Several HBCU Grads & BSU President Make This Year’s U.S. Black Chamber’s Women of Power “Power 50” List

Take a look at the illustrious 2023 Women of Power “Power 50” honorees that have graduated from an HBCU.

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Recently, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. announced their 2023 Women of Power “Power 50” honorees.

The USBC Power 50 List is an annual honor bestowed upon fifty illustrious women who embody the spirit of the organization—unwavering dedication to making a difference in their communities and in the world at large.

This year, several honorees are graduates of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and represent a cross-section of women who have made significant contributions in their fields. These individuals have made an impact on our lives and helped to shape the world we live in today.

Melissa Butler – Founder & CEO, The Lip Bar, Florida A&M University

Melissa Butler is the Founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, a beauty brand that started in her kitchen while working on Wall Street. Melissa obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from Florida A&M University before going on to work on Wall Street as a licensed stockbroker. The Lip Bar has become a pioneer in beauty and inclusion and the company is now sold in Target and Walmart stores across the country. Melissa believes that without representation, as humans, we’re left seeking validation. “I’m the woman who doesn’t believe in No. I’m a fighter, a thought leader, a beauty advocate and expert, a risk taker, an HBCU grad, and a business maven.”

Jasmine Crowe – Founder & CEO of Goodr, North Carolina Central University

Jasmine Crowe is the CEO and founder of Goodr, a tech-enabled sustainable food waste management company that strives to eliminate hunger and save food from landfills. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, TED Speaker, and leader who is working to make the world a better place. Jasmine’s goal is to foster change and create awareness about today’s most pressing socio-economic challenges including poverty, food waste, and hunger. She graduated from North Carolina Central University in 2005 with a BA in Mass Communications.

Karmetria Dunham Burton – Senior Director of Global Supplier Diversity, McDonald’s Corporate, Southern University

Karmetria Dunham Burton Southern is the Senior Director of Global Supplier Diversity for McDonald’s Corporation. In this position, she is responsible for developing and executing a global Supplier Diversity program while enhancing the processes to assist McDonald’s achieve its vision of being an industry leader in making minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) a natural and integral part of the way the company does business. Karmetria has worked in strategic sourcing in various national and international corporate settings, including Delta Air Lines, Xerox, AT&T, and Union Pacific Railroad. Karmetria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Southern University – Baton Rouge, La., and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska. She also has a doctorate degree in business from Argosy University.

Jocelyn Delk Adams – Founder & Author of Grandbaby Cakes, Clark Atlanta University

Jocelyn Delk Adams is the founder, author, national television personality, and brand ambassador behind the award-winning cookbook Grandbaby Cakes and the food website Grandbaby-Cakes.com, which gives her family’s, particularly her grandmother’s, cherished generational recipes her modern spin while preserving the most important ingredient- tradition. Jocelyn is a TODAY Show Tastemaker, a judge on Disney Channel and Disney Plus’ Magic Bake Off, Food Network’s popular series “Santa’s Baking Blizzard” and “Beat Bobby Flay”, and a cast member of such shows as “Food Fantasies on OWN Network and the Cooking Channel’s longest running most popular shows, “Unique Sweets”. She graduated magna cum laude from Clark Atlanta University in 2003 with BA in Mass Media Communications.

Michele Cober – Director of Strategic Alliances, Verizon, Howard University School of Law

Michele Cober is also an accomplished attorney who has been practicing law for over a decade. She graduated cum laude from Howard University School of Law where she was Executive Publications Editor of the Howard Law Journal. From 2014-2018, she was named one of Super Lawyer’s Washington D.C. “Rising Stars” in civil litigation. Ms. Cober is now Director of External Affairs & Strategic Alliances at Verizon where she manages strategic relationships with certain third-party organizations representing various civil and human rights interests. She continues to maintain an active pro bono practice, with a focus on criminal justice reform. Ms. Cober also enjoys volunteering to help serve the needs of children, advance the arts, and diversify the legal profession.

Keisha Lance-Bottoms – Senior Advisor to the President for Public Engagement, Florida A&M University

Keisha Lance Bottoms is a Florida A&M University alumna and serves as Senior Advisor to the President for Public Engagement. She is also CNN Political Commentator, based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she served as the 60th Mayor. She is a visionary leader in bringing equitable outcomes to the forefront of government and commerce. Keisha became the first Mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three branches of government, having previously served as a Judge and a City Councilmember. As Mayor, she committed herself to realizing her vision of “One Atlanta” – an affordable, resilient, and equitable Atlanta.

Michelle Bailey – Founder, HBCU Honors, Spelman College

Purpose-driven entrepreneur and marketing guru, Spelman alum Michelle M. Bailey launched the inaugural HBCU Honors award show to showcase eight alums of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across various industries whose ground-breaking achievements have helped change the world. Bailey studied economics at Spelman College and graduated in 1989. She went on to launch a trailblazing career at BET Networks, where she established a new division – the program research department – to recognize branding market research as a key part of the company’s decision-making process.

Malika Jones – Founder of Brown Girl Jane, Spelman College

Malaika Jones is the CEO of BROWN GIRL Jane, a culturally-inspired and clinically-studied fine fragrance brand sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and DTC. Named one of the 100 most powerful women by Entrepreneur Magazine, Malaika is recognized for her innovative and disruptive approach to business and has been featured in various publications including Forbes, WWD, NY Times, and Elle. She earned a dual degree in Economics and English at Spelman College and completed the Executive Education program at Harvard Business Schoo

Deryl McKissack – President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, Howard University

Deryl McKissack is the founder, chairwoman, and chief executive officer of McKissack & McKissack, a national architecture, engineering, program- and construction-management firm currently working on over $15 billion in projects nationwide. Under her leadership, McKissack has worked for public and private clients in the civic, culture, energy, education, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, housing, infrastructure, mixed-use, and office sectors and has grown to over 150 employees with offices in Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering at Howard University in 1983.

