Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones is set to take on a new role as a teacher at his alma mater Fisk University.
Last week the university announced that Rep. Jones will be teaching a course titled “Good Trouble” this school year.
“We’re gonna be talking about political activism, social change theories and movements, protest movements that have transformed this nation and look at the global movements happening today as we continue to push forward and fight for change in our communities,” Rep. Jones of the course.
Rep. Jones graduated from Fisk with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While there, Jones received the John R. Lewis Scholarship for social activism and led several protests for causes such as the expansion of health care in Tennessee the repeal of voter ID laws, and Stand Your Ground laws.
The Tennessee State Representative has spoken about being inspired by civil rights icon and fellow Fisk alum, Congressman John Lewis. He told The Tennessean that Lewis has “been a guiding force in my life.”
During his run for state Legislature in 2022, Jones told The Tennessean that he decided to run “because this moment demands a new generation of leaders” who are fighting for their communities and “are not backing down to the extremist Republican supermajority that is harming our state.”
In 2022, Jones won the open Tennessee House District 52 seat and made headlines earlier this year when he and another Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Justin Pearson, were expelled following a gun control protest on the House floor.
Jones and Pearson were quickly reinstated to the House on an interim basis and fully reclaimed their position earlier this month through a special election.
A set of triplets born severely premature are staying together and heading to two prominent Atlanta HBCUs to continue their education.
Per USA Today, Morgan Hicks, Sanai Hicks, and Tony Hicks Jr. graduated high school with a 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9 GPA. They have all received scholarships and were accepted to dozens of schools across the country.
“My PWI dream school was Duke and my HBCU dream school was Spelman,” Sanai told USA TODAY. “My mom, when we were applying, she told us to apply to as many as we possibly could so that we could have options to choose from.”
“Once we toured Spelman, it was over,” Sharnetta added. “We never made it to North Carolina A&T. We never made it to Tuskegee or Alabama.”
The triplets all received scholarships from their respective HBCUs to help fund their education.
Tony Jr. got $60,000 from Morehouse while Sanai and Morgan each received $18,000 from Spelman in addition to private scholarships through other programs.
The triplets’ accomplishments are a great sense of pride for their parents, Sharnetta Hicks and Tony Hicks Sr.
Sharnetta reflected on the triplets’ hard start in the world, being born at 27 weeks, with the girls weighing 1.1 pounds and Tony weighing 2 pounds. After the birth, Sharnetta suffered a ruptured abscess, resulting in a two-day stay in the intensive care unit and she couldn’t see her children until two weeks later.
“My wedding band actually fit on Morgan’s wrist,” Tony Sr. said. “She was the smallest of the three. It was just amazing to see that and to see them now.”
The triplets certainly have a bright future ahead of them.
Sanai plans to pursue a law degree while Morgan wants to become a biomedical engineer and plans to study biochemistry and complete a dual-degree engineering program. Tony Jr. is pursuing a degree in applied physics and has aspirations to become an aerospace engineer at NASA.
A shooting that occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Alabama A&M University has reportedly left two people injured.
The shooting is believed to be an isolated incident stemming from an argument between two people. The Huntsville Police Department reports that the two people shot at each other and that there was never an active shooter threat on A&M’s campus.
According to Huntsville NBC affiliate WAFF, one of the people involved drove to Huntsville Hospital with minor injuries. Police took the second person involved into custody on A&M’s campus. A police spokeswoman told WAFF that the second person also had minor injuries.
The campus was put on lockdown following the incident but is now in an all-clear status as authorities investigate, according to AL.com.
WAFF reports that investigators are obtaining assault-non-family-gun warrants for the two people involved.
This morning, one of the people involved was identified by Huntsville Police. Willie Brandon Nance, 23, was booked in the Madison County Jail on an aggravated assault charge.
Some students at the school reportedly said the incident started because of an argument about cafeteria food.
President of Alabama A&M, Dr. Daniel Wims released a statement on Wednesday morning following the events of the shooting.
“The safety and well-being of our students and campus community will always be our top priority,” Wims said. “We deeply regret the distress caused by the unfortunate incident on our campus yesterday and want to assure you that we are taking every measure to maintain the ongoing safety and security of our campus.”
