By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will celebrate its 80th anniversary at the Hilton Baltimore on Oct. 26. The Masked Ball will serve as a time to uplift the pivotal contributions of organizations and individuals and raise money for the UNCF’s ongoing work in education.

AFRO publisher Frances “Toni” Draper will be honored at the event alongside Benjamin Morgan, vice president of Maryland operations for Barton Malow, and Alicia Wilson, managing director and head of regional philanthropy for North America at JPMorgan Chase. 

“I grew up hearing the United Negro College Fund’s slogan that ‘a mind is a terrible thing to waste.’ It’s something you internalize,” said Dr. Draper. “They’ve done so much good work to help young people get into college and to get the money they need to do that.”

Aside from continuing the legacy of her grandfather John H. Murphy Sr., who founded the newspaper in 1892, Dr. Draper served as an educator in Baltimore City Public Schools. She also had a stint as vice chair of the Board of Regents for Morgan State University, her alma mater, and as vice chair for Baltimore’s Literacy Foundation. 

 As head of the AFRO, she has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to amplifying and preserving Black history. 

“The United Negro College Fund is an important part of the fabric of the African-American community,” said Draper. “I am honored to be honored by them.” 

Founded in 1944, the UNCF exists to advance Black education by awarding scholarships to students and deploying funding to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Since its establishment, the organization has benefitted more than 500,000 students, delivering millions of dollars in scholarships each year. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF scholarship recipients is 70 percent, which is nine percent higher than the national average for students of all races and 31 percent higher than the national average for all African Americans. 

Brave Williams, multi-unit franchise owner, singer and actress, will host the UNCF’s Masked Ball. The West Baltimore native recently landed a deal with Workout Anytime to open 23 fitness centers along the East coast. 

Her first gyms recently opened in Lanham, Md. and Manassas, Va. At the Lanham location, Williams opened a laundromat, VIP Bubbles, next door, encouraging patrons to “drop a load while you lose a load.” 

She said she was honored to serve as host for the prolific event. 

“This is an organization that funds so many scholarships for Black students and promotes education in a way that lets them know they are not alone,” said Williams. “Anytime you can impact a community, especially when it’s education-driven, I’m all in. It’s in my DNA to want to help and inspire people.” 

The ball will feature a live performance by emerging pop and R&B singer Gabby Samone. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will support books, room and board, tuition and fees for students. 

Wilson said she was over the moon when she discovered she was an honoree. 

“I am just so truly grateful that my name would even be considered in association with an organization that has such a tremendous legacy,” said Wilson. 

JPMorgan Chase has been a long-standing supporter of HBCUs. It maintains partnerships with 19 institutions. In 2021, the firm teamed up with the UNCF to launch the J.P. Morgan Wealth Management Scholarship Program, which is set to award 375 scholarships through 2025. 

“The significance of the United Negro College Fund cannot be overstated. It goes far beyond its investments in HBCUs and student bodies,” said Wilson. It really has significance for our entire community because as individuals, regardless of their financial means, have access to quality education it drives inclusion for our community.”

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By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

Chocolate City was full of Howard University students and alumni of all ages as the Washington, D.C.-based HBCU marked its 100th homecoming. However, its perhaps most consequential alumnus – Vice President Kamala Harris, who is poised to make history in her current run for the presidency – was a no-show.

The 2024 Democratic Party presidential nominee was originally scheduled to come to the homecoming with vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Instead, she penned a letter to her alma mater in recognition of the centennial homecoming celebration. 

“I am honored to extend my warmest greetings to all the students, faculty, staff and fellow alumni of Howard University gathered to celebrate our 100th homecoming,” said Harris in the letter sent to the Hilltop on Oct. 19. 

Entertainment headliners for the centennial celebration included singers Leon Thomas and Coco Jones and rapper Real Boston Richey. But, of course, the marquee attraction was the football game on Oct. 19.

“Homecoming is so welcoming. Whether you’re a current student, former student, alum, or just visiting, Howard finds a way to say hello to you. You really have access to whatever you want in terms of food, party environments, service opportunities and HBCU culture at large,” said 2022 Howard graduate and former student-athlete Michael Codrington.

Alumni from Tennessee State University and Howard came to the capital city to show support for their football teams in a sold out homecoming matchup between the Tigers and the Bison.

The visiting Tennessee State Tigers would defeat the Howard Bison in the matchup, 27-14. At the end of the third quarter, the Bison only trailed by six points after running back Eden James ran in for a 2-yard touchdown. However, on the ensuing kickoff, return man CJ Evans ran back a 99-yard touchdown to put the Tigers up 27-14. Neither team scored points in the fourth quarter and that would end up being the final score.

Junior wide receiver Karate Brenson led the way with 153 receiving yards for the Tigers, and Howard running back Jarrett Hunter had 102 yards and a touchdown for the Bison. Defensively, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) preseason defensive player of the year Kenny Gallop Jr. finished the game with a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. For Tennessee State, defensive backs Jalen McClendon and Tyler Jones both had an interception.

With the loss, the Bison fall to 3-4 on the season. Tennessee State improves to 6-2 on the season, with a 3-1 conference record. This is the Tigers’ best start under head coach Eddie George. Howard will begin MEAC conference play on Oct. 26 against Norfolk State.

“Homecoming was full of celebration and a sense of community.  The events, from the game to spending time on the yard, felt like home as an alum,” said Rhonda Biscette, a 1990 graduate of Howard. “The 100th homecoming made it even more special. The environment represented a sense of pride and the reputation we hold as ‘The Mecca.’”

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By Ariyana Griffin 
AFRO Staff Writer 
agriffin@afro.com

Morgan State University’s historic Magnificent Marching Machine marching band has been selected to perform in the 137th Rose Parade, which will take place in California on Jan. 1 2026.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association goes through a very selective process to decide who will participate in the annual parade. While thousands of high school, college, community and military bands apply alongside international groups, only 20-25 bands are chosen to take the main stage. 

The limited spots make the selection process intense; the university stated that the bands are judged upon “musicianship, marching ability, and entertainment or special interest value,” among other attributes.

While this will be the university’s first time participating in the California  New Year’s tradition, they are more than ready to show what the Magnificent Marching Machine can do.

“The selection of Morgan’s Magnificent Marching Machine to participate in the 137th Rose Parade is a major achievement, not just for our band but for the entire Morgan community,” said Dr. David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University in a statement. 

“This is an extraordinary moment of pride for Morgan, and I do not doubt that the world will be as captivated by the Magnificent Marching Machine as we are every time they take the field.”

Dr. Jorim Reid, Morgan State’s director of the bands, expressed the importance of the achievement and what it means for Morgan to have this opportunity. The annual parade is viewed by more than 50 million people worldwide.

“There’s no bigger event in the marching band world than the Rose Parade. When you perform on New Year’s Day, the eyes of the world are watching,” said Dr. Reid in a statement, emphasizing the global significance of the event. 

“It is an honor for our university to be invited, and a great opportunity for our students and marching band program to be highlighted globally,” said Dr. Reid. “We look forward to our turn to participate in what’s known as ‘The Granddaddy of Them All.’”

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By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to The AFRO

The James E. Lewis Museum of Art (JELMA) at Morgan State University has opened a landmark exhibition titled, “Keeping the Culture: The Last Twenty-Five Years,” running from Sept. 29 to Dec. 13, 2024. 

Curated by Robin Cherry Howard, this exhibit showcases an extraordinary collection of African American art, highlighting the museum’s acquisitions over the last 25 years. Through an array of paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience and cultural identity of Black artists, exploring key themes like history, social justice and the African-American experience.

The exhibit serves as a powerful testament to the evolving narrative of African-American art. Gabriel Tenabe, director of JELMA, emphasized this in his foreword, noting, “Art tells stories, it provokes thought, and it bridges cultures across time. Dr. James E. Lewis understood the power of art to connect us to our shared histories better than anyone.” 

This vision is evident throughout the exhibition, which honors the contributions of African-American artists who have shaped and transformed the creative landscape over the past two-and-a-half decades.

“The artists’ contributions are vibrant and filled with dynamic energy,” said curator Robin Cherry Howard. “These works provoke thought, inspire connection and engage every sense.” 

“Keeping the Culture” features works from master artists like Elizabeth Catlett, Ed Clark, Melvin Edwards, Sam Gilliam, Valerie Maynard and Faith Ringgold, all of whom played critical roles in amplifying African-American voices in the art world. 

Their works in this collection address issues of ancestry, the Middle Passage, slavery, human rights, cultural trauma and civil rights, making their presence in this exhibit both necessary and poignant. These artists’ pieces are more than just displays; they represent movements of resistance, power and identity in a society that often sought to silence them.

Local Baltimore legends also shine in the exhibit, with significant contributions from artists such as Robert Houston and Oletha DeVane. Also included are Alma Roberts and Ernest Shaw, both of whom are alumni of Morgan State University. Their works are complemented by newer voices, such as Schaun Champion and photographer Devin Allen, whose powerful images gained national attention following the 2015 Baltimore Uprising. Allen’s photograph of the protests, which appeared on the cover of Time magazine, depicted a young demonstrator fleeing from a squad of police officers wearing face shields and wielding clubs. The younger artists add an essential part to the exhibit, representing the intersection of art and activism in today’s social landscape.

“This exhibit is so special to me. I am deeply honored to have my work included along with so many giants of the art world. The very focus of the exhibit, ‘Keeping Our Culture,’ is a major focus of my most recent body of work,” said Alma Roberts, one of the contributing artists. 

“To have my artwork hanging in this museum, at my alma mater, makes it that much more special. JELMA is truly a hidden treasure, and this exhibit, including works from the museum’s permanent collection, highlights just how important it is to the continuum of art institutions in this city and this state.” Roberts continued.

This exhibit is an emotional and sensory journey. Visitors walking through the museum will experience a deeply immersive environment. The space is alive with color and emotion, with artworks that provoke reflection and dialogue about past and present struggles and triumphs.

“Keeping the Culture” is an exhibit that  is particularly impactful for the African-American community, as the space feels like a sanctuary for Black voices. The walls are adorned with powerful imagery, from Ernest Shaw’s portrait of a squeegee kid—a figure often emblematic of concentrated poverty and sometimes violence in Baltimore’s streets—to haunting depictions of the lynching of Black ancestors. One standout piece shows Harriet Tubman in all her defiant strength, while another portrays the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a jail cell, highlighting his fight for civil rights. Each piece calls the viewer to reflect on the triumphs and tragedies that define African-American history.

For many, the exhibit is more than a collection of art. It is a celebration of Black identity and culture, housed within a space that feels uniquely designed to honor that heritage. The energy within the exhibit is one of remembrance, reflection and celebration, as the stories told on the walls resonate deeply with the audience.

As visitors move from one piece to the next, they are not merely observing art, they are engaging in a cultural conversation. Whether it’s the raw social commentary in Devin Allen’s photographs or the colorful depictions of history by Elizabeth Catlett, each artist contributes to the rich tapestry of the African-American experience.

“Keeping the Culture: The Last Twenty-Five Years” is a must-see exhibit for anyone looking to connect with the profound beauty and history of African-American art. As JELMA’s latest showcase, it stands as a tribute to both the past and the future of Black artistic expression. The museum is offering free admission for all visitors, and the exhibition will be open until Dec. 13, 2024.

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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

The Supreme Court of Maryland visited Frederick Douglass High School, now situated at Northwestern High School’s former campus, on Oct. 2 to hold off-site oral arguments. Students from 15 Baltimore City public schools, private schools and universities attended the proceedings, including Baltimore City College High School, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Morgan State University and Forest Park High School.

This is the third time Maryland’s highest court has hosted oral arguments outside of its headquarters in Annapolis, Md.

“Last year, our court voted unanimously to find a sufficient cause to sit on a rotational basis at various locations across the state in order to provide an educational opportunity like this one to high school and college students,” said Justice Shirley M. Watts, who represents Baltimore City. “That I can find or document, this is the first time that this very court has ever sat in Baltimore City.”

Watts is the longest-serving justice on the court. She became the first Black woman judge on the Maryland Supreme Court in 2013 after being appointed by former Governor Martin O’Malley.

She noted that Frederick Douglass High School was a fitting location for the court to sit.

“Justice Thurgood Marshall was a graduate of Frederick Douglass High School,” said Watts. “Founded in 1883, Frederick Douglass High School was the first school in the state of Maryland to offer high school education to African-American students.”

The court heard oral arguments in two cases at the school: Homer Walton, et al. v. Premier Soccer Club, et al. and State of Maryland v. Dominick Scarboro.

The former involves whether a violation of Maryland’s concussion policy can be considered the main cause of a concussion injury. The latter surrounds whether an appellant is responsible for proving whether the closure of a courtroom is a significant enough issue that it violates their constitutional right to a public trial.

The oral arguments took place on the 57th anniversary of Marshall, being sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader said the event was an opportunity for justices to interact with the state’s young people.

“Holding oral arguments in the community, especially in schools, is an important part of the Maryland Judiciary’s community outreach efforts, which help further public understanding of the work of the courts,” said Fader in a statement. “Holding arguments outside of Annapolis provides an opportunity to bring civic education directly to students, teachers and the local community and to give the members of the court the opportunity to meet and engage with students.”

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By AFRO Staff

On Oct. 4, Morgan State University held its 40th annual fundraising gala at Martin’s West, located in Baltimore. The gala is an annual celebration of the historically Black university and supports scholarship funds for current and prospective students. In attendance were Baltimore City Mayor M. Brandon Scott and his new wife, Hana, with baby bump number two; WBAL TV Co-Anchor Jenyne Donaldson and Con. Kwesi Mfume (D-Md.-07), his wife, Tiffany Mfume and a host of community leaders, residents and alumni.

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By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

Generations of Morgan State University students and alumni flooded the historically Black college’s Northeast Baltimore campus on Oct. 5 to celebrate its homecoming. Highlights of the week included a homecoming concert on Oct. 3, a pep rally on Oct. 4 and the parade and football game on Oct. 5. 

“My favorite part of homecoming for me is seeing the advancement,” said Tara Carter, a two-time graduate of Morgan State University. “We hear a lot about the big schools, but when you see just how much Morgan has been doing as a top research institution for Maryland, it’s amazing for me to see this.”

“I am big on spending time with friends,” said Carter. “We didn’t even make it to the football game, but I still bought tickets to make sure we are supporting our teams.”

Dr. David Wilson, president of Morgan State, in an Oct. 6 letter sent to the Morgan State community, praised those who made the celebration a time to remember. 

“Homecoming 2024 invited our entire community to fully embrace Morgan’s rich and enduring legacy, and I am proud to say we did just that,” said Wilson. “Generations of Morganites converged on our campus, embracing the rites, rituals and traditions that unify us as one family.”

“Of course, the Bears’ victorious football game was the centerpiece of Homecoming. We estimate that more than 25,000 people were on Morgan’s campus…with several thousand tailgating in designated areas,” he continued. “Thanks to our comprehensive security plan and advanced preparation, including a strengthened presence of uniformed officers and security personnel, we were able to effectively manage the challenges posed by the very large crowds.”

Homecoming week for the Morgan State Bears kicked off with a performance by BET Award-nominated artist Sexxy Red on Oct. 3. The following night, Morgan State held a pep rally to highlight all of the varsity teams on campus. 

“Morgan has a rich history,” said Kendra Woolridge, a director for the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and owner of a multi award- winning vegan nail polish company, Janet and Jo. “We have the first HBCU collegiate lacrosse team in the nation. It’s stories like that that need to be amplified.”

On the gridiron, the Morgan State Bears (3-3) dominated the Lincoln University Lions, from Pennsylvania, 41-0. Wide receiver Andre Crawley led the way with 134 total yards, six catches and two total touchdowns. He scored one touchdown receiving as well as passing for a 21-yard touchdown. Running back Myles Miree also contributed with two touchdowns himself, both on the ground. 

“Homecoming has been great for me. It’s my first homecoming. I am a freshman and I’ve been to the pep rally. I also went to the skate and laser tag night that was on Oct. 3,” said Renee Salter, who is studying psychology.

In efforts to ensure the safety of all attendees, Morgan State administration and leadership made significant security enhancements for the 2024 homecoming activities, including over 3,100 camera views for surveillance purposes, AI-supported weapon detection and plate-reading technology. On Oct. 5, the “official Homecoming day,” all campus buildings and dorms closed at 3 p.m. and the campus officially closed at 7 p.m.

While the security measures were bolstered, dirt bikers descended on the area after the game concluded, further complicating traffic when they caused an accident. And Baltimore Police Department officers responded to a shooting that took place around midnight, after all official homecoming activities were finished. 

Wilson acknowledged the incidents in his letter, stating that “illegal dirt bike riders—unaffiliated with Morgan—engaged in reckless behavior along Hillen Road and E. Cold Spring Lane, leading to a serious traffic accident.” 

The university president said that the “off-campus shooting” was “unrelated to Morgan.” 

“While these events are deeply disappointing, I want to be clear: they have no connection to our university other than their proximity,” he wrote. “Rest assured, I have been in contact with Mayor Scott, and members of my team have been in constant communication with the Baltimore Police Department.”

“Today, I am pleased to report that there were NO violent incidents on campus throughout the week. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Chief Lance Hatcher, the MSUPD, and all the security personnel, for their exceptional work in executing the Homecoming Security Plan and ensuring campus safety.”

Overall, the experience was an overwhelmingly positive event– one for the history books. For some Morgan State graduates, the weekend represented their first time back in Baltimore for a homecoming in several years. 

Silver Spring, Md. native, Shantá Reid, now a paralegal in Washington, D.C., was proud to make her 2024 return to her alma mater. 

“This is my first homecoming since 2019,” she said.

This article was updated on Oct. 13. 

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By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com 

Vice President Kamala Harris announced that she and running mate, Tim Walz will be making their way to several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) this homecoming season as they focus on securing the votes of young Black students. HBCUs in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania will be visited during the eight stop tour. Harris’ alma mater, Howard University (HU), is on the list of schools that will receive a visit in the coming weeks. 

Known as “The Mecca” throughout the HBCU community, Howard’s homecoming is highly acclaimed and often attended by students, alumni and people from other universities too. However, this year is their centennial anniversary and they’ll be celebrating 100 years of camaraderie, community and HBCU pride. The annual event is something that many alumni look forward to attending each year, however Harris’ scheduled appearance seems to be serving as an additional incentive for people to return to the yard. 

“I’m super excited for her to be at homecoming. I think Howard’s homecoming is the perfect place for her campaign,” said Jamel Wright, a 2017 graduate of HU. “This is a great opportunity for her to engage with the community and for us to hold her accountable for some of the concerns we have.”

Wright noted that an event centered around reuniting people is the perfect occasion for Harris’ presidential campaign. He explained that it provides an opportunity for her to take a grassroots approach to interacting with her supporters and hearing their needs and wants. 

“In the Black community, voting rates can be low and this is a great occasion for her to speak to members of the Black community and hear our demands,” he said. “The Black community usually seems to be last when it comes to presidential campaigns so her going on this homecoming tour is very strategic.”

Other HU alumni who spoke to the AFRO shared similar sentiments, noting her tour to be smart and innovative.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before. I think it’s a smart way of trying to appeal to a different generation of voters,” said Mekhi Abbott, a 2023 graduate of HU. “Her being an HBCU graduate makes her relatable. And I wouldn’t be surprised if candidates in the future decide to do the same thing.”

Although Madame VP is the first to go on an HBCU homecoming tour, many of the institutions she’s visiting are no stranger to being the breeding grounds for political and social change. 

“HBCU homecomings are more than just celebrations of culture and school pride; they are pivotal moments for political and civic engagement. Historically, HBCUs have been at the forefront of voter education and registration initiatives, making homecoming an ideal space for political campaigns,” said Yolanda Stewart, Ph.D, a 1994 graduate of HU. “These events offer a unique opportunity for political campaigns to connect with an educated, civically engaged community that has been instrumental in shaping social and political movements.”

Stewart currently serves as the president of the Columbus, Ohio chapter of the Howard University Alumni Association and she’s excited to see Harris return to campus for such a monumental celebration. She noted Harris’ journey of hardwork and high achievement to be well understood by many in the HBCU community– making her return a full circle moment. 

“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris back to the yard for such a historic moment. Howard University has a rich tradition of producing leaders and to see one of our own not only succeed but also return to campus during a pivotal time is inspiring,” she said.  “It reflects the journey of many HBCU graduates who have worked tirelessly for progress and justice. Homecoming is not just a celebration of the past, but a moment to look toward the future and having Kamala Harris on campus reinforces the powerful legacy that HBCUs like Howard continue to uphold.”

Harris is returning to her old stomping grounds on Oct.19. However, she won’t be there long because she’s scheduled to attend homecoming events for Clark-Atlanta University (CAU) and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) on that same day. 

The homecoming tour started on Sept.28 at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, next the tour will stop in Pennsylvania and Virginia to visit Lincoln University and Virginia State University, respectively, on Oct.12. That following weekend the duo will be at HU, CAU and NCAT and on Oct. 26, the tour will conclude in Atlanta when the Harris-Walz campaign attends the combined Spelman and Morehouse College homecoming.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Yolanda Stewart, Ph.D are her personal opinions and do not reflect the views of any organizations with which she is affiliated.

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By Ariyana Griffin 
AFRO Staff Writer 
agriffin@afro.com

On October 3, Morgan State University (MSU) held the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Health and Human Services Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new building is one of several to open in 2024, underscores MSU’s commitment to growth and development for its students and community. 

MSU’s Marching Band, the Magnificent Marching Machine, cheerleaders and ROTC Bear Battalion members welcomed state and city officials, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community. 

“This is the sixth building this year that we would have cut the ribbon on either brand new or renovated,” Congressman Kwesi Mfume (D-Md.-07), chairman of the Board of Regents said. “It’s important that a center like this will be here for many, many years to drive home the fact that we can overcome disparities if we are providing the correct health and human services to our communities.”  

According to research conducted by Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute, “every single health indicator, including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, childhood asthma, smoking and poor mental health days is higher for African Americans than for White residents” in Baltimore. 

The  208,000-square-foot, six-story $171M project has been in the works since 2019 with construction beginning in 2021. It will serve as an academic and research facility for faculty and students, providing essential resources directly for the Baltimore Community and society.

“I want our students to know that this is indeed for you – we will serve Baltimore, we will serve the larger region,” Dr. David Wilson, president of Morgan State University stated at the ribbon cutting. “We will serve the nation by educating the next generation of health professionals, the next generation of public health leaders, the next generation of social workers and the next generation of scientists.”

According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, in 2023, Black men and women earned only 7 percent of doctoral degrees in science and engineering and just 9 percent of the overall STEM field. 

The center will be the hub for the University’s School of Community Health and Policy and School of Social Work, the University Counseling Center and Prevention Sciences Research Center, and the School of Education and Urban Studies’ Family and Consumer Sciences Department.

The building will give students access to demonstration areas, laboratories, offices, communal areas and more. The Human Services Center is located at the corner of Argonne Drive and Hillen Road in Northeast Baltimore. 

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By Ariyana Griffin
AFRO Staff Writer
agriffin@afro.com

Morgan State University’s campus newspaper, The Spokesman, hosted a forum on Sept. 24 for students and the public to hear from leading candidates in the race for Maryland’s U.S. Senate seat. Both Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Larry Hogan (R), former governor of Maryland, were invited, however Hogan did not join Alsobrooks on stage to speak with voters in attendance.

If elected, Alsobrooks will make history by becoming the first Black woman to represent the state of Maryland in the U.S. Senate. 

NBC Correspondent, Antonia Hylton, moderated the forum with three student reporters: Lillian Stephens, Aleisha Robinson and Tavon Thomasson.

Alsobrooks  said she was happy to attend the forum, which gave her another opportunity to introduce herself to voters. 

Gun violence 

Firearms were a crucial part of the discussion, as gun violence in the country is a growing concern among voters. 

The 2022 report by Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions stated that “since 2013, the gun death rate among children and teens (1–17) has increased 106 percent. Guns were the leading cause of death among children and teens, accounting for more deaths than car crashes, overdoses, or cancers.”

Data also shows that the fatalities linked to gun violence are higher in Black teens and children.

“In 2021, 46 percent of all gun deaths among children and teens involved Black victims, even though only 14 percent of the U.S. under 18 population that year was Black.” The study also stated that “both the number and rate of children and teens killed by gunfire in 2021 were higher than at any point since at least 1999.”

A panelist pointed out that the Morgan State University community is no stranger to the effects and loss of gun violence. Next month marks a year since the campus shooting that curtailed homecoming events. 

Alsobrooks shared that she was Prince George’s County’s first full-time domestic violence prosecutor, and the issue of gun violence is something that she cares about.

“It is unconscionable that we have had leaders who have been unwilling to make common sense changes that would prevent our children from dying of gun violence.”

According to the Office of Governor Wes Moore ,”Maryland ranks number 31 among the highest rate of gun deaths in the United States.”

Alsobrooks expressed that she has worked towards solving this issue, and as senator, she is going to sign legislation to help resolve the massive gun violence issue. 

“I will work to pass sensible gun legislation to make sure that we are working to ban assault weapons from our communities,” Alsobrooks said.

Reproductive rights 

The Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court case in 197 legalized abortion in the United States. However, it was overturned in 2022. Since then, more than 20 states have placed severe restrictions on abortion or outlawed the procedure all together. 

“It is important that women all over the country have access to reproductive freedoms,” Alsobrooks said. 

“The laws should be equal across the country, which is why I will be in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act.”

The Women’s Health Protection Act protects abortion access and, according to Congress, “prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services.” The act was introduced in 2023 by Wisconsin’s  democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

Economic goals

Aside from gun violence and reproductive rights, the cost of living and inflation were also a key point in the conversation with Alsobrooks. 

She explained that her goal is to attract more companies and opportunities to the state, which would create jobs for the residents she hopes to represent.

“My goal is to attract investment to the state of Maryland that will help large technology companies and other companies that want to invest in the state so that we have six-figure jobs for our young people,” said Alsobrooks. “I’m going to be fighting hard to bring jobs to Maryland.”

Alsobrooks told those in attendance that she is hopeful about the outcome of this election, which will take place in less than 50 days. “I’m going to be a good senator,” said Alsobrooks. “I’m going to go there with not only experience I’ve had over the last 27 years as an executive, but I’m going to take my lived experience.”

Attendees left the forum feeling informed and more knowledgeable about Alsobrooks and her stances on important issues.

“I feel invigorated,” 71-year-old Faye Belt told the AFRO. “Now that we realize it’s all about our future – we can move in a way that we can save this [country].”

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By Ariyana Griffin 
AFRO Staff Writer
agriffin@afro.com

The Washington Commanders are calling all artists to show their artistic creativity and participate in their t-shirt design competition for their 4th annual HBCU-themed game.

Those interested must submit their application by the Sept. 29 deadline. The winner’s design will be part of group ticketing packages and will be featured during their HBCU Game Night on Dec. 1, when they play against the Tennessee Titans. 

Designs must incorporate HBCU culture and aspects of the Washington Commanders. 

For more information on the application, visit Commanders.com.

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By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO

Overcast skies and unseasonably cool temperatures were not enough to keep several hundred people from the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area (DMV) from attending the 15^th Annual D.C. State Fair on Saturday, Sept. 7. 

Held this year at Franklin Park in Northwest, Washington, D.C., the event featured musical performances from local entertainers and contests – from pie eating to pie making– along with activities such as hand dance demonstrations from the National Hand Dance Association. 

The free event, inspired by decades-old state fair traditions, showcased more than 15 food vendors and more than 75 artists, makers, local small businesses, nonprofit organizations and sponsors. But the real goal of the event, according to leading sponsors, was to celebrate the people and things that make the District of Columbia unique. 

Brian Americus, 40, a self-described military brat who now lives in Southeast, Washington, D.C. was on site to sell his V-neck shirts as a fair vendor. 

“I came up with these shirts because I wanted to give men something that was both stylish and casual – a shirt they could wear to work and then to happy hour or a dinner date,” he said. “I’ve been doing well with my website (BrianAmericus.com) and with pop-ups but the best way to convince men, and now women, to buy my shirts is for them to see them in person and feel the product. Once that happens, at least 85 percent of folks are sold.” 

Native Washingtonian Dancer Sze, 28, first attended the state fair in 2021 when she took second place in a contest for creating the best pickle. This year, she set her sights on the Best Jam contest – and she took the blue ribbon for first place. 

“During the pandemic, because we were forced to stay indoors, I started spending more time in the kitchen and began to create some new items in my repertoire– including pickling and making jams,” Sze said. “I can’t express how excited and happy I am to have won first place for my blueberry balsamic jam. One day I want to have my own business and this has given me the encouragement I needed. What’s even better is having my two best friends here to help me enjoy my victory.” 

Sze’s friends, Helen Abraha, 28, and Sophie Miyoshi, 26, both from Northeast, Washington, D.C., said this year was their first time attending the state fair, but certainly not their last. 

“I grew up in Ohio, so I am used to attending state fairs,” Abraha said. “And after seeing Dancer win a ribbon, I will be back next year with some of my fabulous cakes.” 

Miyoshi hopes to return with some of her own recipes in the future. 

“I’m coming back next year to support the fair and I’m going to enter my vegan macaroni and cheese in one of the contests. It’s the bomb!” she said. 

While she enjoyed the event, Miyoshi spoke to some of the issues lurking in the background of the fun filled weekend event.

“D.C. isn’t a state but it should be,” she said.

In support of D.C. statehood and voters rights, Anne Stauffer from Northwest, representing the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia, collaborated with members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Their goal was to encourage voter engagement and to advocate for D.C. statehood. 

“D.C. statehood is crucial because we deserve the same rights as other Americans – one person, one vote,” Stauffer said. 

Lucille Brewer, from Northwest, Washington, D.C. was joined in her efforts to educate the public on voter registration and calls for D.C. statehood by her sorors, Novella Bridges and Nyisha Williams, both from the Southeast area of the District. It was their first time volunteering at the state fair.  

“We are here to promote and encourage social action,” said Brewer. “That’s what we do.”

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By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

Monumental Sports Network has partnered with HBCU Go to air 16 historically Black college and university (HBCU) football games this season. Notably, Monumental recently added the Truth and Service Classic to their broadcast schedule, an annual clash between archrivals Howard University and Hampton University played at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. 

Monumental originally partnered with Howard, George Washington and Richmond last year in efforts to become the home of D.C., Maryland and Virginia football. In August 2024, the award-winning media platform announced that they were renewing their partnership with HBCU Go and the University of Richmond, while also adding Towson University to the list. 

“Partnering with HBCU Go and other area schools gives us great reach among communities and different universities. It gives us an opportunity to serve the general public in the DMV area while also catering to specific pockets of sports fans,” said Zach Leonsis, Monunental’s president of Media and New Enterprises. 

Other schools that will join the fall broadcast schedule include Morgan State, Grambling, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Bethune-Cookman and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. 

