABE personality and the host of “Closer Look” Rose Scott was also honored. She was awarded the National Community Service Award which is given by the Spelman College Board of Trustees.

Morehouse College Commencement Highlights Dignified Protests & Urges Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

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During Morehouse College‘s 140th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday in Atlanta, Georgia, there were dignified protests and calls for immediate ceasefires in Gaza. The commencement followed over a month of students and faculty members expressing strong opposition to President Biden’s visit and his handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

As the graduates filed in for the ceremony on Sunday, some were noticeably wearing Palestinian flags and keffiyehs, a headdress typically worn by men in the Middle East, draped around their shoulders.

In his speech before the president’s address, Morehouse College valedictorian, DeAngelo “DJ” Fletcher called for an “immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza.”

“It is only right for the class of 2024 to utilize any platform provided to stand in solidarity with peace and justice,” Fletcher said. “The Israel-Gaza conflict has plagued the people of its region for generations.”

“It is my stance as a Morehouse man — nay, as a human being — to call for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the Gaza strip,” Fletcher said. “Hear the people of this world sing the song of righteous justice.”

While there were no disruptive protests, students and faculty expressed their opposition in different ways. A few graduates turned their chairs when Biden spoke, and one faculty member stood with her back turned to the president while raising her right fist.

Notably, there was an age divide in support among Morehouse graduates. When President Biden began his commencement speech, Morehouse alumni gave a standing ovation, while the graduates remained seated.

When Biden began speaking, faculty held up the Democratic Republic of Congo’s flag prominently behind him. The country is involved in its own humanitarian crisis stemming from unprecedented violence in the country. President Biden directly addressed the issue, saying, “What’s happening in Gaza and Israel is heartbreaking.”

“We can’t stop wars that break out and break our hearts,” Biden said. “I want to say this very clearly: I support peaceful, nonviolent protests. Your voices should be heard, and I promise you I hear them.”

Later, he revealed that even his own family is frustrated by failed attempts to create lasting peace in the region.

“What after? What after Hamas? What happens then? What happens in Gaza? What rights do the Palestinian people have? I am working to make sure we finally get a two-state solution. The only solution: for two people to live in peace, security and dignity,” Biden said. “It is one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world. There’s nothing easy about it. I know it angers and frustrates many of you, including my family.”

During his commencement speech, President Biden somberly urged Morehouse College graduates not to give up on democracy, acknowledging their anger over the war, while also warning about the risk to American freedoms.

Biden later noted he’s also called for a cease-fire in Gaza.

“It’s a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That’s why I’ve called for an immediate cease-fire. An immediate cease-fire, stop the fighting. Bring the hostages back,” Biden said. “I’ve been working on a deal as we speak. Working around the clock to … get more aid into Gaza, rebuild Gaza.”

The Reverend Hardy Spurgeon Bennings III, who delivered a prayer at the beginning of the ceremony, also spoke about the war in Gaza and conflicts in other regions. He encouraged the graduating young men to hold those in power accountable and to advocate for the protection of human life everywhere.

“God, make this class those men with a moral conscience that will cause this country to be mindful of its moral duty,” he said, later adding: “Make these men men who will hold our communities and our country accountable for valuing human life.”

“Whether it is a baby in a mother’s womb, or whether it is a baby who a mother expects to come home in the afternoon, whether it’s a child in an underprivileged school or a charter school, whether they live in Israel or Palestine, Ukraine or Russia, the Congo or Haiti, God, give us men who will value life and call us to accountability,” the reverend said.

Morehouse College praised students’ silent protests during Biden’s commencement address. “We are proud of the resilient class of 2024’s unity in silent protest, showing their intentionality in strategy, communication, and coordination as a 414-person unit,” the college said in a statement.

“peaceful assembly is core to the Morehouse College social justice tradition.”

The college also praised Biden and his administration for “listening and, most importantly, applying what our community and the global society have requested.”

“The work is nowhere near finished, and Morehouse College will continue centering consequential, nuanced dialogue and critique to foster positive societal change,” the college said.

Howard University Class Of 2004 Launches Ambitious Fundraising Campaign To Support Future Generations

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The esteemed Howard University Class of 2004 proudly announces the launch of a groundbreaking fundraising initiative aimed at raising $100,000 by the end of the year to establish an endowment for the benefit of future and current students of Howard.

Comprising over 1,000 graduates, the Class of 2004 has already made significant strides towards its ambitious goal, having raised an outstanding $25,000 since the campaign’s inception in February 2024.

The initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of Howard University alumni to uphold the institution’s legacy of excellence and empower future generations of scholars. Through this endowment, the Class of 2004 seeks to create lasting opportunities for students, ensuring access to quality education and resources that foster academic and personal growth.

Howard University, a renowned institution of higher learning located in Washington, D.C., has long been recognized for its dedication to academic excellence, social justice, and global education. Founded in 1867, Howard has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of countless individuals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

Notable alumni from Howard University span various sectors, including entertainment and business, exemplifying the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering success. Among the distinguished alumni from the Class of 2004 are:

  • Lance Gross, Acclaimed actor known for his roles in film and television
  • Kahlana Barksdale, Influential fashion stylist and entrepreneur
  • David Oliver, Olympian bronze medalist in track and field 
  • Layne Eskeridge, Creative Executive, President of POV Entertainment  
  • Rachel Crouch, Notable visual artist and educator 

These individuals, alongside their fellow alumni, embody the spirit of excellence and service instilled by Howard University, serving as ambassadors of change and inspiration to future generations.