Courtney Robinson – Global Head of Financial Inclusion & Policy Development, Square, Inc., North Carolina Central University

Courtney Robinson is the Head of Financial Inclusion and Public Policy Development for Square, Inc., where she works on issues critical to underserved communities and financial services policy development, particularly related to equal access to banking services and the broader financial system. Prior to her work at Square, she served as senior counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services; as the Policy Counsel for the Center for Responsible Lending; and as a Legal Analyst for Freddie Mac. Her work and expertise have been featured in national media. She graduated cum laude from North Carolina Central University in 2009 with a BA in Political Science and Government.

Belinda Matingou – Business Development Manager, Amazon Web Services, Florida A&M University

Belinda Matingou is the Business Development Manager for AWS CloudStart at Amazon Web Services. Belinda assists state and local government economic development leaders seeking to stimulate greater tech entrepreneurship in their communities. AWS CloudStart provides resources to help startups scale their businesses on the cloud. Belinda earned her MBA in Marketing from The Wharton School and her BS in Finance from Florida A&M University. She has delivered results in senior management positions at Fortune 100 companies across a variety of industries, including Dell, AT&T, and Swissôtel.

Michelle Jordan – Chief Diversity Officer at AT&T, Florida A&M University

Michelle Jordan currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer at AT&T. As the head of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts across the company, Michelle is responsible for strengthening and accelerating the company’s efforts to foster an inclusive culture, while integrating diversity practices into all aspects of the business. Michelle is a graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, and Kennesaw State University, where she completed her Master of Business Administration. 

Aminta H. Breaux – President, Bowie State University

Dr. Aminta H. Breaux has served as the visionary 10th president of Bowie State University since July 2017, bringing more than 30 years of diverse higher education leadership experience to the position. As president, she is committed to ensuring that every student at Bowie State University develops an entrepreneurial mindset to achieve success in the rapidly changing workplace and communities. Dr. Breaux initiated a university-wide focus to infuse entrepreneurship education across the disciplines which led to the opening of an Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community in the fall of 2021. She is dedicated to building on the legacy and rich history of Maryland’s oldest historically Black university with a strategic focus on ensuring the long-term viability of the institution.

Pronghorn is Filling the Gap of Black Spirit Industry Leaders With its Latest Program

Pronghorn is working to cultivate the next generation of Black leaders in the spirit industry through their new Spirited Innovation Lab. 

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Apply For the Spirited Innovation Lab Program Now Through April 7th!

Pronghorn is working to cultivate the next generation of Black leaders in the spirit industry through their new Spirited Innovation Lab. 

Pronghorn is a stand-alone business dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Black founders, executive leaders, and entrepreneurs in the spirits industry. With the Spirited Innovation Lab program, Pronghorn seeks to provide opportunities for Black Americans in the beverage industry. 

The Spirited Innovation Lab program is a business design and innovation competition fueled by Pronghorn to support rising Black entrepreneurs with an interest in the spirits industry.

Participants must create and submit a new business idea to address business challenges in the spirits industry, related to brand development, production, design, and more

Up to ten finalist teams will have the opportunity to present to a panel of executive leaders and influencers in the spirits industry at the Spirits Creative Showcase which will take place in Miami, FL.  All selected finalist teams will receive $10K, and the winner will receive an additional $25K prize for a total of $35K

Eligible participants must be undergraduate students (21+ years of age as of June 2023), graduate students, or recent HBCU alumni with a passion for creating change within the spirits industry. Also, participants must be students or alumni of one of the following HBCUs: Howard University, Morgan State University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, North Carolina Central University, and Tennessee State University. 

The deadline to submit innovation pitches is April 7. 

Click here to apply now!

Florida’s Anti-Diversity Bill May Pose a Threat to Black Sororities And Fraternities

The House Bill 999 (HB 999) is targeting DEI efforts on Florida’s public college campuses and poses a threat to collegiate Black Greek Letter organizations.

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Recently proposed legislation targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on Florida’s public college campuses poses a threat to collegiate Black Greek Letter organizations.

House Bill 999, seeks to remove organizations on Florida’s public colleges that “promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities that… espouse diversity, equity, and inclusion or Critical Race Theory rhetoric.”

According to Shevrin Jones, state senator of Florida District 34, this bill will not only affect Greek organizations but groups such as Florida State’s Black Student Union, the University of South Florida’s Asian Students in America, or Spectrum, an LGBTQ rights group at Florida A&M. 

Last week, members of Florida A&M’s Black fraternities and sororities appeared at a state legislature meeting to appeal to senators about the detriment of the bill.

Robert Tucker was one of several FAMU students present at the meeting to oppose the bill.  “If you decide to pass this bill, not only will it affect HBCUs or other state universities in a negative way, in the programs that are implemented, but present and future generations to come. Please do not create a bill that affects over 100 years of progression for minorities just because of personal bias,” Tucker told the lawmakers from a podium.

FAMU student at state legislature meeting to oppose HB 999 / Credit: The Famuan

According to Rep. Alex Andrade of Pensacola, Black-Greek-lettered organizations will not be affected, but many still have questions.