“While we’re best-known for our outstanding Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics coverage, Monumental Sports Network strives to provide a major league-quality platform for a wide range of local teams and a variety of sports, building a strong sense of community across this region and united in the power of sports,” said Friday Abernethy, general manager of Monumental Sports Network via a press release. “With nearly 20 college football games on our air, it’s going to be an action-packed fall on our network and we are excited for kick off.” 

Fans and alumni with a paid television subscription will have access to all games as long as Monumental Sports Network is a part of their package. Viewers will also have the option of streaming games online at www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com or watching via the Monumental Sports Network app. According to Monumental, more than 3 million households in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area should be able to access all of the local college football action this fall. 

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By Reginald Williams
Special to the AFRO

On Sept. 7, the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice opened to the public in Durham, North Carolina’s West End. The center has been under renovation for some time, according to local news reports. Billed as “A Celebration of Homecoming,” the event drew diverse visitors, all looking to honor and remember the civil rights leader’s work. 

“It has been a decade-long journey,” said Angela Thorpe Mason, the center’s executive director, to The Living Church, a religious publication. “The house was slated for demolition in the early 2000s, and was in extremely bad shape. A group of local advocates rallied to save it. The Pauli Murray Center was established in 2012, but the rehabilitation wasn’t complete until this April.

Anna Pauline “Pauli” Murray was a pioneer and a person of many firsts. Born in 1910, the trailblazing civil rights attorney, a 1944 graduate of Howard University Law School, was the only woman in her law class, where she ranked first. She was also the first African American to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudential Science from Yale Law School in 1965. 

Murray was also a changemaker in the religious realm. The Episcopal Church at the Washington National Cathedral ordained Murray into the priesthood on January 8, 1977. The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina specifies that she was “the first Black person perceived as a woman ordained.” Murray is noted as an Episcopal saint.

Her activism was bold.

Four years before Irene Morgan refused to unseat herself in 1944 while riding on a segregated bus in Virginia, and 11 years before a 15-year-old Claudette Colvin set the stage for Rosa Parks’ civil disobedience by refusing to move from her seat on a Montgomery, Ala. bus— “Pauli,” as she preferred to be called, was arrested for disorderly conduct.

The year was 1940 when Murray, while traveling from New York to North Carolina, refused to move from the designated White-only section. Law officials arrested her for violating Virginia’s state segregation laws. 

The mission of the Pauli Murray Center is to continue addressing the injustices and inequalities for all people that Murray fought for. Their vision is “To realize a world in which wholeness is a human right for all and not the privilege of a few.”

The preservation of the center, which is the activist’s childhood home, is “supported in part by an African American Civil Rights Grant from the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service (NPS), Department of the Interior.” The NPS designated Murray’s home as a National Historic Landmark in 2016.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1910, Murray was said to be ahead of her time. 

“She championed the cause of human rights through her work as an author, educator, lawyer, feminist, poet and priest,” states information released by the Pauli Murray Center. 

Murray’s work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Philip Randolph was rooted in her discontentment with inequalities related to Black women and their lack of decision-making power when in grassroot struggles of Black people. Murray is credited with partnering with Bayard Rustin and James Farmer to establish CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) while attending law school. She also co-founded the organization, NOW (National Origination of Women), fighting for the presence of Black women. 

“Her legal work laid the foundation for major civil rights advances. Her 1950 book, “States’ Laws on Race and Color,” was hailed by Thurgood Marshall as the “bible” of the civil rights movement,” says Carl Kenney, assistant professor at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Her legal arguments, particularly on the unconstitutionality of segregation, were influential in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that ended legal racial segregation in U.S. schools.”

According to information available at the Pauli Murray Center, the ardent activist “fought to lift up women in the civil rights movement, and women of color in the women’s rights movement. She believed that leaving anyone behind on the road to full equality would neglect a part of herself.”

A few years after being appointed by Eleanor Roosevelt to serve as the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, Murray wrote “Jane Crow and the Law: Sex Discrimination and Title VII,” an article that exposed the gender discriminatory practices and laws that outright oppressed women. The impact of that article inspired Atty. Ruth Bader Ginsberg to include Murray’s name on the brief cover written for Reed v. Reed 404 US 71. The 1971 landmark Supreme Court case struck down laws that discriminated against women by using the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, which says no state can deny equal protection of the laws to anyone within its jurisdiction.

“Murray was a key figure in the second wave of feminism…advocating for gender equality and helping to shape the feminist movement’s focus on equal rights and dismantling systemic sexism,” says Kenney.

During an era when the use of nonbinary, non-gender pronouns was non-existent, Murray pushed the boundaries of gender and sexual identity. At 18, Murray shortened Pauline to Paulie to embrace a more androgynous identity. Many published reports maintain that Murray believed she was born a man in a woman’s body. 

Rosalind Rosenberg, author of  “Jane Crow: The Life of Pauli Murray,” notes that Murray identified “as a female who believed she was a male, before the term transgender existed. 

Kenney, a passionate promoter of women’s rights and the LBGTQ movement, says Murray was private about more sensitive topics. Still, many today recognize Renee Barlow as a long-time romantic partner of Murray. 

“Although she never publicly acknowledged her sexual orientation, in private writings, Murray expressed feeling like a man trapped in a woman’s body, making her an early figure in the conversation around gender identity,” says Kenney.

 She died on July 1, 1985, at the age of 74. 

Murray’s impact can still be felt in Durham, where she was raised by her aunt Pauline Fitzgerald Dame, after her parent’s death. The Durham Public School Board of Education recently voted unanimously to name their newest elementary school, Murray-Massenburg Elementary School, after Murray and Betty Doretha Massenburg, the first Black women principal in Durham. 

Today, five Murray murals exist throughout Bull City: 1101 West Chapel Hill Street, 2520 Vesson Avenue, 313 Foster Street, 117 S. Buchanan Boulevard, and 2009 Chapel Hill Road, keeping the activist’s memory alive. 

The Pauli Murray Center is just one more jewel added to the area, in honor of Murray’s work. According to information released by the center, Murray’s childhood home “was built by her grandparents in 1898 at 906 Carroll Street in Durham, North Carolina.” Today and every day moving forward, the center will keep the name of Pauli Murray alive “by connecting history to contemporary human rights issues” and encouraging people “of all ages to stand up for peace, equity and justice.”

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By Dr. Stephen Jackson

Washington, D.C. – On Sept. 19, 2024, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in the landmark case of Jenkins v. The Howard University et al. This case addresses serious allegations against The Howard University and its governance practices, with potential implications for institutional governance and stakeholder rights.

In June 2020, The Howard University’s Board of Trustees governance committee, without a board vote, froze stakeholder elections, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason. This decision halted the election of alumni, faculty, and students to the board, despite the university’s by-laws requiring representation from three alumni, two students, and two faculty members. With the board’s actions leading to the removal of elected alumni, faculty, and students by attrition, plaintiffs argue that these actions were illegal, breached the university’s by-laws and nullified historical alumni and student advocacy to achieve a stakeholder role in university governance.

Following a student protest in 2018, sixty years after the seminal 1968 student protest, hundreds of alumni and dozens of student leaders expressed written objections to the board’s decisions. A group of ten alumni, led by octogenarian  Attorney Timothy Jenkins, a 1960 graduate, former student leader and board trustee, and Damani Keene, a former University administrator, filed a lawsuit initially in the DC Superior Court.  After removal to the federal court, the case was dismissed.  Plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals.

The plaintiffs, represented by their attorney Donald Temple, an HU alum, argue that the board’s actions were a clear breach of its by-laws and patently illegal. They further contend that despite Howard University’s federal charter, the federal court lacked jurisdiction over the matter.

This case is poised to set significant precedents regarding university governance and stakeholder representation, making Thursday’s proceedings of considerable importance.

A press conference with HU Alumni plaintiffs and their attorney will directly follow the hearing, scheduled for  9:30 a.m.

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By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will soon start Symphony in the City, a free, three-concert community series. The first concert is set to happen at Morgan State University (MSU) on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 pm in the Gilliam Concert Hall in the Murphy Fine Arts Center.

The first performance of the season is led by BSO music director, Jonathon Heyward, and will feature selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral.” To compliment Beethoven’s timeless work, the concert will also feature compositions by James Lee III, whose work is infused with bright stories and deep cultural resonance.

“Beginning our season with a community concert at Morgan State University is deeply meaningful,” said Heyward. “This performance not only begins our musical journey for the year, but also continues the BSO’s tradition of bringing music directly to the heart of Baltimore, honoring the Symphony’s roots as an orchestra founded by the city for its people.”

Symphony in the City was intentionally created to align concerts and venues with community celebrations. The concert at MSU will both mark the start of a new academic year, but also pay homage to the university’s connection to the BSO’s new composer in residence, James Lee III. 

Lee serves as a faculty member at the historically Black institution in Maryland. His BSO residency will include two world premieres during the 2024-25 concert season and will feature an educational component with students in BSO’s OrchKids program and the Baltimore School of the Arts.Throughout his time in this role Lee will provide students with opportunities for compositions, mentorship, and workshop performances.

“The fact that the Morgan community, and the surrounding community at large, will have an opportunity to experience the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by their new music director, Jonathon Heyward, live on our campus, is simply amazing,” said Eric Conway, DMA, chair of the fine and performing arts department and director of the choir at MSU. “This moment is further elevated by having the work of a respected Morgan faculty member, Dr. James Lee III, on display for all to enjoy. We are fortunate and thankful to the BSO for selecting Morgan as the location for the season’s first Symphony in the City concert.”

Listed below are all the details for the first Symphony in the City concert

Symphony in the City

Date: Wednesday, Sept.18

Time: 7:30 p.m. 

Location: Gilliam Concert Hall, Murphy Fine Arts Center

     Morgan State University

     2201 Argonne Drive

     Baltimore, MD 21218

Artist

Jonathon Heyward, conductor

Repertoire

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” I. Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside

LEE III Amer’ican

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” II. Scene by the brook

LEE III Captivating Personas, III. Bored Comfort

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” IV. Thunderstorm

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” V. Shepherd’s song: Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm

The Symphony in the City series will continue throughout the 2024-25 concert season with performances across Charm City, including a tribute to Veterans on November 20 at War Memorial and a celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 7, 2025, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

Launched in 2019, this concert series represents the BSO’s commitment to bringing world-class music to diverse audiences throughout the Baltimore area. Each concert is a special celebration of community, culture, and the astounding power of music.

Symphony in the City remains free to all. Reservations are suggested but not required. Learn more by visiting https://www.bsomusic.org/symphony-in-the-city/.

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By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

The Howard Bison remain undefeated in the HBCU NY Classic as they overpowered the Morehouse Tigers, 35-21. The neutral site game was held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sept. 14. 

The reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions controlled all three facets of the game, proving to be especially dominant on special teams and in the run game. 

New Jersey native and freshman running back Anthony Reagan Jr. ran the opening kickoff back close to midfield and the Bison took advantage of the field position. Wide receiver Se’Quan Osbourne and freshman tight end Ke’Untae Mosley each scored the first touchdowns of their collegiate careers, and the Bison went into halftime with a 21-7 lead. 

“The Classic is a great experience for the fans and also us as athletes to come together and celebrate Black culture and also be on a big platform where we have more exposure to showcase our talent,” said starting senior cornerback Xavier Robiou, who has played in the HBCU NY Classic all three years.

Coming out of halftime, the Bison would score another touchdown, giving the D.C. team a 28-7 lead. The Bison’s lead ballooned up to 28 points before the Tigers responded by scoring two touchdown passes late in the fourth quarter. 

Redshirt senior quarterback Jaylen Tolbert started his first game of the season for the Bison and finished with four touchdown passes and one interception. Sophomore quarterback Ja’Shawn Scruggins started the first two games of the season against Rutgers University and Mercyhurst, finishing those first two games with 280 passing yards, 189 rushing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He led the Bison to a 1-1 record. 

“The HBCU Classic was a great experience the first time I went and it was even better this year. The tailgate is always a great time–good food, music, and the overall vibe just from being around current students and alumni. I think it is a great tradition for these two HBCUs to play and clearly the competition gets better and better every year,” said Joshua Pemberton, who attended the game twice as a fan.

In addition to a thrilling game, attendees were treated to a scintillating Battle of the Bands during half time, which was presented by Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. 

And following the game, Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul performed some of his chart-topping hits. 

“The ‘fifth quarter’ ended up being a surprise performance from Sean Paul and that ended the night perfectly,” said Pemberton. “All in all I think it’s a great event for everyone of all ages and I’ll be back again next year.” 

With the newest victory, the Bison improve to 2-1 while the Tigers drop to 0-3. The Bison will travel back to the nation’s capital to face their rival Hampton Pirates in the Truth and Service Classic on Sept. 21 at Audi Field. The Maroon Tigers will fly to Chicago to play the Kentucky State Thorobreds. The Morehouse Maroon Tigers are expected to join Howard in the MEAC in the near future, according to associate athletic director for operations at Howard University, Nicholas Latham.

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By Renata Sago
Word in Black

As students at four colleges in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania head back to campus this fall, they will have access to a new resource where they can learn how to dismantle false beliefs about racial hierarchies. 

Seven years after launching its Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation program in colleges, the American Association of Colleges and Universities has expanded the program, opening centers at Antioch University and Bard College, Cuyahoga Community College and Elizabethtown College.

The new centers give professors, administrators, faculty members and students a dedicated space to learn and guide discussions around race, gender, age, class and spiritual beliefs. It’s part of a concerted effort to bring healing dialogues throughout the United States within higher education institutions. 

“We don’t dictate to any institution how they are implementing, how they will implement and realize the goals of TRHT or how they would implement the TRHT areas within their institutional context,” says Tia McNair, senior consultant with the American Association of Colleges and Universities. “They look at their strategic priorities, their student population, their community relationships, and partnerships to develop what we call an action plan. So each institution does it differently.”

The campus centers began in 2017 as a concept that was part strategic, part organic. The ten initial host institutions — a mix of public and private schools — introduced various approaches for dismantling racial bias on campus, including racial healing circles and special dinners intended to create safe spaces for sensitive dialogue. 

Since then, schools have continued to embrace virtual and in-person conversations that provide gentle reassurance — and sometimes uncomfortable exposure — to past and present-day events that have shaped views on race in society. 

The host institutions range from liberal arts colleges and historically black colleges and universities to faith-based institutions and community colleges. The selection process for colleges includes training on how to speak the language of racial healing within the Institute on Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation’s framework. 

The former executive director for the TRHT Campus Centers, McNair says the TRHT program is essential now more than ever. 

“There are attacks happening on the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and our institutions within our communities, within our states, across the board,” says McNair. “I think that knowing that the growing majority of undergraduate students in this country are from racially minoritized groups…is critical for us to maintain and expand resources to help the success of all students.”

In its tracking of 196 campuses in 29 states, The Chronicle of Higher Education found that colleges throughout the United States have eliminated their DEI programs due to political pressure, establishing an “inconsistent and confusing landscape.” 

The effects of these changes are unclear, which is why McNair, who is also a partner at SOVA, a higher education consulting firm in Washington, D.C., would like for campus centers to create some opportunities for personal and professional development for marginalized students. 

“Whether you are the student who is coming into the environment that may not be fully prepared — not at a fault of your own, but just because of circumstances – not fully prepared to succeed in the same way as others, then how do we help you? How do we make sure that we actually live our commitment? That we fulfill our commitment to you as being part of this educational journey so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive?” said McNeir. 

When education reform takes place at the federal, state, or local level, it can have predictable consequences, undoing decades of important work. This is why McNair is hoping that the campus centers will serve as a springboard for repairing old wounds and sustaining supportive principles for community building beyond campus. 

The vision is to encourage ways of thinking that transcend the present political uncertainty, inviting ongoing dialogue and action.

“I think we as educators within higher education play a critical role in preparing the next generation of leaders to build more just and equitable communities,” says McNair. “This work is not about trying to get anyone to think in the same way we think, but to actually value each and every person’s human dignity, their contributions, their lived experiences in a way where we can transcend what has been causing division and conflict within our communities.”

This article was originally published by Word in Black. 

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By BlackPR Wire

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, the second annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF), announced its 2024 festival dates, November 8 – 10th  and  the premiere of the 2024 HBCU First LOOK “I Aspire” 100. (2024 HBCU First LOOK 100)

The HBCU First LOOK “I Aspire” 100 is a curated collective of notable HBCU alumni who are inspiring the next generation of content creators across film, television, and digital platforms. This year’s list includes MSNBC President Rashida Jones (Hampton University); former NFL player and sports commentator Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State University); actress and singer Fantasia Barrino Taylor (Central State); actors Lynn Whitfield (Howard University),  Anthony Anderson (Howard University) and Keisha Knight Pulliam (Spelman College); film, network and studio executives, directors, and producers Will Packer (Florida A&M University), Spike Lee(Morehouse College), Aisha Summers Burke (Howard University), Robert Boyd (Morehouse), and Risha Archibald (Lincoln University); award-winning hairstylist and makeup artist Mia Neal (Jackson State University); stage and media influencer K. J. Rose (Florida A&M University); and many more. The 100 list honorees are invited to “pay it forward” by posting their “I Aspire” message highlighting a movie and/or person who inspired their career and use the hashtag #IAspire2024.

The HBCU First LOOK “I Aspire” 100 list was inspired by the inaugural 2023 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival and Initiative which highlighted the rich culture and diverse talent within the HBCU community.

Following in the footsteps of its inaugural year, which featured a star-studded presentation of the Obamas’ Netflix film, Rustin, the 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) will take place on November 8-10, 2024, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. This year’s HBCU First LOOK Film Festival’s theme: “A Celebration of Black Cinema X Activism will highlight some of Hollywood’s most influential classic films and HBCU alums in arts and entertainment who have built bridges for the next generation.

HBCU First LOOK App will be the one stop source for festival activations that include the announcement of three grand prize winners of the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge; panel discussions and masterclasses with entertainment industry leaders and filmmakers, film screenings; with interactive Career & Vendor Lounge.

Sponsors and media partners include AARP, Café Mocha Network, HBCUGO.TV, Howard University Department of Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT), Howard University Radio Network, and HBCU SiriusXM Channel 142.

For more information, visit HBCUFirstLook.com.

About HBCU First LOOK Film Festival

The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is inspiring a new generation of minority talent in the film, television, and broadcasting industry by teaching HBCU students practical skills to improve their craft, creating places to showcase their work, and connecting executives and students to a pipeline of talent and career opportunities.

About Miles Ahead Entertainment & Broadcasting

Miles Ahead Entertainment (MAE) is a woman-and minority-owned, MDOT/WOSB certified, global multicultural agency specializing in strategic planning, social media marketing and virtual events, talent acquisition management, concierge sponsorship engagement. Subsidiary Miles Ahead Broadcasting has produced award winning broadcast television and audio productions Café Mocha Radio & TV and Salute Her Awards. MAE’s principal, Sheila Eldridge, is a Howard University, Cathy Hughes School of Communications graduate and has been recognized with NAACP Image Awards, Women In Media Gracie Awards, Telly Award and Living Legends Foundation ‘Entrepreneur’ Award, to name a few.

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By Ariyana Griffin 
AFRO Staff Writer 
agriffin@afro.com

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks,  the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate for Maryland, spoke at Morgan State University on Aug. 29  imploring students, alumni, faculty and staff to exercise their right to vote. 

Alsobrooks won the Democratic party’s Maryland primary, garnering 357,052 votes – 53.37 percent of all ballots cast. The primary results led her Democratic competitor David J. Trone to drop out of the race after he spent millions to receive 42.80 percent of all votes submitted. Alsobrooks is now running against former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican candidate who pulled 183,661 votes, tallying 64.18 percent of votes in his category for the primary election. If elected, Alsobrooks would be the first Black senator– male or female – from the state. 

Morgan State University communications professor Dr. Jason Johnson expressed that this was a great opportunity for students to get involved and learn more about Alsobrooks and her platform. He shared that he did a general knowledge quiz for his media literacy course to see who knew of her, and was surprised by the numbers. 

“My class has sophomores, juniors and seniors,” Johnson told the AFRO. “Out of 25 students, only about two of them knew who Angela Alsobrooks was– only two out of about 25– which is especially amazing because four or five of those students came from the county where she was the county executive.” 

“This is a great opportunity for her to explain and introduce herself to young people who should be a part of her base,” said Dr. Johnson. 

Alsobrooks took to the historically Black institution’s campus, deemed a National Treasure in 2016 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to highlight the importance of utilizing the right to vote–especially this election season.  

“I’m fighting for your future. It’s not one that you live on the margins. I’m fighting because I believe that our country owes it to you,” said Alsobrooks. “You should live beyond your wildest dreams. I believe that every one of you is owed by our country the real opportunity to have economic opportunity and to be able to buy homes for your families.”

“We want you all to have the technology, the jobs and innovation, all that you desire for yourself,” she said, adding that those present deserve to “ live in safe communities.” 

For the young women present, Alsobrook said she’s running for senator to ensure they are able to make their “own decisions with privacy and freedom,” especially when it comes to issues regarding their bodies.

She spoke about the fight it took for African Americans to gain the right to vote in the United States and how she plans to fight against rights being taken away.

“I want you to have at least as much freedom as your parents and grandparents. The voting rights that some of our foreparents fought for–they jumped in front of dogs and water hoses because they knew the importance of the right to vote.” Alsobrooks said. “We’re not going to let anybody take that right from us. We’re not going to have any right that belongs to us, taken from us. Be it the voting right, the right to control your body, the right to live in peace and dignity.”

Alsobrooks also said those in the LGBTQ community deserve “to live with dignity and to be treated with fairness.” 

After speaking to the audience, she took time to speak to and take photos with attendees and members of campus organizations. Some students shared that they felt motivated after hearing Alsobrooks speak. 

“I am very hopeful for the next generation and really inspired by the fact that there’s a Black woman that looks like me running for Senate,” Carlona Brevard, a senior political science major at Morgan State University, told the AFRO. 

“I am a political science major going into pre-law. Right now, I’m standing on this side of the fence, but one day I’ll be on the other.”

Tyler S. Dawkins, a freshman strategic communication major from Upper Marlboro, Md. spoke on what Alsobrooks’ senate run means to him and the Black community. 

“I believe it’s important to elect Angela Alsobrooks into the U.S. Senate,” he said. “When people see her in the Senate, they see their mom, their sister,  their aunt, they see themselves.”

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By Ariyana Griffin 
AFRO Staff Writer 
agriffin@afro.com

Coppin State University, a Historically Black university located in West Baltimore, has received $34,992 from the U.S. Department of State’s Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program.

Coppin State is among 37 other colleges and universities selected to participate in the grant program. The funds will grow and diversify study abroad programs across the selected college campuses. 

According to information released by the United States Department of State, “Every year, more than 300,000 American students study, intern, or volunteer abroad for academic credit on programs ranging from two weeks to a full academic year.” 

These programs allow students to immerse themselves in another country’s culture and gain a new world perspective. The U.S. Department of State created the IDEAS Program to allow American students to gain first-hand international experiences outside of the classroom and diversify study abroad programs.

“The U.S. Department of State is proud to support these U.S. colleges and universities as they build capacity for more American students to study abroad in diverse locations around the world,” said Heidi Manley, chief of USA Study Abroad, U.S. Department of State in a statement. “Increasing the number of U.S. students with international experiences is part of our investment in ensuring that our country’s future leaders have the skills they need in fields ranging from global health to technology and innovation.”

Students can look forward to the funds being allocated to a study abroad office, a resource portal specially for students, faculty, and staff who may be interested in available study abroad initiatives and a means to provide financial support to faculty. 

“By leveraging these resources, Coppin State University will broaden its educational opportunities beyond campus borders, enabling students to integrate into the global workforce through diverse learning and collaboration opportunities worldwide,” said Dr. Jale Aldemir, assistant professor, Coppin State School of Education in a statement. 

Coppin State University looks forward to creating new international experiences for its student body while actively preparing students with the skills they need to make changes and an impact on issues that directly affect the diaspora. 

The development of the study abroad office will begin in Fall 2024, allowing the institution to expand its international footprint for its student body. By Spring 2025, the institution is looking forward to students having the opportunity to apply for international programs. 

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By Christina Royster
Special to the AFRO

Morgan State University is sponsoring a national public media effort to tell the world about the value of not only its story, but also the stories of other historically Black colleges and universities in America. The effort, called HBCU Week NOW, is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), WORLD Channel and a host of other partners. HBCU Week NOW will feature an unprecedented 30 hours of original programming dedicated to the history and culture of the HBCU in America and will be shown nationally by more than 20 PBS stations that share markets with all 100 HBCUs. 

One of the featured films, “History of A National Treasure: Morgan State University,” premiered in studio at Maryland Public Television on Aug. 27 to an influential group of the Morgan’s senior leadership team, to include the school’s president, Dr. David K. Wilson and Board of Regents Chair, well-known alumnus, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Regent, Dr. Linda Gilliam.  Attorney General, Anthony Brown, was also in attendance. 

Maryland Audience members praised the film for its powerful storytelling and necessity as the first documentary to tell a comprehensive story about the founding and more than 150 years of growth of the university through its various stages. The HBCU bore the name Centenary Biblical Institute when it was founded by formerly enslaved clergymen and the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1867, became Morgan College in 1890, Morgan State College in 1939 and finally Morgan State University in 1975.   

The idea for creating the film began when the university’s visionary President, Dr. David K. Wilson, went looking for a comprehensive story of Morgan State University in the school’s library and archives and could not find it. Former Morgan Regent and Dean Emeritus, Dr. Burney J. Hollis unearthed the story of the legendary founders of Centenary Biblical Institute – Reverend Benjamin Brown, Reverend Samuel Green Sr., Rev. Elijah Grissom, Rev. James Harper and Rev. James Peck.  A particularly compelling drama point included Green’s motivation for founding Centenary Biblical Institute after he was arrested for possessing then controversial book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which was deemed illegal abolitionist propaganda.  “Because he had that in his hand, he was sentenced to serve 10 years in a Baltimore City Penitentiary,” Wilson says. “He served five years, and was released in 1862.”  Green vowed to blaze a new trail to educate formerly enslaved Americans in the Maryland area after his release.

The documentary not only chronicles Morgan State’s origins, but the former Presidents who shaped it throughout the years, its students historic participation in activism during the Civil Rights era, and beyond, and the school’s rise to prominence as one of the largest HBCUs in the country with a record enrollment of more than 10,000 students. 

“This is the reason why we must be tireless about telling and sharing the HBCU story,” says Travis Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer for Maryland Public Television. Mitchell, who graduated from Morgan State in 1992 was also one of the students who led the historic 1990 MSU protest that challenged state funding norms that left many of the university’s facilities in shambles at that time.  The protest led to a $577 million settlement to end a 15-year-old federal lawsuit that accused the state of Maryland of providing inequitable resources to its four historically Black colleges and universities. The funds where divided amongst Maryland’s HBCUs. “When we tell our story, not only do we remember who we are, but we empower a new generation of young people with the knowledge of who they are called to become. We inspire and ignite history in the making.” In fact, history will be made again in 2025 when two additional documentaries chronicling the 1990 student protest and the subsequent lawsuit are released next year on Maryland Public Television. “And Morgan is only one of 107 HBCUs, and each school has thousands upon thousands of untold stories in its history, students and alumni.” 

The 37-minute documentary was filmed by MSU students in the School of Global Journalism and Communication’s Center for New Media and Strategic Initiatives. It was led by the film’s writer and producer, MSU Inaugural Dean Emeritus, DeWayne Wickham. The Center for New Media and  Strategic Initiatives’ mission is to find new ways to solve three age-old media problems in finding innovative ways to report and disseminate news to people who live in urban news deserts; producing contemporary and historical documentaries about Black life in the African diaspora and helping expand the ranks of the Black journalists and news executives who are needed to bring balance and diversity to American journalism. 

Wickham, whose long and impressive career in journalism spans from serving as a correspondent for U.S. News and World Report to being a columnist for USA Today, and founding the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).  He has also authored several books.  He applauds the Morgan fellows who helped him create the film. “This project that culminated in this film you are about to see is the work of not just my own effort, but the effort of others who have been working with me,” he said. “I pushed these young people, and oftentimes they pushed back. We got a lot done, in a short period of time.”  The students shared during a panel discussion after the screening the many ways in their participation in the film and study at Morgan has impacted and transformed their lives.

Prior to the screening, a notable Morgan State University alumnus testified to the school’s life transformative and crucial impact on his life, too. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, reflected upon serving as the evening night-time janitor at Maryland Public Television while attending MSU. Mfume recounted how attending Morgan helped him find his way in the world after returning to school to earn his GED Certificate. “I didn’t know what I wanted to study or if I could afford to study anything,” he remembers.  

“I was a teenage parent when I first heard about Morgan, so when I got there in my early twenties, It was like a dream come true,” Mfume said. “It did for me then what it continues to do for so many young people now. That is to meet them where they are, lift them up, and remind them that they are indeed somebody.” 

Maryland Public Television has created a week of local programming  predominantly focused on HBCUs and airing  on MPT Sept. 2-8. HBCU Week NOW is a national campaign featuring HBCU Week NOW on Youtube. For more information on “History of a National Treasure: Morgan State University,” or to view the documentary, visit mpt.org/hbcu.  To find more HBCU Week Programming subscribe to HBCU Week NOW on YouTube.

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By Ariyana Griffin
AFRO Staff Writer
agriffin@afro.com

Each year, Maryland Public Television (MPT)  dedicates a week to uplifting the history, innovation and under-told stories of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with its HBCU Week segments. This year, the network will feature programming Sept. 2-8.

Since 2020, MPT has broadcast a week-long series of HBCU news and history of the present, past, and future as part of its  “Standing Against Racism: Fostering Unity Through Dialogue” initiative. The initiative’s goal is to “stimulate thoughtful discussion and increase understanding of race-related issues in communities across Maryland,” MPT said in a statement.

This year will mark their fifth annual season of special programming with content produced locally and by individual producers.

This year’s programming will include 30 hours of HBCU based content and 12 premiere films that will debut across MPT TV, social media, and online platforms.

Some stories broadcasted throughout the week include “Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience,” “The Golden Year: Howard Women’s Basketball,” “The Morgan Lacrosse Story,” and many more inspiring stories regarding HBCUs across the nation on arts, music, history and sports. 

Take a look below at some of the events taking place this week:

History of a National Treasure: Morgan State University – Tuesday, September 3, 8-8:30 p.m.
Learn the story of Morgan State University in Baltimore, whose creation is rooted in the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act and born of the vision of five churchmen and former slaves, determined to lift their race through education.

George H. White: Searching for Freedom – Tuesday, September 3, 9:30-10 p.m.
View this documentary to learn about the life and legacy of one of the most significant African-American leaders of the Reconstruction Era. From humble beginnings in eastern North Carolina, George H. White, a graduate of Howard University, ascended to serve in the United States Congress as its sole Black voice little more than two decades after Emancipation.

Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius – Wednesday, September 4, 8-8:30 p.m.
Born on October 26, 1940, in New York City, Dr. Eddie Henderson is a renowned American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player. He is known for his lyrical phrasing and inventive improvisations, blending traditional jazz with contemporary elements such as funk and soul. Learn about this musician and his legacy during MPT’s HBCU Week on Sept. 4. 

Artworks: Imani-Grace Special – Wednesday, September 4, 8:30-9:30 p.m.
With a voice compared to Billie Holiday, Howard University graduate Imani-Grace Cooper has performed alongside jazz greats such as Esperanza Spalding and George Duke. In this Artworks special, Cooper performs Black American music classics that harken back to the jazz legends of the past, soul singers of the present, and a sound for the future.

Artworks: The Art of Strings – Wednesday, September 4, 9:30-10 p.m.
The Randolph String Quartet, a preeminent group of siblings – and Howard University alumni – who perform around the world, teaches viewers about the classic string ensemble format through classic and contemporary repertoire. This Artworks episode features performances by the quartet and offers a look at issues of diversity in classical music.

The Golden Year: Howard Women’s Basketball – Thursday, September 5, 8-8:30 p.m.
Since 1974, the Howard University women’s basketball program has been committed to excellence that extends beyond the court. Facing triumph and challenges, the team continues to raise the bar while embodying the spirit of resilience, determination, and pride. Learn about this golden year on Sept. 5 at 8 p.m.

Inside the CIAA: Impact – Thursday, September 5, 8:30-9 p.m.
Discover the impact that the CIAA Tournament – the nation’s largest and oldest HBCU postseason basketball tournament – has on the city of Baltimore, including its thriving Black business community.

Local, USA | HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition – Thursday, September 5, 9-9:30 p.m.
Experience the football culture of HBCUs, featuring the historic rivalry of Hampton and Howard since 1908 and the intense matchups of N.C. A&T vs. N.C. Central. This episode highlights the camaraderie and competition in HBCU sports and their impact on African American communities.

The Dream Whisperer – Thursday, September 5, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
In the midst of segregation, the all-Black Tennessee A&I Tigers became the first collegiate basketball team to win three consecutive national championships. Captain Dick Barnett fought to secure recognition for his team. Discover their triumph over adversity and Barnett’s relentless effort to preserve their legacy.

State Circle Special: Where Do We Go From Here? – Friday, September 6, 7-8 p.m.
Learn about groundbreaking new programs and initiatives at the six HBCUs located in the Maryland area from their visionary presidents and award-winning faculty and students.

Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience – Friday, September 6, 9-10 p.m.
Severely underrepresented in mathematics, African Americans have played important roles as researchers and educators in the field. This film traces the history of the individuals who worked as pioneers in expanding the presence of African Americans in mathematics.

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By PRNewswire

BALTIMORE, Aug. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The HBCU Research CorporationPRNewswire of America is excited to announce the upcoming HBCU RESEARCH AI – TECH Summit, set to take place from September 9th through 11th, 2024, at the Baltimore Hyatt Hotel, 300 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland. This highly anticipated event will serve as an HBCU AI and TECH Think Tank, assembling a distinguished group of leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), major corporations, and the federal government for an essential dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence (AI).

Under the theme “HBCU Innovation for the AI Revolution,” the summit will explore the transformative power of AI and its potential to redefine the way we live, work, and interact. With the world on the brink of unparalleled technological advancements, this summit aims to underscore the critical role that HBCUs play in driving inclusive innovation and equipping the next generation of AI leaders.

“Artificial Intelligence presents one of the most profound technological advancements of our time,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “It has the potential to revolutionize nearly every aspect of our daily lives. As we embrace this technology, we must also ensure that its benefits are shared by all, and that we address the challenges it presents with a sense of responsibility and equity.”

The summit will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
-Over 40 leading HBCU Research faculty and leadership officials will speak and collaborate with other HBCUs, federal government and corporations about AI innovation and inclusion.
-Department of Defense (DoD): Senior officials from the DoD will discuss the strategic importance of AI in national security and defense.
-Economic Development Administration (EDA): EDA representatives will explore the role of AI in economic growth and development, particularly in underserved communities.

IBM: Industry leaders from IBM will share insights on cutting-edge AI technologies and the importance of diversity in tech innovation.

These speakers, along with other prominent voices from top HBCUs, corporate giants, and government agencies, will engage in a series of panels, workshops, and collaborative sessions to address the strategic partnerships needed to shape the future of AI.

Sandra Long, Publisher of HBCU Research Magazine and convener of the HBCU Research AI Summit, emphasized the importance of this gathering: “Bringing together these communities is about more than just collaboration; it’s about laying a strong foundation for AI innovation that is inclusive and far-reaching. As the former Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Maryland, Long says that historically, African Americans have often found themselves playing catch-up in the wake of major technological shifts. We are committed to being at the forefront of this next revolution. This summit is a critical step toward ensuring that our voices, our expertise, and our innovations are leading the way in AI.”

Participants will have the opportunity to forge partnerships, share knowledge, and develop strategies that leverage the collective strengths of HBCUs and their partners. These collaborations will be instrumental in shaping a future where AI serves all communities equitably.

The student component of the Summit entitled “Future-Ready: HBCU’s Crafting the AI Leaders of Tomorrow” will bring students from HBCUs together to meet with corporate and federal recruiters.

The HBCU Research AI Summit is open to industry professionals, academic scholars, students, and government officials.

Registration is now open at www.HBCUResearch.com.

For more information, please contact Enoila Akinkumni at (410) 801-6440 or slong@HBCUResearch.com.

About HBCU Research Corporation of America:
HBCU Research Corporation of America is committed to advancing the research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through conferences, publications, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to foster innovation and create opportunities for underrepresented communities in the tech industry.

About HBCU Research Magazine:
HBCU Research Magazine is the premier publication dedicated to showcasing the groundbreaking research and innovation emerging from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The magazine highlights the achievements of HBCU scholars, promotes the institutions’ contributions to critical fields such as technology, science, and social impact, and fosters connections between academia, industry, and government. Through in-depth articles, expert commentary, and exclusive interviews, HBCU Research Magazine serves as a vital resource for those interested in the cutting-edge work being done at HBCUs across the nation.

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By Ariyana Griffin 
AFRO Staff Writer 

Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), a catholic HBCU, is taking it a step further when it comes to increasing the number of Black physicians and fighting health disparities due to race. The institution will further their relationship with Ochsner Health to launch Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM).

Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit health care provider in the Gulf South. They deliver expert care at over 45 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. 

XULA is currently a top 10 producer of African American students who graduate and continue their education at medical schools, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will join four other HBCUs that offer medical degrees in the nation: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. 

The institution will be located downtown in Benson Tower near the Caesars Superdome. It will also have the unique opportunity to be a part of a New Orleans initiative to create BioDistrict New Orleans, ​​an epicenter for medical and health care companies, research, biotech startups and more to help provide jobs, equity and inclusion in the medical industry. 

According to Xavier, the founding of the school will allow the advancement of “medical education by addressing health disparities in diverse communities and helping fulfill the urgent need for more physicians in Louisiana and the nation.” 

Dr. Reynold Verret, the president of Xavier University of Louisiana, spoke to the AFRO about the partnership.  

“Physicians who are coming out of our medical schools–and others as well–will be serving a community that has a need for physicians, a need that is predominantly Black,” said Dr. Verret. “We are serving the community by forming physicians, but also in research. When you think about diseases that affect certain underrepresented communities–sickle cell is one, but there are many others that affect our population.”

There is a predicted nationwide physician shortage expected to take place by 2030 if actions are not put in place to curve the shortage. According to a study provided by Human Resources for Health BioMed Central, “an aging US population, population growth, and a greater insured population following the Affordable Care Act (ACA), healthcare demand is growing at an unprecedented pace.”

Xavier is looking to help aid the shortage in the medical industry while also helping to diversify it, officials said. 

Dr. Verret said that while roughly 14 percent of the population is Black, only 5.6 percent of physicians in America are African-Americans. 

“That’s been a consistent gap, even over the last 30-40 years, despite some very good efforts by many medical schools,” he said, while explaining that Xavier’s goal  “is to increase reputation among practitioners to see that there are more practitioners of color within the clinic.”

Louisiana is directly affected by this shortage. According to Cicero Institute, “60 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes are health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations indicate areas where there are 3,500 or more patients for every one provider. 1,889,316 Louisiana residents live in an HPSA.”

The school will not just nurture the minds of higher education students, but also has a mission to provide programming for pre-collegiate students to allow them the opportunity to grow their passion. 
Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine has yet to release an official launch date as the school is still awaiting accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education which can take at least three years.

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By Ariyana Griffin 
AFRO Staff Writer 
agriffin@afro.com

The Baltimore Orioles will celebrate historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Black Greek letter organizations (BGLOs/Divine Nine) on Sept. 6 at Camden Yards, 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Five dollars from every ticket purchased will be used to support an HBCU initiative. The school with the most ticket sales will be honored by having their president take part in the ceremonial first pitch.

The game on Sept. 6 will be against the Tampa Bay Rays. It will give students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters the opportunity to pay homage to historical institutions and celebrate HBCU culture. 

There will be special performances from Morgan State University’s marching band, The Magnificent Marching Machine, and Bowie State’s marching band, Symphony of Soul. 

Students from other HBCUs in the area, including Coppin State University, Howard University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, are invited to join the Orioles for a special night.

To purchase tickets please visit Orioles.com/HBCU.

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For many adults in Baltimore and beyond, returning to college is not just an educational pursuit—it’s a transformative step toward new career opportunities and personal growth. Morgan State University’s College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies (CICS) is dedicated to making that journey as smooth, supportive, and successful as possible.

Launched in 2021, CICS offers 18 diverse degree programs across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. These programs are specifically designed for non-traditional students, working professionals, and those seeking flexible education options. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current career or pivot to a new one, CICS provides the academic foundation and support needed to help you achieve your goals.

Why Choose CICS?

What sets CICS apart is its unwavering commitment to personalized student support. From the moment you express interest in returning to school, you are treated as an individual. CICS’s dedicated staff works one-on-one with each student, offering tailored guidance and assistance from application through to graduation. This relationship-focused approach is central to the college’s mission and a key reason why our students succeed.

“Our goal is to meet students where they are and help them succeed on their own terms,” says Laquetta Bryant, Senior Admissions Recruitment Advisor. “We understand that adult learners face unique challenges, so we offer flexible course schedules, including hybrid, remote, evening, and weekend classes. Our programs are designed to fit into your life, not the other way around.”

Academic Excellence for the Modern World

CICS’s programs span a wide range of fields, including Technology Services, Health and Human Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Computational Sciences. These programs are carefully crafted to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive job market.

For students balancing work and study, CICS offers a generous transfer credit policy, allowing up to 90 credits from regionally accredited institutions to be transferred. Additionally, students currently employed can convert their work experience into academic credits, saving time and money on their path to graduation.

Breaking Barriers to Education

CICS is committed to making higher education accessible to all. To ease the financial burden of applying, the college has eliminated the application fee, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams. The application for the Spring 2024 semester is now live, giving prospective students ample time to apply and prepare for their academic journey.

Join a Community Committed to Your Success

At CICS, your future is within reach. Whether you’re returning to school to complete your degree or starting a new academic chapter, CICS is here to support you every step of the way. Join a community that values your unique experiences and is dedicated to helping you succeed.

For more information and to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an admissions counselor, visit morgan.edu/CICS. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your life through education.

Apply today and join a community committed to your success.

Contact Information

Morgan State University – College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies

Website: morgan.edu/CICS Email: mcy@morgan.edu Phone: 443-885-4779

No Application Fee!

The post Morgan State University’s College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies: Empowering Adult Learners to Achieve Their Dreams appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

Bowie State University (BSU) celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the $166-million Martin Luther King Jr. Center on Aug. 27. The new 192,000 square-foot building will be the home base for studies in communications and humanities, as well as for the historically Black college’s military science program. 

The hub notably displays a two-story likeness of late BSU student 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III, who was killed on the University of Maryland’s (UMD) campus in 2017 just days before his graduation. Collins’ parents said they were thankful for the university’s commitment to honoring their son. 

“We are thrilled that the university continues to remember our son. What happened to him seven years ago is something no parent should ever have to endure,” said Dawn Collins. “My son was ready to give his life for this country, and to have his life taken away from him because someone viewed him as ‘other’ is despicable. It’s momentous that the university would do this, and it’s so befitting that it’s in the MLK center.” 

In the early hours of May 20, 2017, Collins was waiting for a ride-hailing service with friends when UMD student Sean Urbanski approached him. Urbanski, a white man, instructed Collins to “step left, if you know what’s good for you.” When he refused, Urbanski fatally stabbed him in the chest. The U.S. Army commissioned Collins as a second lieutenant shortly before his death and later promoted him to 1st lieutenant posthumously. 

Investigators discovered that Urbanski was a member of a Facebook group called “Alt-Reich: Nation,” a page known for sharing bigoted posts about African Americans and other groups. Although prosecutors argued that the killing was a hate crime, the judge dismissed the charge for lack of evidence. Urbanski was convicted of first-degree murder in December 2019 and subsequently sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. 

Following their son’s death, the Collins were thrust into advocacy. They quickly established the 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III Foundation to educate and empower young Americans who are dedicated to creating a hate-free society. 

The couple was also instrumental in the formation of the BSU-UMD Social Justice Alliance. As a result of their work, BSU and UMD began offering a new sociology course, “Hate Crimes in the U.S.: What Lt. Richard Collins III Can Teach Us About History, Hope and Healing,” this semester. The class is the first-of-its kind in the country. 

Collins’ father said his son would have been proud of the new portrait. 

“We’re proud of him, and he certainly would have been proud of the likeness and representation that he’ll forever have on his alma mater’s campus,” said Richard Collins Jr. “He was a young man who was full of life, intelligent, athletic, and he loved people. It’s a bittersweet moment for us because you never get over something as traumatic as what happened to our son, but it helps us to be energized around our active advocacy.” 

Aside from Collins’ image, the center’s main entrance displays abstract impressions of vocal sound waves from Dr. King’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize speech. 

The building features a fitness center and outdoor training plaza for BSU’s ROTC students. Those studying communications have access to a podcast studio, two television studios, digital editing labs, a custom recording booth and an advanced digital screening room. 

The center also holds 18 general classrooms, a 1,500-seat auditorium and two lecture halls. 

“Every student receiving a BSU education will pass through this building at some point in their curriculum,” said BSU President Aminta H. Breaux in a statement. “The cutting-edge tools and resources found here will elevate instruction of the liberal arts and enable students to find their own voice and develop skills to navigate real-world challenges in their future careers.”

The post Bowie State University honors late student with image in new MLK center appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Tavon Thomasson
Special to the AFRO

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, chairman of Morgan State University’s Board of Regents, hinted at issues pressing HBCUs during an interview with the Spokesman on Aug. 20.

The interview, held during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, focused on the ongoing surge in Morgan’s enrollment, housing challenges and the decreasing rate of enrollment for Black male students. 

The Maryland congressman — a Morgan alumnus — said the rapid rise in enrollment at the Baltimore university, which now has 10,400 enrollees — has pushed adequate housing concerns to the forefront.

“We’re trying to build housing as fast as we can and some of it is going up. You see it on campus; it’s never going to be enough at this rate until we’re able to find a way to wait for enrollment to stabilize,” Mfume said. “The Board of Regents continues to sign off on new projects that will allow the university to continue to build and take care of students coming in.” 

Many of the nation’s 107 HBCUs have seen a marked increase in applications since 2020, according to a Forbes article published in July. The article shared figures from Howard University, which received 37,000 applications (a 12 percent increase for the incoming class of 2,500 freshmen), and Florida A&M University (FAMU), whose applications have nearly doubled over the last two years. As of November 2023, Morgan had achieved record enrollment numbers for three consecutive years, according to a university press release.

Mfume said university President David Wilson had done a “great job” in adeptly managing both the significant increase in university enrollment and the accompanying housing challenges. He also offered an optimistic perspective regarding Black male enrollment at the university  which  has declined at Morgan State and other HBCUs.

“Well, it’s relative,” Mfume said. “I think what you see now more than anything else is people starting to turn to HBCUs and say, ‘What’s so magic about that, that I’ve missed in my life?’”

Mfume spoke on the impact of prominent HBCU graduates like Vice President Kamala Harris and several members of Congress. According to him,  their success has driven a shift among young people who now see HBCUs as a strong and viable college option. 

Sharing the “rich” history and legacy HBCUs have in producing leaders in various disciplines is crucial to addressing the decline in Black male students as well as highlighting the importance and value of attending these institutions, said Mfume.

“If there is a decrease, I expect there’s going to be an increase. I really do,” Mfume said. “We’ve got to bring students in, do the right kind of orientation and recruit effectively.” 

Tavon Thomasson is a writer with the Spokesman, the Morgan State University student-run newspaper.

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By Deborah Bailey
AFRO Contributing Editor
dbailey@afro.com

The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities has announced the 2024 class of scholars, marking the 10^th anniversary of this program that has highlighted the scholarship, talent and rigor of America’s HBCUs. 

This year, 110 exemplary students hailing from 77 of America’s HBCUs have been selected for their outstanding academic achievement, prospective leadership  and contribution to their communities. 

The 2024 cohort includes students from all HBCUs in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, displaying the strong and diverse educational experiences students receive in the nation’s capital and its neighboring state. 

“For 10 years the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This is a recognition that reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s determination to fight for our nation’s HBCUs and their immense contributions to black excellence and diversity in higher education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

The six White House HBCU scholars hailing from District and Maryland schools come to their institutions from cities across the nation, the Caribbean and South America, making them the most geographically diverse scholars named in the 10-year history of the program. 

“I am very honored to be selected as a White House HBCU scholar. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my studies and extracurricular activities,” said Sara Amanda Owusu, a bioinformatics junior at Bowie State University. 

Throughout the year, White House HBCU scholars will participate in a series of workshops, leadership development programs and networking events to boost their skills and expand their horizons. Honorees will be invited to the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference to ne held Sept.15-19 in Philadelphia, Pa.

During the conference, which will bear the theme “Raising the Bar,” students will be invited to participate in sessions, engage professionals and peers and connect with policymakers, industry leaders and alumni of the 10-year program. 

Students in the White House HBCU scholars program are given these opportunities to give back, said Deidra Trent, executive director of the White House initiative. Trent said the White House HBCU conference in Philadelphia will kick off a series of ongoing monthly sessions for the fellows. 

“These students exemplify the excellence and leadership that is characteristic of the HBCU community,” Trent said. 

The 2024 White House fellows representing D.C. and Maryland institutions are (each student’s name is followed by their school and hometown): 

-Ashley Anderson: Howard University; Upper Marlboro, Md.

-Jalen Gourrier: University of Maryland Eastern Shore;  Princess Anne, Md. 

-Michaela Hart : Morgan State University; Baltimore, Md. 

-Mellany Menendez: Coppin State University; Chiquimula, Guatemala

-Sarah Owusu: Bowie State University, Suitland, Md. 

-Kayleah Shelton: University of the District of Columbia; Washington D.C. 

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By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware
Word in Black

As the national conversation around reparations gains momentum, communities across the United States are taking action to address the enduring legacy of slavery and systemic racism. And one Midwestern faith-based organization, the Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan, is turning talk into action by addressing the racial wealth gap.

Founded in 2021, the organization is all about repairing the deep wounds left by slavery and systemic racism. White members of area churches committed to healing their relationships with the Black community and making amends for racial harms. Because of that, the “reparations will be committed mainly from predominantly white Houses of Worship as part of their efforts to repair the breach caused by centuries of slavery, inequality of wealth accumulation, and the failure to live into God’s Plan,” according to the Justice League’s website.  

Indeed, the Justice League’s commitment to making things right resulted in them raising a reparations fund of more $400,000, built by payments from area churches and individuals who’ve taken a proactive approach to social justice. And so in early August, the Justice League handed out $5,000 scholarships to 10 college-bound high school grads. 

Recipients were selected based on their 500-word essays that examined the racial wealth gap or generational wealth in America and how that gap has affected their families. Academic grades counted for 25 percent of the total score and finalists were also interviewed.

“A common thread in their essays is that discrimination today has resulted from years of social injustices, and it continues to limit African-American families’ access to basic wealth builders–education, higher paying jobs and home ownership,” says Willye Bryan, founder and vice president of the Justice League. “This doesn’t allow for generational wealth building, nor does it allow for closing the racial wealth gap.”

When he thinks of generational wealth, scholarship winner Zachary Barker, who’s headed to Michigan State University, wrote that, “I think of families like the Rockefellers, Gateses, and Buffets. Recently, some famous Black people have achieved billionaire status like Michael Jordan, Jay Z, Lebron James and Oprah. But the rest of us are still struggling to get by.”

Olivia Burns, who will attend Michigan State University’s Honors College, is a Black transracial adoptee who was exposed first-hand to the racial wealth gap. She wrote about the relative wealth in her White parents’ household compared to her Black biological family’s household.

“Both my adoptive parents went to college paid for by their parents and received bachelor’s degrees,” Burns wrote.  “Neither of my biological parents nor siblings have had the opportunity to attend college, and most were barely able to finish high school because they had other responsibilities like working or providing childcare for my younger siblings. Today my adoptive family owns their homes and no one in my biological family owns their homes.”

Marvin Deh, another scholarship winner who’s also off to Michigan State, reminded us that legal racial segregation was only two generations ago ‚ and so the racial wealth is still very much ongoing.

“Most of our grandparents can describe what it was like to be African-American back then and the struggles they had to face,” Deh wrote. “They couldn’t build generational wealth when the world was actively pulling the rug from underneath them. There’s only been two generations to be given a ‘fair’ chance and enough time to build upon …. On paper the odds are ‘fair’ but in reality we still have to face racism, police brutality, injustice, systematic oppression, lack of influence, stereotypes, and societal pressure.”

“This is not charity and it’s not designed to make you feel better about giving a check,” Bryan said in an interview last year. Along with raising funds for the scholarships, the Justice League hopes to address other systemic barriers to wealth creation by supporting Black home ownership and entrepreneurship.

As J’Kyla Hobbs, who will be attending the University of Michigan, put it: “Investing in affordable housing, improving access to quality education and healthcare, and reforming the criminal justice system are critical steps toward building a more equitable society.”

This article was originally published on WordinBlack.com.

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By Tierra Stone
@tierrastone@afro.com
By Lizzie Suber
@lizziesuber@afro.com
AFRO Interns

Bloomberg Philanthropies recently unveiled a $175 million donation to the Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM), marking a major milestone in the school’s history.

“This is a transformational gift, not only for its impact on cultivating the next generation of health professionals, but for its visionary investment in the intergenerational wealth and health of our medical students and the communities they will serve,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., in a statement. 

This gift will allow HUCM to reduce student debt costs for its pupils and continue working towards its mission to “advocate for excellence in education and healthcare for underrepresented populations” as the school instructs upcoming cohorts of Black doctors.

HUCM was not Bloomberg Philanthropies’ only gift recipient. This $175 million investment into HUCM was just one of a five-part contribution to historically Black college and university (HBCU) medical schools from Bloomberg Philanthropies. 

“Diversifying the medical field and tackling health inequality are society-wide challenges, and Bloomberg Philanthropies is committed to helping to lead the way in tackling them,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, in a statement. “This gift builds on our earlier investment in these vital institutions, and it will help new generations of Black doctors build a healthier and more equitable future for our country.”

Morehouse School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College also received $175 million, while Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science was given $75 million, each gift proportional to its school’s projected growth and current enrollment numbers. Xavier University of Louisiana also received $5 million in support of their recent efforts to open a new medical school.

This donation, totalling $600 million, marks the largest donation ever made to HBCUs and more than doubles the endowments of three of the medical schools included in the historic gift.

“We have much more to do to build a country where every person, regardless of race, has equal access to quality health care — and where students of all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams,” Bloomberg said in a statement.

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College fair at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex expected to be among the foundation’s largest ever. More than 8,000 high school students from the Southeast and beyond invited to attend. College admissions and four-year scholarships to be awarded on the spot. Event is part of Walt Disney World’s ongoing support of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide.

By Jason Roberts

NNPA NEWSWIRE — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The HBCU Week Foundation is bringing its college fair to Walt Disney World Resort for the second time, continuing Walt Disney World’s support of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The HBCU Week Foundation is a nonprofit organization that encourages high school-age youth to enroll in HBCUs, provides scholarship dollars for matriculation, and sustains a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America. It’s a two-day event that takes place every other year and is happening Oct. 23-24 this year at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which last hosted the event in 2022.

The event will feature a reception along with a college fair that’s expected to draw nearly 8,000 high school students from across the Southeast and beyond, making it one of the foundation’s largest ever. On hand will be more than 40 representatives from the nation’s HBCUs, some of whom will be granting on-the-spot admissions and four-year scholarships worth millions of dollars. There will be lots of Disney magic sprinkled throughout the event, including appearances by beloved Disney characters, entertainment, music, and some special surprise moments that can only happen at The Most Magical Place on Earth. The 2022 event at Walt Disney World featured more than 8,000 attendees and over $11 million in scholarships, which were both event records at that time.

“I am incredibly grateful to Walt Disney World Resort for its unwavering support in providing high school students with the opportunity to participate in one of the largest college fairs in the nation,” says Ashley Christopher, founder of HBCU Week Foundation. “Their commitment not only opens doors to HBCUs but also paves a path towards a debt-free education for these bright young minds. Together, we are shaping a future where dreams know no financial barriers.” 

Walt Disney World’s support of the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair is part of an ongoing collaboration between the foundation and Disney on the Yard, an initiative focused on deepening Disney’s engagement with HBCUs. By working closely with HBCUs, Disney aims to continue building a long-term pipeline for HBCU graduates through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, career and employee spotlights, scholarships, and more.

“It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the smiles and excitement on these students’ faces when they receive acceptance letters and scholarships,” says Avis Lewis, executive champion of Disney on the Yard. “This kind of joy fuels Disney’s commitment to supporting this event and Disney on the Yard. We want to provide these students with the chance to attend college and pursue successful careers, and we view this as just the beginning of their journey.” 

Likewise, the HBCU Week Foundation plans to deepen its commitment to supporting HBCUs through a recent $1 million grant, which will assist in expanding the foundation’s ongoing efforts to advance HBCU enrollment, offer academic scholarships, and guide students through successful transitions from university life to professional careers.

For more information about the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair and for students to register for the college fair, visit www.HBCUWeek.org.

About HBCU Week

HBCU Week was founded by Ashley Christopher in 2017. It is managed by the HBCU Week Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. HBCU Week consists of multi-day events held throughout the nation each year, designed to encourage high school-aged youth to enroll in HBCUs, provide scholarship dollars for matriculation and sustain a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America. 

A highlight of our events is the College Fair, which offers on-the-spot college acceptance and scholarships to qualified high school seniors. The foundation’s mission is rooted in its resounding commitment to introduce high school students to the rich heritage and esteemed legacies of HBCUs with the ultimate goal of inspiring them to explore these institutions for their higher education aspirations. For more information, visit www.HBCUWeek.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, is one of the nation’s premier sites for large-scale events and amateur sports. Over the years, the complex has hosted as many as 100 entertainment and sporting events each year and has accommodated 70 different sports featuring athletes from 70 different countries. 

Designed to provide professional, amateur and youth athletes with experiences synonymous with the names Disney and ESPN, the 220-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including 16 baseball/softball fields, a 9,500-seat ballpark, 18 multi-purpose outdoor fields for soccer, football, and field hockey, three indoor venues for basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dance and other indoor sports, a track and field facility and a cross-country course. For more information, visit disneysportsnews.com for news releases, photos and videos. Follow us on Twitter at @ESPNWWOS and at Facebook at ESPNWWOS.

About Disney on the Yard
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at The Walt Disney Company. Disney on the Yard was established to deepen engagement and relationships to historically Black colleges and universities. We are energized and committed to creating meaningful connections through student internships, networking, mentorship opportunities, career showcases, and more. We will continue to make a difference and move in a more inclusive direction where everyone can be their authentic selves.

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By Tierra Stone
AFRO Intern
tierrastone@afro.com

Livingstone College is receiving a $10 million donation, the school’s president, Dr. Anthony Davis, recently announced during a conference of the AME Zion Church. The news came during a July 22 call from a sponsor who chooses to remain anonymous, he said. The same donor has given a total of seven million in donations in the past several months, bringing the current total to $17 million.

Livingstone College is a private, Christian and historically Black institution in Salisbury, N.C. which has obtained a series of donations primarily focused on amplifying student life and campus establishments. 

During the homecoming celebration of the Fall 2023 semester, the college received its very first contribution from the anonymous donor. The money came at an integral moment for the school, and will help fund campus restoration and educational programs. The second donation, showcased in February during the college’s 145th Founders Day event, also helped to strengthen the school’s capacity to train up the next generation of educated professionals.

Many of the contributions are solely used toward revamping the school and obtaining new materials to support the student body. Additionally, Livingstone has strived to use these funds to increase employment opportunities and amplify student enrollment, with the understanding that enhancing present-day facilities can attract future students and cultivate a beneficial learning environment. 

Livingstone College is currently in the process of a $30 million regeneration project that has gone through many stages. The first stage has already begun with the creation of new dormitories and a new cafeteria. Both of these developments are set to be completed by the end of 2024. 

Beyond these upgrades, the college has also worked towards launching a biomanufacturing training program. This enterprise is a part of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Initiative, which focuses on investing in underfunded communities. In North Carolina, this means more skills and training programs. One of the $1 million donations is being used for lab equipment to aid training programs. This will help the school prepare each student for jobs in growing career fields and enhance the economic upsurge within the region.  

Livingstone College was established in 1879 in Concord, N.C., as the Zion Wesley Institute. The school has had a rich history built on providing African-American students with access to a quality education. The institution moved to Salisbury, N.C. in 1887 after changing its name to honor the great missionary and philanthropist, David Livingstone. Still today, the school continues to oblige the needs of the surrounding community by living up to its mission of academic achievement and social conscience.

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By Black PR Wire

(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON – The National Park Service today (July 24) awarded $10,670,000 to 15 projects in eight states as part of the Historic Preservation Fund’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program, which focuses on the repair of historic structures on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“It’s vital for America’s HBCUs to preserve their vibrant history, ensuring that the places and the events that happened there are not forgotten,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “I’m proud that the National Park Service can support this locally-led stewardship.”

This year’s grants will support the preservation of sites like Simmons College’s Steward Hall, Delaware State University’s Hope House, and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s Melrose Cottage.

