Legendary film director and producer Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee joined Spelman College on Nov. 28 for a celebration honoring his familial connection with the college.
Legendary film director and producer Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, attorney, filmmaker, author, and activist, joined Spelman College on Nov. 28 for a celebration honoring his familial connection with the college.
The college dedicated the Admissions Office in Packard Hall to Lee’s grandmother, Zimmie Reatha Shelton, and his mother, Jacquelyn Shelton Lee, both of who graduated from Spelman in 1929 and 1954, respectively.
They both lived in Packard when it was a residential hall, and Lee’s grandmother also attended Spelman High School in 1925.
“Spelman women are known for their ability to influence and change the world,” said Dr. Gayle, M.D., MPH, 11th president of Spelman College.
“We are witnessing the influence of two Spelman alumnae and the legacy work of their grandson and son, respectively, Spike Lee. We are proud to lay claim to some of their aspirations and impact on Spike, through their experiences in this very place during their matriculation at Spelman, including their dorm life at Packard Hall.”
Following the dedication, they unveiled banners outside of the building showcasing historic black and white photos of Mrs. Shelton and Mrs. Lee.
“My father went there, my grandfather went there, and my mother and grandmother went to Spelman,” said Lee, who followed in his family’s footsteps and graduated from Morehouse in 1979.
Dr. Gayle said that Lee’s family can be an inspiration to others to create new legacies and continue to pass the torch.
“It represents not only the Lee family, but other families that have a history and a legacy that they pass on to their children and to their children’s children,” said Dr. Gayle.
“Hopefully it’s a reminder that we are in process, and they’re part of the process,” said Tonya Lewis Lee, referring to current and future students.
Following the dedication ceremony, Spike and Tonya joined President Gayle for her inaugural broadcast of “Courageous Conversations: Black in the C-Suite” listening series.
The series was created to highlight stories of Black women in leadership. The conversation with the Lee family focuses on pathways to social and economic mobility, through health, wealth, and education equity and the power of an HBCU education.
After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Sanders is leaving his position as head football coach at JSU and taking his talents to the University of Colorado.
The announcement of his departure came just hours after he led the Jackson State Tigers to victory at the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship on Saturday, defeating Southern University 43-24.
After the big win, Sanders did not attend the SWAC-sanctioned postgame press conference but instead met with the team at Jackson State to inform them of his decision to accept the offer to be the next head football coach at Colorado.
“It’s not about a bag but it is about an opportunity. … If you dominate your opportunity and you treat people right, the bag is gone always come… I’ve never chased a bag. A bag has always chased on me” Sanders told the players.
That same night he boarded his flight to Boulder, and Colorado made the news official.
Coach Prime came to JSU in 2020 in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic with the task of revitalizing the football program.
That he did, compiling a record of 26-5, including going undefeated this season. In 2021, Jackson State won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title for the first time since 2007, defeating every single conference team it played, and claimed another on Saturday.
WLBT reports Coach Prime’s financial impact on the capital city, saying that JSU’s four home games brought in $16.2 million for the city this season, up from $7.2 million in 2017.
Sanders has said that coaching the Tigers was a “calling,” and brought national exposure to the program through appearances on shows like ESPN College Gameday and 60 Minutes on CBS.
During his appearance on “60 Minutes” he said that he accepted the offer to coach Jackson State three months after the murder of George Floyd because “a lot of folks sit back with Twitter fingers and talk about what they’re going to do; I wanted to do it.”
He detailed his goal, saying he wanted to “change lives, change the perspective of HBCU football. Make everyone step to the plate and do right by these kids.”
Although his departure comes as a huge disappointment to many JSU fans, some may say that he completed his goal and that he’s leaving the program in better shape than he found it.
While breaking the news to the team, Coach Prime shared that he was aiding the program in finding its successor. He said that he recommends T.C. Taylor, who currently serves as JSU’s wide receivers coach. It remains to be seen who will fill Sanders’ shoes.
A New Journey at Colorado
On Sunday, Sanders held his first news conference as the new football coach at the University of Colorado.
“There were a number of highly qualified and impressive candidates interested in becoming the next head football coach at Colorado, but none of them had the pedigree, the knowledge, and the ability to connect with student-athletes like Deion Sanders,” Colorado athletic director Rick George said in a statement.
“Not only will Coach Prime energize our fanbase, I’m confident that he will lead our program back to national prominence while leading a team of high quality and high character.”
– University of Colorado Athletic Director Rick George
During Sunday’s news conference Sanders confirmed that he intends to see Jackson State through the Celebration Bowl, which takes place Dec. 17 as they face off against North Carolina Central.
By taking the position to coach the Buffaloes, Sanders will be one of few black coaches at a Power 5 program.
“It’s been four or more African American head coaches that has been terminated [at the FBS level]. I haven’t heard not one like a candidate like myself and to me, that’s a problem” Sanders told the Jackson State team.
Sanders thanked Colorado Athletic Director Rick George for having the “courage” to replace one Black coach with another one.
“Because there are several African American coaches around the country that were terminated,” Sanders explained, “and they were not replaced by an African American coach. But you had the audacity to do such a thing. … I thank you for seeing past the color and the ethnicity, and seeing the man with a plan to bring you back to the place of promise.”
Sanders also indicated that his son Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State’s starting quarterback, will be joining him at Colorado.
Deion Sanders introduces his son Shedeur in his opening statement:
During Sunday’s news conference, Deion Sanders pointed toward Shedeur and said, “This is your quarterback.”
“He’s going to have to earn it, though,” Sanders added.