Morehouse College has partnered with The Student Freedom Initiative and Stats Perform, a global leader in AI solutions for the sports industry to launch an “AI in Basketball” course.
Morehouse College has partnered with The Student Freedom Initiative and Stats Perform, a global leader in AI solutions for the sports industry to launch an “AI in Basketball” course.
Per Business Wire, the partnership aims to offer education about applications of AI in sports, provide internships, and expand job opportunities upon graduation for students attending AUCC member institutions.
“The promise of AI in sports is emerging; leveraging sports is a perfect pathway to expose our HBCU students to the foundational principles of AI and address the wealth gap by better positioning them for the in-demand jobs of the future,” Student Freedom Initiative Executive Director Dr. Mark A. Brown said.
Morehouse College campus
The course is scheduled to launch this fall on Morehouse’s campus and is open to students from Morehouse, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University majoring in the areas of math, physics, and engineering.
Working in connection with Morehouse faculty, Chief Scientist at Stats Perform Dr. Patrick Lucey will teach the course.
“Stats Perform has been the pioneer of AI in the basketball space for well over a decade, not only with our computer vision systems to collect player and ball tracking data, but also with our predictive models using machine learning,” Dr. Lucey said in a statement. “We are excited to show the students some of the many ways AI can take basketball to new levels for teams, players, media organizations, fans, and others, and see it as the perfect vehicle for students to get a deep understanding on how AI can be used across many fields.”
Dr. Alfred R. Watkins, Department Chair for Computer Science at Morehouse College said the process of entering a partnership with Stats Performs Perform was “very intentional.” “We sought a long-term industry partner, the inclusion of all three HBCUs in the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), and specific learning and career opportunities within high-demand, high-growth sectors of the economy for our students,” said Watkins
Students who complete the AI in Basketball course will have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of internships with Stats Perform, with the possibility of it transitioning into a full-time employment position.
As students enter their second week of classes at Morris Brown College the university has reinstated its mask mandates in response to rising COVID-19 cases.
As students enter their second week of classes at Morris Brown College the university has reinstated its mask mandates in response to rising COVID-19 cases.
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the school announced the mask mandate on August 18 via a letter to students, faculty, and staff.
Morris Brown’s president Dr. Kevin James said that although there are no reported cases on campus yet, the university is taking the proper precautions as positive cases in the Atlanta University Center start to rise.
The mandate is set for two weeks and students on campus will have to follow social distancing guidelines.
Morris Brown posted notice of the mandate and protocols on the university’s official Instagram page.
To contain the spread of COVID-19, all students and employees are required to wear a mask on campus. On-campus parties and large student events are prohibited during the two-week mandate and students are expected to participate in contract tracing efforts and regular temperature checks.
Students who test positive are required to isolate for at least five days and take virtual classes. The college will provide COVID-19 care and assistance through its formal partnership with St. Joseph Mercy Care.
Music mogul Sean Diddy Combs is expanding on the annual REVOLT Summit, with this year’s first-of-its-kind event that reimagines the intersection of culture and creativity, REVOLT WORLD.
Don’t Miss the Interactive Three-Day Event Coming to Atlanta Sept. 22- Sept. 24
Music mogul Sean Diddy Combs is expanding on the annual REVOLT Summit, with this year’s first-of-its-kind event that reimagines the intersection of culture and creativity, REVOLT WORLD.
Taking place in Atlanta from Friday, September 22nd – Sunday, September 24th at Pangaea Studios, REVOLT WORLD will include live entertainment, brand activations, masterclasses, and panel discussions from cultural leaders who play a role in empowering the Black community.
This year’s theme, We Are Hip Hop, honors the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and its global impact as well as serving as a “unifying declaration that personifies REVOLT’s position as a cultural authority and leading multimedia network,” according to a press release. REVOLT WORLD, presented by Walmart, will also mark a historic milestone for the company as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
“We are excited to introduce this first-of-its-kind event in REVOLT WORLD that reimagines and builds on the success of our annual Summit to deliver an immersive experience that showcases the expansive impact of REVOLT and the global influence of Hip Hop across every category of contemporary culture,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of REVOLT and 50 years of Hip Hop, REVOLT World will continue carrying out our mission of becoming the biggest driver of culture globally and creating spaces that are transformative to our audience.