• Simmons College, the sole private HBCU in the state of Kentucky, will rehabilitate Steward Hall, one of two remaining buildings built during the college’s peak period in 1924. The architect and builder Samuel Plato is a celebrated Black architect who also graduated from Simmons College. The grant funds will be used to rehabilitate windows and doors as well as provide foundation repairs and tuckpointing.
• The Delaware State University (DSU) Downtown campus in Dover, Delaware, will rehabilitate a pre-1885, three-story frame building with Queen Anne architectural features including a mansard roof and an expansive porch. Originally owned by Wesley College, the building was acquired by DSU in 2021. The rehabilitation of the building will address the building envelope, interior water damage, and mold remediation. The rehabilitated building will be named the Hope House and provide social services for students and the community.
• Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, will rehabilitate Melrose Cottage, a cottage that dates to around 1785. The building served as the university president’s house from 1913 to 1951, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The rehabilitated building will become the admission team’s hub and a welcome center for campus tours. Funding will provide repairs to the electrical systems, a fire suppression system, and address accessibility issues. 

Congress appropriated funding for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program in FY2023 through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The HPF uses revenue from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, assisting with a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars, with the intent to mitigate the loss of nonrenewable resources to benefit the preservation of other irreplaceable resources. 

Established in 1977, the HPF was authorized at $150 million per year through 2024 and has provided more than $2 billion in historic preservation grants to states, Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

Administered by the NPS, HPF funds may be appropriated by Congress to support a variety of historic preservation projects to help preserve the nation’s cultural resources. Other HPF grant programs managed by NPS fund preservation of America’s premier cultural resources and historic places in Underrepresented Communities, as well as sites key to the representation of Tribal Heritage, African American civil rights, and the History of Equal Rights in America.

For more information about NPS historic preservation programs and grants, please visit nps.gov/stlpg/

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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By AFRO Interns

As summer kicks into high gear, the AFRO would like to take time to recognize the interns that have been working hard all summer for the publication. From man on the street interviews to senior guides and more, the AFRO interns have hit the ground running, covering a range of important topics. Take a look below to see who has been reporting on post traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence on college campuses and putting together the event calendars from week to week. We are proud to be part of their humble beginnings in Black Press and look forward to following their journeys.

Aleisha Robinson, is a junior multimedia journalism major at Morgan State University with a minor in political science. She is from Westmoreland, Jamaica, where she attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School before pursuing her passion for journalism in the United States. At Morgan State, she is currently a member of the track and field team and serves as the campus news editor for the Spokesman, the school’s newspaper.

Robinson is an active participant in the Morgan State University National Association of Black Journalists (MSU-NABJ) and contributes as a journalist to MSU CREATIVES, an organization within the schools Athletic Marketing and Communications department.

Her love for storytelling and journalism stems from a deep admiration for the Black Press and its pivotal role in advocating for social justice and community empowerment. Robinson is excited to work at the AFRO American Newspapers, where she can contribute to amplifying diverse voices and stories that resonate within the Black community.

Throughout her two years of journalistic experience, she has covered a wide range of topics including politics, campus news, community involvement and sports. She aspires to be well-rounded in journalism, specifically in investigative journalism, data journalism, sports journalism and politics. Additionally, she would like to become an author. Beyond journalism, she enjoys reading, drawing and staying active at the gym. As a Black student journalist, she is committed to using her platform to inform, inspire and drive positive change.

Aleisha Robinson
Morgan State University
Multimedia Journalism

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Denim Fisher is a rising freshman at Spelman College studying sociology and creative writing on the pre-law track. She is passionate about activism and the arts. Her passion stems from her childhood. In her younger years, she was encouraged by her mom to study Black history and important, often overlooked events ,like the Tulsa, Okla. race riot and Nat Turner’s rebellion. This upbringing ignited Fisher’s fervor for activism. Fisher is a civic advocate at Beyond Youth Organization (BYO), and an awardee of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations. She is also a poet whose work touches on identity and race.

Fisher is a contestant for the NAACP ACT-SO program, using poetry to question the effects of oppression. She aspires to be a lawyer and “artivist,” pursuing law and the arts. Her purpose is to be a voice for Black and LGBTQ+ communities, challenging the status quo by expressing herself authentically.

Being raised in a predominantly White and Jewish community, and educated by a Eurocentric American education system, Fisher supplemented her education by volunteering and learning from Black community members. She is eager to continue her pursuit of knowledge about Black and queer stories at the AFRO. Fisher lives by the words of Jamaican political activist and Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey, “a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

During her time at the AFRO she hopes to write about education reform, the intersection of domestic and global oppression, the liberation of love and the Baltimore Black arts scene.

Denim Fisher
Spelman College
Pre-law (M.J.)

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Lizzie Suber is a rising senior at Johns Hopkins University. She is double majoring in cognitive science and computer science with a specific focus on psychology. Suber hopes to use her time as an intern to inform and expand her perspective as she develops her ability to approach technology from a human-focused viewpoint.

Suber has seen in her own life the power of knowing what other Black people are doing. Acknowledging the diversity of the Black community evokes within her a deep sense of unity with other Black people that she struggles to feel otherwise. She joined the AFRO because it exposes readers to parts of the Black experience previously unknown to them, which cultivates a broader sense of Black unity within them.

While at the AFRO, Suber has written about various events in Baltimore, documented Black opinions on fatherhood and Juneteenth, and even created a crossword puzzle to bring some fun to the publication. She aims to use her writing to explore the “why” behind Black stories.

In her free time, Suber enjoys watching sunsets, spending time in nature, scrapbooking and making origami.

Lizzie Suber
Johns Hopkins University
Cognitive Science and Computer Science

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Mekhi Abbott is a master’s candidate at the University of Maryland, specializing in multimedia journalism. Abbott has been writing for the AFRO since Oct. 2023. This year, he is doing an internship with the AFRO, focused on sports journalism.

Abbott is a student-athlete and he completed his undergraduate studies at Howard University. During his time at the institution, he became a three-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion. He joined the Maryland Terrapins as a graduate transfer, and made it to the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Outdoor Track and Field East Region Championships. He has used his time at University of Maryland to become a better journalist and the school’s new record holder in the javelin.

“Working for the Black press is important to me because there are still so many neglected and untold stories in the greater D.C., Maryland and Virginia area – which many major publications ignore. At the AFRO, we tell the major stories, but we also make sure that our Black and Brown communities are being properly represented in the media.”

Abbott is passionate about historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the intersection of sports, race and culture. He aspires to be a television personality one day and takes inspiration from Stephen A. Smith, Bomani Jones and Kevin Blackistone. Outside of writing, Abbott loves football and fashion.

Mekhi Abbott
University of Maryland
Journalism

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Mackenzie Williams is a senior at Howard University in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in women, gender and sexuality studies.

Williams currently serves as the president of the Howard University Association of Black Journalists (HUABJ) and she is executive producer of News for Spotlight Network, which is a campus media organization. This summer, she will join other student elects to work on the student multimedia project for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention in Chicago as a Producer for NABJ TV.

Outside of journalism, Williams enjoys community service, spending time with friends and walking in nature.

Throughout her experience working for the AFRO Newspapers, she has explored and written about topics such as domestic violence, Black mental health and entertainment.

Williams is honored to join the ranks of the Black Press this summer, as she understands the importance of keeping the Black press alive and raising awareness on issues that affect the community.

• Mackenzie Williams
  Howard University
  Broadcast Journalism

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Born and raised in Baltimore, Tierra Stone has been exposed to a myriad of cultures and creative expressions. She developed an interest in creative writing and theater from an early age, but it was multimedia journalism that stole her heart and took her to Morgan State University.

“When I first graduated from highschool I was very directionless and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life—theater was always a passion of mine, but it didn’t make me happy and I wasn’t fulfilled. When I stopped studying theater, my love for writing mixed with my passion for storytelling and wanting to be on television made me realize that journalism was where I always needed to be.”

Stone is currently in her junior year at Morgan State where she previously worked as a staff writer for the Spokesman, which is a student-run campus newspaper. Some of her influences include Lester Holt, Christiane Amanpour and Oprah Winfrey. As she continues her journey of completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes that her work as a student journalist will carry her towards her career goal of one day becoming a correspondent for the Today Show, 60 Minutes or Dateline NBC.

When she isn’t working Stone likes to split her time between reading books, visiting local art museums and enjoying delicious food with her family and friends.

Tierra Stone
Morgan State University
Multimedia journalism

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Gabrielle Howard is a junior journalism and mass communications student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T).

Howard is passionate about using journalism and communications to uplift marginalized communities and educate others about social issues. She has set her sights on joining the ranks of the Black Press because of her appreciation for the legacy of Black journalism and the crucial role Black voices play in shaping media narratives.

Her dedication to her field was recognized when she was selected as a Class of 2024 ColorComm NextGen Fellow, from ColorComm, a leading platform for women in communications.

Howard also enjoys reading and sewing, to express her creativity outside of her academic pursuits.

Gabrielle Howard
North Carolina A & T
Journalism and Mass Communications

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Saniyah Larkins is an intern at the AFRO American Newspapers. She enjoys writing poetry and singing in her free time. Larkins is a 16-year-old senior at Western High School. She is in the choir and the National Honors Society.

When she goes to college, she wants to major in veterinary science and minor in journalism. Larkins wants to work at the AFRO because of its history in Black culture. While there, she wants to share more about teens’ political opinions because she believes their voices matter.

Being a teenager herself, Larkins believes that the opinions of people her age aren’t often taken into account when it comes to politics because they can’t vote– and when they are, it’s usually a dig at their generation.

She believes that teens should be able to be taken into account when it comes to politics because they are going to be the new adults. Larkin is determined to get her generation to be heard in politics because she doesn’t want her generation to live in a world where somebody else picked for them.

Saniyah Larkins
Western High School

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Madeline Seck is a senior attending the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. Seck is a double major in broadcast journalism and digital media communication with a minor in Black women’s studies.

She is the president of the Maryland Association of Black Journalists (MABJ) and the University of Maryland’s Chapter of NABJ for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester.

Outside of journalism, Seck loves reading, gaming, art and creating content.

Throughout her experience working in journalism at UMD and the AFRO Newspapers, she has explored topics about Black pop culture, fashion, arts and entertainment and feminist topics, such as rights for survivors of domestic violence.

As a Black journalist, Seck is proud to intern for a Black press this summer because she values telling stories that give a voice to underrepresented and marginalized communities and groups. She chose to intern at the AFRO Newspapers because they prioritize diversity, advocacy and stories that matter.

Madeline Seck
University of Maryland
Broadcast Journalism and Digital Media Communication

The post AFRO Interns on the move: Meet the next generation of Black journalists appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Special Release

The William and Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation, an award-winning nonprofit, announces Dr. Frances Murphy Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO American Newspapers, as this year’s Featherstone Changemaker Award recipient. This prestigious prize recognizes an influential leader who drives social change and makes a positive impact in the community.

Draper, known by the nickname “Toni,” will be honored on Aug. 9, 2024 during the Featherstone Awards Ceremony, an annual event that showcases Baltimore’s most promising youth and promotes academic equity in higher education. During the awards ceremony, 27 exceptional students will receive Featherstone College Scholarships to attend Coppin State University, Morgan State University, the University of Baltimore and other institutions.

WJZ-13 CBS News Baltimore Reporter Janay Reece will emcee the awards ceremony. The lineup includes: Pablo Adrián Arrocha Olabuenaga, head of community affairs for the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico; Travis E. Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer of Maryland Public Television; Kurt L. Schmoke, president of the University of Baltimore, and Kerry R. Watson Jr., executive vice president of public affairs for the Baltimore Orioles.

“Dr. Draper is an iconic Baltimore trailblazer whose professional accomplishments, leadership and influence uphold the highest standards of excellence,” said Tameka Brown, executive director of the William and Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation. “She’s lauded as an influential business leader and a role model for our Featherstone Scholars.”

Earlier this year, Draper received The First Citizen Award, the State of Maryland’s highest honor given by the Maryland Senate. In 2023, The Baltimore Business Journal named Draper a “Power 10 CEO.” For more than 131 years, the AFRO has been on the forefront of bringing vital information to communities.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the Featherstone Foundation’s 2024 Changemaker Award,” said Draper. “Congratulations to the scholarship awardees who are our future leaders and change makers.”

Draper holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Morgan State University where she also served on the university’s Board of Regents for 25 years. She holds a Master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University; a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University Maryland, and a master’s degree in business administration from The University of Baltimore. Draper also holds a doctorate in leadership from the United Theological Seminary.

The event will take place on August 9, 2024 at The University of Baltimore.

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By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware
Word in Black

One of the most exciting pieces of news from the 2024 Hampton Ministers Conference is the launch of Hampton University’s School of Religion, which offers the usual degrees in religion and theology, and is now the first HBCU to offer a doctorate. 

“It’s more than a dream come true. It’s much needed at this time in the life of the Black church and the Black community. Churches need as much support and assistance as we can give them,” says the Rev. Dr. Debra L. Haggins, founding dean of the School of Religion, executive director and treasurer of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, and Hampton’s first woman chaplain.

“Theological education is changing. It’s a post-COVID education. People are going to church differently with different expectations,” Haggins says.

She says COVID brought to the forefront a culture of consumerism in the church, and people are making choices unlike those previously made.

“Not only have we survived COVID, but the paradigm has literally shifted. We now rely on the creative side of worship; technology to broadcast, social media platforms like Meta live. Technology came together to keep the church alive, and we rely heavily on it now,” Haggins says. 

Not only is the school already in full operation, but its first partnership has been formed with the Church of God in Christ Second Jurisdiction of Virginia.

“We are thrilled to announce that the Church of God in Christ is our very first partner with the School of Religion,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams in a statement. “Together, we are shaping the future of religious education and leadership, stepping forward to support our mission of preparing inspired and effective leaders for the 21st century.”

The Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world. Founded in 1907, C.O.G.I.C. is known for its commitment to spiritual growth, community service and social justice.

“The collaboration between C.O.G.I.C. and Hampton University’s School of Religion is a remarkable opportunity to enhance spiritual education and leadership,” said Bishop Michael B. Golden Jr., one of the youngest bishops of C.O.G.I.C. “We are honored to be the inaugural partner in this endeavor, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our communities and beyond.”

“The School of Religion is a dream realized for Hampton University and the faith community,” said Haggins in a statement. “This institution will provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform for theological education, research, and spiritual development. We are excited about our partnership with C.O.G.I.C. and we’re committed to fostering a new generation of leaders who are well-equipped to address the challenges of our time.”

The School of Religion offers a diverse range of programs and initiatives, including:

• Degree Programs: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in theology, religious studies, and ministry.
• Continuing Education: Workshops, seminars, and certificate programs for clergy and lay leaders.
• Research and Publications: A robust agenda of research projects and publications aimed at advancing religious scholarship and practice.

“Our online classes are cutting edge technology, custom built and contextually appropriate,” Haggins says, adding that applications are being accepted for the doctoral level through July 15 and all other levels through July 30.

The new school is also bringing 32 new professors to Hampton, and they’ve already experienced extensive training and two faculty retreats. 

One of those new professors is the Rev. Drew Kyndall Ross, senior pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Hackensack, New Jersey, who says his passion for teaching at a seminary level started while studying for his master of divinity in 2011. 

“It was then that I began having a desire to teach preaching,” Ross says. “Last year, I started a Ph.D. program to eventually teach preaching. When I saw that Hampton University’s new School of Religion was accepting new professors, I quickly applied.

“The opportunity at Hampton has been a dream come true. It gives me a chance to teach in a field of study that I love. It also allows me to make an impact on preachers who are seeking to sharpen their skills. I am looking forward to this new journey as an extension of my preaching and pastoral ministry.”

This story was originally published on WordinBlack.com.

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Returning to college can be a transformative step for adults seeking to advance their careers, and Morgan State University’s College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies (CICS) is here to make that journey as smooth and supportive as possible. With a diverse range of degree programs and a commitment to individualized student support, CICS is the ideal choice for adult learners aiming to complete their education and unlock new career opportunities.

Launched in 2021, CICS offers 18 degree programs across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, specifically designed to cater to non-traditional students, working professionals, and those seeking distance education. The college’s flexible and accommodating approach allows students to tailor their programs to fit their unique lifestyles and responsibilities, making higher education accessible to all.

One of the standout features of CICS is the personalized support each student receives. From the moment a prospective student expresses interest, they are treated as an individual. Our dedicated staff works one-on-one with students, offering guidance and support from application through to graduation. This relationship-focused approach is central to our mission and has been a key factor in the success of our students.

CICS’s degree programs span a variety of fields, including Technology Services, Health and Human Sciences, Engineering, Information and Computational Sciences, and more. With these programs, students can gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

“We understand that adult learners have different needs and challenges compared to traditional students. That’s why we offer flexible course schedules, including hybrid, remote, evening, and weekend classes,” says Laquetta Bryant, Senior Admissions Recruitment Advisor. “Our goal is to meet students where they are and help them succeed on their own terms.”

The college also offers generous transfer credit policies. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from any regionally accredited institution, and those currently employed can convert their work hours into academic credits, providing significant financial benefits and accelerating their path to graduation.

In addition to the supportive learning environment, CICS has eliminated the application fee, making it easier for students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals. The application deadline for the Fall 2024 semester is July 15, 2024, giving prospective students ample time to prepare and apply.

Your future is within reach. Take the next step toward a fulfilling career by enrolling at Morgan State University’s College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies. For more information and to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an admissions counselor, visit morgan.edu/CICS.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your life through education. Apply today and join a community that is committed to your success.

Contact Information

Morgan State University – College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies
Website: morgan.edu/CICS
Email: mcy@morgan.edu
Phone: 443-885-4779

Application Deadline: July 15, 2024 No Application Fee!

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By James Pollard
The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — It would have been the largest-ever private gift to a historically Black college or university: $237 million — far beyond the recipient’s endowment. The money was promised by a 30-year-old who had recounted his rise from a childhood in foster care to becoming, as he put it, Texas’ “youngest African American industrial hemp producer.”

And so, the first weekend of May, Florida A&M University celebrated Gregory Gerami’s extraordinary contribution with all the necessary pomp. He spoke at commencement. Regalia-clad administrators posed with a jumbo check. Gerami even assured the audience that “the money is in the bank.”

It wasn’t, and it may never be.

Following public backlash over its apparent failure to properly vet Gerami and the donation, FAMU said the gift is now on pause — dashing expectations of increased financial stability for the 137-year-old institution and its 9,000 students. Gerami maintains everything will ultimately work out, but other small universities he approached with proposals for major donations never got any money.

An eye-popping gift from an obscure company

Gerami contacted Florida A&M’s development office about a donation last fall, according to Shawnta Friday-Stroud, then-vice president for university advancement. University officials, including President Larry Robinson and Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, began meeting with him virtually shortly thereafter.

In January, Atlanta’s Spelman College publicized a $100 million gift — then considered the single largest donation to any HBCU. FAMU officials say Gerami wanted to surpass that figure. They ultimately agreed it would come through 14 million shares in his fledgling industrial hemp company.

However, the value of the company — and those shares — remains unclear.

Gerami founded Batterson Farms Corp in 2021 with aspirations of becoming a leading hemp plastics producer. While Texas Department of Agriculture records confirm the company is licensed to grow hemp, little else suggests that’s happening.

The company’s website is sparse. Affiliate links to purchase HempWood products were broken and the shopping cart payment function failed when an Associated Press reporter visited the site in late May and early June. A confusing message to investors also warned of late fees for failing to complete monthly payments on time.

Kimberly Sue Abbott, a founding board member who told the AP that she was incorrectly listed as co-CEO, cast doubt on Gerami’s self-reported value of the shares and said Batterson Farms “is not farming any hemp anywhere that I’m aware of.”

She and Gerami met around 2013 during her time on the Birmingham City Council in Alabama. She felt he needed guidance on how to “do something good with his money.” He has since invited her to partake in various ventures — none of which lasted, she said.

“He never holds to a schedule. The information that he has is always flawed somehow. Technicalities are always an issue,” she said.

Greg Wilson, HempWood’s founder, confirmed that Gerami is a customer but said he doesn’t buy much. High interest rates have dampened both home sales and interest in remodeling with products like his, Wilson said, making it a bad time for wood-alternative businesses.

Gerami described Abbott’s characterizations as “inaccurate” and outdated. Without answering whether or not Batterson Farms is growing hemp, he said his company acts as an intermediary between farmers and consumers. He refused to provide specifics about the company’s contracts, revenue and staffing.

He also claimed that a third-party developer created the company’s website, which he said was never intended to be a place where people could directly buy flooring.

NDAs, ‘misrepresentations’ and a lack of due diligence?

Florida A&M officials have shared little about their knowledge of Gerami or their vetting process.

Friday-Stroud told FAMU Foundation board members last month that an “expansive screening” into Gerami’s background produced the same information that ended up “on social media,” apparently referencing online upset over his previous reported donation attempts and his company’s obscurity.

Still, she said, they moved forward after looping in Robinson. Friday-Stroud signed a nondisclosure agreement on behalf of the foundation board on April 26 at Gerami’s request, according to a copy obtained by AP.

They also announced the donation while awaiting a still outstanding independent appraisal of the private stock’s worth, which Gerami said he assessed based on existing but undisclosed sales contracts.

Officials have acknowledged that the appraisal could return with a much lower valuation.

Stock donations and NDAs are not abnormal for university advancement offices. However, according to some higher education fundraisers, such donations usually come from wealthy shareholders of reputable public companies and NDAs should include the entire foundation board.

“You want to make certain those resources are available, always, before you make the announcement,” said W. Anthony Neal, a longtime HBCU fundraiser who dealt with Gerami in the past. “Because you don’t want to come back with egg on your face.”

Companies typically get what’s known as a 409A valuation from an independent third party before gifting shares, said Bob Musumeci, an Indiana University business professor with a background in corporate finance.

Equity ownership, employee numbers, financial projects and other details all factor into the assessment. Outside investments from things like a family trust can also boost a company’s worth beyond what sales numbers — and public data, if available — might suggest.

Gerami didn’t break any laws by flouting that norm, Musumeci said, but the fact that the gift wasn’t properly assessed before being publicized is questionable.

“I would certainly be cautiously pessimistic about it. But I can’t say whether it is or it isn’t,” he said of the valuation’s accuracy.

Both FAMU and Gerami have said the transfer of the stock certificates between their respective accounts took place in April.

A spokesperson for Carta, the equity management company they say completed the exchange, would only confirm that the platform notified Gerami on May 14 that his contract was terminated over “misrepresentations” he’d made. They declined to comment on FAMU’s assertion that it had an account with Carta and Gerami’s claim that the company sent documentation confirming the transfer.

Small schools with small endowments

Florida A&M is not the first school to receive a pitch from Gerami.

Neal, the HBCU fundraiser, was overseeing a $3.4 million fundraising campaign in 2023 for the 150th anniversary of Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, when Gerami reached out. They discussed funding for new campus facilities in the $1 million to $2 million range, Neal said, and he began the “normal vetting process” as the senior vice president of institutional advancement at the time.

But not a lot of information surfaced. After at least seven conversations, Neal sought a one-on-one meeting to verify Gerami’s legitimacy in person. Communications subsequently dropped off.

“Sometimes donors just pull out,” Neal said. “Doesn’t mean anything bad.”

However, three years prior, Coastal Carolina University also withdrew from a $95 million contribution made by an anonymous donor because he had “not fulfilled an early expectation of the arrangement,” according to a press release.

While CCU declined to name the anonymous donor in an email to AP, Gerami was identified as the benefactor last spring by The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Gerami told AP that he “considered” as many as 15 colleges and universities in recent years as part of a strategy to establish research partnerships that he said would make his company eligible for grants. Though Gerami did not disclose the names of those schools, those documented are all small institutions with scant endowments. He said he eyed institutions that needed funding and had the capacity for hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil.

A transformative gift gone sideways

The fallout at FAMU is palpable.

The school ended its engagement with Gerami. Friday-Stroud resigned. University trustees — surprised they were left in the dark throughout the six-month process — approved a third-party investigation that state officials have joined.

Speaking May 15 before the trustees, Robinson described the announcement of Gerami’s gift as “premature at best.”

“I saw in this unprecedented gift the potential to serve our students and our athletic programs in ways unimaginable at that time,” Robinson said. “I wanted it to be real and ignored the warning signs along the way.”

Days after announcing the donation, Robinson withdrew a $15 million request to a local economic development board to enhance FAMU’s football stadium, according to records obtained by AP.

While he did not give a reason and the university declined to comment, the gift agreement shows a one-time $24 million allocation of Gerami’s donation for athletics facilities.

Millions annually were also supposed to fund scholarships, the nursing school and a student business incubator over the next decade.

The public embarrassment has worried some HBCU supporters, who hope the outsize negative attention won’t dampen an otherwise resurgent fundraising atmosphere.

“As somebody that wants HBCUs to always succeed, this is really heartbreaking because there was so much excitement,” said Marybeth Gasman, an education researcher at Rutgers University and three-time HBCU board member. “Just real, real excitement for just a transformative gift of this magnitude.”

There was a time when HBCUs might have had to gamble on an unknown miracle donor, but Gasman said that’s less common now. Long overlooked by foundations and underfunded by some states, the schools have courted and gained newfound corporate interest in recent years.

Still, public funding disparities persist. Historically Black land-grant universities in 16 states missed out on $12.6 billion over the past three decades — including $1.9 billion that should have gone to FAMU — according to a 2023 Biden administration analysis.

For his part, Gerami believes the questions over his donation are unnecessary “whack-a-mole.” He admitted the sum of his donation was his own estimate, but said he expects an independent valuation will confirm the shares’ worth within the month. He said he also believes FAMU will accept the gift once its independent probe is complete.

“Until a third-party valuation is done, this is all speculation,” Gerami said.

“We want to tread very carefully because we do not want to play games that lead to speculation without actual, factual information,” he added.

___

Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

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By Black PR Wire

(Black PR Wire) Tuskegee, Alabama — The Tuskegee University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Brown ‘86 as the university’s 10th president and chief executive officer. Dr Brown’s selection is the first time in Tuskegee’s nearly 143-year history that an alum will lead the university. He will begin his tenure on July 1. 

The Board of Trustees approved the retired Air Force Major General’s nomination after several talented leaders stepped forward to succeed Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, the university’s ninth president.

The university announced the retirement of Dr. Morris last fall after almost 40 years of service. At that time, the search firm Storbeck developed a committee of university representatives at all levels – trustees, faculty, staff, alums, and students – to develop the confidential process to review candidate applications and participate in interviews.

“The Board of Trustees conducted a thorough search process, considering candidates from across the nation, and was impressed by Dr. Brown’s vision, expertise, and passion for higher education,” said Norma Clayton, Chair of the Tuskegee Board of Trustees. “Working with the Board, we are confident that he will provide a clear vision, direction, strong leadership, and guidance  to evolve and grow the university.”

Dr. Brown’s extensive executive experience includes the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business,  and the Robert and Edith Broad Academy for Urban School Superintendents, now hosted at the Yale School of Management.

An educational leader

Dr. Brown, who received his bachelor’s from Tuskegee in accounting, earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy University, a Master’s of Strategic Studies from the Air Command and Staff College, a Master’s in National Security Strategy from the National War College, and his doctorate in Education from Baylor University. His experience in education is varied and distinguished.

While a Major General in the Air Force, Dr. Brown served as Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. AETC recruits, trains, and educates Air Force personnel. His command included the Air Force Recruiting Service, two numbered Air Forces, and two fully accredited graduate and doctoral degree-granting universities: Air University and the Air Force Institute of Technology. AETC operates more than 1,400 trainer, fighter, and mobility aircraft, 23 wings, 10 bases, and five geographically separated groups. The command trains more than 293,000 Airmen annually, with approximately 60,000 active-duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian, and contractor personnel.

After retiring from the Air Force with 32 years of service, Dr. Brown expanded his educational service as the chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid, which had a lending portfolio of $1.7 trillion equivalent to that of the nation’s five largest consumer lending banks. As COO, he was responsible for all of the nation’s Title IV funding.

Most recently, he has served as president and chief executive officer of the Student Freedom Initiative based in Washington, D.C. The Student Freedom Initiative is the vision of billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith after his historic gift to eliminate the student loan debt of the Morehouse College class of 2019.

As the first President and Chief Executive Officer, he and his staff provide four components to 63 HBCUs, which also includes two Tribal Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions. The capabilities include agreements to fund any educational attendance requirements beyond what is paid for through Federal programs, such as Pell Grants, Work-Study, and Federal Student Loans. SFI is also focused on elevating the communities around its school by providing critical resources such as access to high speed broadband, cybersecurity upgrades, affordable living spaces and solar energy.

“I am grateful and humbled by the Board of Trustees, Faculty, Alumni, Students, Community Leaders, and all of Mother Tuskegee for the opportunity to return home to lead our University into the second quarter of the 21st Century,” said Dr. Brown. “Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Morris, I am convinced that Tuskegee is well positioned to continue its global impact by producing students ready for leadership in our rapidly changing world, yet grounded in the journey of our forefathers. Gwen and I can’t wait to get started!”

Building a distinguished career

Dr. Brown was commissioned through the Tuskegee University Air Force ROTC program in 1986. He served in comptroller, command, and staff positions at all U.S. Department of Defense levels, including two assignments as congressional liaison to the United States House of Representatives.

His global experience includes serving in the Philippines, Spain, England, Turkey and Iraq. In addition, he has commanded four times at ascending levels, deploying in support of operation Provide Comfort, and served as the Assistant Executive Officer for the 17th Air Force Chief of Staff. He was also the Financial Management Senior Military Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Chief Financial Officer for Air Force Materiel Command, responsible for a portfolio greater than $60 billion, 38 percent of the Air Force budget.

Leadership for Tuskegee’s future

“The Board’s nomination reflects our confidence that Dr. Mark Brown is the right leader to sustain and enhance Tuskegee University’s momentum as one of our nation’s top universities,” said Trustee and alum Jonathan Porter, who chaired the search committee.  “Dr. Brown has the right combination of experience and innovative thinking that will propel TU to the next level nationally and globally.  I appreciate his commitment to serving his alma mater and his dedication to improving the lives of its students.”

A statement from the Board of Trustees said:  “On behalf of the entire Tuskegee family, we extend a warm welcome to Dr. Brown and his family. We look forward to working together toward the success of the university and the broader Tuskegee community.”

Dr. Brown is married to Gwendolyn Jackson Brown, his wife of 33 years. They have two adult children, Mark II and Michael.

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By Black PR Wire

(Black PR Wire) Atlanta, GA — Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated is proud to announce that it will host its 84th Conclave in Tampa, Florida, from June 27 to July 2. This highly anticipated event will bring together thousands of fraternity members, dignitaries, celebrities, and community leaders for a time of fellowship, development, and community service with a focus on activism, philanthropic efforts, youth mentoring, recognizing the fine arts, health and wellness, and celebrating decades of social action. 

The conclave serves as Omega Psi Phi’s biennial convention, designed to address fraternity business, and plan the future direction of the organization. For this year’s conclave, due to the unique social and political times we are in, the primary purpose of the gathering has been expanded, and the 84th Grand Conclave has been labelled as a “Conclave with a Purpose.” 