A sophomore, Shedeur can enter the transfer portal and follow his father to Boulder.
“I just want you to know we’re on the way,” Sanders said. “Not to compete, but to win. Not to show up, but to show out. Not to be among the rest, but to be the absolute best. We’re coming to work, not coming to play. We’re coming to kill, not to kick it.”
Mixed Reactions From Fans
Sanders decision to leave Jackson State University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), for University of Colorado, a Predominately White College (PWI), has received mixed reactions from fans on social media.
Some feel as though he fulfilled his goal of helping advocate for HBCUs and should now be able to pursue other opportunities, while others feel as though he used Jackson State as a stepping stone and has sold out by leaving an HBCU for a PWI.
Everybody mad at Deion Sanders. He’s helped JSU, set attendance records, new practice fields, new locker rooms, Under Armor endorsements deal. Countless other things. You leave places better than you found it. He did that. He’s done a lot for HBCU Football in 3 years.
if the destination was Florida State or another top echelon team, i’d get it. but Colorado? that cheapens what Deion Sanders built at Jackson State and sends a message that a bad football program at a white college is better than the best HBCU. this ain’t it, Prime. https://t.co/BwkBSECnSG
If Deion Sanders leaves Jackson State & takes Shedeur, he proving folks right. Deion was preaching elevating HBCU programs & looks like he was just using JSU as a launching pad for his coaching career, which is fine, but don't go around acting like it was for altruistic reasons.
By leaving for Colorado, Coach Prime broke his four-year, $1.4 million deal with Jackson State, and will now owe about $300,000 for a contract buyout according to the Clarion-Ledger.
Although it’s hard to see Sanders go, one can only hope that his impact on HBCU sports will sustain.
A homicide investigation is underway after an unidentified male student at Jackson State University was found shot to death on campus.
According to WAPT, police were called to the scene on Friday at about 8:30 a.m., where the body was found inside a Dodge Charger in a parking lot between Dixon Hall and Campbell College Suites.
JSU President Thomas K. Hudson confirmed the victim was a student and that the person of interest was in custody.
JSU family, it is with a heavy heart that I confirm the death of a JSU student. The loss of a young person is always a devastating circumstance for our campus community. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/jPktddkMql
JSU President Thomas K. Hudson released a statement Friday, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the death of a JSU student. The loss of a young person is always a devastating circumstance for our campus community. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
Hudson said that grief counselors are available to offer support to students.
BREAKING Hinds county coroner just arrived on Jackson State University campus near crime scene tape in the parking lot behind Dixon and Campbell halls. pic.twitter.com/cCv9M7Jc6Z
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) also released a statement saying it was working with campus police to investigate.
“The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and Jackson State University Police are working together to investigate the recent homicide on JSU campus. At this time, there is no further threat to those on campus.”
The MBI said that it is an open and ongoing investigation and that they will share their findings with the local District Attorney’s Office upon completion.
Coppin State University received a $3.7 million Teacher Quality Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support Coppin’s Pathways to Professions (P2P) initiative over the next five years.
“The Pathways to Professions Program builds upon the foundation of Coppin State University as a destination for training and cultivating quality educators, who then go on to shape the minds of our young people,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. “Through this program, we provide support and development opportunities for educators of diverse backgrounds, so they can, in-turn, help build brighter futures for their students, themselves, and their communities.
We are developing a national model for how to prepare and retain great teachers by prioritizing their professional well-being. This is how we reverse the ongoing teacher shortage negatively impacting schools across our nation,”
– Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. on the P2P nitiative
This is the second large-scale federal grant awarded in 2022 at Coppin. Earlier this year, Coppin and partners received the Center of Educational Excellence for Black Teachers Grant (CEEBT) with over $1.8 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant supports the newly established Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE), which aims to create a national model for inclusivity in the classroom and workplace.
Associate Professor Dr. Yi Huang, Ph.D., the director of the CIE wrote both grants.
“Breaking through traditional approaches to solving community-wide challenges of gaps in academic achievements and career outcomes, the CIE will provide multiple pathways to increase access, improve effectiveness, and accelerate career advancement for teachers of diverse background,” said Dr. Huang.
According to the University, in 2023, the CIE will introduce stackable credentials as model Career Ladders for Teachers. As one of the first of its kind, the innovative stackable credentials will help realize the goals of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, offering teachers with both the short-term advantage of earning one or more post-baccalaureate certificates and the longer-term option of earning an advanced degree with salary incentives and national recognition.
Delaware State University has received a five-year, $18.36 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that will support the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Health Equity Research (IHER) Center on campus.
Delaware State University has received a five-year, $18.36 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that will support the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Health Equity Research (IHER) Center on campus.
This funding marks the largest research grant ever awarded to Delaware State University in its school history, surpassing the previous record of $10.9 million received from the NIH in 2017 in support of the institution’s Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research.
The Interdisciplinary Health Equity Research Center team gather for a group shot during the Nov. 30 media event in which the University celebrated the award of a school-record five-year $18.36 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health.
The grant is awarded through the NIH’s Research Centers in Minority Institutions Program and will enable the IHER Center to bring together a group of interdisciplinary faculty researchers.
Dr. Melissa Harrington, the University’s Associate Vice President of Research and the co-Principal Investigator of the grant says the grant will help improve the significant health disparities within Delaware.
“The IHER Center that we will establish with this new grant will develop interventions that can improve health by changing peoples’ behavior and modifying their risk factors – problems that can be best addressed through collaborative research that engages the community and partners with community-based organizations,” Dr. Harrington said.