Jacque Slater, a professor at Edward Waters University and a member of a Black Greek organization told First Coast News that the passing of House Bill 999 could hurt diversity equity, and inclusion groups even if the Divine 9 Greek life isn’t banned from public universities.

Sen. Erin Grall, a Republican from Vero Beach introduced an amendment to protect Black fraternities and sororities, removing language that could have inflicted great harm to these organizations.

However, the amendment was rejected and in a 12-5 party-line vote, Republican lawmakers on the House Post Secondary Education and Workforce Subcommittee passed House Bill 999 on March 13. After passing in the House, the Senate must now pass its version of the bill, Senate Bill 266, before it goes to the governor.

State Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, a Gainesville Democrat, told BET.com that HB 999’s language is vague about how it would impact Black Greek-lettered organizations. “I just don’t know to what depth this is going to cut into the activities that they normally have on campus,” Hinson, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha said, adding that she’s also concerned about “a chilling effect” that the measure could have on faculty advisors.

According to Florida senator, Shevrin Jones, if HB 999 were to become law, it would chill academic freedom.

The bill would prohibit majors and minors with curriculums touching on critical race theory, gender studies, and intersectionality. As a result, it could eliminate entire majors such as African American studies, gender studies, and women’s studies. 

This problematic bill would also allow the Florida Board of Governors — a 17-member body largely appointed by the governor that oversees all of the public universities in the state — to review and rescind the tenure of professors who do not comply with this mandate.

In addition, the bill bans state schools from “using diversity, equity, and inclusion statements, Critical Race Theory (CRT) rhetoric, or other forms of political identity filters as part of the hiring process, including as part of applications for employment, promotion and tenure, conditions of employment, or reviewing qualifications for employment.”

HB 999 can be viewed as part of Florida Republicans’ and Gov. DeSantis’ systematic attack on public education. Last year, DeSantis signed the ‘Stop Woke Act,’ which stops certain topics related to oppression from being discussed on college campuses. A federal judge blocked its enforcement in November, and on Thursday, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied DeSantis’ right to begin enforcing the law.

We Need To Talk About Colorism in The Black Community

Colorism is a pressing issue that causes division amongst the Black community and other BIPOC communities. It’s time to have the conversation.

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“That bubble of doubt within? It’s time to stick a pin in it. And wear your dark and lovely face with a grin on it.” ― Princess Latifah, “Pretty For a Dark Skin?”

Colorism is a pressing issue that causes division amongst the Black community and other BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. 

Merriam-Webster defines colorism as prejudice or discrimination, especially within a racial or ethnic group favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin.

Indeed, colorism is the “daughter of racism” as stated by actress, Lupita Nyong’o, and continues to run rampant in society.

The History of Colorism

Colorism has roots in slavery as white colonists created a division between the Africans and furthered the idea that being as close to white as possible was the ideal image. Lighter-skinned slaves were allowed to work indoors and carry out domestic tasks, while darker-skinned slaves participated in strenuous hard labor outdoors in the field. Lighter-skinned slaves also were afforded better opportunities to become educated and learn to read a write while working in the house. 

In addition, enslavers administered tests to determine who was light enough to work in the house called the brown paper bag test.  If people’s skins were darker than a brown paper bag, they were deemed too dark to work in the house. Black people also used tests that perpetuated colorism. According to The African American Registry, Black people also used the comb and the door tests to determine who was allowed in certain establishments. The comb test measured the kinkiness of a person’s hair by using a comb to see if it could pass through the hair without stopping. The door test was used in some African American clubs and churches, where they would paint their doors a certain shade of brown and if people were darker than the doors, they would not be let in.

Proximity to whiteness meant certain freedoms for Black individuals, which is why many lighter-complexioned Black people engaged in “passing.” According to PureWow Journalist, Chelsea Candelario, “White-passing is when someone perceives a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color) as a white person. Some BIPOC people labeled as white-passing are viewed as having more privilege than other individuals in their community.”

The Continuing Legacy

Colorism has continued to live on and we see it working every day on social media, in film, in music, in families, and in school and work settings. 

There are countless examples in media, such as light-skinned women being portrayed as more desirable and more feminine than dark-skinned women in shows like “Martin,” or light-skinned actresses receiving more attention and getting roles over dark-skinned actresses. For example, the fiasco that was the 2016 Nina Simone biopic starring Afro-Latinx actress Zoe Saldana portraying the iconic singer. Instead of casting a dark-skinned actress, producers cast a lighter one and altered her to look like Simone. For the role, Saldana donned a prosthetic nose and skin-color-altering makeup to mimic Simone’s appearance. This just furthers the argument that darker-skinned people don’t get nearly the amount of opportunities that lighter-skinned people do.

Research shows people with darker skin experience an increased number of problems, including socioeconomic issues.

Colorism is linked to smaller incomes, lower marital rates for women, longer prison terms, fewer job prospects, decreased mental and physical health, and a lower perceived intelligence for darker-skinned people. Dark-skinned girls are also three times more likely to be suspended from school than their light-skinned peers. Additionally, research by Stanford psychologist Jennifer Eberhardt found that darker-skinned Black defendants were twice as likely as lighter-skinned Black defendants to get the death penalty for crimes involving white victims

Countless dark-skinned people can recall being the source of name-calling growing up because of their skin color—not to mention how many dark-skinned Black women have been told that they’re “pretty for a dark skin girl.” This can be extremely detrimental to one’s self-esteem and can result in self-hatred and skin bleaching.

How Do We Eliminate Colorism?