Our goal in Tampa is to reassert our leadership as Omega men by providing a forum where ideas, activities, and tools to shape a more equitable future on both the local and national levels can be discussed, leveraged, and amplified. The event will offer a plethora of activities including, but not limited to: 

• Community Forum: To educate and empower the community by increasing understanding of how legal/legislative changes, both proposed and implemented, impact their lives.
• Voter Registration Education and Mobilization: A state-wide voter registration initiative has been implemented focused on individuals who have been historically underrepresented.
• Book Drive: Collect and distribute books focused on African American history and culture through small libraries set up in several urban communities and through relationships with local organizations, schools, and businesses.
• Silent March and Rally: A visible and symbolic effort intended to demonstrate disapproval of policies implemented that limit civic engagement, negatively impact equity, and alter the accuracy of the historical record.

Our intention in Tampa is to be visible, vocal, and deliberate in communicating and demonstrating our position as community leaders and offer strategies to make a change. 

About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: 

Omega Psi Phi was founded over 113 years ago at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by three undergraduate students and their faculty advisor. They sought to address the racial hostilities of the day and find ways to uplift the Black community.       

Today, the Fraternity’s membership stands upward of over 200,000 in more than 700 undergraduate and graduate chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It was the first black-male Greek-letter organization founded on the campus of a historically Black university. If you would like more information about the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, we encourage you to visit, www.oppf.org.

For more information about the 84th Conclave please visit our website or contact:

~ Dallas Thompson, Special Assistant to the Grand Basileus at: dgthompson584@gmail.com 

Note to editors: Photos from the event and additional information are available upon request

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By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

(NNPA Newswire ) — Just days after Howard University announced it would revoke the honorary degree awarded to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, additional details have emerged about the decision and the mounting legal issues facing the hip-hop mogul.

On June 7, Howard University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously “to accept the return by Mr. Sean Combs of the honorary degree,” as stated in their official release. The decision, linked to a series of abuse allegations against Combs, has led to the university stripping all associated honors and privileges.

Combs, 54, who attended Howard University from 1987 to 1989 before leaving without graduating, pledged $1 million in 2016 to establish the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund for financially needy students. The university has also terminated this pledge and a 2023 agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.

The catalyst for this drastic move was a series of disturbing revelations. In November 2023, Casandra Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of rape and physical abuse. The lawsuit was swiftly settled the next day. More recently, in May, CNN published surveillance footage from a Los Angeles hotel showing Combs attacking Ms. Ventura near the building’s elevators.

Combs posted an apology video on Instagram in response to the footage, saying, “I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”

Howard University, founded in 1867 to educate freed slaves, is a renowned historically Black university. Its notable alumni include Vice President Kamala Harris and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. Last year, the university awarded honorary degrees to U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina and Keith Christopher Rowley, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

“The university is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence,” Howard University’s board wrote. “Mr. Combs’ behavior, as captured in a recently released video, is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.” 

The revocation of Combs’ honorary degree comes amid a cascade of legal challenges for the founder of Bad Boy Records. In March, federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and the Miami area as part of a human trafficking investigation. Although no charges have been filed, the raids followed lawsuits by four women, including Ventura, accusing Combs of rape and sexual assault. A man has also accused him of unwanted sexual contact. Combs’ lawyers have been actively filing motions to dismiss these lawsuits.

Reportedly, prosecutors have convened a grand jury in New York and may seek sex abuse and other related charges against the mogul.

Adding to his woes, Combs recently sold his majority stake in his media company, Revolt, as his legal issues intensified. Earlier, he sold his half of the liquor brand DeLeón for approximately $200 million after its parent company cited tarnished reputation concerns. Moreover, a New York charter school network that Combs had been instrumental in expanding has severed ties with him.

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By Deborah Bailey
Contributing Editor

Bowie State University’s 659 spring graduates got a relatable boost of encouragement from hometown heroine and philanthropic champion for underserved communities, Wanda Durant during commencement ceremonies, May 24.   

Durant, known affectionately locally as “Mama” Durant, serves as president of the Durant Family Charitable Foundation and is the mother of Phoenix Suns basketball star Kevin Durant.  Mama Durant treated the audience to a heartfelt exchange, sharing passages from her life’s journey.         

“OK. Let me just be Mama Durant,” she said after pausing from prepared remarks and transitioning flawlessly to an extemporaneous, transparent conversation with Bowie’s graduates.

The audience roared its approval as Durant spent the next 10 minutes in an unscripted dialogue about life as a young single mother, and her raw determination to create a life for her sons that supported success.    

“When I stand here and look at you graduates, I see myself, I see my sons,” Durant said. 

“See, I know what it takes to persevere. I came from the streets of Capitol Heights, Maryland. At the time it was the drug capital of the world,” she said to cheering members of the audience, referencing the small Maryland community bordering northeast and southeast D.C. where she raised her children as a single mother. 

“I had to raise two sons on my own when I was fearful and not knowing who I was or what I had to offer the world.  I had to do what you did and continue to strive on,” Durant said. “I made a promise to them that we were going to have a plan. Not just dreams but a plan attached to it.” 

Durant then transitioned from her family’s story to admonish graduates to live for more than their own success.  

“All of your success is not just for your glory. It’s for you to look back to those coming behind you. Continue to pave the way for them” Durant said.  

Liera Ford from Suitland, Maryland, reflected on her own parents as Durant spoke about the determination needed to encourage her children to succeed.     

“I totally connect with Ms. Durant,” said the newly minted business management bachelor’s degree recipient.  

“I know what it feels like to receive that level of support from your parents. My mom and dad stood up for me every step of the way. I was due to graduate last year, but here I am today and my parents and siblings are here with me. This is a big milestone for me,” said Ford with tears in her eyes. 

Small but significant touches make HBCU graduations unique events. Bowie State graduates were treated to congratulatory messages by both Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Wes Moore. 

Finally, someone is going to make sure graduates are camera ready for their moment to walk across the stage.  At Bowie State, that person is Shinzira Shomade, College of Education retention coordinator and double Bowie State University graduate. 

Shomade straightened collars, buttoned shirts and told graduates to lift their heads high just before they walked on stage to receive their degrees from President Aminta H. Breaux and University Provost Guy Alain Ammousou. 

“It brings me immense pleasure, honor and gratification to participate in the commencement ceremony, preparing our visionaries and change agents for this exciting moment,” Shomade said. 

Breaux announced several major initiatives, scholarships and recognitions received by the campus, including a ribbon cutting this summer of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Communication Arts & Humanities Building. The $159 million facility is scheduled to replace a 50-year-old academic building that currently bears the civil rights leader’s name.    

“If you don’t remember anything else this president said, go out and vote,” Breaux said emphatically. “Go out and vote.”

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By Ama Brown
AFRO Editorial Assistant

Morgan State University (MSU) held Spring 2024 Commencement
Exercises May 16 and 18 at Hughes Memorial Stadium, located on the historically Black institution’s Northeast Baltimore campus. Scholars of all different
ethnicities and religious and cultural backgrounds convened with family,
friends and university leadership to celebrate their accomplishments. Not
even the steady downpour of rain could dampen the spirits gathered to
recognize the Black excellence on display.

The keynote address was given by Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, current
chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. Jonah spoke with graduates
about the future they are tasked with, such as the rise of artificial intelligence
and the changes that the advanced technology will bring. Esson was given an honorary doctorate along with Valerie LaVerne Thomas, Ed.D., one of the many Black women who worked at NASA in the 1960s and 1970s. Thomas graduated from MSU in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in physics, making the 2024 recognition a full circle moment.

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First reported by HBCU Buzz, the unprecedented financial commitment represents a substantial increase from the previously reported over $7 billion, encompassing significant additional actions already undertaken. The total exceeds $16 billion, inclusive of over $11.4 billion allocated between FY2021 and FY2023 through federal grants, contracting awards, and debt relief tailored specifically for HBCUs.

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

(NNPA NEWSWIRE) – The Biden-Harris administration has announced a historic milestone in federal funding and investments for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), surpassing a monumental $16 billion mark from fiscal year 2021 through current data available for FY 2024.

First reported by HBCU Buzz, the unprecedented financial commitment represents a substantial increase from the previously reported $7 billion-plus, encompassing significant additional actions already undertaken. The total exceeds $16 billion, inclusive of over $11.4 billion allocated between FY2021 and FY2023 through federal grants, contracting awards and debt relief tailored specifically for HBCUs.

“President Biden and I have delivered an unprecedented $16 billion to our nation’s HBCUs. We know that when we invest in the success of our HBCUs, we are investing in the strength of our nation—today and for generations to come,” Vice President Kamala Harris told HBCU Buzz.

President Biden echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the administration’s unwavering commitment to sustaining robust investment efforts in HBCUs throughout the remainder of FY 2024.

Officials said the administration’s dedication to HBCUs underscores their vital role in fostering upward economic mobility in the United States. 

“For generations, these anchors of our communities have played a pivotal role in building and contributing to America’s leadership at home and abroad,” Harris said, noting her personal experience as a graduate of historically Black Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The president and vice president said they’ve long recognized the profound impact of HBCUs, and the administration has prioritized furnishing these institutions with the resources necessary to deliver high-quality postsecondary education. With a legacy spanning over 180 years, HBCUs have been instrumental in advancing intergenerational economic mobility for Black families and communities. 

According to HBCU Buzz, despite comprising only 3 percent of colleges and universities nationwide, HBCUs play an outsized role in supporting the economic advancement of African Americans.

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

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

Further, the Department of Defense U.S. Air Force established the first-ever HBCU-led University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), providing $90 million in funding over five years. The focus of efforts will be on advancing the deployment of autonomous technologies for Air Force missions, with Howard University serving as the project leader. The seven other participating schools include Jackson State University, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Bowie State University, Norfolk State University, Delaware State University, Florida Memorial University and Tougaloo College.

Also, the Department of Commerce established the first-ever Connecting-Minority-Communities program, delivering funding for 43 HBCUs to purchase broadband internet, purchase equipment, and hire IT personnel to tackle the digital divide impacting HBCUs. Several HBCUs also recently launched an HBCU CHIPS Network in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology to increase the coordination of the resources at the colleges and universities and jointly contribute to the workforce development needs of the semiconductor industry.

Administration officials noted that Chips are critical in powering consumer electronics, automobiles, data centers, critical infrastructure and virtually all military systems.

“HBCUs produce 40% of all Black engineers in America, 50% of all Black lawyers, 70% of all Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of all Black judges,” President Biden asserted last fall. “And HBCUs are engineers of economic mobility, helping to increase the Black middle class. When the middle class does well, everybody does well. The poor have a road up, and the wealthy still do well, although they’ve got to start paying their taxes. That’s why it’s critical we invest in these universities.”

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have changed over time

By Zsana Hoskins
Special to the AFRO

In the wake of the Civil War and throughout the era of Reconstruction, the need for education in the Black community was evident. In response, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) emerged, providing access to education when the doors of White institutions remained closed. 

Among the first HBCUs were institutions such as Lincoln University and Cheyney University, both founded in the state of Pennsylvania during the mid-19th century. The focus was on teacher training. HBCUs recognized the need for qualified teachers and took on the responsibility of training educators who would educate future generations.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and even still today, HBCUs faced numerous challenges, including limited funding, discrimination and legal barriers. Despite these obstacles, they persevered, expanding their curriculum beyond teacher education to include fields such as agriculture, engineering and the liberal arts. Today, there are 107 HBCUs with nearly 228,000 students enrolled. Over 75 of these institutions offer an education major, including Jackson State University, Howard University, Harris-Stowe State University, Delaware State University, and more.

The addition of new programs and concentrations allowed HBCUs to adapt to the evolving needs of their students and communities while continuing to develop Black educators. In the face of segregation and unequal access to resources, HBCUs became hubs of academic excellence and community leadership, as graduates went on to become not only educators but also civil rights leaders, scientists, artists and entrepreneurs, making significant contributions worldwide. Famous HBCU alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Chadwick Boseman and more.

Melanie Carter, Ph.D, the associate provost and director of the Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, and Policy, believes that the initial focus of teacher education that many HBCUs were founded on is relevant to the overall environments that cultivate leaders at these institutions to this day.

“The preparation of Black teachers at HBCUs has been critical to the creation of a

Black middle class, creation of expanded opportunities for our children and our communities. And these same teachers often serve as leaders in their communities. They serve as leaders in school,” said Carter.

The legacy of HBCUs as teacher training colleges continues to resonate today. While they have expanded their offerings to include a wide range of majors and concentrations, teacher education remains a staple of many HBCU programs.

HBCUs are still the top producers of Black educators in the country, despite only making up 3 percent of the colleges and universities in the country. According to a study conducted by the Howard University School of Education, HBCUs produce 50 percent of all Black educators nationwide. Cheyney University, founded in 1837 and recognized as the very first HBCU, upholds a reputation of training the largest percentage of Black educators in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“We’re getting a lot of first-generation students who want to go into education because they want to make a difference in their communities. Cheney pulls from a lot of cities and a lot of spaces that have been traditionally coined as ‘high need’. use Cheyney as a stepping stone or a platform where they can go back into their communities and do some good,” shared York Williams. Ph.D, professor of early childhood and special education and coordinator of student teaching at Cheyney University.

Research even shows that teachers who graduated from HBCUs are more dedicated to their field. A study conducted by Donors Choice found that Black HBCU graduates spent over five hours per week on tutoring outside the classroom and six hours per week on mentoring, compared to four hours a week each, on the part of Black teachers who did not graduate from HBCUs. This could be linked to the overall environments and the emphasis on community at these institutions. 

“Often at HBCUs, there’s an emphasis on looking at ourselves and our students and our communities from an asset versus a deficit model,” said Carter. “Being culturally grounded, understanding the importance of culturally relevant teaching–all those kinds of things are preparing young people to flourish in a society that was not intended to support their growth and development.”

Black teachers who are HBCU educated are also a major contribution to several issues in education, including the literacy gap.

“Black teachers generally work in urban areas. Having Black teachers in those places– who have had that experience– certainly helps with students. The teachers who we prepare are not any different than the students and communities they’ll be serving. part of the community and have shared a vision for our collective lives,” Carter added.

As the education system evolves, so do the programs at HBCUs. Williams highlighted the ways Cheyney’s curriculum has shifted its focus to ensure its graduates are well-rounded and can meet the needs of a variety of students they will encounter in the classroom. 

“There’s more of a focus on ESL learners on students with special education needs. There’s also a response to the change in the literacy and math needs,” said Williams.

Cheyney also prepares its future educators through a curriculum that is up to the International Society for Technology (ITSE) standards and Pennsylvania’s Cultural Response of Sustaining Education Competencies (CRSD), which focus on diverse needs across culture, race, language and disability.

As we celebrate the rich history and contributions of HBCUs, it is essential to recognize their roots as institutions dedicated to the empowerment of Black people, particularly in the field of education. 

“Even though the majority of Black students certainly attend traditionally White institutions, there are very few people, particularly people of color who haven’t been touched by the HBCU. Whether they’ve been your teachers, your dentists and doctors, your mother, your father, your cousins– we permeate every aspect of the nation. It is critical that HBCUs continue to do that so we have more opportunity for people to receive an education and go out and impact the world,” said Carter. “HBCUs are critical, certainly in terms of the teacher training space because teachers prepare our next generation.”

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By AFRO Staff

Graduation season is upon us! On May 5,  Lincoln University, the first degree-granting historically Black college or university (HBCU), proudly held its 165th Commencement Ceremony. Over 400 undergraduate and graduate students were honored, marking the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The ceremony, held on Lincoln’s main campus, was a momentous occasion filled with joy, pride and celebration. Distinguished speakers for the event included Bryan Stevenson, the esteemed founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, who delivered the keynote address. Stevenson, known for his tireless advocacy for social justice, resonated deeply with Lincoln’s commitment to critical thought and equity.

Lincoln University President Brenda A. Allen, Ph.D., expressed her admiration for the esteemed speakers. 

“Bryan Stevenson addressing our graduates at Lincoln University’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering critical thought and pursuing social justice,” said Allen. 

The ceremony also bestowed honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees upon four remarkable individuals: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Cherelle Parker, of the class of 1994, Stevie Wonder and Bryan Stevenson himself. Each honoree has made indelible contributions to society, embodying the excellence and leadership that Lincoln University champions.

The commencement was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a testament to the resilience and determination of its graduates. 

Among them was AFRO Arts and Culture writer, Ericka Alston Buck, who received her degree in human services. Buck’s journey to graduation was particularly inspiring, having navigated the challenges of adult life, parenthood and the COVID-19 pandemic– all while pursuing her education. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and dedication.

“Lincoln University understands the needs of adult students. Being able to graduate while working full time and being a parent made this 20-year journey possible for me,” said Buck. “Receiving my degree on the same day that Stevie Wonder received his honorary doctorate made the moment all the more special. He is an iconic figure in the music industry and a champion for social causes.” 

“He epitomizes the spirit of excellence and service that Lincoln University instills in its graduates,” Buck continued. “His presence added an extra layer of significance to an already momentous occasion.”

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By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO

U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, all Maryland lawmakers, this week held a field hearing at Bowie State University  titled “Promoting Opportunity: The Need for Targeted Federal Business Programs to Address Ongoing Racial Discrimination.”

The trio held a hearing on May 6 to highlight the role that the government has played in combating racial inequality for small business owners and the impact racial discrimination has had on small business owners’ ability to operate their companies.  

“Racial discrimination has plagued our country since its inception,” Sen. Cardin said in a statement. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to truly reckon with our past in a way that completely breaks down the historical barriers of racial discrimination.”

Cardin added, “Those struggles continue today and directly impact minority business owners’ ability to operate and grow.”

Sen. Van Hollen said in a statement: “Minority business owners have long faced discriminatory barriers to accessing capital, securing contracts, and navigating regulatory roadblocks. Despite these persistent challenges, these entrepreneurs continue to support jobs and grow our economy.”

This hearing comes as conservative activists continue to legally challenge programs like the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development program and the Minority Business Development Agency which were created to provide resources for minority business owners.

Ivey said that given the attacks on “the very program established to put these companies on an equal footing…we must work to assure these entrepreneurs have a seat at the government procurement table.” 

Ronnette Meyers, president and CEO of JLAN Solutions, said during the hearing that the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development program “has been a crucial lifeline, providing access to opportunities otherwise out of reach and it has also been a constant reminder of the disparities that still exist in the business world.” 

Tonya Lawson, president and CEO of Lawson Consulting, said at the hearing that she “has faced historical challenges and continues to encounter barriers in accessing opportunities that are fundamental to economic growth and prosperity.”

Lawson added that if certain federally funded programs were dismantled it would threaten “crucial avenues of support for socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.” 

“Small, disadvantaged businesses still need a boost in their efforts to gain a foothold in the federal contracting space,” Ivey said.

He added that this week’s hearing “is another step in the right direction, and I commend the senators leadership in these efforts.”

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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) visited Morgan State University’s (MSU) National Transportation Center (NTC) on May 2 to learn more about the hub’s ongoing innovations in transportation and technology. 

Officials toured research labs and observed student-led projects, including an autonomous wheelchair and smart intersection technology. 

“As the lead institution, we’re expecting a lot from as it relates to safety, mobility and equity in this region,” said Robert Hampshire, deputy assistant secretary for research and technology for the U.S. DOT. “You all have already stepped up to the plate.” 

In 2023, the U.S. DOT awarded MSU a $15-million grant over five years to establish the Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Regional Transportation Equity Research (SMARTER) Center, which is housed in the school’s NTC. The center’s purpose is to conduct research through an equity lens to enhance the mobility of people and goods in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

MSU is the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to lead a regional U.S. DOT transportation center. 

Hampshire shared that the top priority of the federal transportation department is to save lives. Last year, more than 42,000 people died on roadways across the country. He said MSU’s research could help to prevent future fatalities. 

“Some of the technology that this center is working on, be it connected vehicle technology, vehicle sensing technology or the design of our roadways could help mitigate this. We could have one more person alive” said Hampshire. “That’s the standard that we’re looking for.” 

MSU currently has two smart intersections on its campus, which the U.S. DOT visited during a ride-along demonstration. They’re situated at Hillen Road and Cold Spring Lane and at Hillen Road and 33rd Street. In order to make streets safer and more efficient, the intersections employ Light Detection and Ranging  (LiDAR) and Vehicle-to-Everything technology (V2X). 

The former uses lasers to scan environments, ultimately creating maps of terrain and movements in the intersection. The latter enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, roadside infrastructure and pedestrians. 

The intersections are a part of a testbed in the SMARTER Center and are used to conduct research on Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technology, a subset of V2X. 

“By processing the data and using machine learning and artificial intelligence processes, we can get valuable information. We can get counts on cars, trucks, buses, pedestrians and bicycles that cross the intersection,” said Al Taher, third-year Ph.D. student at MSU. “We can also get the near-miss events, which are conflicts between vehicles or a vehicle and a non-vehicle. 

“By analyzing this information, we can propose countermeasures to enhance safety, especially for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.” 

U.S. DOT officials also witnessed a demonstration of an autonomous wheelchair from second-year Ph.D. student David Nyarko and junior Derrick Cook. In its current phase, the wheelchair uses sensors to scan a track of QR codes that allow it to orient itself before determining where to move next. 

The wheelchair is being tested at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. With it, wheelchair users will be able to travel through the airport without an escort. 

“The future step is going trackless where the wheelchair is able to make a map of any location it’s going to operate in. It will be able to move from point A to point B without any marking on the floor,” said Nyarko. “Just as we humans do, the wheelchair will know the map of the airport and be able to navigate from gate to terminal.” 

Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member. 

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By Ericka Alston Buck,
Special to the AFRO

On the evening of May 4, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel was flooded once again with displays of Black excellence, as Coppin State University hosted their second annual gala. 

Under the resplendent theme of celebrating and inspiring students on the path to “be more,” the gala pulled together a diverse tapestry of esteemed guests, including elected officials, community leaders, artists and philanthropists.

The 2024 Coppin State University Gala was more than just a glamorous event—it was a manifestation of Coppin’s commitment to shaping a brighter future for its students and the surrounding community. With a mission to raise $25 million over five years through the ‘BE MORE’ campaign, Eagle Nation aimed to bolster student support, expand scholarship opportunities and enhance academic offerings.

The gala commenced with a VIP reception, where the air was thick with excitement and camaraderie. Among the attendees was Dion Lawson, a proud Coppin alum, who reminisced about his college days. 

“Coppin State gave me everything I needed in terms of being a leader, in terms of looking at the future. If it wasn’t for Coppin State College, I don’t know where I would be,” he said.

As the doors to the main ballroom opened, guests were greeted by the melodious strains of an orchestra, setting the stage for an evening of elegance and sophistication. Ballerinas gracefully danced throughout the room, adding a touch of class and charm to the atmosphere.

The gala served as a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Coppin State University and the wider community. Among the distinguished honorees were Brian D. Pieninck, president and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, who received the Blue and Gold Impact Award for his corporation’s outstanding commitment to philanthropy. Carim V. Khouzami, president and CEO of Baltimore Gas and Electric, was honored with the Wings of Excellence Award for his innovative solutions and significant advancements within the community.

Joseph H. Lewis, a Coppin alum, was presented with the Eagle Legacy Award in recognition of his exemplary civic and charitable responsibility spanning over ten years. Dr. Tammira Lucas, also a Coppin graduate, received the Eagle of the Year award for her outstanding achievements and contributions.

Throughout the evening, guests were inspired by the stories of resilience, dedication and leadership exemplified by the honorees. Their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact served as a reminder of the transformative power of philanthropy and community involvement.

One of the highlights  of the evening was undoubtedly the five-star surf and turf seated dinner, expertly prepared. Attendees savored every morsel of the sumptuous meal. Each dish, from the perfectly cooked filet mignon to the succulent mahi-mahi, was a testament to culinary excellence and the dedication of the catering team.

Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, vice president of community health and social impact for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, spoke with the AFRO about why the company helped sponsor the event.

“Historically Black colleges and universities, along with PBIs or predominantly Black institutions and minority serving institutions, are part of my personal and professional mission,” she said. “Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield believes that educational attainment and economic opportunity are the social drivers that can most move the needle on individual and community health outcomes.”

To conclude the event, Anthony Jenkins, Ph.D., president of Coppin State University, delivered a moving speech on what it means to invest in the future of the West Baltimore university and the Coppin State community at large. 

“Since 1900 Coppin has stood as a beacon of hope. In over 124 years, we have proven ourselves to be a university that is invaluable and irreplaceable. What started in the basement of a local high school, today, is a leader in urban higher education,” said Jenkins. “Education still remains the greatest equalizer in our nation. That is why the work we do at Coppin State University is so important.” 

“We educate a diverse, multicultural, multigenerational student population,” he continued. “At the hands of our incredible faculty and our dedicated staff, they are transformed into the thought leaders…the solution finders and the change agents that are helping shape and lead our world. At Coppin, our commitment to improving the human condition and creating upward, economic mobility is unmatched and unwavering.”

Jenkins implored those in attendance to help financially support the institution’s goals and the scholars who attend the historically Black campus.

“Before you could be the cure for cancer–the next nurse who may save your or a loved one’s life, the teacher who may be responsible for your child or grandchild- the next great CEO, judge, political leader, actor, scientist, professor, athlete or military officer,” he said, voice swelling with passion. “At Coppin we challenge our students and we push them beyond their intellectual and creative limits and we help them understand that the sky is not the limit. We help them to appreciate and understand that earning your degree does not make you educated- the education comes from the evolutionary transformational journey that we immerse them in.” 

“It is during this time and this space that they transition from student to scholar and leader. That is the power of a Coppin State education,” said Jenkins, as the audience erupted in applause.

As the night drew to a close, guests took to the dance floor, celebrating the success of the gala and the bright future ahead for Coppin State University. With sold-out tickets and a growing reputation as a must-attend annual affair, the gala served as a beacon of hope and unity, attracting attendees from near and far who were eager to support Coppin’s mission and be part of its transformative journey towards excellence.

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By Alicia Rancilio
The Associated Press

It all began with a post on Twitter. It was 2020 during the height of the pandemic and LaDarrion Williams was thinking about the lack of diversity in the fantasy genre. He proposed: “What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU in the South?”

“Growing up, I watched ‘Twilight,’ I watched ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘Divergent’ and ‘Percy Jackson,’ which is one of my favorite books. I didn’t see myself in those stories, and I didn’t feel seen by them,” said Williams. He is a self-taught playwright, filmmaker and screenwriter.

The post went viral and started a dialogue online, leading Williams down a long road to make good on his idea. He’s the first to admit though that the process was not a fairytale.

Williams’ “Blood at the Root,” the first in a three-book deal, arrives in stores May 7. Jalyn Hall (“Till”, “All American”) recorded the audio version. The book follows Malik, a 17-year-old with magical powers who gets accepted into Caiman University, an HBCU with a “Blackgical culture” and a magic program.

Williams talked to The Associated Press about how his tweet became a novel and his inspirations for “Blood at the Root.”

Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.

___

AP: You sent that… and got a big reaction. Then what happened?

WILLIAMS: I wrote it as a TV pilot. I didn’t intend it to be a novel. I was sharing (the process) online and people were sending me money with CashApp and Venmo from the U.S., Canada, even New Zealand. They said, “Go make this a short film.” It was October 2020. Things were shut down. You couldn’t buy hand sanitizer. I asked my friends, and we shot this magical short film around LA. We snuck onto the UCLA campus. Sorry, UCLA, but we wanted to film on an actual college campus. That’s when I realized this story was very special.

I thought I had it all. I thought I had the viral tweet, the short film, I had the script, I had the idea. I thought Hollywood was going to give me a multimillion-dollar offer. I was humbled very quickly with that. No calls were coming. I struggled to get meetings with different production companies and showrunners and studios. Nobody wanted to meet with me. I was really confused and fell into a deep depression.

AP: Is that when you decided to pivot and write the book?

WILLIAMS: I was very sad. There were some days I couldn’t even get out of bed. I felt like I failed my friends who risked their health. I felt I failed people who supported it on social media. It was kind of embarrassing. My friend one day said, “Why don’t you turn it into a book?” With everything that was going on in the world and in America, like the civil unrest, I didn’t think publishing would want this.

At first, they didn’t. I was getting rejections left and right saying, “We can’t connect with this. It’s not marketable.” One of my biggest rejections came on my birthday, Dec. 3, 2022. In late January 2023, I was driving for Uber, and I got a call from my agent who said we got a three-book deal.

AP: Did you scream? Cry?

WILLIAMS: No. I turned the Uber app off and drove home in silence. I went to Ralphs and sat in the parking lot and said, “I sold a book. I didn’t just sell a book, I sold three.” Then I started screaming and calling everybody.

AP: Talk about the protagonist Malik.

WILLIAMS: I wanted to create a Black boy from Helena, Alabama, which is where I’m from, who has cool magical powers. It’s a coming-of-age story about a 17-year-old who gets to attend this really cool school. He’s fun. He makes friends. Friendships, especially as a teenager, are very important. They kind of set you up for life. Malik also connects with his family and ancestry. He’s had childhood trauma and hardships, and he’s going to make mistakes, but the mistakes don’t cost him his life. I want people to get to know him. The way he speaks, the way he thinks. I wanted him to have vulnerability and softness. He extends the love he didn’t have as a child to his foster brother. I wanted to create all of that through the lens of magic.

AP: You were also very specific about how you wanted the cover to look.

WILLIAMS: The only time I saw myself on book covers was Christopher Paul Curtis’ “The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963” and “Bud Not Buddy.” It was a nonnegotiable with my publishers. I was like, “I need a Black boy on the cover. I don’t care how we do it. That’s what I want.” I was a little bold, but it’s all right. I also wanted him in a hoodie on the cover because, you know, Black boys in hoodies are often criminalized. I got what I wanted.

AP: Do you still see the story as a TV series?

WILLIAMS: There are talks about it. I remember going to watch “Twilight,” as a 6-foot-3 Black kid in Alabama. It was such a cool era to go to the movies and be in this fandom and meet other people that you would never meet. I want to recreate that moment when “Black Panther” dropped, and everybody was just buzzing about it. I want to do that for television. I want that for Black kids.

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Maliik Obee

Special to the AFRO

After Jackson State cornerback Isaiah Bolden became the only Black college player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, there were no players from Historically Black Colleges or Universities called during this year’s draft on April 24-25 in Detroit.

Observers of college football and the NFL were left devastated by the news and what many are calling a lack of respect by NFL owners, coaches and scouts. They point to a recent history of neglect from the league and are demanding answers as to why talented players are consistently overlooked from HBCU institutions.

Morgan State University alum and Sirius XM radio host Donal Ware has devoted his career to HBCU advocacy and created a nationally syndicated sports program to discuss these issues.

“It’s really disappointing,” Ware said. “A travesty really. All of the great talent in HBCU football not just this year, but over the last several years, deserves better than this.”

Days following the conclusion of this year’s draft, more than 20 Black college players have been signed to an undrafted free agent contract, or earned a rookie minicamp invite. 

Still, observers say, the continued marginalization of Black college talent over the past decade-plus continues to be an issue. 

Despite boasting 30-plus Pro Football Hall of Fame recipients from a litany of historically Black institutions across FCS and Division II football, this year marks the second time (2021) in the past-five drafts that no Black college players have heard their name called. 