“The Center will have a Community Engagement Core to help develop those collaborations and partnerships, and we will particularly target Kent and Sussex Counties as lower Delaware has been relatively understudied and underserved.”
State Sen. Trey Paradee noted some of the health disparities in Delaware’s black and brown communities that the IHER Center will address. He said “The infant mortality rate in our state for children of color is nearly four times that of white children. That is a terrible mark on our state, and we need to do a better job of addressing that.”
The University reports that the IHER Center will provide opportunities to establish pilot grant programs for early-stage investigators for research related to understanding and eliminating health disparities. They will also recruit scientists skilled in behavioral and social research related to health equity for their interdisciplinary team of researchers.
Delaware State president, Dr. Tony Allen said the grant represents a unique opportunity for the University to make an impact on the community.
“We have much more work to do, but this opportunity is symbolic of two things. An exceptional interdisciplinary faculty who can focus on the most pressing, real-world scientific inquiry of our time and a commitment to bringing our intellectual capital – faculty, staff, and students – to the communities we call home.”
– Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University
According to the University, the grant funding will support researchers by developing or expanding core facilities providing services in biostatistics, qualitative social and behavioral research methods, microscopy, and electrophysiology. The project will also support investigators working with human subjects by providing an infrastructure for the secure collection, analysis, and storage of data.
The IHER Center Project will involve faculty from the University’s College of Agriculture, Science and Technology; College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences; College of Business; and Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
Dr. Harrington hopes that the NIH funding and the new IHER Center will make DSU a leading institution for behavioral, social, and biomedical research related to health disparities.
Sen. Paradee said that the NIH grant will contribute to the growth of the University.
“When you attract research dollars, you attract more talented professors who want to be a part of something great,” Sen. Paradee said. “When you attract talented professors, obviously you are delivering a better education experience for our young people who come to Delaware State University.”
Claudia Walker is an educator and Spelman alum teaching the youth about the importance of HBCUs and financial literacy through her book series “The ABCs of HBCUs” and “ABCs of Black Wall Street.”
Claudia Walker is an educator and Spelman alum teaching the youth about the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and financial literacy through her book series The ABCs of HBCUsand ABCs of Black Wall Street.
Before Walker entered the education arena, she worked on Wall Street as a financial analyst but decided to move to California to pursue her passion for teaching. She became a teacher at the American Indian Public High School in Oakland, California and eventually became the school’s principal.
Today, she is the owner of the publishing company The HBCU Prep School, a family-owned multimedia education company that amplifies Black voices and Black joy through children’s literature and videos.
Claudia Walker
While teaching, Walker noticed a gap in the school system regarding educating students about HBCUs and finance and saw fit to close it.
“From having conversations with my students, with their families, and then when I started with my own family, I realized that I could complain about the things that I thought were missing from the education system or I could be that bridge. And that’s when I decided to start my own publishing company, and really create the materials, the curriculum and all of the things that I felt were missing” Walker said.
In 2020, she released The ABCs of HBCUs with the goal ofteaching kids of all ages the history and continued relevancy of HBCUs. Walker describes the book as a “VIP experience that takes you onto the different campuses of different historically black colleges.” From FAMU to Howard, the Divine Nine to Battle of the Bands, children learn about the love, lifestyles, and legacies that built these incredible institutions.
Walker’s time as a student at Spelman College helped influence her to create The ABCs of HBCUs.
She says that Spelman gave her a sense of confidence and provided a great support system. It was this support system that encouraged her to enter the world of finance as an English major. “I didn’t necessarily think that I had the background to do it,” Walker said about becoming a financial analyst. “But I did, I was successful, and it was a life-changing experience.
As a former Wall Street analyst, Walker wanted to educate children about financial literacy, investing, the stock market, and real estate, so she created her second book series The ABCs of Black Wall Street.
Released earlier this year, the book educates readers about the innovators, activists, and establishments that created one of America’s wealthiest Black communities, Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District. Walker wanted to highlight the success of Black Wall Street instead of its destruction to inspire kids and show them that they can also be successful, and serve their communities and families.
“I wanted to write a book that celebrated the pioneers, the entrepreneurs, the activists, doctors or lawyers or architects, the librarians,” she said. “I wanted to tell that story because it’s often a story that is not told.”
After launching The ABCs of Black Wall Street, The HBCU Prep School did a giveaway contest distributing free stocks to Black children all across the country, giving them an early start in their financial literacy journey.
They also launched their first Black Wall Street stock market camp for kids over the summer. During the 4-week program, Walker taught 4th-12th grade students how to make money and build wealth in the stock market, one of the ways she’s seeking to remedy what’s not being taught in the education space.
Both The ABCs of HBCUs and The ABCs of Black Wall Street book series feature a board book, coloring book, flashcards, and full-color activity books by grade level. The HBCU Prep School also features magazine-inspired notebooks that pay homage to Black Wall Street and Black College culture, puzzles, and other activity books. Walker says you can expect some exciting partnership announcements soon as well as more stock market classes.
Walker hopes that readers will leave feeling inspired after reading her books.
“The goal is for children to see themselves reflected in history, to see themselves reflected in literature, and to recognize that they too can use the gifts that they have to create the lives that they want, that there are resources, that there are people that are here to support them and to encourage them.”
DIAGEO is helping shape a more inclusive world by donating to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The alcoholic beverage company made a $10 million pledge to fund permanent endowments at more than two dozen HBCUs across the country, allowing them to provide financial assistance to thousands of students.