As the Class of 2004 embarks on this transformative journey, they invite fellow alumni, supporters, and friends of Howard to join them in their mission to create a lasting impact. Through collective action and generosity, together we can ensure that the legacy of Howard University continues to thrive for generations to come.

Around the country, there will be fundraising events for all to participate in and or donate. For a full list of the events, you can go to the reunion Instagram page @HUclassof2004 for up-to-date details.

Upcoming Events:

Howard University School of Business Career Closet donation campaign go here.

May 31, 2024 – Atlanta event with more details to follow.

For more information about the fundraising campaign or to donate, please visit 04theloveofHoward.com or 04theloveofhoward.com/giving. You can follow the HU events on Facebook at HU Class of 2004. 

About Howard University:

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a prestigious institution of higher learning located in Washington, D.C. Committed to academic excellence, social justice, and global education. Howard provides a transformative educational experience that prepares students to become leaders and change-makers in their communities and beyond.

Contact:

Jamila Osouna

Communications

917.769.8358

Atlanta Police Closing In On Suspect In Nightclub Shooting Death Of Albany State University Student

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Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum provided city leaders with an update this week on the investigation of the shooting at Elleven45 Lounge, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to four others.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 21-year-old Mariam Creighton, a student at Albany State University, and 20-year-old Nakyris Ridley.

Schierbaum stated that they are close to making an arrest in connection with the shooting.

“That will happen, I believe, very shortly. Our officers have been working tirelessly since that tragedy unfolded to make sure we have that individual in custody before a court,” Schierbaum said.

Schierbaum said there was one gunman and the person was targeting one person inside the club. He said the person targeted was shot and killed. The police chief also said the other people shot were innocent bystanders.

Creighton, who was only 21 years old, was a talented volleyball player who attended Albany State University, an HBCU in Georgia. Her family told Atlanta News First that she was with friends celebrating a birthday at the club when she was shot. 

“(Mari) was our baby. Just her smile and bubbly attitude. We just miss her so much,” Telia Wheeler, the sister of Mariam Creighton told Atlanta News First.

Wheeler is urging the City of Atlanta to close down the Elleven45 Lounge. He is asking people to sign an online petition that was launched in 2020, with the goal of shutting down the lounge, which is located at 2110 Peachtree Road NW.

The petition states that, at the time it was started, there had been five shootings resulting in four deaths over an 11-month period in 2020.

“If I had known there had been prior incidences like that, I probably would have encouraged my sister not to go,” said Wheeler.

IMG_6583-scaled
21-year-old Mari Creighton was shot and killed at a Buckhead nightclub early Sunday. (Telia Wheeler)

Elleven45 Lounge posted a statement on social media Sunday after the shooting.

“We at Elleven 45 are profoundly affected by the recent tragic events. Our hearts go out to all those impacted, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the individuals and families who have suffered loss and injury. The safety and well-being of our patrons and staff have always been our paramount concern. To ensure a thorough investigation in cooperation with local law enforcement, we will be closing our doors today.”

We continue to send our prayers to Creighton’s family and the Albany State University community during this time.

*This story is still developing and will be updated when more information becomes available.

Morehouse College Braces For Potential Protests Ahead Of President Biden’s Commencement Speech

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Morehouse College President David A. Thomas stated that he would immediately halt commencement ceremonies “on the spot” rather than permitting police to remove student protesters in zip ties during President Joe Biden’s graduation speech.

President Biden’s scheduled commencement speech on Sunday at one of the nation’s leading historically Black colleges coincides with school officials across the country calling in law enforcement to disband pro-Palestinian encampments and suppress demonstrations in recent weeks.

“What we won’t allow is disruptive behavior that prevents the ceremony or services from proceeding in a manner that those in attendance can partake and enjoy,” Thomas told CNN in an interview Thursday.

“So, for example, prolonged shouting down of the president as he speaks. I have also made a decision that we will also not ask police to take individuals out of commencement in zip ties. If faced with the choice, I will cease the ceremonies on the spot If we were to reach that position.”

The president’s Morehouse visit comes as his re-election campaign is trying to win over young and Black voters, particularly in battleground states like Georgia, as polling shows his support from those constituencies has softened since 2020. 

Thomas said the college will not allow “hate speech,” meaning any “calls for violence against another group or individual.” He said Morehouse is a place that “can hold the tensions” that have come to a boil at campuses across the nation.

“I would rather be the first president to have a failed commencement than to say you are less important than the ceremonies of this institution,” Thomas told CNN.

“I thought about it from the vantage point of how should Morehouse show up as an institution. And we should never put the ego of the institution above our values. And one of our values is to see the humanity in all,” he added.

Thomas also said Morehouse faculty members voted earlier on Thursday (a reportedly 50-38 vote) to award Biden an honorary degree. He said Biden’s decades as a public servant as well as a domestic and international leader whose body of work “merits an honorary degree from Morehouse College.”

“We need some place in this country that can hold the tensions that threaten to divide us. We look around some of the most venerable institutions of higher education have canceled commencement, canceled valedictorian speakers because of their having spoken out and exercised their rights to free speech.”

Thomas said the college would allow silent, non-disruptive protest, even students turning their chairs or theirs backs on Biden – which, he said, would embarrass him.

“As long as you don’t conduct yourselves in a way that deprives others from being able to participate, consume and celebrate this moment,” said Thomas, who has led Morehouse since 2018.