This comes as a shocking development, following the success of the 2022 class. All four players selected are currently on the rosters of the team that drafted them, with several becoming key contributors.

Fayetteville State cornerback Joshua Williams was selected in the fourth round by the Kansas City Chiefs, after earning an opportunity to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. In two seasons, Williams has played in 33 games, helping the Chiefs to consecutive super bowl championships. 

With the No.142 selection, the Los Angeles Rams selected South Carolina State corner Decobie Durant, who snagged three interceptions as a rookie, before rising to start 9 games in 2023. Jackson State linebacker James Houston IV captured 8 sacks in 7 games as a rookie for the Detroit Lions in 2022, after the sixth round selection started off the year on the practice squad. Seventh round Southern University selection Ja’Tyre Carter was taken by the Chicago Bears to close out the draft at pick No.226. 

After two seasons on the practice squad, Carter looks to rise up Chicago’s depth chart in the third year. Florida A&M safety Markquese Bell was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, showing his versatility by switching positions and rising to starting linebacker in 2023. The University of Maryland transfer recorded 94 combined tackles, 4 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles across 17 games in his sophomore campaign.

But despite the numbers showing the productivity and success of Black college players granted an opportunity to play in the NFL, the numbers show a regression of chances taken by teams league-wide on draft night. Since 2010, there have been five drafts (2011, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022) where four Black college players heard their name called on draft night. In every case, fewer players were selected in the following year.

“When 30-40 percent of HBCU players make rosters in the NFL are undrafted free agents, that speaks to the talent level,” Ware said. “It’s up to the league to answer the question as to why HBCU players are not being drafted.”

In 2022, the NFL launched the first-ever HBCU Legacy Bowl, creating a showcase game for the top Black-college talent across FCS and Division II football. The annual game hosted in New Orleans has bridged the gap between old and new, connecting Black college draft hopefuls with legends that were once in their shoes, like Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams and four-time Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Fame wideout John Stallworth. 

Despite a nationally-televised contest sponsored by the league itself, the game has yet to produce any drafted players. 

Interestingly enough, Legacy Bowl participant and former Florida A&M Rattlers wideout Marcus Riley made waves on social media Sund, after signing a 3-year, $2.83million undrafted deal with the New York Jets.

No HBCU players were selected from two of the biggest showcase games for college talent, as the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the Shrine Bowl failed to have any HBCU participants called from the podium. 

After earning a spot on the Senior Bowl roster following several standout seasons for Virginia State University at corner, Willie Drew was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Carolina Panthers on April 27. So were the Shrine Bowl participants, despite standout performances from Grambling defensive end Sundiata Anderson, Alabama State cornerback Mikey Victor, Howard tackle Anim Dankwah and TCU guard (Jackson State transfer) Willis Patrick. All-four players have since agreed to undrafted deals.

Shrine Bowl scout Gerald Huggins Jr., spent his playing days at Virginia Union University, before becoming an assistant coach at Lincoln University. He pointed the issue away from race and focused on the size of the programs. 

“Though I was disappointed in the results of the draft for HBCU prospects,” he said. “The bigger conversation is, if you’re not in a Power 5 conference, then your chances of getting drafted are similar. It’s not an HBCU issue, so that narrative needs to be stopped. HBCUs need to continue to lean on platforms and individuals in spaces that can help with putting their players in better positions to reach the professional level. Getting drafted is fine but the goal is to get into camp.”

Anderson earned a $10,000 signing bonus in an agreed deal with the Seattle Seahawks, while Victor earned a $3,000 bonus from the New England Patriots. The guaranteed money points to an urgency for teams to secure talent amid the chaos of the undrafted market, yet does nothing to quell the fears of Black college talent who hope to see their NFL dreams come true. 

With the NCAA transfer portal continuing to become a bigger component in roster building, observers say the lack of crossover for HBCU talent may be a troubling sign for current players and potential recruits in the future.

Overall, 11 FCS players were selected in the 2024 draft, along with just one Division II player. The number is a dropoff from the 20 FCS names called in 2022. 

Between 2010-2018, there were 15-plus FCS players selected in 7-of-8 drafts. Since 2019, there have been two seasons with less than 10 players called. 

As more of the top HBCU players hope to receive a call for a rookie minicamp invite or undrafted deal, the growing neglect to draft small school talent continues to become a growing issue that could have troubling effects on Black college football in the future without immediate attention.

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By Ariyana Griffin
Special to the AFRO

Morgan State University’s acrobatics and tumbling team held its inaugural season this year, becoming the first NCAA Division I program at a Historically Black University or College. MSU became the third school in Maryland to offer the sport.

The Bears finished with an overall record of 2-4 in their first season. Their roster consists of 26 female athletes, mostly first year students, who were recruited by Morgan’s head coach Regina Smith.

Smith said she looks for specific skill sets in recruiting talent and hasn’t opened tryouts due to the necessary physical, technical skillset and mental capacity needed to compete. 

“Because of how intense our sport is, the students are definitely hand-selected,” she said.

“Most of our competition is dedicated to the space of mental capacity and having that and mental health is a key factor.”

Makaya Stubbs is a freshman classified as a junior due to taking dual enrollment courses in. She is a health education major with a concentration in physical therapy from Douglasville, Ga. She said life on the team has been an adjustment.  

Stubbs grew up participating in recreational cheer and tumbling and competitive cheer during high school. A friend introduced her to Morgan’s program. 

She originally thought the sport would be easy due to her extensive background in cheer and tumbling. 

“I’ve done cheer, tumbling, stunts, flipping in the air. ‘This is gonna be a piece of cake,’” she said. “That was far from the truth. It was hard but it was very rewarding at the same time, learning all the new skills and seeing how similar it was to cheer but also gymnastics.”

Smith was previously a coach for acrobatics and tumbling, starting in a NCAA Division III program in Adrian, Michigan. She has also served as a head cheerleading coach, head dance coach and spirit coordinator at the collegiate level. She came to Morgan in 2022 specifically to coach the sport. 

“I came for the sheer fact of being able to provide opportunity for people of color, especially young women,” she said. “We don’t always have the same experience at other division one institutions, so being able to have that opportunity here at Morgan State is what attracted me to the position.”

Smith leads her team on the mat, but considers academics essential for each student athlete. The team has mandatory study hours and must maintain a 2.7 grade point average to compete and travel. 

“Our team GPA was like a 3.2 from the fall semester, we expect it to be higher from in the spring semester,” Smith said. “They are student-athletes.”

Morgan State’s all-Black team is working to diversify a majority-white the sport. 

“Usually when you look up acrobatics and tumbling, it’s predominantly White, all you see is a whole bunch of White females doing tumbling and stunting,” Stubbs said. “So when you look at Morgan it looks completely different because we are an all-Black team so people expect less of us because of the color of our skin. So I think coming to Morgan really showed people that we can do it, too. We can be just as good and maybe even better than other teams.”

Riley Davidson, a freshman psychology major from Clinton Township, Michigan expressed that it is important for HBCUs to broaden their sports programs. 

“I think it’s really good because I know a lot of these girls have very limited choices and it allows girls who look like me to do what they love,” she said.. “I feel like in predominantly White spaces, sometimes you don’t get appreciated the same way and you don’t get the same opportunities.”

Davidson said when she began her journey looking for colleges, she knew she wanted to be apart of an acrobatics team. 

“I really wanted to go to an HBCU because I didn’t grow up in that type of environment,” she said. “I grew up going to predominantly White schools and not really being with people who look like me, especially in my sport.”

The team visited the White House during Women’s History Month for an exclusive East Wing Tour, and were the first NCATA (National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association)  team to ever receive the honor. 

“I’m blessed to be able to say that I was able to have this experience with these young talented women and make history. We also came on the last day of Women History Month and that just spoke volumes,” Smith said.  For [the White House] to repost our post … was just another level of elevation on what these young athletes bring to Morgan State.”

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By Ericka Alston Buck 
Special to the AFRO

The soul-stirring melodies of gospel music filled the air at the historic Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on April 27 as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) presented its highly anticipated GospelFest 2024. Led by conductor Dr. Henry Panion III, the evening promised a symphonic celebration of faith and music– and it delivered that and much more.

Grammy award-winning gospel superstar Donald Lawrence took center stage alongside the BSO, captivating the audience with his powerful vocals and infectious energy. But Lawrence wasn’t alone in delivering a mesmerizing performance– he was joined by two distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) choirs: the Howard Gospel Choir, under the direction of Reginald Golden, and the Morgan State University Choir, under the direction of Dr. Eric Conway.

From the moment the first note rang out, it was clear that this event would be more than just a concert– it was a spiritual experience. Waves of attendees swayed and sang along, punctuating the air with heartfelt “amens” and “hallelujahs.” The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of a Baptist church revival, with choir members and audience members alike caught up in the spirit of the music.

Tuba player Aubrey Foard, a seasoned member of the BSO, reflected on the experience. 

“For me, it’s not a typical gospel experience. There’s a lot of energy. There’s a lot of enthusiasm. There’s a lot of support when you’ve got a crowd behind you of friends and colleagues cheering you on.” 

Foard reflected on how the choir supported the lead vocalists with praise, hand claps, affirmations and praises as they performed powerful numbers for those gathered.

Freshman Morgan State University student Zion Waters shared her enthusiasm once the concert was done. 

“This experience has been amazing,” she said. “I love the fact that we were able to work with Donald Lawrence, one of the greatest gospel artists out here. I’m blessed and I’m very happy.”

The evening’s repertoire was nothing short of spectacular.  Hits like “The Blessing of Abraham” and “Healed” had the audience on their feet, singing along with the performers. 

Lawrence shared touching anecdotes, including the story of finishing the late Dr. Andre Crouch’s “Bless Me Indeed,” a song that left Crouch in tears upon hearing its transformation.

A highlight of the night was when award-winning songwriter and poet “Wordsmith” joined the HBCU choirs and the symphony orchestra for a remarkable rendition of “Glory” from the movie Selma, leaving the audience spellbound.

In the end, GospelFest 2024 was more than just a concert– it was a celebration of faith, unity and the transformative power of music. 

As Lawrence himself proclaimed, the evening was simply about getting the audience ready for church in the morning. And indeed, it was an experience that left hearts lifted and spirits renewed, a testament to the enduring power of Gospel music.

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By Joseph Williams
Word In Black

It’s been one thing after another with the new-but-not-necessarily-improved Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), a form that helps students pay for college. 

First, the long-anticipated rollout of the redesigned online application was delayed for three months because it just wasn’t ready. Then, when it finally did appear, a variety of bugs and glitches, including some that could reduce the amount of federal tuition aid, kept students and their families from completing it. Now, Chronicle of Higher Education reports that schools are receiving FAFSA applications with incorrect tax information from families.  

None of this is good news for Black students, some 80 percent of whom depend on FAFSA to help pay for ballooning college costs.

According to the nonprofit National College Attainment Network, roughly 34 percent of all eligible high school seniors have submitted FAFSA applications through March 22, an overall decline of nearly 29 percent since last year. But the problem is most acute, according to NCAN data, among low-income schools and schools with high concentrations of minority students. There, the percentage decline in 2024 FAFSA applications is slightly more than 35 percent.

Besides worsening an already-bad time crunch for colleges and students who needed the financial information weeks ago, the FAFSA fiasco could keep Black students — an outsized number of whom rely on federal aid — out of college classrooms this fall. 

“Because Black students are disproportionately FAFSA filers, this has a huge impact on their ability to make a decision about both where, and if, they go to college,” says Bryan Cook, director of higher education policy at the Urban Institute Center on Education Data and Policy. 

Cook worries that some frustrated Black students, worried that they can’t pay for college without federal assistance, may downgrade their college choice or give up on college completely. Either option, he says, would have negative, long-term effects on their earning power in the job marketplace.

The FAFSA process, which colleges use to calculate their share of financial aid for a student, is already months behind schedule, Cook says. Unless the problems get resolved quickly, he says, ”Black students are going to have to make some really tough decisions about whether or not they continue to stay in this process.” 

The unequal impact on Black college-bound seniors is the latest headache for the federal Ed Department’s FAFSA reboot, which stumbled out of the gate late last year.  

Instead of the FAFSA application being open Oct. 1, enough time for students and colleges to prepare for the fall 2024 semester, the form didn’t launch until Dec. 31, setting off a scramble. The subsequent series of errors and submission problems didn’t help; at last count, only around 20 percent of applications have been processed, resulting in a nationwide backlog of some 6 million applications. 

Even though the Ed Department delayed the rollout to fix problems it knew about, a technicality it overlooked could end up costing students almost $2 billion in aid. And that’s before the cascade of issues that have surfaced in recent months.

Cook says those numbers are exacerbated by the fact that low-income, high-minority schools have fewer guidance counselors who can help guide students through the process. That can be important, experts say, because heads of low-income minority households tend to have lower rates of college degree attainment.

“We know that Black and Hispanic students disproportionately attend high-poverty schools, where their ratio of guidance counselors to students is double what that what they are in more wealthy schools,” he says. “So the combination of Black students disproportionately filing FAFSAs and disproportionately having less access to guidance counselor’s means that this issue with the rollout of the new FAFSA is having a much harder impact on Black students.”

Indeed, studies have found that Black students are 1.2 times more likely than White students to attend a school with a law-enforcement officer but without a guidance counselor. The counselors can be critical to completing the FAFSA. 

And every bit of financing helps: According to a study by College Board, for the 2022-23 academic year, average tuition and fees for a public four-year school averaged $10,940 for in-state students and $28,240 for out-of-state students, according to the latest data from College Board. Private nonprofit four-year schools amassed a much higher $39,400 average. Add room and board, books and other expenses to the mix, and that bill goes up several thousand dollars more.

Given those hurdles, Cook worries that Black student enrollment in college — already on the decline in part because of skyrocketing tuition and the Supreme Court dismantling of affirmative action in school admission decisions — is about to take another hit because of the FAFSA snafu. 

Students depend on the financial aid form to get “a better sense of what schools they can afford,” he says. That matters, he says, because a degree from a more selective college tends to bring higher wages after graduation. 

Without knowing how much federal aid they’ll get for tuition, “high school students may decide  to now go to maybe a regional, public school that’s more affordable, or even a community college that they can afford,” Cook says. “Or — worst case scenario — opting out of pursuing a college education this year, altogether. And we know any sorts of delay for low income students could ultimately mean they choose not to go on to college.”

Fortunately, Cook says, many colleges are doing what they can to help, pushing back deadlines and trying to work with students. But the ripple effects of the FAFSA revamp, Cook says, spotlights the bigger, thornier problem of college affordability.

“I think it just underscores how much of a reliance students have on federal financial aid,” he says. Unfortunately, “there is no silver bullet.”

“My biggest fear,” Cook says, “is that we may have already lost some students.”

The article was originally published by Word In Black.

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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

The Biden-Harris administration is canceling more than $6.1 billion in student loans for nearly 317,000 individuals who attended Art Institutes, a private, for-profit system of art schools that permanently closed in 2023. 

The announcement came on May 1 after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education (USED) revealed that the institutes and its parent company, Education Management Corporation (EDMC), fabricated post-graduation employment rates, salaries and career services to prospective students. 

“This institution falsified data, knowingly misled students and cheated borrowers into taking on mountains of debt without leading to promising career prospects at the end of their studies,” wrote President Joe Biden in a statement. 

Students who attended an Art Institutes school on or after Jan. 1, 2004 through Oct. 16, 2017 will receive automatic relief. In total, the Biden-Harris administration said it has approved $160 billion in student debt relief to nearly 4.6 million borrowers—$29 billion of which has been deployed to students who were deceived by their colleges or whose colleges closed suddenly. 

“For more than a decade, hundreds of thousands of hopeful students borrowed billions to attend The Art Institutes and got little but lies in return. That ends today—thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s work with the attorneys general offices of Iowa, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania,” wrote U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a statement. “We must continue to protect borrowers from predatory institutions and work toward a higher education system that is affordable to students and taxpayers.” 

Attorneys general offices in Iowa, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania led multi-year investigations and lodged lawsuits against The Art Institutes and EMC after fraud accusations. The information that was gathered included internal employment data, admissions training manuals, institutions’ employment advertisements, records of graduate employment outcomes and statements from former students and staff. 

After reviewing the evidence, the USED determined that The Art Institutes participated in rampant, pervasive falsifications that exaggerated the value students would get out of the schools. 

The system broadcasted that more than 80 percent of graduates secured employment relevant to their areas of study within six months of graduation. The Art Institutes internal records revealed this was an overestimate. The USED estimated that the in-field employment rate could be no higher than 57 percent. 

Salaries were also misrepresented on school advertisements. According to the USED, employees of The Art Institutes manufactured graduates’ pay and annualized the income of those working in temporary roles. They also included top-earning outliers in averages and forged incomes reported for graduates. 

The USED began notifying eligible borrowers that they’ve been approved for debt cancellation on May 1. 

“The Art Institutes preyed on the hopes of students attempting to better their lives through education,” wrote Federal Student Aid Chief Operating Officer Richard Cordray in a statement. “We cannot replace the time stolen from these students, but we can lift the burden of their debt. We remain committed to working with our federal and state partners to protect borrowers.”

Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member.

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By: Amber D. Dodd,
Special to the AFRO

On a damp morning, a gilded gold 2013 XTS Cadillac pulls into an Owings Mills shopping plaza. Out comes its driver, Donald Rainey, ready to walk with his lifelong friend, Lonnie “Butch” Spruill Jr., into a local cafe, Hans- Cafe Tsam [sic]. 

“He’s my double brother,” Spruill jokes, citing their 55-year brotherhood and Rainey’s 2014 initiation into Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., the fraternity that Spruill helped found at Morgan State University on Sept. 19, 1963. Included on the list of founders are 11 others: Charles Briscoe; Charles Brown; Frank Coakley; Elias A. Dorsey Jr.; Charles Gregory; Albert Hicks Jr.; Louis Hudnell; Webster Lewis; John Slade; Michael Williams and Barron Willis. 

At 82, Spruill is the last living founder of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. — and any Divine Nine (D9) organization, for that matter. The fraternity celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.

“The most important thing about being the last living founder of a D9 organization is asking, what can we do to make it better now?” says Spruill.

Spruill was born to his father Lonnie Spruill Sr., a General Motors worker from North Carolina, and a stay at home mother, Hazel Christina Spruill, from Cambridge, Md. He left to become the first person in his family to obtain a degree at Morgan State University. 

Today, he holds the fondest of memories when it comes to Iota’s founding on the campus historically Black institution. Spruill agreed to speak with the AFRO about the Black Greek letter organization (BGLO) and its founding. He notes that Morgan State University’s status as one of Baltimore’s Black educational powerhouses gave the founders space to establish the fraternity many years ago. 

Both Spruill and Rainey warmly recall iconic Morgan professors such as Dr. Haywood Harris, Isley Jones and a professor they remember only as “Professor Taylor” when asked about prominent figures on the campus in the 1960s.

“We were the first generation of college graduates and we had a lot of optimism in terms of what was ahead of us, because we had the best professors of color in the world,” Rainey said. “They taught us, so we had a foundation. We only had each other– and that included faculty. They saw in us the next generation and they did a wonderful job.”

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.’s  inception is rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, which highlighted the issues plaguing Black America. Mississippi activist Medgar Evers was assassinated at his Jackson, Miss. home three months prior. Non-violent demonstrators in Birmingham were attacked with water hoses and dogs in March of that year.

Locally, Morgan State students were banding together with other scholars in the area to desegregate Northwood Shopping Center and, on a national scale, major leaders were organizing to bring about change. Iota was founded 22 days after the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. 

“A lot of us did attend the march,” Spruill said. “It was the most fantastic thing I had ever seen. So many Black folks saying ‘Now!,’ [and]  listening to Martin, a leader. I love Martin Luther King as much as I love Malcom X.”

Spruill told the AFRO that Iota was directly tied to a need to push the case for civil and human rights forward during a time when Black people were publicly demanding equality.

“With The Civil Rights Movement, we had something that the organizations could identify with,” he said. 

Spruill recalls studying the infrastructure, purpose and founders of the other three Black fraternities after revered Morgan State historian, Dr. Benjamin A. Quarles, urged Spruill and Iota’s eventual founders to learn more. 

“He was one of my many mentors, and when I told him we were starting a fraternity, I asked, ‘What do I do?’ and he said, ‘Mr. Spruill, how do you know where you’re going– if you don’t know where you’ve been?’ He said to study all the founders, which I did.”

On Sept. 19, 1963, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded on the steps of Hurt Gymnasium, still today located on Morgan State’s Northeast Baltimore campus. Albert Harris was the fraternity’s first president. 

Spruill was the first vice president. He was just 18 years old.  

Spruill refers to Iota’s founders as average Black men in America during the 50s and 60s. 

Brown, Hicks and Briscoe had recently returned from the Vietnam War. Spruill, Coakley, Dorsey, and George were married with children, and Brown Hicks and Briscoe were long-time friends. 

“We were doing great mentoring to kids from one-parent families,” Spruill said. “These kids didn’t have a loving man. I thought back and said ‘How did I learn to be?’ ‘How did I learn to do the work?’ Those were important lessons. These were the things we wanted to push forward to the people we were mentoring…the founders decided on charcoal brown and gilded gold as the colors to represent masculinity.”

Spruill says Iota’s founding principles; scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity and brotherhood are evergreen pillars of Black manhood. 

“Those five points came before Iota,” Spruill said. “When we set on those steps, we didn’t know we needed something like a fraternity. We were just a group of guys trying to make it better in our communities.”

Antonio “Fast Eddie” Hayes, a 1967 Iota inductee was the first Iota in the National Football League. He crossed in Iota’s line of new members with 19 brothers, after resonating with the bond that Spruill shared with the founders.

“That line that pledged was special. We made a pledge— there would be nothing I couldn’t do or wouldn’t do to help every brother that crossed,” Hayes said. The Jacksonville, Fla.  native played on the star-studded Morgan State football team, and pledged Spruill’s fraternity within five years of its founding.

At 82, Spruill has now spent six decades as a founding Iota, helping Black men excel on their path to greatness. 

“I want to show you a photo. We just lost one of the best Iotas that ever was,” Spruill says, holding a picture. “His name was Reginald Hayesbert Sr.” 

Hayesbert Sr. was president of The Forum Caterers, and known for his business acumen. Other key figures in the organization include everyone from former Congressman Bobby Rush, of the first district of Illinois, and actor Terrence ‘TC’ Carson, known for his work in the role of Kyle Barker, on the hit 90’s show “Living Single.” 

Alvin West is a New Jersey native and an Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.’s Alpha chapter member since Fall 2018.

He spoke on what it means to be an Iota in today’s time.

“I think what’s helping us [is], while we’re still young, we still do have Lonnie around to just guide us in what he envisioned for the fraternity,” West said. “And when they’re visiting us, we’re asking ‘Okay, how do we bridge what they want [with] what’s currently going on right now in the world to make sure that there is a middle ground?’”

Regardless of the current challenges, what was once a dozen of Black men eyeing change for Baltimore is now an organization 30,000 members strong and growing.

“For 12 men at that time– a very turbulent time in our country’s history–  to take that leap and say, ‘Look, we have to start something new. We don’t necessarily care how people feel about it, how many times we ‘have before,’ we don’t care if we don’t have any supporters…we’re still going to keep pushing through on this.  I think that’s the mindset you see now,” West said. “I definitely say thank you [to the founders].” 

Though Spruill’s legacy is etched in history, he is weary of the future.

While discussing the current state of Black America, Spruill believes that the Black elite could do more to sustain Black people. That said, he also believes the nation is in a dire state as the Supreme Court revokes rights that Spruill and his generation fought hard to win over.

“What we struggled for back then, we’re struggling for now,” Spruill said. “We don’t have equality with knowledge we’ve acquired…”

Even in 1963, Spruill was weary of the inclusion of Black Americans into society without proper, equitable solutions to racism. That work, he says, did not happen, and led the world to modernize and prolong racism against Black people. 

“We need to be a committed organization to our race, to our education [and] to our community, because it falls on us. We supposedly have the knowledge, [we] must put that knowledge to work. But we have competition, that competition is the internet, TikTok, all that stuff. It’s people with the IQ of the square root of pi trying to tell us what to do,” Spruill said. 

When asked about the message he wants to leave every Iota with, near and far, present and future, Spruill pauses in deep reflection. 

His pupils widened as he sighs deeply, and shakes his head with disbelief that the shining legacy of Iota will go on–even without him– as he and the 11 other founders planned. 

“Thank you for believing in something we created,” Spruill said, as a tear slips his eye. “That’s pretty much it.”

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By Ariyana Griffin
Special to the AFRO

Spelman College has found a way to bridge the gap between the growing beauty industry and the creators of the products. According to the institution, research shows that Black women spent more than $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care products in 2022. However, Black
beauty brands comprise a mere 2.5 percent of the market.

In response to that disparity, the college has announced that they will be expanding their STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program to offer cosmetic chemistry as a concentration for chemistry majors and a minor for others. This program marks the first time cosmetic chemistry has been offered on an HBCU campus.

“I am excited that we now offer a course of study that connects students’ Spelman experience to the beauty and personal care industry. The new major concentration and minor will ensure our students’ competitiveness for advanced study and careers in the field,” said Dr. Leyte Winfield, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and division chair for natural sciences and mathematics, in a statement. “I am equally excited that this endeavor positions us to offer a culturally relevant perspective that is needed in the conversation on black hair and skin care and the development of cosmetics.”

The curriculum, highly unique to Spelman College, was developed with an eye toward promoting careers in the beauty industry while advancing the technical knowledge that students may need to enter the field. A main goal is to also allow students to have a well-rounded perspective when it comes to developing cosmetic formulas.

“This expansion of our curriculum speaks to Spelman’s innovation and commitment to giving voice that empowers Black women,” said Spelman Provost Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson. “The program will be far-reaching and will support our students and faculty in making a difference in a field that caters to Black women as consumers, fueled by the scientific expertise in this area. We are thrilled to continue this evolution of creating new academic offerings that address industry demands.”

The program, available to students this fall, will focus on the molecular sciences needed for product formulation and development while providing a strong fundamental understanding of the origin, structure and function of ingredients used in the cosmetics industry.

Originally, the cosmetic science curriculum was launched in January 2023 as a certificate program for students enrolled in Spelman’s online program, eSpelman. Since, the program has grown exponentially from 150 to 750 applications as it comes up on its fourth term. That demonstrated interest in and need for the subject led to the expansion of the program for undergraduate students.

“We believe this exciting new venture will lead to many new research opportunities and collaborations with leaders in the beauty care field,” said Dr. Michelle Gaines, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Spelman. “My research is rooted in studying the surface chemical properties of curly hair. There are many students who are very interested in working on this project with me, and I’m looking forward to growing this research within the new program.”

To go alongside the program, the college will host a one-week Cosmetic Science Summer Lab Intensive that will focus on and highlight fundamental cosmetic formulations from June 2-8. The event will bring together Black women product developers, formulators and researchers to provide participants with informative seminars and panels. The lab will be available to eSpelman learners, Spelman students, and participants from other HBCUs based on availability. More information will be forthcoming in upcoming weeks regarding the summer program.

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By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO

Howard University partnered with Spotify to host a listening session April 16 on the Washington, D.C. campus to highlight the launch of “1619: The College Edition” podcast,  in which students unpack what they have gleaned from their study of “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story,” under the direction of its author, Pulitzer Prize winner, Emmy winner and investigative reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones.

Kristen Jarrett, Spotify’s lead on its equity, diversity and impact team and its NextGen program, explained that the collaboration between Spotify and Hannah-Jones flourished from an unsolicited email.  

“Believe it or not, it was a bit of a cold email to Professor Hannah-Jones to see if she was interested in collaborating, and she said yes. From there it was listening to her and what she was interested in doing with her students,” said Jarrett. “We allowed her to guide us in terms of what she wanted to do, and then it was working with her students, delivering equipment and providing guidance.  From there we were able to co-create this beautiful piece of content. I say co-create very loosely; her students really created this podcast and we were just happy to be a part of supporting the process.” 

Spotify’s program NextGen provides students with the resources and support they need to activate and grow podcast culture on campuses. In the past, the program has been on Spelman College’s campus as well as other universities such as New York University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California. NextGen is supported by their Creator Equity Fund, which seeks to “uplift creators who have historically been underrepresented in the audio industry.”

At the April 16 event, Spotify also presented a $10,000 scholarship to sophomore journalism major Karys Hylton, one of the students who participated in the course and in the development of the podcast.

The course that Hannah-Jones teaches at Howard University, where she is the Knight Chair in Race and Journalism, is titled after her award-winning book, “The 1619 Project.” Students who take the course and study the material are required to write an essay taking a deep dive into history on a topic they pitch and get approved.

Those essays then were developed into the student-led podcast. Three episodes were produced by students working in groups under the topics, “Principles of Drip,” “Color Theory” and “Queer Seminar.” The series allowed Howard students to “apply their own unique lens to what they learned from studying the 1619 Project and make surprising, compelling and critical connections to the ways that slavery still impacts their lives and ours,” according to a description of the podcast.

Hannah-Jones shared that she was excited for the opportunity to partner with Spotify and give her students the opportunity to dig deeper into history and share what they’ve learned.

“The podcast is based on the basic formula of the ‘1619 Project,’ which is that slavery in its legacy is shaping our society in all of the ways that we don’t think about,” said Hannah-Jones. “I hope it leads us to ask more questions, to think deeper about the way we treat Black people, the way that we think Black Americans are, and that we have a better understanding of ourselves, and that people who aren’t Black have a better understanding of us.” 

She explained that most of the students had no previous script writing experience, but they all were dedicated to producing something the world could learn something from. 

“When they came into the podcasting course, most had never written a podcast script, had never done podcast production, had never actually done the type of reporting that I required,” said Hannah-Jones. “I made them interview scholars, I made them find archival clips. They had to produce ambient sound. There were elements that each podcast had to incorporate.” 

She said she believes each student walked away with new reporting skills and an ear for audio narrative. 

Zoe Cummings, a sophomore honors journalism major and Spanish minor, said when she saw the “1619”  course offering, she didn’t know what it was but she knew that she would learn and grow under Hannah- Jones. And, she took away an important lesson.. 

“I realized for the first time that I was learning how to be American,” she said. “I was learning how to hold my Blackness in one hand and my Americanness in another and understand that the two things aren’t that different. And professor Jones gave me that.”

Cummings, who produced the “Principles of Drip” episode, shared that the episode was important because she originally wrote the essay it was curated from. “Drip,” in urban vernacular, refers to something or someone that is “cool,” is stylish or has a high element of “swag.” It is a quality she strongly associates with her D.C.-based campus and HBCU students in general, she said.

“When it was time to create this into a podcast we had to bring it to the yard; we had to bring it to Howard Homecoming; we had to bring it to y’all,” said Cummings. “I don’t know about y’all, but I have never seen anyone more ‘drippy’ than a Howard University student.”