As long as colorism has existed in our communities, many still deny its existence. In order to change the narrative of how darker-skinned people are seen, we must acknowledge that colorism exists and have the conversation. People must check their biases and champion for darker-skinned people to get the same opportunities that people of lighter complexion do. With shows showcasing dark-skinned black people leads like “Insecure”, “Bel-Air” and “Blood and Water,” there has been some progression of representation in media, but there is still much further to go. It’s also important that we begin teaching our youth about colorism and empower them to speak up for change. Colorism is a major form of discrimination that should be treated with the same seriousness as racism.

Benedict College Coach Joins the KC Chiefs Coaching Staff

Former Benedict College co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kevin Saxton Jr. has been hired as the new offensive assistant for the KC Chiefs.

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Former Benedict College co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kevin Saxton Jr. is heading to Missouri to join the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff.

The KC Chiefs announced on Friday additions to the club’s coaching staff for the 2023 season with Saxton slated as the new offensive assistant.

Kevin Saxton Jr.

Saxton took to Twitter to express his excitement in writing, “As one door closes another one opens! Extremely grateful and excited for this next chapter God has planned for me! Let’s get to work”

Saxton started his coaching position with the Benedict College Tigers in February 2022 and helped lead them to victory last season as they won their first SIAC Football Championship.

On March 3, he announced via Twitter his departure from Benedict in a heartfelt message thanking head football coach, Chennis Berry, and the team for the opportunity.

“My time in Columbia has been special. A lot of history has been made and I am nothing short of grateful for the opportunity!” he captioned the message. “@gotigers_bc has allowed me to continue my development as a man and football coach. I am excited for the next chapter that God has in store!”

Prior to Benedict, Saxton served as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Cuthbertson High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina. During his one season with Cuthbertson, the Cavaliers made their first playoff appearance since 2019, while winning their way to the Sweet 16. Under Saxton, the Cavalier offense received two All-State selections, six All-County selections, and five All-Conference selections. Prior to coaching at Cuthbertson, Saxton spent three years at Emory and Henry College as the co-offensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.

Kansas City Chief’s head coach Andy Reid commented on this season’s coaching changes and expressed his excitement for what the new hires will bring to the table.

“Every offseason in the National Football League brings change, and for the first time in a while we had some movement on the coaching staff,” Head Coach Andy Reid said. “Obviously, we lost a couple of really talented coaches in Coach Bieniemy and Coach Lewis, and I’m happy for both of those guys getting new opportunities to show what they can do in this league. On the strength and conditioning side of things, I’d like to congratulate Coach Rubin on an outstanding career and wish him the best in retirement. As for our changes this year, I’m excited to see what these coaches can do in their new roles. They are all talented individuals with unique skillsets. All of them have the ability to bring something different to the table to benefit our team and specifically our players.”

Coppin State to Build New Residence Hall to Require On-Campus Living

Coppin State University is planning to build an eight-story residence hall to implement an on-campus living requirement for freshman and sophomore students.

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The Baltimore Business Journal reports that Coppin State University is planning to construct an eight-story residence hall to build the infrastructure necessary to implement an on-campus residency requirement for freshman and sophomore students.

The new 109,049-square-foot residence hall will add 350 beds to the university, increasing the total to roughly 1,000 overall. According to a request for proposal, the university is budgeting up to $40 million for the project.

Officials say they plan to start construction on the new dorm in 2024.

Flossie M. Dedmond Residence Hall

Coppin State University’s undergraduate enrollment has declined by 46% since 2010, and its retention rate lags behind other local HBCUs. President Anthony Jenkins told the Baltimore Business Journal that he hopes that the new dorm can help boost retention.

“This new residential facility is not focused on the growth, but more so on retention, which has a direct impact on the growth of the institution,” Jenkins said. “Universities who house more students on campus have higher retention rates, higher graduation rates, higher completion rates, and greater college satisfaction.”

“Coppin doesn’t have an enrollment problem, we have a problem with retention,” Jenkins added.

The university’s lack of housing has an impact on enrollment as well as retention.

According to the Baltimore Business Journal, Coppin State lost 600 prospective students from 2015 to 2020 to other universities in part because the school did not have enough on-campus housing to accommodate students, Jenkins said. The school got the information based on students who were accepted to Coppin but declined to attend the school after they were notified there was no bed space, he added.

Jenkins also said that Coppin’s retention issues are in part caused by the university serving a poorer student body. At Coppin, 71% of students in 2021 were eligible for Pell grants, compared to students at Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where only 57% were eligible. Coppin is one of the most affordable University System of Maryland institutions with an average annual cost of $10,105.

“When our students are faced with economic challenges and they have to decide between going to work or going from being a part-time to the full-time student or stopping out, they have to go work,” Jenkins said.

As for when the requirement for all freshman and sophomore students to live on campus will be put in place, Coppin spokeswoman Robyne McCullough said that the school does not have a firm timeline as of now but it’d likely be after the new dormitory is built.

Meet Jaivien Kendrick: The Bowie State Student Bringing “More Life” To Fashion

Meet Jaivien Kendrick, the Bowie State University student and 21-year-old CEO of clothing brand More Life.

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Just three years ago, Jaivien Kendrick was a 19-year-old working three jobs to make ends meet during a global pandemic. He is now the proud owner of the clothing brand, More Life, which he says is the number one brand on the campus of Bowie State University.  

Kendrick is a junior, business marketing major at Bowie State with a mission to grow the black community through his brand. 