“Silent protests. You want to walk across the stage in a piece of garment that identifies your moral connection to either side of this conflict because we also have Jewish students here, you can do that.”

Protests have erupted at college campuses across the country as students have demanded that universities divest from Israel. Commencement ceremonies are taking place against a backdrop of police barricades and heightened law enforcement presence, metal detectors, and other security measures.

Biden has been confronted by some protests during his own speeches and campaign events. A Biden speech on abortion rights at George Mason University in Virginia earlier this year was marred by more than a dozen protests over his administration’s support of Israel.

The 140th Morehouse College Commencement Exercises will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 9:00 AM.

Five HBCUs Receive Millions In Grants & Gifts

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Here are this week’s grants and/or gifts to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Fayetteville State University — N/A

Fayetteville State University is a public historically black university in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Historically Black Fayetteville State University in North Carolina has received funding from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration to establish a free, immersive summer program for high school students interested in STEM fields. The program will provide students with the opportunity to participate in NASA-related research without any financial obligations. Students will learn on-campus at Fayetteville State University and receive a stipend from NASA.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore — $1 Million

University of Maryland Eastern Shore, historically Black university in Princess Anne, Maryland.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, historically Black university in Princess Anne, Maryland.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has received over $1 million in federal funding to establish a doctor of veterinary medicine degree program in the School of Veterinary Medicine. Once established, the program will be the second of its kind at an HBCU and the first in the state of Maryland.

Winston-Salem State University — N/A

Winston-Salem State University, a historically black public university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Winston-Salem State University, a historically black public university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Clayton Scott has established the Dr. Clayton A. Scott #Mike Murrell Endowed Scholarship Fund at his alma mater, historically Black Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. The scholarship will support graduates of the local Statesville High School in continuing their education at Winston-Salem State University.

Alabama A&M University — $ 1 Million

Historically Black Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL.
Historically Black Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL.

Historically Black Alabama A&M University has received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to launch the Bridge to Doctorate program. The initiative aims to support underrepresented scientists and engineers interested in pursing doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Students who are accepted into the program will receive a stipend of $32,000 per year, financial assistance for educational expenses, and professional development opportunities.

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff — N/A

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is a public historically black university in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

The Department of Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff has received a grant from VentureWell to establish a new food and nutrition entrepreneurship certificate program. Students who enroll in the historically Black university’s new program will learn about sustainability, business, public health, and food manufacturing, with a particular focus on underserved communities.

Congratulations to all the HBCUs for these outstanding contributions!

Honda Battle Of The Bands To Make Los Angeles Debut In First-Ever Invitational Showcase

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Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands, will bring its high energy and sound to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Six talented HBCU marching bands will perform live at the 2025 Invitational Showcase, making HBOB history as Honda brings the tradition and culture of HBCU schools to the West Coast for the first time.

“Honda continues its commitment to powering the dreams and success of HBCU students by providing experiences and opportunities like Honda Battle of the Bands,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Bringing Honda Battle of the Bands to California will provide a platform for these young musicians while expanding awareness of the rich legacy of HBCU schools.”

Music and entertainment fans in Southern California and from all over the country can look forward to six different bands taking the field in 2025, where they will demonstrate their unique sounds and extraordinary ability to get the crowd on their feet. 

The bands will be selected through a voting process that includes HBOB fans, HBCU band directors and students, and Honda representatives. Starting July 15, fans can visit www.hondabattleofthebands.com to vote for the HBCU marching bands they want to see perform at the 2025 Invitational Showcase in Los Angeles.

Tickets are now on sale at www.hondabattleofthebands.com.

“SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park look forward to hosting the first West Coast appearance of Honda Battle of the Bands,” said Christy Castillo Butcher, senior vice president of Booking and Programming for SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Hollywood Park. “Our global stage is set to showcase these collegians’ talent and celebrate music and culture.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Honda Battle of the Bands to our great city,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. “Over the years we have crowned NBA, NFL, and Olympic champions. Now, the City of Inglewood will be home to a new group of champions when six HBCU marching bands take the field at SoFi Stadium in 2025.”

Driving the Legacy of HBCUs

“I appreciate Honda’s commitment to supporting and showcasing the dynamic music and culture of America’s HBCUs. Honda Battle of the Bands has become a wonderful and energizing tradition that allows students to create, compete, and come together in solidarity with fellow HBCUs,” said California State Senator Steven Bradford. “The financial support provided by Honda is critical to the mission of our nation’s HBCUs.”

Honda has supported HBCUs for 35 years, acknowledging their critical role in providing higher education and opportunities for advancement within the Black community. This support includes scholarships, programs, and initiatives that celebrate the dreams and potential of HBCU students, shaping them into future Black leaders. Through HBOB and the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, Honda has impacted the lives of more than 300,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facility improvements.

Ahead of HBOB 2025, Honda reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to HBCU music education through a $500,000 grant to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The grant is dedicated to awarding scholarships that will power the academic ambitions of HBCU student musicians across the country. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit https://www.tmcf.org/students-alumni/scholarship/tmcf-honda-hbcu-scholarship/.

For the latest HBOB news, follow along on social media:

Instagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda

Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands

X – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda 

Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities
For 35 years, Honda has supported HBCUs, acknowledging their critical role in providing higher education and opportunities for advancement within the Black community. This support includes scholarships, programs, and initiatives that celebrate the dreams and potential of HBCU students, shaping them into future Black leaders. Honda has impacted the lives of more than 300,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facility improvements.