According to Dr. Danielle Robinson, Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at DIAGEO, this is a part of their Society 2030 action plan, which seeks to help create a more inclusive and sustainable world. “In that vein, to make sure that we are changing the complexion of our industry, to reflect our consumer base, we wanted to support this constituency, most importantly black people and black communities, and closing the generational wealth gap,” Dr. Robinson said. “And so in doing that, we thought going back to higher ed, where many obtain loans and such and come out in debt into corporate America, we thought creating endowment funds would help remedy that.”
DIAGEO Presents Presidents from Grambling State University and Southern University Each with $250,000 to Create Permanent Endowment Funds During the 49th Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans. (L-R: President of DIAGEO North America Supply, Perry Jones; President Rick Gallot of Grambling State University; President Dennis Shields from Southern University; Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at DIAGEO, Dr. Danielle Robinson; Head of Diverse Investments DIAGEO – Pronghorn, Malcolm Ellis ) Photo Credit: Malcolm Johnson Jr.
During the Annual Bayou Classic game on Nov. 26, DIAGEO showed their support for HBCUs by presenting the president of Grambling State University, Rick Gallot, and the president of Southern University, Dennis Shields each with a $250,000 check to create permanent endowment funds.
Dr. Robinson said that they wanted to show their commitment and support not only for the schools but also for the local community.
In addition to advocating for HBCUs, DIAGEO is working to diversify the spirits industry as well.
Through their “Pronghorn” initiative, they have partnered with spirits industry innovators Dia Simms and Erin Harris to create a dedicated standalone business with a sole focus on expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion within the beverage alcohol industry.
“No time in history has a black own spirit been procured or acquired by a major producer or manufacturer. So we wanted to change that narrative. And so it’s a transformative initiative to support and grow and sustain black-owned businesses in the spirit industry”
Dr. Danielle Robinson, Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at DIAGEO on the Pronghorn Initative
HBCU students are also a part of their diversity efforts within the spirits industry, as DIAGEO plans to include the creation of Innovation Hubs at select HBCUs and internship platforms to help drive diversity within the industry, according to their website. The company intends to provide HBCU students with opportunities to gain valuable work experience, as Dr. Robinson explained that one of the most important things for them was to “not just be a check writer.”
The endowment funds will be available for HBCU students across different disciplines and majors and distributed according to each institution’s financial aid process.
Dr. Robinson says all 25 of the endowment funds are about to mature and believes that as they distribute the funds there will be more announcements and initiatives in the next coming months. She also revealed that they will be announcing a second round of grants within the next 90 days for additional schools.
The current program will provide funding to support students at the following institutions: Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Delaware State University, Dillard University, Fisk University, Fort Valley State University, Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Harris-Stowe State University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Kentucky State University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Virgin Islands, Winston-Salem State University, and Xavier University.
Whether you just graduated college, are a long-time graduate, or are approaching graduation, joining the alumni association for your university is an important thing to look into and get involved with. Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) alumni associations not only provide a sense of community between alumni of all different generations but is also a great way to give back to your university.
Through scholarships, events, and student initiatives, a welcoming alumni chapter can be a deciding factor for prospective students. In addition to serving and recruiting students for your alma mater, there are countless personal benefits of joining an alumni association as well. This includes networking opportunities, ticketed special event invites, travel opportunities, and more.
Finding the national alumni association for your HBCU has never been easier thanks to the guide we’ve compiled below.
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Did we miss an alumni association website? Feel free to reach out to update us.
The Forbes 30 Under 30 issue highlights trailblazers under the age of 30 who have made impressive and tremendous strides in their respective fields.
The rapper has undoubtedly taken the hip-hop world by storm, proving why she deserves a spot on the list. According to Forbes, she has brought in an estimated $13 million in earnings for 2022 through royalties, ticket sales, merch, and endorsements.
“It’s really hard to be the first something in 2022, so ahhhhh,” Megan said in response to the news. “I want to be bigger than just my music. I want people to know Megan as everything that she ever wanted to be. Megan, the artist. I feel like I’ve always liked to dibble and dab in a lot of different things and I feel like I got that from my mom and my dad.”
She added, “I could be Megan Thee Stallion. I could be creative. I could be Megan, the student. I’ma get my degree.”
Megan was also featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019, but as her fame has grown, this is her first time gracing the cover.
“I can’t slow down right now,” Megan told Forbes Senor Writer Jabari Young.
“I’ll take a break when I’m dead. I’m trying to really build something. When I start sitting, I feel like I’m not doing enough or I’m giving somebody else the opportunity to pass me.”
– Megan Thee Stallion
The Houston native has scored many brand endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Cheetos, Popeyes, Cash App, and Revlon, which has added to her success. She also has collaborated with music’s biggest stars— Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, BTS, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B.
Megan added that one of the biggest lessons she’s learned in the industry is to “save your money.” “I still haven’t made a stupid, crazy purchase. My jewelry is expensive, and my house was expensive, outside of that, I’m not buying 100 cars. Learn how to make your money work for you,” she added.
Black Girl Ventures has launched The BGV NextGen Program, an 8-week accelerator program created for the next generation of Black and Brown entrepreneurs attending HBCUs nationally.
Apply Now through Dec. 16th for The BGV NextGen Program
Black Girl Ventures has launchedThe BGV NextGen Program, an 8-week accelerator program created for the next generation of Black and Brown entrepreneurs attending HBCUs nationally.
Black Girl Ventures (BGV), is a nonprofit social enterprise that helps provide female founders of color with access to social and financial capital. Within the BGV NextGen Program, participants gain access to capital, capacity, and community through training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
The program seeks to develop the entrepreneurial mindset of HBCU students and prepare them for the competitive workforce.