“More Life is a brand about changing the culture in the black community. The things at the forefront of our culture, pertaining to the media, music, and some entertainment, aren’t the most positive things, and encourage negative tendencies and behavior.” Kendrick said. “More Life wants to change that by inspiring the youth to know themselves and follow their hearts. When you know yourself, you understand how powerful you really are. And as black men and women, we’re powerful beings just waiting to be unleashed.” 

More Life sells hoodies and graphic tees that don the name of the company as well as other motivational messages that inspire its wearers to keep moving forward.

The company was born out of the COVID-19 quarantine as Kendrick was going through a period of self-discovery. He said his perspective on life changed after the murder of George Floyd. That summer, the young CEO participated and spoke at some protests and realized he was the change he wanted to see in the world. 

“I was tired of waiting for a savior, protesting, voting, and then going home and waiting for someone else to fix our problems. I had to do for myself and be the change I wanted to see. So with that, I started my brand and began this close to the 3-year-long journey that I’m on today.” Kendrick said.

“The way I saw it, if you want to fix things, you need power. And the most powerful thing in America today is money. The best way for me to make money and to gain that power was to build an empire.”

– More Life CEO, Jaivien Kendrick

Kendrick has since found success building his empire with his clothing brand More Life.

He was recently recognized by AT&T, joining their Dream in Black: Rising Future Makers Class of 2022, a program designed to support and empower HBCU students who are making a big difference in their communities and beyond. Through this program, Kendrick said he’s been able to work with AT&T on a project for NBA All-Star Weekend. 

He credits attending an HBCU for teaching him patience and persistence when it comes to his obtaining his goals.   

Now backed by a team of creatives to help him, Kendrick plans to expand More Life to Howard University and get their clothes sold in HBCU school stores across the country. Kendrick also teased a potential deal with a big retail company in the near future.

Kendrick is looking forward to the future and what it may hold for him.

“I’ve become an icon on my campus and dare I say an inspiration to my peers. I’m blessed and thankful that I took that first step years ago. The future for me is bright, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” he said.

How to Thrive in SGA: Seven Pieces of Advice From Current Student Leaders

Get ready for student election season by reading these seven pieces of advice from current student leaders on how to thrive in SGA!

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NASAP 2022 Most Outstanding Delegation Winners, Alabama State University SGA Administration

Student government election season is here and heating up across schools all over the country. Students are deciding what they are running for, getting their campaigns together, and gearing up for their desired outcome.

For so many college students, joining the Student Government Association is an opportunity for reinvention, to make your mark, and to make a difference at your school.

Being a part of the Student Government Association at an HBCU is a high honor and a great opportunity to make an impact on campus. Not only do you get to flex your leadership skills but you serve as a liaison between the study body and the administration—not to mention the awesome perks of early access to housing and events.

While you don’t have to be a part of SGA to be successful in college, having a position in SGA can definitely teach you skills that will help you in the real world. It builds character and puts you in a position where you can be a problem solver at your university. SGA President at Southern University and A&M College, Kennedy M. Orr said it best, “SGA is an opportunity for the growth of a person both personally and professionally. You will be pushed to your limit, but you’ll learn how to manage your time and energy. Leadership teaches you skills that can’t be found in a textbook. Experience is the best teacher.” 

Here are seven pieces of advice from current student leaders on how to thrive in SGA!

Remember Your “Why” 

When going out for an SGA position ask yourself why you want it and what you can bring to the table. Holding onto your “why” will help you endure campaign week and any challenges you may face while in SGA. 

Junior Class President at Morgan State University, Adrian H Phillips Jr. believes this is the key to running a successful SGA campaign. “Your “why” is the secret to managing a successful SGA campaign. This will enable you to structure your campaign around your goals and core values. Being genuine and driven by purpose is crucial as you present yourself to your university” said Phillips. 

Put the Student Body First

Being a part of SGA means serving the campus by being a selfless leader. Listening to the student body’s concerns and advocating for them is what it’s all about.

Executive Secretary at Alabama A&M University, Alexis Powell says she ran for her position because she noticed that the communication on campus from SGA to the student body needed help. She says that listening to students is a major way to thrive in an SGA position. “A way that an individual can succeed in their position is by listening to the student body and having their best interest at heart. It’s important to remember that they elected you because they believed in you, don’t give them a reason to not” said Powell.

Be Passionate about Your Position

Many say that passion is the key to success. If you aren’t passionate about your position then you can’t be successful in your position. Think about what you want to accomplish and only run for a position you’re truly passionate about. 

The key to running a successful SGA Campaign is passion and purpose. “You cannot run for a position if it doesn’t serve your purpose nor are you passionate about it. Passion will be your drive and purpose will guide you through your journey” said Gabrielle Orji, the Junior Class President at Prairie View A&M University

Have a Strong Support Team 

Having a strong support team makes all the difference when it comes to whatever challenges you may face in your SGA position. Having people to lean on will carry you through campaign week (because we know it gets hectic) to actually serving in your position.

“The key to running a successful campaign is having a strong support system. HBCU elections can be tough on an individual both mentally and physically. It’s important that you have a strong campaign team that is up for that challenge and always willing to help,” says  Kennedy M. Orr, Southern University and A&M College’s Sophomore Class President.

Set Goals

Setting clear goals of what you want to achieve in your position and mapping out how you’re going to get it done will help you succeed in your position. Be organized and have a plan. 

Miana Wallace, the 93rd Miss Kentucky State University encourages students to be intentional about their position. “In order to thrive in any leadership position, you should sit down and decide what issues you want to tackle first. From there, create a plan and try to partner with administrators, other student leaders, or organizations on campus.” 