To advance its leading investment in HBCUs, Honda is a member of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, a Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus initiative that brings together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships. Honda also has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF to provide annual scholarship funding to support HBCU students pursuing an education in engineering, supply chain management, and manufacturing-related fields.

Learn more at https://www.honda.com/community/diversity-reports.


About SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is located at Hollywood Park, a nearly 300-acre sports and entertainment destination being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke in Inglewood, Calif. The 3.1 million-square-foot SoFi Stadium is the largest stadium in the NFL, as well as the first indoor-outdoor stadium.

It seats approximately 70,000, expandable up to 100,000, with more than 260 luxury suites and more than 13,000 premium seats. SoFi Stadium was host to Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the College Football National Championship in 2023, WrestleMania in 2023, the annual Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, and was ranked the No. 1 stadium in the world for top-grossing concert and live event ticket sales in 2023.

SoFi Stadium is set to host eight FIFA World Cup ‘26 matches, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 2028. Adjacent to the stadium and sitting under the same roof canopy are the 2.5-acre American Airlines Plaza and the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater.

FAMU Board Of Trustees Unanimously Vote For ‘External Firm’ To Investigate $237 Million Donation

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The Florida A&M Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the next steps following a historic $237 million donation that the Rattlers received during their Spring commencement ceremony.

The donation was given by the Issac Batterson Seventh Family Trust and CEO Gregory Gerami, who also served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony.

During the nearly two-hour meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to commission an external investigation to look into the details of the substantial donation.

The Board of Trustees approved the motion to hire an external firm to:

  • determine what happened regarding the donation
  • perform an independent audit and analysis of the process, policies, and financial controls
  • recommend actions via a written report
  • provide updates to the Board of Trustees “based on a timeline established by the external firm.”

The news comes after days of controversy regarding the donation. Last week, President Robinson announced that the school was putting a “pause” on the gift “pending additional information that’s come to his attention.”

The Vice Chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees, Deveron Gibbons, requested President Robinson and Board Chair Kristin Harper to hold a public meeting to address the lack of transparency regarding a donation.

Gibbons believes that little information has been shared about the nature of the donation.

According to the agreement, Gregory Gerami pledged to donate “14 million shares of stock of intrinsic value worth at least $239,000,000” to FAMU. The agreement also stated that Gerami planned to donate an additional $61 million over the next decade.

Additional details revealed that donor Gregory Gerami had a major donation fall through at a South Carolina university in 2020.

“We don’t know who did what and when it happened. It is my opinion that we need someone who is completely free of involvement with the university to conduct an outside investigation,” Trustee Belvin Perry Jr. said during Wednesday’s meeting.

Trustee Craig Reed said he believed the board had a portion of information regarding the donation but not all of it.

Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Florida A&M University’s vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation — also announced her resignation from her vice president role amid the controversy around the dubious $237 million donation. She will, however, remain dean of the university‘s School of Business & Industry.

During the meeting, FAMU President Larry Robinson apologized for any “missteps” and stated that he takes full responsibility for the matter and the fallout regarding the gift. “It would truly be transformational. I wanted it to be real and ignored the warning signs along the way,” Robinson said.

“I wanted it to be real and ignored the warning signs along the way,” Robinson told the board. “The public announcement at commencement was premature at best, and I apologize to all who witnessed it and shared their joy and jubilation.”

“It is my belief that with the guidance of this board, we will arrive at a process much more transparent when it comes to such large gifts in the future,” he added.

He also apologized to Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper, who was seen tearing up in the graduation ceremony at the news of the gift.

Moments after Robinson’s apology, Harper blasted Robinson.

“I should have never been put on the spot or used for a convenient photo or video op for a gift that I knew nothing about,” Chair Harper said.

Bounded by a non-disclosure agreement, Harper was not included in the inner circle that knew about the details of the gift. But she did sign the gift agreement and was featured in the promotion of the donation on the university’s social media page.

During the meeting, Harper also expressed her frustration and disappointment for the reason behind Wednesday’s meeting and the implications it could “undoubtedly have on donor trust and confidence.”

“I fully support your decision to cease this transaction. I only wish the decision would have been made during the six months spent on developing the gift and before a public announcement would have been made that could tarnish the reputation of this university,” she said.

The investigation is said to determine what happened during the process that led to accepting the donation and ensure compliance with policies, processes, and financial controls. It will also recommend any necessary corrective actions in a written report under the leadership of the Board of Trustees’ Audit and Compliance Committee chair, Michael White.

Board members are expected to receive regular updates about the investigation once it begins.

During the Zoom meeting, discussions about an external investigation took up all the time, leaving no opportunity for Robinson or Friday-Stroud to provide further information about the gift or answer the trustees’ unanswered questions.

Florida A&M University x Tallahassee, FL
Florida A&M University is a public historically black land-grant university in Tallahassee, Florida.

Board members Trustee Otis Cliatt II and Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons were frustrated and unsatisfied with the turn that the meeting took as they understood the main purpose of convening was to provide clarity on detailed logistics about how the gift came about.

“We are here today to do one thing, and that is to find out the facts related to this particular donation — what happened and when it happened,” Gibbons said. “I’m sitting here with over 100 questions that are written down here right now.”