Attendees at REVOLT WORLD will be immersed in the world of Hip Hop through interactive touchpoints such as panels and conversations, day parties, an introduction to the company’s commerce experience, REVOLT World Market, the Short & Fresh Film Festival, and more. REVOLT World campus will also consist of several curated spaces for attendees including a gaming house, wellness space, creator studio, podcast village, insights lab, and career center.
The three-day experience will supply emerging Black leaders with the tools needed to reach unparalleled pathways to success and life-changing opportunities.
REVOLT WORLD will be supported by notable sponsors such as Walmart and PepsiCo who will assist in bringing exciting, curated activations and offerings to life for event attendees.
“At Walmart, we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential, and we are honored to partner with REVOLT in empowering the next generation of Black creators and culture builders,” said Allison Rand, Associate Director of Brand Experiences and Talent Partnerships at Walmart. “By supporting REVOLT WORLD, we have the privilege of investing in these individuals who are paving the way for a brighter future, where innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship can flourish.”
For more information about REVOLT WORLD and updates on the talent lineup, activations, programming, and presale tickets, click here.
Howard University officials are addressing concerns for campus safety after a violent brawl outside two residence halls broke out early Monday morning.
Howard University officials are addressing concerns for campus safety after a violent brawl outside two residence halls broke out early Monday morning.
University officials say the incident involved a group of about 50 young people, described as a “fight club” who attacked students, leaving one stabbed and several others hurt
One victim recalled the ruthless attack saying, “I was prepared to die.” “When I was on the ground getting stomped out, I just stopped feeling the pain at one point,” he said.
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Victims described the attackers as “a bunch of D.C. locals.”
One victim said, “It was like maybe 5, 10, 20.” He recalled the attackers instigating a fight saying, “And one lunges at me, so I square up.”
“They just started kicking us, punching us,” another victim said. “We were getting jumped.”
Two students were able to escape, but some of their friends got left behind, and one was stabbed and had to be transported to the hospital for further treatment.
“He got stabbed in the back and he got just beat on by like 30 people, him by himself, and security looked at him on the ground, watched his body go limp, and just walked away. Didn’t call anybody; didn’t do anything,” a victim said.
According to Fox 5 DC, the Metropolitan Police Department reported the attackers stole a pair of Air Jordans, an iPhone, and some keys from the students.
The campus police chief says at least one juvenile suspect was arrested with a handgun, NBC Washington reported.
Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, who returned to campus early from a university-related trip, released a letter addressing the incident. “Maintaining the safety and well-being of Howard University students is our first priority,” he said. “We are investigating not only this incident but also our response to it. We apologize to our students who expressed that our public safety response did not meet their expectations of support and assistance.”
On Tuesday, the university held a town hall to address safety concerns and to apologize for the initial response to the incidents.
Tashni-Ann Dubroy, an executive vice president and chief operating officer at Howard said the group of attackers has been on the university’s radar.
“We’ve been tracking these juveniles, not only on our campus but also throughout the District as well, over the summertime,” Dubroy said“They’re part of a fight club. They go to restaurants to instigate fights. And the reason why it escalated so quickly and became violent is because that’s part of their strategy.”
Howard University Police Chief Marcus Lyles said that he has launched an internal and external investigation into the incident. So far, this has resulted in the suspension of a lieutenant of the university police and the removal of a third-party security contractor.
The university said it plans to install more than 1,000 cameras. The university also plans to implement safety paths so students know which routes to take to make sure a security officer is within 100 feet.
“Over the last eight months, we’ve installed over 1,000 cameras, both internal and external. And we’ve also installed smart card readers for access control purposes. That’s just Phase One,” Lyles said. “These are multimillion dollar projects and we’ve invested heavily and we will continue to Phase Two … in which we will be installing another 1,000 cameras across the university with another 500 smart card readers.”
Dubroy said that the university will continue with their freshman welcome week with ramped-up security. “We want the students to have a good time and we’re going to put all of the barriers that we can around these safe spaces,” she said.
Clinton College is working toward diversifying the STEM field through its new scholarships and STEM programs.
The university is now offering programs for nursing and cybersecurity.