Be Yourself

When going out for SGA, don’t put on a fake persona you can’t maintain, people will see right through it. Be your authentic self and show people who you really are.

“The key to running a successful campaign is to remember that your campaign isn’t just the two weeks your campaign runs. Your campaign begins the moment you step on campus. People will always remember how you’ve made them feel, the things you’ve done, and how you carry yourself” says SGA President at Edward Waters University, Patricia Johnson. 

“Remember that the position doesn’t define you. We are human beings. Mistakes will be made and you can’t please everybody. Stay true to who you are and never lose sight of why you took the position that you did in the first place” says  Kennedy M. Orr, Southern University and A&M College’s Sophomore Class President.

Manage Your Time Well

Mastering time management is so important for being a student leader. Being a student leader may feel like a full-time job, but learning how to balance it with all your other responsibilities makes all the difference.  

Adrian H Phillips Jr., Junior Class President at Morgan State University says that prioritizing self-care will make you a better leader. “Take care of yourself; if you are stressed or exhausted, it will be difficult for you to lead other students. Spend as much time and effort on yourself as you do on your school. With an empty cup, you cannot pour into your classmates!” 

Former N.C. A&T Aggie Brandon Parker Signs Deal To Stay with Raiders

Former North Carolina A&T offensive lineman Brandon Parker has reportedly signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, that’s worth up to $4 million with incentives.

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Former North Carolina A&T State University offensive lineman Brandon Parker has reportedly signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, that’s worth up to $4 million with incentives.

Parker played for N.C. A&T, from 2013 to 2017, then was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Raiders. The veteran offensive tackle originally signed a four-year deal with the Raiders, and now has re-signed on short deals in both 2022 and 2023.

Last season, Parker accounted for 77 percent of offensive snaps and saw 16 percent of snaps on special teams as well. Parker also had a relatively large 10 accepted penalties in 2022 (four holding, six false starts).

According to Yahoo Sports, Parker was in line to be the team’s starting right tackle, but he suffered a pectoral injury early in training camp that would eventually require season-ending surgery. “But Parker does have a lot of experience as he’s appeared in 54 games with the Raiders during his career,” the news site said.

He has been with the Raiders for four seasons now and has started 32 games in those four years, including starting every game but four last season. 

Furthermore, Yahoo Sports noted that at just $1.5 million, it’s clear the Raiders aren’t expecting him to be a starter. “Instead, he will compete with Thayer Munford as the team’s swing tackle. That should be a pretty fun competition to watch during training camp and in the preseason.”

Parker is expected to be fully recovered from his pectoral injury going into his sixth season with the Raiders.

TSU Reports Over $70 Million in Research Funding

Tennessee State University (TSU) is reporting continued record growth in the university’s research funding as it strives for R1 status.

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Tennessee State University (TSU) is reporting continued record growth in the university’s research funding.

TSU’s external research funding is just over $70.2 million with four months remaining in the 2022-2023 submission cycle. To date, the university’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences and the College of Agriculture have received the largest single awards totaling $28.9 million.

“TSU’s continued high research output and funded awards are a true testament to the hard work and commitment of our faculty and staff, especially as we also focus our attention on moving from an R2 to R1, the highest research designation, under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning,” says TSU President Glenda Glover.

“A crucial cornerstone of an institution’s success is measured through its research and just as important is how that research will benefit our communities,” said Glover.

Tennessee families and global food security are among the top areas the research funding is focusing on.

The TSU Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences received a total of $18,958, 417 in federal and state funding for its work in funding childcare and family support programs in Tennessee. The Center was awarded nearly $5.3 million from the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start (ACF/OHS) to support Head Start and two Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs. In addition, just under $13.7 million came from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (HHS/TDHS) to support the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance and Tennessee Family Child Care Network. 

According to the Tennessee State University Newsroom, the funding will provide services to 256 children and families and employ approximately 115 staff needed across the state. 

“The Center is proud of the work we do to support children, families, and professionals within the early childhood community,” says COELS’ director Dr. Kimberly Smith.  “We remain focused on educating and uplifting the early childhood workforce in Tennessee and we remain committed to improving the lives of the families we serve.”  

Federal funding is also helping TSU make strides in the College of Agriculture.

Researchers in the College of Agriculture are using a $10 million capacity-building grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to support 57 different projects in agricultural education, agricultural business, biotechnology, food science, animal science, environmental science, renewable energy, and human health and nutrition. 

The university is striving to receive the “R1” research designation, with the assistance of the new funding.

An R1 designation would help the university acquire more doctoral programs, research initiatives, and funding for students.  

Tennessee State University Newsroom reports that in the first half of this fiscal year, TSU research proposals garnered more than $68.8 million in external sponsored research funding and now stands at $70.2 million, which is on pace to surpass the record $70.7 million received in 2021. That record-setting year for the University was one of the highest among all HBCUs. 

Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick, says the goal is to double the total amount of grants received.

“Our recent historic research productivity and achievement over the last two fiscal years is a consequence of our outstanding and dedicated faculty and staff and their commitment to conducting and performing innovative and transformative high-level research,” says Quick. “Our faculty and staff are enthusiastically engaged in our mission for the highest status as we work collegially and diligently to become the fourth R1 designated institution in the state of Tennessee.” 

Bowie State Adds New STEM Master’s Degree Programs

Bowie State University is adding new degrees to offer students new opportunities for advanced STEM Education.

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Bowie State University is adding new degrees to offer students new opportunities for advanced STEM Education.