“This should not have happened and in light of that, we need to get the facts,” he added. “This is uncomfortable, and I’m upset that I have to sit here and be doing this right now when all it took was normal due diligence.”

Cliatt believed that Harper jumped the gun with her proposal for an external audit early on in the meeting before base-level information was shared to understand the scope of the unclear gift situation.

He also shared his sentiments of unhappiness regarding revelations of the major donation.

“I am not happy with the university making that decision, I’m not happy with the president of the university asking the board chair to sit in a photo op and I’m not happy with the board chair for sitting there in a photo op,” Cliatt said.

“We are the governing body. We don’t do things without asking questions. We’re here because the university did things without asking questions.”

When asked by a trustee how the university would respond to mounting questions about the donation, Robinson said he wouldn’t.

“In light of an impending investigation, I will say very little about this,” Robinson said, adding administrators will be pushing out positive news on the university’s impact on students and the community.

As the Board of Trustees moves forward with tackling the still unclear gift situation while an investigation will soon be underway, trustee Kelvin Lawson says facing another elephant in the room — accountability — is on the horizon.

“At the end of the day, it is going to become an accountability issue,” Lawson said during the special meeting. “We’re going to need to make some decisions as a board on how we move forward.”

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Historical Record Of Over $16 Billion In Support For HBCUs

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Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a new record in Federal funding and investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) totaling more than $16 billion from Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 through current available data for FY 2024.

This new reported total is up from the previously announced over $7 billion and captures significant additional actions already undertaken. The total of more than $16 billion includes over $11.4 billion between FY2021 and FY2023 through Federal grants, contracting awards, and debt relief for HBCUs; over $4 billion between FY2021 and FY2023 for HBCU-enrolled students through federal financial aid and educational benefits for veterans; and, so far in FY 2024, over $910 million has been secured for Department of Education programs strengthening HBCUs as institutions.

“As a proud graduate of Howard University, I know firsthand that our HBCUs are centers of academic excellence. For generations, these anchors of our communities have played a pivotal role in building and contributing to America’s leadership at home and abroad,” said Vice President Harris. 

“That is why President Biden and I have delivered an unprecedented $16 billion to our Nation’s HBCUs. We know that when we invest in the success of our HBCUs, we are investing in the strength of our Nation – today and for generations to come.”

President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to ensuring whole-of-government investment efforts in HBCUs continue at full momentum through the rest of FY 2024.

These historic funding levels demonstrate the Administration’s ongoing commitment to HBCUs, which serve as an engine for upward economic mobility in our country. The Administration is also focused on working to ensure HBCUs have the resources to provide a high-quality postsecondary education.

For more than 180 years, HBCUs have been advancing intergenerational economic mobility for Black families and communities, developing vital academic research, and making our Nation more prosperous and equitable. Despite representing only 3% of colleges and universities, HBCUs play an outsized role to support the economic mobility of African Americans, producing 40 percent of all Black engineers, 50 percent of all Black teachers, 70 percent of all Black doctors and dentists, 80 percent of all Black judges, and the first woman and Black Vice President of the United States.

Overall, HBCUs greatly contribute to the economic success of America, providing college access to twice as many Pell Grant-eligible (low-income) students as non-HBCU institutions. Additionally, social mobility research by the United Negro College Fund finds that HBCUs support nearly five times more students than Ivy League and other top-ranked institutions in facilitating movement from the bottom 40% of U.S. household income to the top 60%.

A CEA report, published this morning [LINK], further underscores that HBCUs are engines for upward mobility and additionally discusses new research showing that HBCU enrollment has considerable positive effects on bachelor’s degree completion and household income later in life. The report details how these successes have occurred in the context of historic underfunding of HBCUs. It also discusses a recent resurgence in applications to, and enrollment in, HBCUs which highlight the high value that students have placed on these institutions in recent years.

Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has committed to advancing racial equity, economic opportunity, and educational excellence, including by reestablishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Between FY 2021 – 2023 the Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic actions to support HBCUs:

Invested over $11.4 billion in HBCUs, which includes:

  • Nearly $4 billion for HBCUs through the American Rescue Plan and other COVID relief legislation. These grants funded through the Department of Education and other agencies have helped HBCUs support students’ ability to meet basic needs; support campus operations, staffing, teaching, and educational programs; and keep campuses and the surrounding communities on the path to an equitable recovery;
  • $2.6 billion from the Department of Education to build institutional capacity at HBCUs. These efforts support the growth and sustainability of HBCU degree programs; increase and enhance human, technological, and physical infrastructure for research; strengthen positioning to secure direct partnership opportunities; and create sustainable fund development;
  • Over $1.6 billion to HBCUs through Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other competitive funding opportunities that drive the advancement of academic and training programs, community-based initiatives, and research innovation across national priorities such as medicine and public health, climate science, agriculture, emerging technologies, and defense;
  • Almost $950 million to support HBCUs in growing research capacity and related infrastructure to better compete for Federal research and development dollars;
  • Nearly $719 million in grant funding to expand STEM academic capacity and educational programs; and in other high-wage, high-demand fields such as computer science, nursing, and allied health;
  • Over $150 million in Federal contracting opportunities awarded to HBCUs, including for research and expansion of STEM education programs at the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and U.S. Agency for International Development;
  • $1.6 billion in capital finance debt relief for 45 public and private HBCUs. Discharging these debts has enabled these institutions to focus resources on supporting students, faculty, and staff while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  • Over $2.4 million in Project SERV funds to support HBCUs affected by more than a dozen bomb threats in 2022. These grants have helped restore safe learning environments and invest in student mental health and well-being for students.