“We are really excited about the way the college is going in,” said Clinton College president, Lester McCorn.
The new STEM scholarships will be based on a first come first served basis, distributed over three years.
According to WCNC, The first five students who are accepted this fall will receive $30,000 towards tuition. The first five students who are accepted in fall of 2024 will receive $20,000 and the first five students who are accepted in fall of 2025 will receive $10,000.
“This is historic for Clinton College,” said Toneyce Randolph, the vice president of academic services.
McCorn told QCity Metro that it was important for them to expose students to “different opportunities.” “HBCUs put out amazing talent and we want our students to contribute to both fields,” he said.
University officials hope the scholarships will provide students with the knowledge and drive to positively impact society.
Requirements for the STEM scholarships include:
You must be a freshman at Clinton College
You must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
You must have a 2.75 or above GPA
You must enroll in a minimum of 12 hours at Clinton College each semester
You must be actively pursuing a degree in cybersecurity at Clinton College
You must write a 250-word essay (minimally) describing why you are interested in cybersecurity at Clinton College and stating what career plans you have for your future.
After a decade of serving as Tennessee State University‘s first female president, Glenda Glover has announced her plans to retire.
On Monday, during a news conference, Glover announced that she will be stepping down from her position at the end of the spring 2024 semester.
“Serving as president of Tennessee State University has been the honor of a lifetime,” Glover said. “This is where I got my start. I came to Tennessee State University, graduated in 1974. From 1974 to 2024, a 50-year blessing. And now it’s only appropriate that I announce my retirement from the place that gave me my start.”
TSU President Glenda Glover announces retirement, Aug. 14, 2023. CREDIT: Nashville Scene
Glover has received many accolades during her reign as TSU’s president, including, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Education Leadership Award for 2018 HBCU President of the Year, and in 2022, she was appointed as Vice Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities by President Joe Biden.
According to the Tennessean, under Glover’s tenure, TSU increased grant funding to over $100 million this year, more than doubled endowments and the university was recognized as a “high research” school with plans in place to increase it’s classification again.
“I am privileged and forever grateful for this honor of a lifetime,” Glover said. “As I prepare to hand over the reins I remain committed to TSU and to ensuring equity and access to higher education.”
The university has not yet announced Glover’s replacement and according to the outgoing president, she will not be involved with that search.
This year, with the inspiring theme of “Thriving Together,” the 114th NAACP National Convention brought the Black community together for an empowering and immersive experience celebrating the community’s collective power.
The 114th NAACP National Convention took over Boston last weekend (July 28 – August 1) with the inspiring theme of “Thriving Together.”
Every year the NAACP National Convention brings the Black community together for an empowering and immersive experience celebrating the community’s collective power. The Convention attracts innovative change-makers, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, entertainers, influencers, and creatives to network and exchange ideas.
The weekend consisted of various events such as main-stage discussions, luncheons, and the experience hall to connect activists, allies, and entrepreneurs from varying backgrounds.
The NAACP Youth & College Division held a weekend of exciting events that HBCU Buzz got to attend. These events include the Act-So & Youth & College Joint Event Gen Z Culture Talk, the Youth & College Welcome Session, the Roy Wilkins Youth Luncheon, and the Youth & College Public Mass Meeting.
The Act-So, Youth & College Joint Event Gen Z Culture Talk took place on Friday, July 28, and brought together youth activists and organizers for an engaging and thought-provoking speaker series.
The Gen Z Culture Talk included three separate workshop conversations — a STEAM conversation focused on opportunities and journey, and two intimate panel-style discussions that were focused and curated out of the idea of a barbershop and salon.
Jimel Calliste, Field Organizer of NAACP Youth & College Division kicked off the event, taking to the stage to introduce the Gen Z Culture Talk and encouraging the audience to take notes. He was then followed by the President and CEO of NAACP, Derrick Johnson who spoke about the goal of the organization’s programs, Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), and the Youth & College Division. “The goal is to expose you to as many creative thinkers as possible, and the reason why is because we define culture,” he said. Johnson challenged the audience to define culture for themselves and determine what they’re going to do with it.
President and CEO of NAACP,Derrick Johnson at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Gen Z Culture Talk.