The university is adding new master’s programs in the Department of Natural Sciences and the Department of Technology and Security to meet the rising demand for proficient workers in STEM fields.

The new programs are Applied Biotechnology & Molecular Biology (ABMB), which launches in fall 2023, and Internet of Things & Internet Technologies (IoT&IT), an online degree program, which went live this spring. The new programs increase the number of master’s programs offered by Bowie State to 24.

According to the university, “The ABMB master’s program is designed to prepare students for Ph.D. programs in all major biosciences disciplines or research jobs in the biopharmaceutical industry. The program will cover multiple scientific disciplines including advanced biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, biomechanics, plant and animal biotechnology. Students will be trained in recent advances in the field and on technical aspects through lab work.”

The Iot&IT master’s program focuses on technology and concepts related to devices that send and receive information via the internet. The program will teach students how to build and develop hardware and software, as well as implement solutions to security issues associated with IoT&ITdevices.

Both current and prospective students can apply to the master’s programs, which are intended to position students to address future needs in the country’s workforce.

Morris Chestnut to Serve as a Commencement Speaker at North Carolina A&T

Officials at NC A&T announced that renowned actor Morris Chestnut will serve as one of the Spring 2023 Commencement keynote speakers.

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On Tuesday, officials at North Carolina A&T University announced that renowned actor Morris Chestnut will serve as one of the Spring 2023 Commencement keynote speakers.

Accompanying Chestnut is NC A&T Nathan F. Simms Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology Robert H. Newman, Ph.D.

“Dr. Newman and Mr. Chestnut have made tremendously positive impacts in their professions and are certain to inspire our Spring 2023 commencement audiences,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “We welcome the perspectives they will share with our Aggie community as we celebrate the achievements of our newest Aggie graduates.”

Chestnut is the keynote speaker for the baccalaureate student ceremonies in Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday, May 13, at 8:30 a.m. for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics and College of Education and 3 p.m. for the College of Engineering, John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and COST.

Chestnut’s career has spanned more than two decades, during which he has found tremendous success in both film and television.

He is best known for his memorable roles in “Boyz in the Hood,” “The Brothers,” “The Perfect Holiday,” “Think Like a Man,” as well as “The Best Man” films and successful miniseries. Chestnut received an NAACP Image Award nomination in the category of “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” for his performance as Lance in “The Best Man.”

The actor’s most recent films include “When the Bough Breaks,” “The Perfect Guy,” and opposite Robert De Niro in the heist thriller “BUS 657.” He starred opposite Halle Berry in TriStar Pictures’ “The Call,” and starred in the action film “Kick-Ass 2” opposite Jim Carrey and Chloe Grace Moretz that same year.

Among Chestnut’s television credits are roles on the NBC drama “The Enemy Within,” the Fox series “Rosewood,” FX’S first season of “American Horror Story,” Amazon’s “Goliath” opposite Billy Bob Thornton, and Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “Nurse Jackie,” which earned him the 2014 NAACP Image Award in the category of “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” for his performance as Dr. Ike Prentiss.

Newman is the keynote speaker for the graduate student ceremony Friday, May 12, at 3 p.m. in Novant Health Fieldhouse at Greensboro Coliseum.

He is actively involved in graduate and undergraduate research training, serving as the lead principal investigator (PI) of the NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduate in Synthetic Biology at A&T for the past four years and as a PI on the NIH-sponsored Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Educational Diversity undergraduate research training program.

To date, Newman has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and mentored 70 undergraduate students, 25 graduate students and five postdoctoral fellows. Many of his undergraduate and graduate students have gone on to pursue Ph.D. degrees and postdoctoral training at some of the nation’s leading institutions.

Among the many accolades Newman has garnered for teaching and research are, the N.C. A&T Outstanding Young Investigator Award and the Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award in 2016. Last year, he received the UNC Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes the extraordinary contributions of faculty members across the UNC System.

NC A&T’s Spring 2023 Commencement Graduate College Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 3 p.m. The first Undergraduate Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. and the second one occur later at 3 p.m All ceremonies will be live streamed.

Spring Break Do’s and Dont’s

The long-awaited spring break has finally arrived, so here’s HBCU Buzz’s list of Spring Break Do’s and Dont’s!

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The weather is finally warming up, midterms are over and everyone is ready to let loose and have a good time. Yes, the long-awaited spring break is finally here! Having a fun spring break is a right of passage for many college students, whether it involves going out in your hometown, taking a group trip to Miami, or spending time with loved ones on a family trip. Whatever your spring break plans may be, there are a few rules to live by to ensure a great trip.

For your benefit, here’s HBCU Buzz’s Spring Break Do’s and Dont’s

Spring Break Do’s

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Yes, we know that spring break is all about having fun, but while everyone is enjoying themselves it’s easy to let your guard down and not be aware of your surroundings. Be safe and be smart by taking mental (or physical) notes of your surroundings. Never leave drinks unattended and know where all the exits are. Trust your intuition, if you feel uneasy grab your friends and go. 

Bring Cash & Keep Your Budget In Mind

College students are no strangers to ballin’ on a budget, so don’t blow all your money on spring break. Bring cash to limit swiping cards and set a budget for yourself before you travel. This can easily be done by creating an itinerary for yourself for the week in Excel or Google Sheets through pre-made budgeting templates.

Stay Hydrated 

Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re going to be doing some heavy drinking (know your limits!). Also, save your money and avoid paying for ridiculously overpriced water by bringing your own bottle and carrying it with you wherever you go. 