In addition to the over $11 billion provided to HBCUs, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided over $4 billion to support the success of HBCU-enrolled students through:

  • $2.8 billion in need-based grants and other Federal programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, to assist HBCU students in affording a postsecondary education; and
  • Nearly $1.3 billion to support Veterans attending HBCUs through the GI bill and other college, graduate school, and training programs delivered through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

While more must be done to ensure equity for HBCUs and their students, the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering landmark first-of-its-kind results:

  • The Department of Defense U.S. Air Force established the first-ever HBCU-led University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Led by Howard University with seven other HBCUs and funded at $90 million over five years, efforts will focus on advancing the deployment of autonomous technologies for Air Force missions. Participating schools include Jackson State University, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Bowie State University, Norfolk State University, Delaware State University, Florida Memorial University, and Tougaloo College.
  • The Department of Commerce established the first-ever Connecting-Minority-Communities program delivering funding for 43 HBCUs to purchase broadband internet, purchase equipment, and hire IT personnel to tackle the digital divide impacting HBCUs. Several HBCUs also recently launched an HBCU CHIPS Network in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology to increase the coordination of the resources at the colleges and universities and jointly contribute to the workforce development needs of the semiconductor industry. Chips are critical in powering our consumer electronics, automobiles, data centers, critical infrastructure, and virtually all military systems.
  • The Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will provide $4.2 million in grant funding to HBCUs, through the EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Center program.
  • The Department of Agriculture announced a $262.5 million investment to support 33 projects across U.S. institutions of higher education designed to train the next generation of diverse agricultural professionals. Through the USDA NextGen program, the projects are led by 1890 land-grant institutions (historically Black land-grant universities), 1994 land-grant institutions (Tribal Colleges and Universities, AlaskaNative-Serving Institutions, and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Hispanic-ServingInstitutions), and institutions of higher education located in the Insular Areas. This historic investment will provide training and support to more than 20,000 future food and agricultural leaders through 33 projects executed by more than 60 institutions across 24 states and Insular Areas.
  • The Department of Energy announced the inaugural $7.75 million Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize, a competition that will support HBCUs in developing programming to strengthen the participation of K-12 and community college students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The competition, which has announced its first 10 winning HBCU teams, is supporting the creation of clean energy community networks to inspire the next generation of students to work in STEM fields related to clean energy.
  • The Department of Education provided nearly $25 million to HBCUs under the Research and Development Infrastructure program to transform their research infrastructure, including strengthening research productivity, faculty expertise, physical infrastructure, and partnerships leading to increases in external funding.
  • The Department of Transportation announced Prairie View A&M University in Texas as the first-ever HBCU to lead a University Transportation Center. Prairie View A&M and 11 other HBCUs were among 34 schools to receive a portion of a $435 million grant for the development of interoperable technology systems, which allow equipment, software, and applications to work together, communicate, and exchange data.
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is pioneering efforts to close opportunity gaps in STEM, including nearly $12 million for eight HBCUs to support programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning and create a more diverse pipeline of talent for careers in data-intensive space-based Earth science.
  • The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs established the Executive HBCU Space Lab, a new collaboration between HBCUs, the Federal government, and industry partners to increase HBCU engagement in space-related federal contracting. The Executive HBCU Space Lab is a solutions-oriented initiative that will release resources including SpaceTechConnect, a free platform to highlight space-related capabilities at HBCUs.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences established HBCU-Connect, a new initiative with HBCUs to inspire the development of environmental health science leaders from diverse backgrounds. HBCU-Connect is a multifaceted effort to strengthen ties between the institute and faculty and students at academic institutions that are often underrepresented in the sciences.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau launched the Maternal Health Research Collaborative for MSIs, providing roughly $30M in research support to seven HBCUs over five years. The funding will build the capacity of HBCUs to conduct Black maternal health research to fully understand and address the root causes of disparities in maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health outcomes; and to find community-based solutions to address these disparities and advance health equity.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health funding to HBCUs totaled $147.5 million to support research, training, research capacity building, and outreach efforts. NIH funding included endowment awards to strengthen the research infrastructure of the HBCU award recipients to conduct minority health and health disparities research. Other NIH funding has assisted several HBCUs in contributing towards building a diverse scientific workforce, including mentorship and student training programs and career development opportunities for faculty.
  • The National Science Foundation launched Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation (ARC-HBCU) to support participation in an intensive, facilitated workshop that brings together HBCU faculty, staff, research administrators and academic leadership focused on the exploration of innovative and promising approaches for addressing the research capacity needs of HBCUs.
  • The National Science Foundation, as part of Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) initiative, awarded the Atlanta-based HBCU consortium a $14 million competitive grant to establish a hub that promotes equity in the national research ecosystem and serves as a model for other HBCUs and emerging research institutions. The consortium includes Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University.
  • The National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on STEM, in support of the CHIPS and Science Act, established an Interagency Working Group (IWG) on HBCU, TCU, and MSI STEM Achievement. The Council provides a coordinated federal approach to carry out sustained outreach activities to increase clarity, transparency, and accountability for federal research agency investments in STEM education and research at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including such institutions in rural areas.
  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced awards totaling $5.5 million for HBCUs to conduct housing and community development research to support the production of affordable housing, support homeownership, advance the use of renewable energy, and address infrastructure inequity affecting underserved communities.
  • The Department of Justice has increased both the number of HBCUs applying for grants and its HBCU approval rate. Over the past five years, DOJ's grant awards to HBCUs have increased 83% (from $900,000 in FY18 to $5.2 million to HBCUs in FY23).