During the 8-week accelerator training, student visionaries will:
Be matched with a group of peers across the country.
Access culturally-centered entrepreneurial education through BGV’s 8-week JetPack Accelerator program.
Develop money management and business development skills.
Gain the opportunity to pitch for access to capital to grow their businesses.
Gain the opportunity to get mentorship and feedback on your business.
According to the website, the top 7 Student Visionaries will work through a curated curriculum in preparation for a demo day to show off their business acumen. Next, they will move into a tournament-style BGV Pitch Competition, giving them a chance to win additional capital and rep their HBCUs. Additionally, they will also have access to Supplier Diversity opportunities to increase the visibility of their businesses.
Participants will also receive a $5,000 stipend, entrepreneurship skills development training, an opportunity to showcase their business to funders, and a lifetime membership to the BGV Connect platform, Black Girl Ventures’ online incubator for Black/Brown founders.
To qualify for the program, applicants must:
be 18-24 years old.
be enrolled at an HBCU.
must identify as Black or Brown.
have a business or viable business idea.
have the ability to commit to approximately 3 hours per week for 8 weeks.
have an interest in growing your network and being a part of a community of student entrepreneurs across the country.
BGV’s vision is to democratize entrepreneurship for the next generation of business leaders and to help change the playing field for women of color founders. They are looking to close the generational wealth gap, strengthen families, and create a more equitable society.
Applications are open now to full-time students (women or men) till December 16. Once students apply they will be required to submit a short video introduction of themselves and their business/business idea.
Virginia State alum Ray Cunnigham, better known as “Misster Ray” has created the ultimate HBCU board game experience with his new game Yardopoly.
Misster Ray is a multitalented, author, host, TV personality, community advocate, and actor. He is also an HBCU alum as he received his bachelor’s in public relations from Virginia State University and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in media management from there as well. His love for his alma mater and its Mass Communications department is part of the reason he decided to create Yardopoly.
“I want this game to just be a tool and just a remembrance, a great keepsake for where we went to school, the experiences that we had, and who it made us to be,” he said.
Misster Ray came up with the idea for the game during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
During the lockdown, he says he was playing a lot of board games to pass the time and discovered the lack of African American experience-centered versions of Monopoly or black characters featured within games. To remedy this he created Yardopoly, the only historically black college board game highlighting student life on the yard.
While answering HBCU culture and history-related trivia questions, paying fines, and collecting fees, players experience both fall and spring semesters at an HBCU with the goal of completing the game by graduating.
Misster Ray wanted players to get a feel for HBCU campus life and what it entails including new student orientation, freshman week, homecoming, campus pageants, student elections, and more.
“I just wanted to have a tool for us that was educational and fun, but also celebrated our culture”
– Misster Ray on Yardopoly
Misster Ray sees Yardopoly as a recruitment tool for middle and high school students, so that they may be educated about the history of HBCUs prior to their senior year. The game also targets students, alumni, and supporters of HBCUs as well.
You can play as eight quintessential HBCU student characters including the University Mascot, Band Dancer, Drum Major, University Queen, Jock, University Cheerleader, Fraternity Brother, and Sorority Sister.
Misster Ray provides a variety of black characters with the idea that “representation matters” in mind. As a proud uncle of nine nieces and nephews, he wants them to be able to see themselves in the game.
“It was important for me to have all sizes, all shades, all types of hair textures, and just showing that black kids can aspire to be all these student things within student life,” Mister Ray said.
“You can become anything you want to be at your HBCU of choice. It’s a matter of how you apply yourself, how you position yourself, and what you align yourself with, and I just wanted this game to give them the inspiration to do that.”
Misster Ray revealed that a Greek edition of Yardopoly is currently in the works and encourages students to come out to the Black College Expofor which he is an ambassador, to gain scholarship opportunities. You can also catch Misster Ray in an upcoming film coming to Tubi called “The Assistant.”
Beats continues to help current HBCU students and recent HBCU graduates further their talents and skills through the continuation of their HBCU Creators Program, a three-month paid cultural immersion learning program.
Over the summer, Beats announced the continuation of their HBCU Creators Program, a three-month paid cultural immersion learning program designed to help current HBCU students and recent HBCU graduates further their talents and skills.
The program ran from July to September and allowed Black creatives to “gain mentorship and exposure from industry leaders through a world-class curriculum that supports the full creative process from ideation to design development,” according to Beats.
Students were welcomed into a “village of creators” and were encouraged to lean on and support each other to reach their highest potential.
The program was split into two tracks: Content Creators and Custom Creators.
Content Creators included filmmakers, scriptwriters, photographers, videographers, content editors, etc., while Custom Creators were reserved for illustrators, digital artists, fashion designers, painters, graphic designers, mixed media artists, cartoonists, and graffiti artists.
The Content Creators were able to sharpen their storytelling skills by learning to create branded content. They were given a creative brief and worked in teams to create two 60 to 90-second-long social films.
Under the theme ‘Black Futurism,’ the creatives produced unique short films titled “Maze” and “Black Star” for Beats’ social channels. “Maze,” is a psychological thriller about coping with loss with technology, while “Black Star,” is described as “a person and a place, is an insightful story of creative liberation by facing one’s fears and trusting in oneself.”
The videographer and editor for the film “Maze,” Bria Dickerson said being amongst other HBCU creatives was a fulfilling experience. “It’s a breath of fresh air to have HBCU students be together, create together because we are the story, we have always been the story,” Dickerson said.