Jacob Smith, a junior television and film major with a minor in theatre arts stage management, worked on “Color Theory” as an editor. The episode takes a look at colorism in the Black community and its roots.

 “What we really wanted to do was dive into the innate biases that even probably some at this school had, and talk about how those biases and those beliefs, this ideology comes from an institution of White supremacy and slavery all throughout,” said Smith.

“Queer Seminar,” produced by Trinity Webster-Bass, a junior honors podcast journalism major and Afro-American studies minor,  is a combination of two essays: one based on discrimination against queer individuals and how it dates back to slavery; and the other on the origins of ballroom culture. The podcast highlights O’Shea Sibley, a 28-year-old queer man who was murdered after performing “voguing” – a highly stylized dance which grew out of the 1960s Harlem ballroom scene, in which dancers mimic fashion models’ poses – at a Brooklyn gas station. The students were able to interview and feature one of his best friends, who was there that tragic night. Through the trauma that lies within the community, the podcast and students also wanted to highlight its beauty.

“We wanted to show all the creativity, all the love, all the passion that exists within the Black queer community,” said Webster-Bass. 

Hannah-Jones expressed that she was so excited to be able to provide resources like this to her students. 

“This is why I came to a place like Howard to be able to work with students and help them get these types of resources,” she said.

“The NextGen partnership with Spotify is so important because we know that HBCUs have no lack of talent, no lack of ambition, no lack of brilliance. These students are some of the hardest working students in America,” added Hannah-Jones. “What they often lack is resources. They’re often overlooked. They don’t often have this—the type of connections to corporations. They don’t have the type of dollars to be able to, for instance, create a podcasting lab on campus or to have access to those types of courses.”

The event allowed the audience to hear some clips from the episodes as well as hear from the students and their creative process. Spotify gifted everyone who attended bluetooth mics to help support those who are interested or want to get into audio or content creation. 

Spotify NextGen is looking forward to continuing the expansion of  the program across more HBCU campuses in the future. Listeners can find the podcast on Spotify by creating a free account and searching for “1619: The College Edition.”

The post Howard University collaborates with Spotify to create “1619: The College Edition” podcast appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Special to the AFRO
By Ariyana Griffin 

WBAL-TV 11 and Maryland Public Television hosted two Democratic candidate primary election debates exclusive to Morgan State University students, facility and staff on April 17. The debate took place at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center on the historically Black university’s campus.

The debate included current Mayor Brandon M. Scott, former mayor Sheila Dixon, Thiru Vignarajah and Bob Wallace. 

Juvenile crime

Candidates were asked to speak on the rise of juvenile crime in the city. Moderators brought up the Brooklyn Homes mass shooting last July, which resulted in the arrest of several juveniles. 

Thiru Vignarajah shared his background as a federal and city prosecutor.  

“Today carjackers, robbers, auto thefts committed by children, committed by youthful offenders are being treated like they’re stealing bubble gum from the cafeteria,” said Vignarajah.

Vignarajah stated that consequences for the crimes need to be put in place so that they do not continue occurring. 

“We’re gonna do very specific things, including a presumption of detention for violent crimes for 30 to 60 days, so we can evaluate what these kids need and get them back on track.”

Sheila Dixon explained that the issue stems from school truancy and needs a holistic approach when working with families and community members to solve the issue. 

“If we don’t get to the root of what’s happening in our community, we’re gonna be losing more residents to Baltimore County and other surrounding counties,” she said. 

Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized the work he has been doing with the Baltimore City Public schools and the Baltimore Police Department. 

“I’m the mayor that has invested more in the public education of our Baltimore City Public school students than anyone in history. No one can argue with that,” said Scott.  

“My police officers will continue to make the arrest of anybody that is committing a crime. I don’t care how old you are. What we have to do is continue to work with our parts of the state to modernize their assistance.” 

Bob Wallace had a similar approach, “It doesn’t matter how old the person is. If they’re old enough to commit the crime, they’re old enough at the time,” he said. He did, however, explain that young people need a foundation to make better decisions, and that parents need to be held accountable for negative behaviors. 

“Their parents also need to be held accountable because we cannot have a city that allows this lawlessness to continue and to hurt our citizens,” he said.

Affordable housing 

When it comes to affordable housing, Sheila Dixon explained that she wants to utilize her Land Bank concept, previously created but not used, to help with affordable housing. She also shared that she wants to create a new neighborhood redevelopment authority to leverage lenders and other institutions to help. 

“We can streamline the process in order to create neighborhoods and community– not just for affordable housing, but also the amenities that can go along with that,” Dixon said. 

Mayor Scott rebutted by stating, “We don’t need a land bank in Baltimore City. We have a housing department that has all those authorities.”

“I used a hundred million dollars to go into affordable housing projects,” he said. “We have a housing accelerated fund. We just gave out $30 million for folks who are creating these units.” 

Bob Wallace wants to use the vacant homes to Baltimore’s advantage.

 “Vacant land in Baltimore City is one of our biggest assets that we have,” he said. He explained that this can be a tool to attract businesses to the neighborhoods, and create a partnership where developers and investors have to build a certain amount of affordable housing. 

Thiru Vignarajah highlighted that although the amount of vacant homes are lowering, the amount of vacant lots are rising. He hopes to bring back the dollar homes program with a system that works for the community as well as increase property taxes on abandoned properties, a system modeled after Washington D.C. 

“If you’re an out-of-state developer, either do something with the property or sell it to someone who will,” he said. 

Food deserts 

According to the city of Baltimore Department of Planning, “one in four Baltimoreans lives in a food desert” which is an area “where residents lack access and sufficient economic resources to purchase healthy food.”

Thiru Vignarajah stated there are two things that will be accomplished on day one: making grocery stores profitable and creating low flat rates for food delivery services to residents living in food deserts. 

“One of the ways that we can increase the profitability of those grocery stores in food deserts is allow them, as many other states have done in food deserts, specifically to sell wine and beer, that ability to sell those products will dramatically increase their profitability,” said Vignarajah.  

Sheila Dixon spoke on her plans to address issues. 

“I’m gonna create a housing authority that will create a development authority that’s going to not only look at the vacant properties, but how we can attract amenities in those communities. But the first thing that we have to do is we have to deal with public safety in those neighborhoods.” 

Mayor Brandon Scott shared that building more grocery stores is in progress and  “Right across the street here at Millwood Shopping Center, we last year, brand new Lidl, there’s another one coming on Bel Road.” said Scott. “We’ll continue to do incentives. We’ll continue to do everything that we can from the city government to have the financial things that are needed there.” 

Bob Wallace shared he has met with leaders in the west coast to convince food market businesses to relocate or expand to Baltimore. “We have to minimize the risk of business investors,” said Wallace. 

The Baltimore Democratic City Council President Debate 

In addition to mayoral candidates, those in attendance heard from Zeke Cohen, current Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, and former councilwoman Shannon Sneed, all seeking to be city council president term in the next term.

Redlining and Transportation 

 Zeke Cohen expressed  that the Red Lining plan is an important project and was disappointed when the previous governor removed it, “setting Baltimore back at least a decade.” He said that transportation is essential for Baltimore community members and to have a walkable city. 

Shannon Sneed shared that she comes from a one car household and heavily relies on public transportation, although it is not reliable. 

“When you talk about public transportation, I’m the one that’s actually the one car household that has to get on public transportation that has to actually like most of my community, that has to rely on. So it absolutely should be better,” Sneed said. 

Nick Mosby mentioned that transportation is a majority priority. 

“The empirical data shows us that when we talk about the number one indicator of someone escaping poverty and being able to have access to upward mobility is through transit,” Mosby said, adding that the state of Baltimore’s mass transit system “is completely unacceptable.”

“It’s literally our Achilles heel to economic development,” he said.

School Board 

Shannon Sneed shared that parent involvement is important, however it is difficult because it is not accessible for working parents.

 “Stop having parent teacher conferences between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m. Most of our parents don’t get off of work until five o’clock and most of them have to get on a bus to even get there. Change those hours to make it more accessible to parents,” said Sneed. She also offered the idea of meeting via Zoom or on other digital platforms. 

Nick Mosby also weighed in.

“I think that we need smart leadership to really push this thing forward…taking local control of our school system,” said Mosby.

Zeke Cohen shared that Baltimore “should have universal pre-kindergarten, starting at age three.”  He also expressed that students who graduate need to be supported by the community. 

“On the other end of the spectrum, we cannot continue to graduate children into poverty,” he said. “Every single child in the city needs to have either a college or career plan. Not every kid needs a four year college–but they do need an apprenticeship. Something in the trades, some way to get into the middle class.” 

Early voting takes place May 2-9 and regular voting for the 2024 primary will take place on May 14th.

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By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

A refund check is received when a student at a college or university has loan money or financial aid funds that are left over after paying for a semester. The school will use the funds provided for big ticket items such as tuition, books and room and board, with any remaining funds disbursed to the student in the form of a check or direct deposit. The infamous “refund check,” as it is often called, is usually dispersed several weeks after the start of the semester.

The amount ranges per person, it can be a few hundred or a few thousand. What students do with their refund money can help them tremendously in the future– if they budget and plan properly. But, sometimes this is the largest amount of money a student has seen at one time, making it hard to manage the money and make good decisions on how to utilize it.

While buying into the latest trends or splurging on your wish list seem like a great idea, there are a few alternatives that could help you throughout your collegiate career and beyond. 

Yasmin Eady, a first year Ph.D. student at North Carolina A&T shared that using your refund to handle necessities first can really put you ahead of the game and have less stress throughout the semester. 

“If you are going to buy a new laptop or tablet, keep the receipt so you can write it off on your taxes because you can use it for school,” she said. Eady also suggested using the money to pay off a few months of rent, or using the money to build up an emergency fund. 

Similarly, Dr. Kelly Carter, an assistant professor of finance at Morgan State University’s Graves School of Business, expressed that saving the excess money– after taking care of necessities– is the best thing you can do. 

“If you’ve made it without the refund check, you can continue to make it without the refund check. So that means take it, deposit it [and] leave it alone,” said Carter. He shared that paying off credit card debt is important, however it is important to only spend what you have on your credit card. “You only take on debt that you can afford, only debt that you can pay back,” he said. 

Taylor Thomas, a senior biology student at Morgan State University and a student worker for the Office of Student Success and Retention expressed that she used her refund check to invest in herself. 

“I invested into my schooling, whether that be new equipment in terms of laptops or iPads,” said Thomas. “I also am an out-of-state student, so I struggle with transportation. Over time, I was able to invest a down payment for a car,but I ensured that I had a job at the university that would cover payments and things like that.”

On the other hand if you feel like you deserve a break or vacation, and your refund check came just in time,just know that memories can be a great thing to invest in. 

Christine Harris, a Shaw University alumna, shared that she used her check to go on her first solo trip. 

 “I went to Jamaica for a week. It was my first time traveling alone as when I traveled internationally it was studying abroad,” Harris said. “I don’t regret what I spent my money on. The memories I made were priceless.” 

Erika Berry, a bank teller, encourages people to have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime as well.

“As a banker I could give you some great advice about saving or paying off debts but, instead I’m going to advise you to blow it! Now, before you just start throwing the money up in the air and rolling around on the fresh rainfall, I’m saying that I want to see you invest in yourself!” said Berry.

She brought up some good questions for someone with the new lump sum of money to think about.

“Do you have your passport? Is there some beat making software that you’ve been interested in? Perhaps you’d do well with a ring light to make better content for your page,” she said. All of these could be used as an investment in yourself and your career in the long run. However, think about what things you would need to invest, and how you can best use them.

“Basically, my advice would be to purchase things that will bring you joy now and later– being smart with your money doesn’t mean not having fun with it,” said Berry.

There are plenty of ways you can spend your money when you get a refund check, but the best thing you can do is put extra thought into how you want to spend the money before you do.

The post A time to plan: You have your college refund– now what? appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By AFRO Staff

Morgan Price’s name is now etched into the history books.

The Fisk University gymnast on April 12 won the all-around title at the 2024 USAG Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Nationals held in West Chester, Pennsylvania, making her the first gymnast from a historically Black college or university to claim the championship.

“It feels good because of the hard work that has been put in,” said Price in a statement. “Honestly, I didn’t know where I would place but it was a pleasant surprise. I have heard from a lot of people so far. I am still trying to take all this in.”

The athlete garnered scores of 9.850 on the floor exercise, 9.850 on the vault, 9.8 on the bars and 9.750 on the balance beam, giving her an overall score of 39.225 to clinch the victory. She will compete for individual titles in the bars, vault and floor exercise events on April 14.

Price had a rich source of inspiration in her head coach, Corrine Tarver. In 1989, the 56-year-old became the first African American woman to win the All-Around Gymnastics Championship while representing the University of Georgia. Now, she can add coaching a history-making champion to her accolades.

“This moment is all about Morgan,” said Tarver when she was asked about her title. “I am extremely proud of the dedication she has to her craft. I am anticipating her doing well in the individuals.”

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Lydia Williams Mussenden was born Aug. 27, 1919 in Patterson, N.J. the only child of the Rev. Charles and Jane Williams. In 1935 she graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School for girls in Boston. She then matriculated and graduated from Howard University in three years with a Bachelor’s degree in home economics.

After moving to Baltimore with her husband, the late Dr. Glenford Mussenden, she worked at the Provident Hospital as a dietician. Together, they raised twin girls Caryl and Christine Mussenden.

Lydia Williams Mussenden was a member of multiple organizations and was known for working and substantially contributing to each of them. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a past president of the oldest chapter in Maryland, the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter. She was also a member of the Links Inc. and the Pierians. The love for the women in her organizations was endless and it was mutual.

In addition to her daughters and their spouses, Dr. Rodney Ellis and Greg Q. Williams, she leaves behind her grandchildren Camille Jones (Steven), Patrick Jackson (Elaine), Jason Chesnut (Madeline) and Rashida Winslow. She will also be remembered by Jamellah Ellis, wife of Malik Ellis Esq., a beloved grandson who preceded her in death. 

Mrs. Mussenden had 10 great grandchildren: Amir, Caike, Isabela, Lincoln, Jair, Jason Jr., Jordan, Jaden, Nisa and Reese.

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By Maliik Obee
Special to the AFRO

Spring football is underway across the country, as teams look to prepare for the 2024-25 collegiate season. With an opportunity to build on its in-state connection, the Morgan State welcomed Maryland to Hughes Stadium for a split-practice on April 6 in honor of “Baltimore Day,” recognized each year on April 10. The day is special because the April 10 date matches the area’s “410” area code when written numerically as “4/10.” 

Morgan State Coach Damon Wilson and Maryland Coach Mike Locksley are both natives of the Washington D.C. area, with Wilson starring as an All-CIAA tight end for Bowie State; and Locksley playing defensive back at Towson University (1988-1991) before joining the coaching staff in 1992. In-addition to sharing over two decades in coaching experience and a beltway connection, the two agreed on an idea to bring Locksley’s Football Bowl Subdivision program to Wilson’s historically-black campus to share the field with a rising Football Championship Subdivision program.

This practice marked day six of spring work for the Bears, who finished 4-6 in 2023, despite a defense that tied (Florida A&M) for the seventh-fewest touchdowns allowed (26) in 2023. Locksley’s Terrapins finished 7-5 in the regular season, before capturing a 31-13 victory over Auburn in the Transperfect Music City Bowl. 

The two teams split their sessions, with Morgan taking the field in the morning, and Maryland practicing in the afternoon. Yet the day symbolized much more than a random invite for a big-name program to practice at a black college. The inaugural event entitled “Baltimore Day” helped shorten the one-hour distance between the two universities for the football world  and local community.

“Having UMD come practice with us is major,” Morgan State senior Josh Graham said. “Especially for them to come from the   conference and their exposure, it shows that we are making some noise around the state. We just have to make noise worldwide. It’s a tall task, but I know we have everything we need to do what we said we want to do.”

The transfer portal has made it easier for players at different levels of collegiate football to move up or down, finding the best fit for themselves as student-athletes and individuals. 

This event provided a glimpse into Wilson’s budding program – and a history lesson about a team that boasts four inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Len Ford, Leroy Kelly, Willie Lanier, Rose Brown). 

It also served as a reminder of the deep roots of the Morgan coaching staff, and its desire to keep local talent in the state. 

It was Wilson and Bears defensive coordinator Antoine Sewell, both former stars on the football field for Bowie State, who joined forces as coaches to win three CIAA Championships (2018,2019, 2021) and make six NCAA Division II playoff appearances between 2015-2021. The event gave local high school talent from across Baltimore City and its neighboring counties a chance to see two of the best programs in the area at work.

Morgan hit the field with intention and purpose, with the sound of pads popping and echoing throughout the stadium. 

Graduate student and wideout Anthony James Jr. is one of several Bears to play elsewhere before joining the program, spending time at Marshall University. The Prince George’s County native (Potomac High) caught 20 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown in 2023, as he looks to help the Bears claim the MEAC crown. James reflected on the opportunity to share the field with Maryland, and his thoughts on Morgan’s growth.

“I liked that Maryland came down to Morgan,” he said. “I think it’s always good to see the community come together. Over (the course of) my time here, I feel that the team is really becoming one, and we are getting one percent better everyday.”

The Bears remained on the field following their practice, serving as a gracious host. As the coaches and players shared words and posed for photos, the two Under Armour-sponsored programs helped usher in a new possible tradition for two major programs, in a city rich in football and culture.

“I appreciate Coach Wilson and Morgan State for partnering with us for Baltimore Day,” Locksley said in a statement released prior to the practice. “The Baltimore community means so much to both Maryland and Morgan so we’re thrilled to come together for this. We have so many loyal alumni and fans in the Baltimore area so to be able to provide an easy way for them to get out and watch us practice is important.”

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By Deborah Bailey,
AFRO Contributing Editor,
dbailey@afro.com

Leave it to an HBCU to transform the 2024 solar eclipse viewing into a family reunion, homecoming- style celebration of Black excellence– all rolled into one event. 

That’s exactly what Bowie State University did on April 8 as hundreds of students, faculty and staff, alumni and community members gathered at Bulldog Football Stadium to witness the 2024 solar eclipse on a Monday afternoon. 

The brass section of the Bowie State band was turning up the volume and the cheering squad was on hand to greet students and guests piling into the football arena armed with solar viewing glasses.

They came in tee shirts and jeans, divine nine fraternity and sorority colors, and one mother and daughter team even came in matching astronaut gear. Melissa Duchene-Kelly, BSU faculty member and her daughter, Marley Kelly, celebrated the occasion in matching space suits. 

“It’s not going to happen for another 20 years and in 20 years she’ll be in college,” Duchene-Kelly said about Marlene, her elementary school-aged daughter. Scientists predict that North Americans will have to wait until 2044 to see the next full solar eclipse– and they will have to travel to North Dakota or Montana to see it.

“She really loves astronomy–anything that has to do with outer space.  She’s been asking every day, ‘Is this solar eclipse day?’ so we’re here and we’re ready,” said Duchene-Kelly. 

More than 200 eclipse enthusiasts filled the stadium bleachers including music-tech senior, Grace Wilson, and Jasmine Elliot, a business administration junior. 

“I’ve been into astronomy since elementary school so I thought it would be cool to see the solar eclipse,” said Wilson. 

“I have to say this is an experience, it doesn’t happen a lot. I never want to take an experience like this for granted. I don’t know where I’ll be in 20 years when another eclipse comes to North America,” said Elliott. 

Students like Wilson and Elliott were joined by scores of community members who joined the campus in eclipse viewing like Mayelle Guilliame, a 15-year-old from Northwestern High School who came with her brother and father for the experience. 

“I thought it was very cool, and yes I was a little excited about it,” said the self-contained student who let out an audible gasp as the sky began to darken shortly after 3:00 p.m. Maryland was not in the path of “totality,” however the eclipse did cover up to 85 percent of the sun, according to NASA scientists who experienced the event with the Bowie State community. 

NASA’s Kenneth Harris II, one of NASA’s youngest Senior Satellite Engineers, and Chidilim Okonkwo, director of NASA Financial Systems, joined the eclipse experience at Bowie State and offered students a complete history of the earth’s eclipses, a rundown of NASA’s current eclipse research projects and comprehensive safety guidance. They also took the opportunity to offer a pep talk and encouragement to students.   

 “You can impact someone else’s life just by your love of science. You never know what you’re going to spark in the next generation,” Harris said to the group just before the eclipse began. 

“I was advised to drop out of engineering at one point in my journey,” said Harris, who went on to earn his Ph.D. in engineering and now works with his mentors, Alphonso Stewart, leader of Deployment Systems for NASA’s James Webb telescope. 

Harris’ other mentor and co-worker is Kenneth Harris Sr., his father, who is also an engineer at NASA and the younger Harris’ lifelong role model. Both Stewart and Harris Sr. are Bowie State alumni, and the solar eclipse served as a sort of homecoming for those returning to the campus.  

“This event is a bridge to connect Bowie State University and the community together,” Provost Guy-Alain Amoussou said to the crowd of students, family, friends and faculty gathered underneath the afternoon sky.  

And with every gasp and hush of the crowd,  a connection was indeed made.

Okonkwo, who travels the nation representing her agency at sites where  NASA’s research and space flight projects are located, encouraged students to be proud of their identity. The Nigerian American, told students when she first came to NASA, many co-workers couldn’t even pronounce her name. Still, she persevered and arrived at Bowie on the day of the eclipse to deliver a message: “Be authentic to who you are.”

The post Connecting through science: Bowie State University brings solar eclipse viewing to HBCU community appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By DaQuan Lawrence 
AFRO International Writer 
DLawrence@afro.com

During an international diplomacy trip to the United States, Dr. Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, who serves as South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, made a visit to Howard University (HU). Pandor is responsible for her nation’s foreign policy, and discussed numerous topics while inside of the HU Interdisciplinary Research Building. 

Under the theme, “Speaking Truth to Power: 30 Years of South African Leadership on Black International Solidarity,” Pandor discussed South Africa’s position on the Israel-Gaza war, international solidarity and her suggestions for improving the efficacy of the United Nations (UN). 

“Our position is with respect to the plight of the people of Palestine, and is not in any way anti-Semitic, nor against the continued existence of Israel,” Pandor said. “[South Africa] clearly has always supported a two-state solution, and we believe this is the only way to arrive at a guarantee of peace and security for both Israel and Palestine.”

Pandor’s diplomatic visit occurs during a unique moment in history and geopolitical affairs, as the U.S. and South Africa, which have strong bilateral relations, find themselves on opposite sides of the political spectrum regarding the longstanding conflict in the Middle East. Both nations are also two of the 64 countries scheduled to hold general elections in 2024. 

The event was organized by students in Howard University’s Department of African Studies and the Center for African Studies, and took place during the eve of the annual commemoration of the Sharpeville Massacre of March 21, 1960. The incident led to the death or injury of more than 200 Black South African protestors who were slain and injured while trying to change apartheid laws. 

During her remarks, Pandor elaborated on the role developing countries and non-Western nations, such as South Africa, can play within the sphere of international affairs. 

“The role that South Africa has assumed, is to try to increase the voice of what we call ‘the Global South,’ in the face of deepening inequalities and divisions in the international system,” Pandor said. “We do this because we believe the Global South is deserving of attention and deserving of support.”

Pandor continued, saying “when we refer to the Global South, we’re talking of those countries, regions and peoples of the world that don’t reflect a forceful power on global affairs and global institutions– [people] who are the victims of institutions that should support them.”

Students said the event left them with much to think about. 

“The event with Minister Pandor was eye-opening,” Jessica Moulite, a third-year Ph.D student at Howard University, said about the conversation. Being one of the three student panelists to engage with her and ask questions of a great world leader was a humbling experience.”

Originally from Miami, Moulite is focused on sociology for her doctoral studies and shared her perspective and takeaways from the event’s esteemed guest speaker. She said she enjoyed hearing “Minister Pandor emphasized the importance of calling out injustices and fighting for the world that we envision for us all.” 

Before her tour of North America, Pandor, who is South Africa’s top foreign policy official, declared that she would focus on business opportunities and international diplomacy, during her trip to the U.S. 

Throughout her visit, the minister held meetings with members of Congress, leaders from the private sector, faith community and advocates at think tanks, such as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She met with anti-apartheid activists and interacted with students at HU, affectionately known as “the Mecca,” before heading to Jamaica for diplomatic meetings. 

The South African Broadcasting Company reported that Minister Pandor’s visit to Howard University would be one of the highlights of her busy schedule. While discussing ways the international economic system can be improved for all nations, Pandor addressed how prestigious multilateral organizations such as the UN, could be enhanced to better serve historically marginalized nations and populations.  

“We really are trying to marshal countries that have suffered under development, racism and colonialism to understand that they do have a collective power, which they can use more effectively, to influence the direction of world affairs,” Pandor said. 

Pandor highlighted the role that multilateral institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations and the World Bank have in upholding current international governance mechanisms via international law. 

“We believe the premier global institution to protect all of us universally and uphold our rights in the Global South, is the United Nations,” Pandor said. “We must address the reform of the UN, and in particular, the Security Council, as well as the Bretton Woods institutions (the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank) that are responsible for international development and finance.”

Moulite noted the importance of such commentary by an international politician and called attention to Pandor’s statements about international solidarity and the historical and contemporary importance of people around the world continuing to seek institutional justice, despite the current iteration of international law and governance.  

“This fight is one that we cannot get tired of fighting,” Moulite said. “Not only are others depending on us– but we also have to fight for our ancestors in the struggle who also wished to see a better, more just world.”

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By Joy Young,
Howard University News Service

The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum has debuted its exhibition “A Bold and Beautiful Vision.” The work, which focuses on the local educators and institutions that shaped Black artists from 1900 to 2000, will be on display until March 2, 2025. 

The exhibit showcases a century of Black arts education through 85 archival photos and artifacts, exclusive video footage, art and interactive displays.

The opening ceremony included a panel discussion where Howard arts alums came to reflect on how Howard University inspired and molded their careers.

“I don’t know how many art schools in America or anywhere else that get their students so invested in the art of making art,” said Kinshasha Conwill, Howard alumna and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Every time I come back to campus, my touchstone, my lotus, is the [Howard] Fine Arts building because that is where so much of who I am began.” 

According to the museum’s website, D.C. arts educators often had to navigate underfunded schools that had to endure segregation and other hurdles. 

However, high schools like Dunbar, Armstrong and McKinley Tech, and universities like Howard, were still able to provide students with a formal education.

“African-American artist-educators in 20th-century Washington were unified not by a singular aesthetic vision but by a bold and deeply held commitment to inspiring a love of the arts in young people,” said a statement in the entryway of the exhibition. 

Included in the family-friendly exhibit are prints from one of D.C’s earliest Black-owned art galleries, the Barnett-Aden Gallery, late 1960s silkscreen prints by Lou Stovall, a D.C. visual artist, and the paintbrushes and watercolor paint set of educator and painter Alma Thomas. 

In the interactive section of the exhibit, there is a Gratitude Garden, an area with markers, stencils, and paper where attendees are encouraged to leave a note to an arts educator who impacted their lives. 

There is also a section where guests can listen to music created by Black musicians or play with a DJ set and keyboard.

This article was originally published by Howard University News Service.

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By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO 

Tuskegee University (TU) has announced $6.7 million in federal funding aimed at the launch of a new aviation degree program in the fall. The funding was sponsored by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.). 

According to information released in a statement, the Tuskegee aviation degree program will grant students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation science  on a pilot track. The program will begin with a cohort of 25 students and is expected to expand to over 200. 

The aviation degree will consist of two components. Students must first understand the general education core and aviation science related courses in aerodynamics, aircraft structures, aircraft propulsion, performance stability and control as well as meteorology. They then will begin flight training where students will be able to take the appropriate FAA certification for private and commercial pilot certificates. Students will get the unique opportunity to earn their flight hours on Moton Field, the same area where the historic Tuskegee airmen flew. 

The program is still awaiting approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A main goal of the degree program is to not only introduce aviation to a new generation of students but to also help aid the shortage of pilots which is expected to increase. 

 “This program  is important because at Tuskegee the history of the Airmen shows that learning trades and skills is fundamental in building a self-sufficient lifestyle,” said Angelo Burrell, a junior at TU. “I believe this flight school will open doors and opportunities that minorities never had. I personally do not know any pilots back home in Los Angeles so to be able to participate in this and show my community they can do it too is everything.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “about 16,800 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.” Commercial pilots are mandated to retire at 65 years old.

“The most exciting part is the opportunity to train our students to become pilots,” said S. Keith Hargrove, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for TU. “In the tradition of Gen. Chappie James and the Tuskegee Airmen, we will continue the tradition of excellence in Aviation.”

Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. served as a fighter pilot during his time in the United States Air Force. In 1975 he made history by becoming the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general in the Air Force.

“We look forward to starting the program this fall after our proposal to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, our accrediting body, is reviewed,” said University President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris. “This program will create opportunities for young aviators who dream of spending their lives soaring through the skies – here and around the world. I think Gen. Chappie James and Capt. Alfred Anderson would both be proud.”

Charles Alfred Anderson Sr. is credited to be the father of Black Aviation, he was also the chief flight instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen.  

“The most exciting part is the opportunity to train our students to become pilots,” said Hargrove. “In the tradition of General Chappie James and the Tuskegee Airmen, we will continue the tradition of excellence in aviation.”

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By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO 

Coppin State University is partnering with their Title IX Office to host a series of events throughout April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

The  U.S. Department of Justice states that “approximately 9.7 percent of undergraduate women at HBCUs report experiencing a completed sexual assault since entering college.”

According to a study conducted with End Rape on Campus, a majority of sexual assaults occur during the three specific months. September, which generally marks the first few weeks of a school year is called the “red zone” because most freshmen are sexually assaulted at this time. Another month noted for increased assaults in the study was the month of October, which often comes with Homecoming celebrations and related events, and the month of March, which typically is the month for Spring Break.

In response to the statistics, CSU is using the month of April to engage students with a month-long initiative focused on preventing sexual assault. 

“As we enter Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Coppin State University reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community,” said CSU President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D., in a statement. “This month serves as a crucial opportunity to raise awareness, educate and advocate for the prevention of sexual misconduct in all its forms.”

Activities include some of the following events, all held on CSU’s West Baltimore Campus: 

April 9 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Revealing a Problem: Human Trafficking in Baltimore

Location: Tawes Building Fireside Lounge 

April 10 | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Real Table Talk: Sex & Consent within Intimate Partner Relationships

Location: Health and Human Services Building Room 324

April 11 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Art of SELF-LOVE Paint Party

Location: J. Millard Tawes Center Ballroom

April 17 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Kicking Sexual ASSault Self Defense Class 

Location: PEC 108

April 18 | 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Take Your Power Back After Intimate Partner Violence

Location: Talon Center Atrium

April 19 | 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | LOCK IN

Location: PEC 108

April 24 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | DENIM DAY

Location: Talon Center Lobby 

April 25 | 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | KINK & CONSENT

Location: Talon Center Lobby 

CSU officials have notified students that their emotional and physical wellbeing is a priority to the institution. Confidential medical treatment and confidential counseling and support services are available for students through the university. 