Three HBCU Softball Teams Secure Major Tournament Wins

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This past week has been a win in the books for three HBCU softball teams!

Softball teams at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) began to emerge in the early to mid-20th century. While exact dates may vary depending on the specific institution, many HBCUs started developing softball programs as opportunities for women to participate in sports and compete against other schools.

These programs have since grown and evolved, becoming an integral part of the athletic offerings at many HBCUs. In the past few weeks, these HBCU softball teams have stood out in a major way and we are here for it!!!

Stillman College Softball — First HBCU To Win NAIA Softball Tournament Game

Stillman College’s 2024 Softball Roster via SC Athletics.

Three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings propelled fifth-seed Stillman College into the HBCU record books in a 7-3 victory over fourth-seed Indiana University Southeast at the NAIA Opening Round.

It was not only a historic win as Stillman’s first NAIA tournament victory in program history, but the first-ever victory by a historically black college and university (HBCU) in the NAIA Softball Opening Round. Stillman (36-13) also matches its single-season program wins record set last year at 36.

Next up will be top-seeded, and NAIA No. 7, Jessup University (36-9) of Rocklin, California. The game will start Day 2 of the Opening Round at 1 p.m. Tuesday at William Carey University’s Joseph & Nancy Fail Field.

Jackson State University — 2024 SWAC Title Champions

Jackson State University 2024 Softball Roster via JSU Twitter/X.

The Jackson State Lady Tigers are in the NCAA Tournament after winning their first SWAC tournament since 2011. They are playing with confidence, having won four consecutive games, including twice against No. 1 seed Florida A&M in the conference tournament.

Freshman Sofia Gonzalez pitched a complete game in a 3-1 victory over the Rattlers on Friday. Jackson State coach Kevin Montgomery, who is in his fifth season, has led the team to a steady climb to the top.

The Tigers, Southwestern Athletic Conference champions, will face No. 9 seed and Southeastern Conference semifinalist LSU in the Baton Rouge Region. 

Morgan State University — 2024 MEAC Title Champions

Morgan State University 2024 Softball Roster via MSU Athletics.

Morgan State, who was recently crowned the 2024 Meac Champs, has also earned a trip to the NCAA Division I softball tournament.

MSU rallied from the loser’s bracket to eliminate Maryland-Eastern Shore, South Carolina State, and North Carolina Central. The Bears then swept crosstown rival Coppin State 5-1 and 6-0 on Saturday to secure their first conference title since 2021.

The Bears, who had to win four games in two days to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, will face No. 10 seed and Atlantic Coast Conference champion Duke on Friday, May 17 at 2:30 pm.

Pastor Jamal & Gizelle Bryant’s Twin Daughters Will Continue Family Legacy At Two Prominent HBCUs

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What’s better than one HBCU?! Twoooo!!! The twin daughters of Real Housewives of Potomac’s Gizelle Bryant and Pastor Jamal Bryant, Angel and Adore, recently announced their college decisions on Instagram. Both daughters have chosen to attend two prominent HBCUs.

Angel will be attending Spelman College, while Adore will be going to Hampton University. The twins shared their news by posting pictures of themselves in their college shirts,–beaming with pride.

Underneath Angel’s Instagram post, her loving parents commented with excitement. Her father wrote, “I’m you guys’ biggest fan!! I’m cheering for you.” Their mother, Gizelle, commented, “My cuties.” 

On April 30th, their father, Jamal, posted a cute birthday tribute on Instagram, sharing the twins’ college decision. He captioned the post:

“Help me wish @angeljbryant and @adorecbryant a happy birthday…. I can’t believe they have turned 18 and are headed to college. The world will be better because they were born!”

The twins are proudly carrying on the legacy of their mother, Gizelle Bryant, who attended Hampton University, and their father, who went to Morehouse College. Their eldest sister, Grace, recently finished her first year at FAMU.

Earlier this year, Gizelle confirmed that her twins had already chosen their college on the popular show “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” ahead of the “Real Housewives of Potomac” Season 8 reunion.

“The twins have been accepted to college [and] they know where they’re going,” she said on February 25th. She added, “The Bryant girls are on the move.” We look forward to seeing the twins thrive on and off their college campuses. 

Bronny James Works Out With HBCU Coach During NBA Draft Combine

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During the NBA Draft Combine on Monday, USC Trojans Guard, Bronny James demonstrated a strong three-point shooting ability while being mentored by an HBCU coach chosen to assist at the Chicago event this week.

According to HBCU Gameday, James completed a shooting drill, making 19 out of 25 shots from behind the three-point line. Although there was no defense, he was on the move, which introduced fatigue and still displayed an impressive touch.

L’Tona Samuels Lamonte, the head women’s basketball coach at Winston-Salem State University and a former point guard, was one of the coaches involved in the drill. She can be seen in the video passing the ball to James as he moves along the three-point line, and her voice can be heard as one of his most vocal supporters as he continues to make shots.

At the end of the drill, Lamonte was the first coach to congratulate James as he walked off the court. Lamonte, along with WSSU head men’s coach Cleo Hill Jr. and strength and conditioning coach Kerry Harbor, were selected to work at the combine earlier this month.