Be Wary of What You Post on Social Media 

Be cautious about revealing personal information and specific locations while on spring break. This doesn’t mean don’t post about your trip, just remember the “close friends” feature is your friend.  

Spring Break Don’t’s

Don’t Go Anywhere By Yourself

When traveling with friends for spring break, it’s important to always stay with the group. Utilize safety apps like Find My Friends and Life360 to keep track of each other and carry your cell phone fully charged, with a backup charger for emergencies. 

Don’t Wear A Hairstyle That You Don’t Want To Get Wet

Don’t let your hairstyle keep you from doing all the adventurous things your vacation has to offer. Go parasailing, water skiing, or swimming freely without worrying about messing up your lace front by planning ahead and getting a protective style that can get wet.

Don’t Forget To Wear Sunscreen 

If you’re headed somewhere sunny remember to wear sunscreen! Staying out in the sun for long hours will increase your risk for skin cancer, so stay sun smart during your trip. You can still achieve a golden tan when wearing sunscreen 

Don’t Do Anything Too Risky 

Yes, spring break is a time to party and have fun but don’t do anything that will put you in danger or get you arrested. Think before you act and if you’re traveling internationally do your research and make sure you know the rules of the country you’re traveling to.

Fisk University to Make History as First HBCU to Host NCAA Gymnastics Competition

The Fisk University women’s gymnastics team to compete in their hometown Tuesday night, marking the first time a HBCU has hosted an NCAA Gymnastics competition.

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The Fisk University women’s gymnastics team is continuing to break barriers and make history, this time as they host their first-ever hometown competition on Tuesday night.

As they face off against the Greenville University Panthers at Belmont, it will mark the first time a historically Black college or university (HBCU) has hosted an NCAA Gymnastics competition in history.

The team made history last year becoming the first gymnastics team at an HBCU to compete at the NCAA level.

“We’re thrilled to host the Greenville University Panthers and give our fans the opportunity to literally experience a gymnastics meet like never before,” said Fisk Athletic Director and Coach, Corrinne Tarver.

“This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for both our gymnasts and fans, as we showcase our passion, talent, and hard work on the mat.”

The meet will be live-streamed on the team’s Instagram account starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

New Study Finds that Attending HBCUs Has a Positive Effect on Black Students’ Mental Health

A new study published by American Journal of Epidemiology found that attending an HBCU has positive mental health outcomes for Black students. 

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A new study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH), published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has positive mental health outcomes for Black students. 

Researchers examined the long-term mental health effects for Black students attending HBCUs compared with Black students attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

With the intention of discovering how structural racism within educational institutions affects mental health outcomes for students, they tested the theory that Black students at HBCUs would be less exposed to structural racism than Black students who attended PWIs.

“HBCUs are an essential part of higher education, but there has been little research examining how attending an HBCU versus a PWI is associated with mental health for Black students,” said Naomi Thyden, an author of the study. “This research provides evidence that the HBCU environment can have a positive impact on long-term mental health outcomes for Black students.” 

The researchers tracked almost 500 Black students beginning in high school, through college, and several years after college.

Tracking the experience of participants seven and 14 years after college, the study found:

  • For Black students who reported higher depressive symptoms in their teens, those who attended HBCUs reported fewer depressive symptoms seven years post-college compared to those who attended PWIs. 
  • For those students who attended high school in regions outside of the South (in the North, West Coast and East Coast), HBCU attendance protected against depressive symptoms seven years after college. 

The researchers recommended equitable state and federal funding for HBCUs. They also advised that PWIs embrace some aspects of HBCUs, such as more Black faculty mentors, more affinity spaces for Black students, and introducing a more inclusive curriculum instead of teaching only from the European worldview.

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Hampton Alumna Ruth E. Carter Becomes the First Black Woman to Win Two Oscars

“Black Panther” costume designer and Hampton grad, Ruth E. Carter made Oscars history on Sunday, becoming the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

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“Black Panther” costume designer and Hampton University grad, Ruth E. Carter made history at the Oscars on Sunday, becoming the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

Last night, she took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design for her work on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This milestone comes just four years after she became the first Black woman to win in the same category for her work on the first “Black Panther” film.

In addition to becoming the first Black woman to be a two-time winner in any category, she is also the first person to win a costume design Oscar for designing both an original film and its sequel.

Ruth E. Carter in the press room during the 95th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, Calif., on Sunday.Arturo Holmes / Getty Images

“Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the superhero that is a Black woman,” said Carter during her acceptance speech. “She endures, she loves, she overcomes, she is every woman in this film.”

She dedicated the moment to her late mother, Mabel Carter, who she said died within the last week at age 101.

“This film prepared me for this moment,” she said. “Chadwick, please take care of Mom” — referring to the late “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman.

After winning, Carter said in the Oscars press room that she hopes her win will inspire young costume designers.

“I pulled myself up from my bootstraps … So I feel that this one opens the door for other young costume designers that may not think that this industry is for them and hopefully they’ll see me and they’ll see my story and they will think they can win an Oscar too.”

– Oscar winner, Ruth E. Carter

Carter graduated from Hampton University in 1982. She previously credited her Hollywood success to her time at the HBCU.

“I credit my experiences in the Little Theatre on campus as the catalyst for my career in Hollywood,” said Carter. “My dream began in the costume shop on the second floor of Armstrong Hall and took me to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hampton University Repertory Theatre can provide that same inspiration for students who want to pursue a career in the arts, TV, and film industries. I’ve also established an endowed scholarship to assist students with financial aid to help make their dreams come true.”