Under the Customs Track, creators were able to learn about product design and development and had the opportunity to assist the Customs Product Team in developing an idea for a future custom product seeding. Creators were responsible for gathering and presenting insights for a Custom Headphone and its respective packaging design.
The HBCU Creators Program is a part of Beats’ pledge to continuously build a platform that uplifts the next generation of young Black creatives.
“In a world that needs to be redefined and reconstructed, empowering Black imaginations are more important than ever,” Beats stated in a release. “We are more than participants in a moment. We are pioneers in a movement. The core of Black Future starts with you!”
As Giving Tuesday approaches on Tuesday, November 29, we our highlighting some nonprofit organizations that are making the world a better place and helping HBCU students in the process. Here are 10 HBCU-Related nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday!
It’s the season of giving as Giving Tuesday approaches on Tuesday, November 29. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement created in 2012 with the simple idea of encouraging people to do good. Every year various nonprofits, community organizers, grassroots groups, and mutual aid networks from all over the world use Giving Tuesday as a moment to continue to uplift their communities.
There are hundreds of different ways to participate in Giving Tuesday and several nonprofit organizations doing the work to serve their communities. We want to highlight some of those organizations today that are making the world a better place and helping HBCU students in the process. Here are 10 HBCU-Related nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday!
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. Their mission is to ensure student success by promoting educational excellence and preparing the next generation of workforce talent through leadership development. Their member-schools include the publicly-supported HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), both of which they support through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships. To date, TMCF has awarded more than $300 million in assistance to its students and member-schools. The organization distributes 98% of its awards exclusively to HBCUs and PBIs, which is more than any other organization that supports the Black College Community. TMCF has achieved the highest level of accreditation from two major non-profit review groups: Charity Navigator and Guide Star.
HBCU Night
HBCU Night is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and a multifaceted experience that creates awareness for HBCUs and advocates for progression in the Black and Brown communities. Through their programs and events they are seeking to educate, advocate, matriculate, and celebrate black/brown communities with HBCU excellence, and impact. HBCU Night consists of 5 experiences including HBCU Talks Fair, DEI Career Fair, HBCU Talks Panel, HBCU Alumni/D9 Fundraiser, and live entertainment. Their vision is to increase HBCU matriculation statistics by helping navigate scholarship funds, creating employment pipeline initiatives, and creating a lucrative space for all Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
More Than Miles
More Than Miles is a 501c3 nonprofit by the Mad Miles Run Club, aimed to build and strengthen the community. The Mad Miles Run Club is an organization created for runners across various states to challenge themselves and grow through running. It was created to offer runners a safe place to learn, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and catch goals. The More Than Miles nonprofit includes three pillars of focus which are to provide resources to our communities, promote educational advancement, and encourage acts of service. Their 2022 More Than Miles scholarship was created to provide collegiate students the opportunity to develop professionally and socially while highlighting the importance of community in building successful networks.
Make it Out Foundation
The Make It Out Foundation (MIOF) Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for individuals who intend on pursuing a post-secondary education. The MIOF provides services such as scholarship assistance, mentoring, educational workshops, internship/job placement, back-to-school drives, volunteer opportunities, and more. To date, they’ve awarded over $25,000 in scholarships and to community efforts throughout the country. In addition to raising funds for scholarships, MIOF’s Board of Directors and volunteers travel around to neighboring facilities, mentoring and empowering children and teens.
HBCUVC
HBCUVC is a nonprofit organization that trains students attending HBCUs in venture capital and technology entrepreneurship. Their vision is to build a global innovation economy where Black and historically excluded innovators can boldly create, fail, invest, and thrive. They are fulfilling their vision through their programs which include their Fellowship Program, Lab Fund program, and The Emerging Venture Leaders (EVLs) program. HBCUVC is actively reimagining the innovation economy by developing the next generation of venture capital leaders in communities where entrepreneurs face barriers accessing capital.
Last Bison Standing
Last Bison Standing is Student Run-Alumni Advised 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Charitable Organization. They raise money through social media campaigns and have turned photography, community service, and Howard apparel into a fundraising movement. With the money they’ve raised they have been able to provide scholarships, pay off student balances, adopt high school and elementary classrooms, and so much more.
NAACP Youth & College Division
Since 1936, the NAACP Youth & College Division (NAACPYC) has grown to become one of the largest groups of organized young people in the country. The NAACPYC aims to inform youth of the problems affecting African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities, as well as develop intelligent, effective youth leadership. The college chapters provide training and fine-tune leadership skills to support an increased level of social and political activism.
NASAP
The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) is a professional student affairs organization founded on the campus of Howard University, that promotes excellence, professional development, and advocacy. NASAP’s mission is to promote professional development training, research, and advocacy for student affairs professionals and student leaders who serve at HBCUs and professionals who serve in other diverse settings of higher education. They address administrative challenges and strategies in the professional world while fostering an environment for professional collaboration and networking.
Lifting Our Voices, Inc.
Lifting Our Voices, Inc. (LOV) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the goal of combatting social and economic issues exacerbated by the pandemic. LOV is focused on creating create spaces for students to develop both socially and civically and empowering the voices of the most vulnerable populations in their communities through need-based service projects. Their ongoing initiatives include the AUC Sandwich Run, toiletry drives, voter registration, and the Cover the Hood Clothing Drive.
United Negro College Fund
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization with the mission of building a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who become highly-qualified college graduates with UNCF’s support. They have helped produce thousands of college graduates and leaders by awarding more than 10,000 students scholarships, worth more than $100 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 HBCUs, and by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement. Since their founding in 1944, they’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaches we’re encouraging our readers to buy Black and support an HBCU-owned brand or business. Here at 10 HBCU-owned brands that you can support this Black Friday!