“I think it’s a great honor and a blessing to be invited by the NBA to be a part of their draft combine,” said Lamonte.

“What a great way to go and learn more about our craft from the highest level, and bring that knowledge back to our athletes, the university, and the CIAA. I think Coach Cleo, his staff, our Men’s Basketball team, and Virginia Union were a great representation for our conference and have opened the door for this wonderful partnership.”

Winston-Salem State and Virginia Union played in the third annual NBA HBCU Classic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis during NBA All-Star Weekend. Lamonte’s role during the combine is to work all of the on-court sessions and she was front and center during the action on Monday with James. Coaches from both of these HBCU institutions see the great opportunity that working at the combine offers.

“This is a great opportunity to attend the NBA combine and work with professional coaches to help young men prepare for the next chapter in their life of playing professional basketball,” said Jay Butler, head coach of the VUU women’s basketball team. 

“I can’t thank the NBA enough for allowing our Virginia Union Men the opportunity to play on All-Star Weekend and now giving me the chance to attend the NBA Combine in the same year.”

There has been widespread speculation that if a team were to draft Bronny James, they could also acquire the services of his father, Lebron James, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.

The world will have the opportunity to see how well James compares to other NBA prospects on Tuesday when he competes in a five-on-five action.

Ten HBCU Student Newsrooms Awarded Nearly $200,000 To Enhance Journalism Efforts

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Howard University professor Nikole Hannah-Jones and students Jacob Smith, Zoe Cummings and Trinity Webster-Bass discuss their work for “1619: The College Edition” in a panel discussion. (Source: Latrel Caton)

Ten student newsrooms at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will receive almost $200,000 to enhance campus newsroom technology, business operations, audience engagement, and reporting. The grants, provided by the Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University through its Newsroom Innovation Challenge, were announced on Friday.

“HBCU student newsrooms brim with talent, but often lack the resources needed to give students access to the cutting-edge technology and operational support that so many of their peers at predominately white institutions have,” Nikole Hannah-Jones, the center’s founder, said in a statement.

The money will also allow the newsrooms to pay stipends for student journalists, many of whom are unable to volunteer at their campus news organizations because they need to work jobs that pay.

Howard University’s Hilltop and HU News Service, and campus newsrooms at Morgan State University, University of the District of Columbia, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Savannah State University, and Texas Southern University will each receive award packages that range from $4,000 to $29,000 and a one-time technology award.

Additionally, the newsrooms will receive funding to hire contributing writers, which can be renewed by application for up to five years. The newsroom teams will include a faculty adviser, a student staff member and two additional students who will be responsible for implementing the various growth plans.

The Trilogy, the University of the District of Columbia’s campus paper, has not been published in a decade, back when many current students were in elementary school. But with the grants received through the Center for Journalism & Democracy, UDC students will bring the paperback. Texas Southern University will use its award to launch a physical newsroom with computers and field kits for its staff. It will also be able to pay editors.

The news of the Newsroom Innovation Challenge awards comes just a month after the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT announced its HBCU Science Journalism Fellowship, a fellowship program to provide HBCU students with training, mentorship and early-career support for reporting on science, health and environmental issues.

That fellowship’s inaugural cohort includes 10 journalists, representing Howard University, Morgan State University, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University.

Florida A&M University Closes Campus In Anticipation Of Storms Following Recent Tornado

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Florida A&M University has announced the closure of its campus on Tuesday due to expected storms and recovery from last Friday’s tornado.

This decision comes after the campus reopened remotely on Monday for the first day of its summer semester, following the impact of three EF-2 tornadoes that swept through Tallahassee a few days ago and severely affected the historically Black college and university campus.

The university has stated that classes are scheduled to resume remotely on Wednesday.

“The closures include the Quincy Farm, the FAMU Viticulture Center, and The Durell Peaden Jr.  Rural Pharmacy Education Campus in Crestview,” the university said in a Monday afternoon release.

“The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is still without electricity and will be closed Tuesday.”

While FAMU announces its campus closure, Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College still plan on being open Tuesday as of 5:30 p.m. Monday afternoon.

FAMU declared a state of emergency last Friday after the storm, saying that the violent weather knocked out electricity, damaged roofs, downed trees, and utility lines, blocked roadways, and scattered debris across the campus.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, electricity has been restored to the main campus, but at least 15 buildings — including the Grand Ballroom, the Banneker Buildings, and the old Plant, Operations and Maintenance (POM) Building — suffered some form of roof and water damage. The flashing on Lee Hall was also damaged, according to Kendall Jones, associate vice president Facilities, Planning, Construction, and Safety.

FAMU President Larry Robinson and senior administration officials held a virtual townhall meeting Sunday evening to update students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders on the progress of the university’s recovery efforts.

“We have a really great team of experts who are working on this in collaboration with city, county and state officials,” Robinson said during the townhall. “A lot of people have reached out to us, and we really appreciate them. Once again, we beg your patience. It’s going to take us a few days to get back on our feet, but we are making amazing progress.”

As the next round of storms approaches the capital city, a temporary American Red Cross shelter has been established at FAMU’s Al Lawson Center on Althea Gibson Way. As of Sunday night, 60 people had registered to seek shelter, and the university’s Police Department is providing additional security for those staying there, according to the university.

The National Weather Service is forecasting several lines of storms as they move east through the Big Bend on Monday and into Tuesday.

This story is developing and we will keep you updated as more info becomes available.