After Johnson, NAACP Board of Trustees, Zephani Smith Eisenstat took the stage to moderate the STEAM conversation and introduce speakers, Naia Butler-Craig, an Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. Student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Jaylen Brown, professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
From left, Jaylen Brown, Naia Butler-Craig, and Zephani Smith Eisenstat at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Gen Z Culture Talk.
Region 4 National Youth Works Committee (NYWC) Board Member, Alexia Dukes concluded the panel, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. “Diversity in STEM not only enriches our field with a wide range of perspectives but also opens up the floodgates of creativity and innovation,” she said. “We must actively strive to break down barriers that have historically excluded underrepresented groups from participating in STEM.”
The second panel, titled “Building Beautiful Futures” was presented by hair care brand, Dark & Lovely and was moderated by philanthropy ambassador, Nicole Wade. The panel consisted of speakers, Jessica L. Brown, founder of College Gurl, Shevann Steuben, Region 6 National Youth Board Member, and Channing Hill, Region 7 NYWC Youth Representative. During the personable conversation, they spoke about the importance of mentorship, making bold moves, and self-love and acceptance.
From left, Channing Hill, Jessica L. Brown, Shevann Steuben, and Nicole Wade at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Gen Z Culture Talk.
The final panel was moderated by Ryan Hardgraves, CEO of Goodlyfe Grooming LLC. who started off the conversation by talking about the importance of leadership, being authentic, and developing meaningful relationships. The panelists, social media influencer and content creator, Laron Hines, actor and entrepreneur, Brett Gray, and Region 3 NYWC Youth Representative, Carey Walls added to the conversation, speaking on the topics of identity, boundaries, and relationships.
From left, Carey Walls, Brett Gray, Laron Hines, and Ryan Hardgraves at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Gen Z Culture Talk.
The National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, Wisdom Cole closed out the event by asking the audience what they learned, to which they responded, “Be your authentic self,” “Be bold” and “We thrive better together.”
“I think it’s very important for us to understand that when Gen Z speaks America has to listen,” Cole told HBCU Buzz. “There are so many key issues that are impacting us in today’s society and Gen Z’s on the forefront about speaking about it but also acting on it, and so this convention is all about making sure they have all of the tools and tactics necessary to take on some of the most challenging problems in America today. Everything from student debt to gun violence, to police accountability—we have to make sure that we are ready for the fight, not just for today but for the next fifty years. It’s not enough for us to survive, we have to thrive.”
On Saturday, July 28, the Youth & College Welcome Session kicked off the National Convention weekend with opportunities to connect with other NAACP Youth & College leaders from across the country.
The attendees gathered in the convention room, many dressed in attire that represented their respective NAACP regional districts. They got to hear from several speakers, such as Spelman College Alumna and NAACP Youth & College Training and Programs Manager, Amari Fennoy, Terayle Hill, Clark Atlanta University Alum and Actor and Host for the week, and NAACP Youth & College Division National Director, Wisdom Cole. They kept the energy high as they discussed the importance of this year’s theme “Thriving Together” and partook in the obligatory “swag surf,” a staple in the black community. The energy continued into the night at the Y2K-themed Youth & College Welcome Party later that night.
The next day on Sunday, July 30, the Roy Wilkins Youth Luncheon was held. This was an interactive lunch and learn session between young elected officials and the youth about what holding power looks like for a young leader and what mentorship looks like for young officials. Luncheon panelists included New Bedford City Councilmen Shane A. Burgo, Mayor of Earle, Arkansas and the youngest Black mayor in U.S. history, Mayor Jaylen Smith, West Mesa Justice of the Peace, Judge Elaissia Sears, and a virtual address from the U.S. Representative from Florida’s 10th Congressional District, Congressman Maxwell Frost.
Sunday was closed out with the packed-out General Public Mass Meeting, hosted by actors Adrian Holmes and Essence Atkins.
Actors Adrian Holmes (left) and Essence Atkins at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s General Public Mass Meeting.
Attendees heard from influential speakers Derrick Lewis, Field Manager of the NAACP Youth & College Division, and NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson ahead of the panel discussion. Journalist and Howard University alumna, Nayo Campbell served as the moderator for the panel discussing Afro-futurism. The panelists were: Representative for Tennessee’s House District 52, Representative Justin Jones, influencer, George “Conscious” Lee, Gen Z historian, Khalil Greene, and activist, Anya Dillard.