As we look forward to the holiday season, we also look forward to the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
According to the latest research from Finder, an estimated 140 million Americans plan to shop this year, and an average spend of $362 will part with roughly $51 billion trying to score a deal this year.
With so many choices of where to spend your money, we’re encouraging our readers to buy Black and support an HBCU-owned brand or business. Here at 10 HBCU-owned brands that you can support this Black Friday!
Dosso Beauty
Founded by Hampton alumna Kadidja Dosso, Dosso Beauty is a Black-owned organic beauty brand & wholesaler. Dosso Beauty is a one-stop shop for several beauty needs, selling everything from skin products and cosmetics to braiding hair, durags and hair products. Its pre-stretched braiding hair is hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-itch. Dosso Beauty’s best-selling items include, their pre-stretched hair, whipped shea butter, organic edge control, and their fresh face skin care products (detoxifying charcoal mask, perfect 10 oil cleanser, hydrating face moisturizer.) According to Dosso Beauty’s website, the company’s mission is more than selling organic beauty supplies, it’s about providing a platform for people of color to reinforce the confidence that they have within themselves. Dosso Beauty products can be purchased through their official website, Amazon Prime, Walmart.com, Gopuff, and Faire.com.
The Proud Black Brand
The Proud Black Brand is a multi-media, clothing, and lifestyle brand that focuses on “Representing Black Culture With Positivity and Taste.” It was created in 2019 by North Carolina A&T alum, Jalan Ward, who told CBS17, that the company is “dabbling into everything.” “It’s not apparel. It’s not clothing. We are trying to convey experiences and show these kids for sure about what it means to be a proud black person,” he said. The company does everything from storytelling to clothes to books. According to the website, The Proud Black Brand’s goal is to connect all generations of black people through unique concepts, designs, and visual broadcasting, while aiming to tell the story of what it means to be ‘Proud Black’.
Talley & Twine Watch Company
Talley & Twine is the largest Black-owned luxury watch company according to The Atlanta Voice, and was co-founded by Albany State alum Randy Williams. Williams is the president of Talley & Twine and formed the company to increase the representation of African-Americans in the watch industry. According to the company’s website, the goal was to create a quality, detailed, attention-grabbing timepiece that spoke to a market that has been ignored by mainstream companies. “We like to operate outside of the “norms” and away from the long-standing gatekeepers of the watch industry.” Talley and Twine sells Men’s and Women’s metal, leather, and canvas watches with a unique design on the face of the watch with only the number seven showing. The company says that the number seven is used on their watches because it represents completion in that there are 7 days in a week, and serves as a reminder to finish what you start.
More Life Clothing Brand
More Life is an up-and-coming clothing brand created by Bowie State University student, Jaivien Kendrick. As the idea for More Life was born during the pandemic, Kendrick was motivated by the lack of hope, intellect, and motivation across the youth in his community and decided he wanted to create a brand that would empower and embrace young minds. Through More Life’s clothing, Kendrick seeks to spread the message that “you have the power to do anything you put your mind to.” Right now, the company sells hoodies and graphic tees that don the name of the company as well as other motivational messages. They are releasing their Winter 2022 ‘Dreamers Division’ Collection soon.
Kimbria’s Kollection
Kimbria’s Kollection is a top-quality hair supplier that sells luxury wigs, bundles, frontals, and closures. Florida A&M University student, Kimbria Michel is the CEO of Kimbria’s Kollection and the hairstyling business, Kimbria’s Kreations in which she acts as a popular hairstylist on FAMU’s campus. All of Kimbria’s Kollection products have been tested and worn by Kimbria herself. Their services include worldwide shipping and their best-selling wig units include silky straight, deep curly, deep wave, water wave, and loose deep wave.
Ghetto Scholars
Ghetto Scholars is a clothing brand founded by Hampton University student, Matthew Neree. Ghetto Scholars is more than a brand, but is a lifestyle and a movement that takes back the word “ghetto” and strips it from its negative and stereotypical connotations. The brand believes that everyone is capable of succeeding and becoming scholars and of no letting the world limit you because of the color of your skin or where you are from. The goal of Ghetto Scholars is to be a voice throughout communities for those who don’t see their full potential through mentorship and service. They’re seeking to prove stereotypes wrong through their clothing, which includes shirts, hoodies, and trucker jackets.
Mack’s Ties
Mack’s Ties is a suit accessory and luxury lifestyle brand founded by Hampton alum, Chad Gayle in 2018. Gayle believes ties allow you to express yourself through fashion and, most importantly, they are the centerpiece of your professional appearance. According to the website, Mack’s Ties’ purpose is to provide affordable products that will give customers extreme confidence, happiness, and joy. “Our biggest goal, to provide accessories that will compliment any suit.” They don’t only sell ties but tie clips, pocket squares, lapels, socks, bracelets, polo t-shirts, and bags.
Romance On The Go
Romance On The Go is a full-service romance concierge business that specializes in planning and executing romantic occasions for couples. It was founded in 2012 by Xavier University of Louisiana alumna, Ta’Veca Collins after several years of planning and executing “numerous romantic rendezvous” for her husband, family, and friends.
Romance On The Go’s motto is “We Bring Romance To ANY Space Or Place!”, and their services include proposal planning, romantic suite experiences, date night planning, honeymoon suites, “just because” gift subscriptions, and more. They create a customized one-of-a-kind romantic experience for their customers and design everything from start to finish.