Dillard shared that she hoped the audience gathered from the panel to be “forever unapologetic and to be loud about the causes they feel passionate about and to be confident enough to spark discourse and to have conversations.”
The last event that HBCU Buzz attended was the Juanita Mitchell Gala on Monday, July 31.
This year’s gala theme was The Black Met Gala: All Shades of Blackness. All decked out in upscale attire, attendees packed out the BCEC ballroom as Youth & College units, outstanding member leaders, and advisors were honored.
Honorees at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Juanita Mitchell Gala.Attendees at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Juanita Mitchell Gala.HBCU Buzz CEO & Founder Luke Lawal delivering the opening remarks at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Juanita Mitchell Gala.
HBCU Buzz’s very own founder and CEO, Luke Lawal delivered the opening remarks at the gala. Other speakers included: NAACP Chairman of National Board of Directors, Leon Russell, actor, Teryale Hill, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who served as the keynote speaker. The evening also consisted of a fashion show, a presentation of awards, and a special performance by actor and musician Brett Gray at the gala after-party.
Actor and singer Brett Gray performing at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Juanita Mitchell Gala afterparty. Fashion show participants at the 114th NAACP National Convention’s Juanita Mitchell Gala.
The 114th NAACP National Convention was a weekend of fun, fellowship, and thriving together. “All these tools that we put in our tool belt to allow us not just to survive, but to truly thrive and that’s what this year’s convention is all about—ensuring that you have the tools to take back your community to ensure that we have local victories that inform the national narratives,” said Wisdom Cole. To become a member of the NAACP, click here.
The program at Bowie State allows incarcerated citizens at Maryland’s Jessup Correctional Institution to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and an optional Entrepreneurship Certificate.
Credit: WBAL-TV 11
What started as a cohort of seven students at the correctional facility will now expand to 24 students.
The incarcerated students’ tuition and fees are covered through federal Second Chance Pell Grants.
According to NBC4 Washington, most classes are held inside Jessup Correctional’s library.
Carolyn J. Scruggs, secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services said getting an education has given the incarcerated citizens a “sense of pride.” “It actually changes the climate within how they move every day,” Scruggs said. “Now they feel better than themselves, I would say.”
Incarcerated student, Timothy Hawkins said the program has helped him to feel better about himself.
“I’m not the sum total of my mistakes. I can do something different,” Hawkins said. “Something bigger. Something that’s bigger than me.”
“When it came to education, me and education ain’t mix. But upon me accepting Bowie State, now all I do is read and write,” Jermain Williams, another student in the program said.
Another student, Damon McDuffie shared with CBS News the significance of obtaining a degree from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
“My sister actually goes to Delaware State University, so we’re both in HBCUs. My mother kind of happy about both of that,” McDuffie said.
“Committing to education and liberating the mind is really important in this process, and our students are making a commitment to just that,” said Anthony Jackson, co-director of Bowie State’s Prison Education Program.
According to CBS News, the aim is to expand the number of degrees offered and Bowie State hopes to partner with a women’s correctional facility down the line.
Morgan State University is getting closer to its goal of reaching R1 status as they have reported receiving a combined $100.8 million in grants, contracts, and gifts, in addition to a $27-million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23).
The remarkable investment in Maryland’s largest HBCU includes a record-high $83.3 million in new federal funding commitments for University research and training. This marks the second consecutive year of historic funding commitments, an 11% increase over the previous year, according to the university.
“Significant and impactful research is taking place on the campus of Morgan State University. Our research is far from being esoteric and is addressing so many of the intractable challenges facing urban and marginalized communities,” said Morgan State president David K. Wilson.
During FY23, university researchers submitted 321 new proposals requesting more than $385 million in available funding from various U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, and more. As a result, Morgan State received 165 new funding commitments from proposals submitted this and last academic year, worth $83.3 million.