Decor Ones, LLC
Decor Ones, LLC is a handmade rugs & wood decor company created by 2x Howard alumna Skylar Buchanan. “When it comes to tufting and wood decor, I started my journey with the will to expand my creativity beyond graphic design,” Buchanan said. Her custom handmade rugs include vibrant eye-catching colors and designs that are the perfect gift for any occasion. Her products are completely unique and redefine the possibilities of rug making. Her versatility shows as she has made afrocentric-themed rugs, Greek-themed rugs, HBCU-focused rugs, and more.
Cozartt’s Collection
Cozartt’s Collection is a premier streetwear fashion brand that specializes in both men’s and women’s wear. Florida A&M University alum, Andrew “Cozartt” Chiwara is the creative director and owner of the clothing brand. Cozartt told VoyageMIA, that the company prides itself in providing the finest shopping experience for shoppers through “competitive pricing, superior customer service, and top-quality products.” “What sets me apart is my exceptional customer service as well as high-quality products,” he said. Cozartt’s Collection sells everything from hoodies and jackets, to tracksuits and sets, and to women’s bikinis and dresses.
North Carolina A&T is being penalized and fined for its rising enrollment of out-of-state freshmen.
The university will lose nearly $2 million in state funding for exceeding out-of-state freshmen enrollment limits for the second consecutive year.
Greensboro News & Record reports that the UNC System Board of Governors voted in favor reducing A&T’s budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year by $1,976,546, according to board materials available online. Per the news source, documents show the school had an over-enrollment of 171 nonresident students.
The board has a policy that penalizes any UNC System institution, except UNC School of the Arts, that exceeds its out-of-state freshman enrollment limit for two consecutive fiscal years by having its state operating budget reduced. The reduction is made in the second fiscal year connected to the violation and immediately after the board approves the annual enrollment report, according to its policy.
Years ago the UNC System Board of Governors revised the residency policy to increase the enrollment cap. North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central were allowed to admit up to 35% of out-of-state freshmen beginning in the Fall of 2022.
UNC System Board Member Joel Ford, an alumnus of North Carolina A&T and North Carolina State Senator (District 38), did not agree with the fine and asked for the vote to be pulled from the Thursday agenda.
NC A&T fined 2 million by the @UNC_System for being a thriving HBCU. The State has deliberately underfunded NC A&T since its inception (2 Billion and counting…), which makes the situation even more ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/5F6msycANO
“I cannot support this particular item punishing a HMSI (Historically Minority-Serving Institution) for ultimately, Mr. Chairman, for being successful,” Ford said. “We have out-of-state students who want to attend one of our institutions because of its history and because of their ability to make good and deliver on a promise to provide a high-quality education.”
He said while some campuses are struggling with enrollment, A&T is experiencing historical seasonal growth.
Fundamentally, I cannot support a policy that’s going to take $2 million away from a university when in reality they can use every dime they can get to continue that mission,“ Ford explained.
– UNC System Board Member & North Carolina State Senator Joel Ford
UNC System Board of Governors member, James Holmes responded by saying that the decision to penalize the university was “purely administrative and consistent with the policy that exists.”
Holmes also told the board that he spoke with A&T Chancellor Harold Martin, who he said “accepted the penalty.”
The board recommended that the funds be reallocated to its UNC Need-Based Grant Financial Aid Program for resident undergraduate students.
According to WFMY News 2, N.C. A&T spokesperson, Todd Simmons said in a statement: “The University has expressed regret over exceeding the cap. We have put oversight enhancements in place to prevent this from happening again.”
The leaves are finally starting to fall, there’s a cool breeze in the air and the holidays are quickly approaching.
While this may be the best time of the year for some, it can also be the worst as flu season reemerges. These are especially hard times for college students; having to worry about staying healthy while also gearing up for midterms and finals – the pressure’s on. That’s why it’s so important to implement healthy self-care practices into everyday life.
One of the best ways to take care of yourself during this flu season is to practice “hot routines” to keep you healthy, happy, and feeling renewed.
A few people who have been taking heed of this advice are family content creator and busy father of two, La Guardia Cross, lifestyle personality, content creator, and photographer, Rosalynn Daniels, and the founder of the Balanced Black Girl podcast, Balanced Les.
“Making sure I carve out time to recharge and take care of ME has to be a priority. And I’ll give you a pro-tip…it doesn’t have to add another thing to your plate. Think of ways you can weave in self-care to the things you are already doing…” says Les.
Les uses her podcast to help Black & Brown women reach their wellness goals through meaningful conversations about physical and mental health. She shares her “hot routine” of trading an everyday shower for a hot bath and taking the time to self-reflect and check in with herself.
After putting the kids to bed, LaGuardia Cross also makes time for himself and decompresses by taking part in a hot foot soak routinefollowing a long day. “Self-care is necessary, it helps us reset and keep our bodies healthy,” he says.
Mom and family recipes expert, Rosalyn Daniels also knows a thing or two about keeping your body healthy. After breaking her foot and still keeping up with mommy duties, Daniels uses her me time to pamper herself with a hot stone massage and essential oil shower.
Life can get busy but implementing these tangible, time-efficient remedies in addition to using Theraflu for symptom relief can help you rest and recover. Whether you’re a busy student or a busy parent, Theraflu will help put you on the road to recovery and back in business!
“With flu season upon us, let’s make sure we stock up on some Theraflu, so we can make sure we do something good for ourselves even when we’re sick,” said Daniels. “It’s just so important that we take care of ourselves, because if you’re not there for yourself how can you be there for others?”