Projects that received funding during the past year include:
$15-million grant over five years from the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Regional Transportation Equity Research (SMARTER) Center,
a five-year, $9-million grant from The Office of Naval Research to address a critical Department of Defense (DoD) need for research in building diverse knowledge bases related to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with an emphasis on cybersecurity.
a five-year, $5-million grant from The U.S. Department of Energy to establish an integrated field laboratory (IFL) to study climate impacts and adaptations in urban environments.
a $5-million grant from The National Science Foundation’s Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program to establish a new research and education hub at Morgan State.
a $4.1 million grant from The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration by way of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, to expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas and improve digital equity.
“Whether we are talking about resources received from our federal partners or those received from our corporate partners and individual donors, the more than $100 million achieved during FY23 is a strong endorsement of Morgan’s central role in driving innovation in our state and nation. Morgan is fast positioning itself to be one of the top institutions in the nation in addressing bias in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems; in reducing educational disparities; tackling health inequities; researching the root causes of and identifying strategies to reduce violence; building strong cybersecurity programs and research prowess; and in producing an impressive array of diverse talent to drive competitiveness in Maryland and beyond,” Wilson noted.
Morgan State also had a steady year of philanthropic donations, as The Division of Institutional Advancement received approximately $17.5 million in combined gifts and donations during FY23, a 33.5% increase over FY19’s pre-pandemic giving amount. The university reports an estimated 79% of the revenue received was from corporations and foundations and that the gifts received will go towards funding scholarships, academic programs, research, and student aid.
“We also believe in involving our undergraduate students in the research enterprise, not just doctoral and post-doctoral students. We are building the type of research university we hope will be a model for this country. Morgan is on a path toward achieving an R1, very high research university status, and maintaining this type of continued investment will support getting us there.” Wilson remarked.
Renowned actress and Howard University alumna Phylicia Rashad will step down from her position as dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts after the 2023-2024 academic year.
Renowned actress and Howard University alumna Phylicia Rashad will step down from her position as dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts after the 2023-2024 academic year.
The news of her departure was announced on Monday by Howard president Wayne A. I. Frederick via an email sent to Howard students and faculty.
“We deeply appreciate Dean Rashad’s selfless contributions and commitment to our alma mater during her leadership of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and the many contributions she has made to Howard University’s students, graduates, and global community,” the announcement read.
Rashad graduated from Howard in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and is best known for her performance as Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, “The Cosby Show.” In 2004, she became the first Black actress to win a Tony Award for best actress in a play for her role as Lena Younger in a revival of “A Raisin in the Sun.”
In 2021, she returned to her alma mater to lead the re-establishment of the College of Fine Arts.
Frederick credited Rasahad with bolstering faculty and revitalizing and increasing contributions to the College of Fine Arts in his announcement.
The university said it will begin the search for a new dean shortly.
According to Diverse Education, a spokeswoman for Howard said that Rashad will be issuing a statement concerning her resignation in the near future.
Meet Nandi Edouard, she’s a Spelman College alumna about to make history as the founder of the first Black-owned STREAM school in Cobb County, Georgia.
Meet Nandi Edouard, she’s a Spelman College alumna about to make history as the founder of the first Black-owned STREAM school in Cobb County, Georgia.
Edouard is the CEO and founder of The Simple Vue Academy, a new charter school coming to Cobb County by 2025 with a mission to create a sustainable pathway to entrepreneurship by providing grades 6-12 with a STREAM-based education.
She received $20K in grants to open Simple Vue Academy and is excited to bring STREAM education to the classrooms.
Simple Vue Academy founder and chief executive officer, Nandi Edouard.
So what is STREAM education? Like STEM, it includes, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics but also incorporates the Arts and Reading. Edouard says that emphasizing the importance of reading and writing is crucial in educating the minds of the next generation.
“We all know that there is a literacy crisis going on, and we know that our students are falling behind when it comes to literacy, and so we want to not only make sure that that is at the forefront of our curriculum, but we also want our kids to be able to understand the things that they are reading and be able to then articulate those ideas and create value for themselves and their community,” she said.
Creating a positive school culture that provides a safe, supportive, encouraging, inviting, and challenging environment for students and staff, which allows students’ academic achievement to grow is Edouard’s personal mission.
She got her start in teaching at YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, Texas where she spent 3 years teaching and leading 6-8th grade English and Language Arts. She later served as the Director of School Culture, Managing Dean of Students, and New Teacher Development Lead at Prospect Schools in Brooklyn, NY before founding Simple Vue Academy.
The educator received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College and holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Edouard credits her alma mater, Spelman College, and its positive influence on her life that led to the creation of Simple Vue Academy.
Growing up in a predominantly white community, Edouard said Spelman taught her the “ins and outs of black people” and the importance of self-advocacy.
“Spelman taught me what it meant to show up as a black woman in the world, show up as a boss, someone who is knowledgeable and able to stand in the room with others.”
– Nandi Edouard on the impact of attending Spelman College.
Edouard also said the supportive and familial community at Spelman influenced the atmosphere that she wishes to cultivate at Simple Vue Academy.
Simple Vue’s mission is to provide a sustainable pathway to entrepreneurship while producing future business leaders, change agents, and innovators, according to Edouard.
When it comes to advice for other black educators pursuing their degree or just entering the workforce, Edouard says to “lean into community” and praises her own community that has helped her with Simple Vue Academy.
“I’ve found through this journey that community has been the only way that I’ve gotten to the next step. I’ve not done any of this work by myself. I have a really strong team, a really sound board, and a community behind me and I don’t make a move without them and their input and that has really been transformative to this process and for me to actualize my vision.”
McCain makes his return to North Carolina after being released by the Detroit Lions in May.
The cornerback entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2021 and later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a waiver claim, playing in two games for them during his rookie season.McCain returned to the Broncos later in the 2021 season and then rejoined the Eagles as a member of their practice squad for the last two seasons, according to NBC Sports.
To make room for McCain, the Panthers waived cornerback Colby Richardson.
McCain, a Greensboro native is now returning to his home state, where he was N.C. A&T standout.
His accolades include two first-team All-MEAC selections, a second-team All-MEAC honor, multiple All-American FCS honors, and a sophomore All-American nod from Hero Sports as well as All-American honors from the Associated Press, Phil Steele Magazine and BoxToRow.
He is also well known because of his family’s historic legacy at N.C. A&T as he is the grandson of the late Franklin McCain, one of the four N.C. A&T students who were a part of the famous 1960 Woolworth lunch-counter sit-in protest, known as the Greensboro Four.
Dillard University has been awarded a $750,000 grant from The U.S. Department of Interior to restore the historic academic building Howard House.
The restoration grant is one of the first awarded by the U.S. Department of Interior, which protects cultural heritage under the National Historic Preservation Act.
The grant was presented by the agency’s Assistant Secretary of Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Shannon Estenoz at a press conference on Friday.
Credit: Biz New Orleans
“At the Interior Department, it is our job to help steward America’s story. By preserving sites like Dillard University, we not only honor long-underappreciated Historically Black Colleges and Universities, but we also safeguard important pieces of American history,” said Estenoz. These investments are part of the Biden-Harris administration’s work to ensure that vital cultural, educational, societal and aesthetic legacies will live on for future generations.”
The grant will go to restoring the historic Howard House, originally named the Practice House.
The 2,400-square-foot building was designed by campus architect Moise H. Goldstein and was built in 1936. Its rich history includes being used by Homemaking Educational Program during World War II when mostly young female students attended Dillard University.
The building was damaged by a fire in 1945 and was later restored and expanded to double its size, housing primarily young female faculty members when it reopened later that year.
In 1948 the Practice House was renamed Howard House in honor of the late Alvin P. Howard, a New Orleans businessman who had served as the university’s First Treasurer of the Board of Trustees and was on the building committee for Flint-Goodridge Hospital, which was the original buildings of the university, according to Biz New Orleans.
“Dillard’s architectural treasures are a link to our collective heritage,” said Dr. Rochelle Ford, president of Dillard University. “This grant marks a step towards Dillard serving as a communiversity with facilities that withstand the forecast that shapes our living, learning, serving community that cultivates leaders that will make our world healthier, safer and more innovative.”
“For nearly two centuries, HBCUs have stood as beacons of hope, providing education, empowerment, and opportunity to generations of African Americans around the country. The significance of the National Parks investment cannot be overstated. It is an investment in our past, our present, and most importantly, our future. These funds will breathe new life into the very buildings that have been the backdrop to the education of trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders who have shaped the course of our nation’s history,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