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By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO 

Tennessee State University, the only publicly funded HBCU in the state, had their Board of Trustees removed by a new law, SB1596,  which was recently signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee. 

The legislation which wiped out the board was passed by the state GOP-controlled House on March 28 in a 66-25 vote. Lee said his decision to sign the bill stemmed from TSU officials inadequately allocating and properly documenting the use of funds. 

The Tennessee State Comptroller of the Treasury stated that TSU’s “management has repeatedly fallen short of sound fiscal practices, adequate documentation and responsive communications to concerned parents and students.” 

They also stated that there have been multiple “inconsistencies between testimony given by TSU officials to state officials and actions later carried out.”

According to the Tennessee State Comptroller of the Treasury, a new forensic audit of Tennessee State University “includes 57 observations and 60 recommendations related to how TSU handles a variety of core responsibilities including budget monitoring, collecting tuition, awarding scholarships, and many more.” 

The report states, “While the audit clearly notes a number of deficient processes, auditors from CliftonLarsonAllen LLP did not identify evidence indicative of fraud or malfeasance by executive leadership, the University, or the TSU Foundation.” 

Upon receiving a request for comment, Jenai Hayes, the institution’s director of public relations and strategic communications, sent the AFRO a statement on the matter. 

“This is unprecedented, unfortunate and uncharted waters for any public university in the state. We believe this legislation will disrupt our students’ educational pursuits, harm the image of the University and remove a Board that had achieved success in its enhanced governance of TSU,” read the statement. “There have not been any audit findings that TSU mismanaged funds. The university has made significant improvements to its business operations from two years ago, which were not addressed in the just-released FY 2022 audit. Additionally, today’s forensic audit report clearly states that TSU had not engaged in any fraud or malfeasance.TSU has been a good steward of taxpayer dollars.” 

Aside from highlighting the fact that no wrongdoing was found in multiple audits, the university is shining a spotlight on how they have been historically underfunded. 

“State lawmakers also have made very little mention of the chronic underfunding that TSU has experienced over generations. Confirmed totals are $544 million according to state officials, in which $250 million was allocated in April 2022; and $2.1 billion according to a recent federal report,” said university officials in the statement. “TSU would undoubtedly be in a different position today if it had received the funds promised by the state over the course of the last three decades.”

Black Voters Matter, in partnership with TSU, held a press conference regarding the new legislation in place on April 1. A live stream of the press conference was provided through seasoned journalist Roland Martin’s livestream show, “Unfiltered.”

“Black Voters Matter joins in the fight against the Legislature’s abuse of power, which dismissed leaders with years of institutional knowledge and commitment to protecting Black history, education and power,” said the organization, Black Voters Matters, in a statement. “With the bill’s passage, the organization will demand equitable funding for Tennessee State University and the protection of HBCUs.” 

The move has garnered attention from around the country. 

“Ask yourself how many state schools have had five audits in one year,” said Roland Martin, on his livestream. “You can not show me anywhere in America when an audit was done and no fraud was uncovered and the entire board of trustees was removed.”

While originally three members of the board were set to be replaced, after weeks of negotiation, it was announced at the last minute that the entire board would be vacated and eight new members would be appointed. The new appointees, all of which are TSU alums, are: 

Trevia Chatman, president, Bank of America Memphis

Jeffery Norfleet, provost and vice president for administration, Shorter College

Marquita Qualls, founder and principal, Entropia Consulting

Terica Smith, deputy mayor and director of human resources, Madison County

Dwayne Tucker, CEO of LEAD Public Schools

Kevin Williams, president and CEO of GAA Manufacturing

Dakasha Winton, senior vice president and chief government relations officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

Charles Traughber, general counsel, Division of Real Estate, Retail, and Financial Services at Bridgestone Americas

Darrell Taylor, president of TSU’s Student Government Association, said that he found the timeline of the audits interesting as they come after TSU asked for the money they have been owed federally, which according to the federal government is $2.1 billion. 

“This isn’t just Tennessee State University– several, if not all HBCUs are facing similar issues,” he said on Martin’s livestream.

Now, HBCU students around the country are speaking out on the move by the Tennessee legislators. Jason Sanford, a graduate student at Morgan State University agreed that the new actions taken by Tennessee’s governor and lawmakers should serve as a wakeup call.

“TSU, along with other HBCUs have been left out of government funding. I think it is unfair to the students, faculty and staff of TSU to now find out they are having their board of trustees removed by the government, ” he said.

Last year U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack sent letters to 16 governors, including Gov. Lee, stating that there is a $12 billion disparity in funding between land-grant HBCUs and non-HBCU land-grant peers in their states.

“The fight to prevent the state overreach for the board of trustees has been lost, but I am hopeful for the future of our university with new leadership in place,” said Shaun Wimberly Jr. Tennessee State University’s Student Government Association Student Trustee during the live stream.

“We’ve done enough begging in my opinion,” he said. “Now is not the time for begging, now is not the time to be requesting. It is our time to take what is ours.”

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By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

Howard University’s athletic director, Kery Davis, has been selected as a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). This prestigious accomplishment for an athletic director is the first for the university. 

Davis has made improvements to the athletic department since joining in 2015. Under his leadership, the Bison have won 31 conference or national championships, led by women’s volleyball’s six conference championships, including five in a row from 2015 to 2019. 

The 2023 athletic season was indeed a comprehensive championship year for the Bison on the fields of competition. They swept the MEAC’s (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) highest honors by winning the 2022-2023 MEAC All Sports honors, the Talmadge Hill Men’s All Sports and the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All Sports awards. 

Davis remains heavily hands on, now the MEAC’s sixth athletic director, he also currently serves as chair of the MEAC Football and Television committees, and sits on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee, NCAA Legends and Legacy Selection Committee, and NCAA Basketball Rules Committee. He also gives his time to various initiatives with conference staff and league officials. 

“It’s extremely gratifying and humbling to see the tremendous work and the achievements of Kery being recognized through this prestigious award,” said Sonja Stills, Commissioner of the mhid-Eastern Athletic Conference. “He is a true example of excellence in leadership. I’m grateful that he leads one of our elite eight institutions during a period of extraordinary achievement, both athletically and academically.” 

It is important to Davis that student-athletes are prepared on and off the court. He has helped students to reach academic success and has since won awards for graduation rates and for students having the highest department GPA. Howard has 500 student athletes and 21 collegiate sports, making it the most sports available out of all HBCUs.

“Kery provides tremendous value, not only to Howard University and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, but the impact his work has on the student-athletes, on his campus, across our league, and the nation exceeds the boundaries of one school and one conference,” Stills said. “We are truly fortunate to have him as a part of the MEAC Nation.”

He not only works to ensure student athletes walk across the stage, but he is also responsible for making sure they are fashionable on campus. In recent years, Howard became one of six HBCUs to sign a direct partnership with Jordan Brand for football and basketball. 

The partnership has brought facility enhancements, exclusive merchandise and apparel. Howard has also merged with sponsorship deals with national brands, including AT&T, Rocket Mortgage, Nissan, Mielle Organics, and Nuna Baby, Inc.

The improvement, growth and development in the department under Davis’ leadership is what the university calls a “renaissance of Bison Athletics.”

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Black PR Wire) Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) announced its collaboration with Paramount Pictures for the highly anticipated BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE film which hit theaters on February 14, 2024. The CBCF has been selected as the film’s nonprofit partner to provide The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships to support students pursuing degrees in social justice related programs.

“The message of unity and love in the Bob Marley: One Love movie reinforces the resolve required to meet the generational challenges faced by diverse emerging leaders through a steadfast commitment to progress,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, CBCF President and CEO. “Developing future leaders is central to our mission of advancing the global Black community by preparing the next generation to lead in public service and policy development. We are proud to add the One Love Social Impact scholarship opportunity as another option to help relieve financial barriers to higher education for students of color.”

The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships honor Marley’s legacy as a cultural icon and his message of unity by supporting ten rising sophomore, junior, and senior students with $5,000 scholarships in pursuit of degrees in community organizing, nonprofit management, public policy, or social justice related degree programs who are attending selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Paramount Pictures is giving $50,000 to support the ten scholarships that will be awarded to students attending Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana. 

Applications are open April 1 through April 30, 2024. To apply, students can visit https://cbcfinc.academicworks.com/.

“Bob Marley’s commitment to creating a better world is the driving force behind his musical legacy,” said Marc Weinstock, President Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Paramount Pictures. “Empowering a new generation to take the reins on shaping that world is one way to honor the values that Bob embodied, and we are proud to partner with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to move that mission forward.” 

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE premiered February 14, 2024.

For additional information on CBCF and to learn more about The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships, visit cbcfinc.org.

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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

The Federal Reserve System Board of Governors recently elected Coppin State University (CSU) President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D., to the board of directors of the Baltimore branch for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The bank serves Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington D.C.

Beginning this March, Jenkins will serve a three-year term. He is the first Maryland university president to be appointed to the board. 

“It’s critical for monetary policymakers to understand the communities we serve, and Coppin State University is a vital institution in Baltimore,” said Jessie Romero, assistant vice president and corporate secretary for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. “We’re very excited about the insights and connections Dr. Jenkins will be able to bring from the people who live and work here.” 

Jenkins said the position was not something he sought. Instead, the board reached out to gauge his interest in the role. He thought it would be a unique opportunity not only for him, but for CSU. 

Jenkins said the appointment speaks volumes about the reputation of the West Baltimore anchor institution. 

“I think the Fed really acknowledges how Coppin is a leader in urban higher education and appreciates what we can bring as far as insight and value as an anchor institution,” said Jenkins. “I think they also acknowledge that in order for Maryland to be strong, Baltimore has to be strong. Coppin, as the hometown university, really has its thumb on the pulse of what’s going on in Baltimore.”

Jenkins became president of CSU in 2020. When Jenkins arrived on campus, CSU’s retention rate was about 57 percent compared to 74 percent today. Enrollment increased 5 percent last fall, with students hailing from 37 states and 31 countries. Last year, the university invested more than $14.1 million in research, up from $1.5 million in 2019. It also raised $6 million, up from $1.2 million in 2019. 

“We did that with the backdrop of a global pandemic. You can’t underscore how much we moved this university in a short period of time during a global pandemic,” said Jenkins. “Imagine what we’re going to continue to do now that that’s behind us.”

Since assuming his board position, Jenkins said his perspective on the U.S. economy has shifted. Instead of thinking about the economy from a consumer perspective, he’s considering its sustainability and its impact on the rest of the world. 

“This board is really responsible for creating a healthy and more sustainable economy for this nation, understanding that what we do has a trickle effect on the rest of the world,” said Jenkins. “For me, it’s about bringing insight, information and expertise of what’s happening in Baltimore to strengthen the economy, policies and regulations and to put families in a much better place.” 

Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member.

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By Sabreen Dawud,
Special to the AFRO

Tears and applause filled the Cramton Auditorium as the Howard University College of Medicine hosted the 23rd Annual Long White Coat Ceremony on March 15 at 9:30 am. 

The event commemorated Match Day, a national day in which medical students open an envelope that reveals where they will begin their residency programs.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only about 5.7 percent of physicians in the United States identify as Black or African American. 

Graduates of the Howard University College of Medicine gathered to be given their long white coats on stage in honor of their entrance into the medical field post-grad. Each student was also handed their Match Day envelope, which they opened at the conclusion of the ceremony. 

The event opened with words from the masters of ceremony, Ameenat Akeeb and Kylar Wiltz. Their introduction was followed by a performance of the national anthem from Mikayla Harris and an invocation by Lawrence Garvin II. 

Greetings were provided by Dr. Andrea A. Hayes Dixon, dean of Howard University College of Medicine, and Xavier Becerra, U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services. 

“We want Americans to recognize that this is what America should be and will look like in the future,” Becerra affirmed. 

A class welcome was led by the President of the Howard University College of Medicine, Ixavion Wright, and Vice President of the Howard University College of Medicine, Kyla Bass. 

Wright and Bass also awarded select residents, faculty and staff who were recognized for their outstanding work. These honorees included Dr. Dom Guelce, named “Outstanding Resident,” and Dr. Damires Fossett, who was celebrated as “Outstanding Faculty.” Shashika Cope and Leiza O’Neil were recognized as “Outstanding Staff.”

The 17th President of Howard University and Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery, Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, served as the keynote speaker of the ceremony. Frederick emphasized the importance of a physician’s ability to maintain humility and respect for others throughout their career. 

“You should be trying to amplify other people’s humanity. You should everyday be looking for that opportunity to make somebody else’s existence that much better,” he said. 

With a class of 97 graduates, the Cramton Auditorium seats were filled with family, friends and loved ones. Graduates such as Jada Watts, who will be training in emergency medicine at University of Chicago, described her emotions during the event.

“It was really a whirlwind of emotion— very powerful emotions. It felt so good to see so many Black doctors walking across the stage—people you’ve been sitting with at their worst and at their best,” said Watts. “We all overcame it,” she said, of the challenges faced through medical school. 

“I opted for emergency medicine because it’s a field where patients often mirror the community. In the emergency department, we have the opportunity to provide care irrespective of individuals’ socioeconomic backgrounds,” she continued. “This inclusivity is particularly meaningful to me and serves as a driving force in my journey forward to tackling healthcare disparities.”

Other graduates such as Kyra Watson, who will be training in general surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, shared how the ceremony allowed her to reflect on the support she received as a student at Howard University College of Medicine.

“Seeing Black doctors—working with Black doctors day in and day out at Howard— it really keeps the fire underneath of you especially because they’re the ones who are really pushing you in that direction,” she shared. “If you’re struggling with something and you go to these doctors, they’ll sit down with you and they’ll chat with you, tell you about their experiences and help you along the way.”

As Black doctors who are entering the medical field, graduates such as Jasmine Walker, who will be training at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, La. for orthopedic surgery, and Bryttany McClendon, who will be training at George Washington University for obstetrics and gynecology in the nation’s capital, emphasized how their time at Howard University allowed them to hone in on their desire to center Black wellness.

“Coming to Howard was the best decision I ever made in my entire life. I knew I wanted a medical education that was not going to overlook the Black community,” Walker said.

Her sentiments were echoed by McClendon. 

“I’m here for my people and I love that Howard instilled that in me that it’s okay to want to really help my community. That doesn’t mean I’m neglecting others, but it’s okay that I’m focusing on making sure that my community is good because it’s been neglected historically for so long.” 

As the Howard University College of Medicine honors the Class of 2024, the graduates continue to bask in the excitement of what is to come as they embark on their post-grad careers. 

“Being a black doctor in medicine held immense significance for me, primarily because of the scarcity of physicians who resembled me in my upbringing. It wasn’t until I entered a community like Howard, where numerous African American physicians serve as trailblazers, that I realized the profound importance of representation,” said Watts. “In environments where underlying social determinants significantly impact disease prevalence, having diverse representation is crucial. Studies have shown that enhancing diversity in the medical field correlates with improved patient outcomes.”

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By Megan Sayles,
AFRO Business Writer,
msayles@afro.com

The state of Maryland is currently considering legalizing i-gaming, or internet-based gambling on casino-style games. Two bills in the Maryland General Assembly, HB1319 and SB603, would give residents the chance to vote on authorizing online slot machines, roulette, poker and other table games. 

If legalized, the assembly predicts i-gaming could generate more than $900 million in gross revenue by 2032. The measure comes after voters approved online sports betting in 2022. 

Morgan State University’s Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research (DASGR) hosted a town hall to explore the opportunities and implications of the legislation on March 15. Part of the argument for legalizing the practice is combating the Black Market that already exists for i-gaming.

“We’re talking about legalizing it in Maryland, but I just Googled online gaming on my phone, and I could start playing in five minutes,” said West Virginia Delegate Shawn Fluharty, president of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States. “You can play. It’s already there. It’s just not regulated, and you’re not making revenue off of it.”

Not regulated by government entities yet, the i-gaming Black Market can pose consumer protection risks. Betters are vulnerable to financial fraud and unjust gaming practices, and there are no measures in place to curb problem gambling. 

“Just like all other forms of consumer products, gaming is going to have a digital channel,” said Scott Gunn, senior vice president of corporate public affairs for International Game Technology. “Policymakers in this state and others should put their imprint on it, rather than let consumers find unregulated sites.” 

A primary concern for legalization is i-gaming’s effect on brick-and-mortar casinos. Under the legislation, the establishments would receive their own i-gaming licenses, but some worry that escalation of online gambling will lead to the cannibalization of land-based casinos, putting numerous people out of jobs. 

An example of this can be seen in the retail industry, with more people choosing to shop online rather than patronize physical stores. 

“Operators are always concerned that if they go online with their services, they might lose money, and along with losing money, they might lose jobs. No one wants to bring in a new legal business where jobs are going to be lost, especially post-COVID,” said Jeff Ifrah, online gaming attorney and founder of iDevelopment and Economic Association (iDEA). “Everyone’s trying to get back to normal, which means we want casinos to have the revenue they had before.” 

A study commissioned by the Maryland General Assembly reported that i-gaming would be responsible for a 10.2 percent decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for brick-and-mortar casinos. By 2032, the study forecasted that Maryland casinos would lose $222.5 million as a result of internet gambling. 

Ryan Eller, executive vice president and general manager at Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland, said his establishment experienced a 70 percent decline in visitation when online sports betting was legalized in 2022. He expects i-gaming to follow suit. 

“It certainly isn’t my fear that Maryland Live!, which employs close to 3,000 people and has a great deal of livelihoods associated with it, would go the way of the local strip mall and become vacant. The sky is not falling in that respect,” said Eller. “But, it would have similar impacts. If cannibalization does materialize the way we anticipate that it would, some of the stores in our mall would inevitably go dark.” 

However, four Maryland casinos, Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, Hollywood Casino, MGM National Harbor and Horseshoe Casino, have expressed their support for i-gaming during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing. 

Proponents of the bill have also cited a study from Eilers and Krejcik Gaming (EKG), commissioned by iDEA, that determined i-gaming will have a positive impact on revenue for brick-and mortar casinos. The report examined states like New Jersey, West Virginia and Michigan, which already operate live and online casinos. 

It found that the states’ land-based casinos experienced a 2.44 percent quarterly revenue increase after legal i-gaming was enacted. The study concluded that, in a typical U.S. state, i-gaming would have a 1.7 percent positive impact on revenue for physical casinos. 

“Online gaming is a different way to approach a new consumer. It’s not an existing consumer who is going to choose this instead of that,” said Ifrah. “It’s someone new and that provides a new opportunity because not everyone goes to land-based casinos.”

Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member. 

The post Morgan State University explores implications and opportunities for Maryland’s iGaming bill appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Black PR Wire

(Black PR Wire) TORRANCE, Calif. — The countdown is on to the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), the nation’s premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). After advancing from the HCASC national qualifying tournaments held in February, the top 32 HBCU student teams will compete in the National Championship Tournament at American Honda’s corporate campus in Torrance, California. The winning school will earn the HCASC National Championship title and a portion of the more than $500,000 in institutional grants provided by Honda. Fans can stream the exciting HCASC National Championship finals at 3 p.m. PDT April 11 –12 at HCASC.com.

Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is a year-round program that celebrates HBCU academic excellence and showcases the best and brightest minds from HBCUs across the country. The 32 teams, composed of four students from participating schools, will go head-to-head in a battle of scholastic skill, quickly answering questions on a range of topics including history, science, math, pop culture, and more.

“The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has provided a national stage for generations of talented HBCU students to display their impressive academic capabilities and the rich culture of HBCUs,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Honda is proud of our longstanding commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders by providing HBCU students with the tools and experiences they need to live their dreams.”

HCASC challenges students to expand their scope of knowledge, with the opportunity to gain lifelong learning skills, including leadership, collaboration, and sportsmanship. Participating students also can build camaraderie with students from other HBCUs and gain networking and mentorship opportunities with HCASC alumni, volunteers, and Honda associates. Additionally, Honda offers development seminars to help prepare students for success after graduation.

The 2024 HCASC participating HBCUs are:

Since its inception in 1989, HCASC has supported the success and dreams of over 175,000 HBCU students. This year, Honda will provide more than $500,000 in institutional grants to the participating HBCUs, with many of the schools utilizing the grants to fund student scholarships. The winning team will receive $100,000 from Honda.

HCASC also is part of the Honda ‘Drive the Legacy’ initiative that celebrates the company’s longstanding commitment to HBCUs and their communities. The unparalleled HBCU marching band showcase, Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), will return live to bring the energy in 2025. In addition to these beloved programs, Honda is a proud partner with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF to provide annual scholarship funding to support HBCU students pursuing an education in engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing-related fields.

To follow the teams’ road to the HCASC National Championship, visit the HCASC Facebook,  Instagram, and X.

Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities

For 35 years, Honda has supported the success and dreams of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students through initiatives including the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These programs provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities for HBCU students, including meeting and networking with peers from other HBCU schools. Honda has impacted the lives of more than 250,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.

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

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

About Honda Corporate Social Responsibility

For more than 60 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its customers and associates live and work. Honda’s mission is to create products and services that improve lives while conducting business in a sustainable manner and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Advancing its corporate social responsibility, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation support this direction through giving focused on education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety and community.

Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.

The post PRESS ROOM: Honda Campus All-Star Challenge celebrates 35 years of HBCU academic excellence with National Championship Tournament appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Associated Press

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Jordan Hairston scored 18 points and Bryce Harris and Seth Towns each scored 16 points as Howard beat Delaware State 70-67 on March 16 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament championship to secure an NCAA Tournament bid.

Harris’ jump shot broke a 60-all tie with 4:18 remaining and the Bison led for the remainder but not without late drama.

Hairston made two free throws with six seconds left for a 70-66 lead. Off the inbounds, Delaware State’s Deywilk Tavarez dribbled at a full sprint up the floor and with 2.2 seconds launched a 3-point attempt and was fouled by Jelani Williams.

Tavarez made the first foul shot, missed the second, and his attempt to deliberately miss the third for a desperation rebound and 3-point heave attempt failed when his shot attempt ricocheted off the backboard and failed to touch the rim. Howard inbounded to end the game.

Marcus Dockery scored 15 points for fourth-seeded Howard (18-16), which is headed to the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year for the first time in school history. Howard upset top-seeded Norfolk State on its way to the championship game.

Jevin Muñiz scored 24 points and Martaz Robinson 16 for the sixth-seeded Hornets (15-18) which saw its improbable MEAC run end.

The Hornets last beat Howard on March 5, 2020. Delaware State entered having beaten second-seeded North Carolina Central and third-seeded South Carolina State.

The Hornets were seeking their first conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth since 2005. Delaware State ended the regular season having lost four of five games.

The Bison were without Dom Campbell, Shy Odom, Ose Okojie and AJ Magbegor due to injuries. For the season, Howard’s rotation players missed a total of 78 games which was among the top five in the country.

Howard led 40-34 at halftime on the strength of 8-for-17 shooting from 3-point range. With the exception of a 2-0 deficit the Bison led for 19:09 of the first 20 minutes. Towns’ layup with 3:59 left before halftime gave Howard a 33-23 lead, the only double-digit lead either team held.

Towns — a 26-year-old, eighth-year senior — has had a career marred by injury. His playing career started at Harvard in 2016-17 before the Columbus, Ohio, native transferred to Ohio State beginning a series of season-ending injuries before transferring to Howard.

The post Howard downs Delaware State 70-67 for MEAC crown and 2nd consecutive trip to NCAA tourney appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent,
AFRO Staff Writer,
abrent@afro.com

The Stephen Long Worcester High Pioneers Club(SL-WHP) is upholding the legacy of the first Black superintendent in the Worcester county area by helping the next generation of Black students continue their education. 

Founded just a little under two years ago, SL-WHP is a nonprofit organization focused on highlighting the career and significance of legendary educator, Stephen Long. The organization is also dedicated to providing educational resources to youth and college aged students. SL-WHP vice president, Ronnie Collins Sr., shared why upholding the legacy of Stephen Long is so vital to not only the organization but the progress of the Worcester county community as well. 

“Instead of staying in Pennsylvania at Lincoln University, he decided to come back to Pocomoke City— a community he had left many years before. Just as he came back to Pocomoke, we decided that we would come back and look at the educational state of Pocomoke, which in many ways for many students is a bit small,” explained Collins. “We set up this organization because Stephen Long stressed higher education, and financial stability as a means to independence and character development. We’ve got to get back there and pick up where he left off.”

Continuing Long’s legacy is no easy task, especially when you look at all he did for the education of Black people in Worcester county. However, creating their scholarship was one way the organization knew they could continue to carry the torch that was set ablaze by the historical educator all those years ago. 

“We decided that we really needed to put our own resources together and we came up with about $10,000 by reaching into our own pockets to establish the initial scholarship,” Collins said. “Then we joined hands with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and we raised over $2,000.”

Collins went on to explain that although this is the organization’s first time giving out a scholarship, they’ve already made plans to give out more funding for school in the next few months. 

“The first scholarship was for $1,000. We had given some consideration to granting books, and stipends but now we’re in the process of endowing that scholarship and that will happen in a couple of months. We’ve started that process so that we can continue to give at a minimum $500 but $1,000 is our target.”

Amir Harmon is the first student to receive this scholarship from SL-WHP. Harmon is a sophomore at Morgan State University, where he’s studying computer science. The young scholar is a native of Snow Hill, Md., a small city in the Worcester county area. Harmon discussed how the legacy of Stephen Long and the mission of SL-WHP resonate with him. 

“I read the book they gave me about Stephen Long and I don’t think what he did is common knowledge and it should be,” stated Harmon “He was big on civil rights and he was the first African American to be a superintendent for his school district. More people need to know about him, especially in the Worcester county area.”

Sharing similar sentiments to SL-WHP, Harmon also feels that Long’s work was trailblazing and should continue to be looked at as a model for their community. Harmon explained that every dollar helps when it comes to paying for school. However, this scholarship is special because of the organization’s mission and how focused they are on helping his community. 

“I feel like Stephen Long’s work should be a torch for Black people everywhere but especially in Worcester county,” Harmon stated. “What makes this scholarship so significant is the purpose behind it. We don’t get a lot of attention in Worcester county so I feel like this is really big. It means alot to be the first recipient of this scholarship.”

The post Morgan State student awarded Stephen Long Worcester High Pioneers Club scholarship appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO 

For over 150 years, Bennett College, a private historically Black liberal arts institution, has advocated for education for women of color preparing them to excel and lead post graduation. 

Bennett College was founded in 1873 in the basement of Warnersville Methodist Episcopal Church, which is now known as St. Matthews United Methodist Church. This historical college lies in the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina and was established with the vital goal to provide education to formerly enslaved people.  During its formative years, Bennett’s mission was to educate men and women to become the teachers of future generations.  

In 1926 the college underwent a significant change and became a four-year women’s college. Bennett became one of two Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) solely dedicated to empowering and educating women in the United States, with Spelman College being the other institution. 

The college continues to be a hub for Black excellence and innovative ideas, taking their motto, “Education for your future, Sisterhood for Life,” to new heights. 

Funding has been a major issue for several HBCUs and Bennett College is one that is also affected. Deemed to have inadequate financial resources, Bennett has been appealing motions for them to lose their accreditation, and the fight has been a long one. The college found overwhelming success with a fundraising campaign and proved to be a resilient institution. 

According to Bennett College, on April 28, 2023 the college’s president, Suzanne Walsh, announced that the school was “awarded accreditation status by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).”

“If you care deeply about the next generation of women of color leaders, Black women leaders, there are only a couple of places in the country where you can go and really focus on that group. I wanted to see if there was something that I could add to help to begin to address stabilization and matters related to enrollment and accreditation,” said President Walsh who joined Bennett College in 2019. “I didn’t come here to save Bennett— I came to help to think about whether we could stabilize and then to help reimagine this incredible institution, to build on a fabulous legacy of women who are out in the world leading.”

The Bennett College campus is small by design. In 2021 there were 201 students enrolled and it is considered to be a microcollege, meaning having less than 1,000 students enrolled. For the Bennett Belles, in this intimate learning environment, the sisterhood and bond created at the institution continues to be unwavering. The institution also has a 90 percent retention rate and in 2022 the institution was named number one in social mobility amongst all national liberal arts institutions by US News and World Report.

“Our smallness is our strength. It allows us to be nimble and flexible. Bennett College was not built for more than about 840 students. We’ll never be in the 5,000-student place. This is who we are, and we are proud of it,” said Walsh. “Everybody usually focuses on the number as if the number tells them something. But, if you’re not keeping the students or they’re not graduating, something’s not working. It’s not about size, it’s about what kind of services you can provide.”

“A microcollege is about wrapping yourselves around students and giving them all the things that you would want in a boutique environment,” she continued. 

The school focuses primarily on leadership, civic engagement, global citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship and communications. President Walsh explained the importance of these pillars and how they are all needed in order for the institution to run smoothly. The faculty/student ratio of 7 to 1 allows students to get a personalized college experience while building relationships and bonds with faculty and staff.  

A smaller campus has a unique advantage of enabling students’ voices to be heard.  For example, after the pandemic, students expressed that mental health support was crucial in returning to campus. They created  a list of needs, and all were met. President Walsh even added more to the list to ensure the students felt  supported and heard. Students also expressed the importance of sustainability and created a  “Green Team.”

The institution showed their support by making the campus more environmentally friendly including dining options. 

“They have really led the campus in rethinking our energy bills and looking at healthy food choices, including setting up a garden on campus. They are just phenomenal leaders, and those students have been recipients of numerous grants,” said Walsh.

Tiara Allen, a freshwoman from Prince George’s County, Md. explained that when she began researching colleges to attend, she was recommended to look into Bennett by a high school counselor. 

“I loved that Bennett is a small college and has a very tight-knit family vibe going on,” said Allen.

Since stepping foot on campus and integrating into the culture, she shared that the feeling of family has not changed. Being the first person in her family to attend an HBCU, she appreciated Bennett’s support during her matriculation, but the sisterhood is something she will forever cherish.

“The sisterhood at Bennett College to be one of the most unique things to ever exist. These bonds hold a very special place in our hearts. Just walking around campus with our sisters, attending each other’s events, and planning things with one another is an experience you can talk about for days and days,”Allen expressed. “ I also really love the way we are so quick to help each other. You can always ask your sister for anything and not be ashamed. As sisters we have our moments where we might not always agree with each other, but we always have each other’s backs on campus and outside of campus. That’s why Bennett College will always be unique when it comes to sisterhood and bonding.”

Kaliyah Henry, a sophmore from Washington, D.C. majoring in journalism and media arts had similar things to say about the sisterhood, and was inspired to attend by her mother. 

“I came to Bennett College due to my mother. She attended here and told me how much she loved it here and the friends she made, especially since she even still talked with them to this day,” said Henry. “ On the plus side, I never wanted to attend college in the first place, but I wanted to have that college experience, so Bennett was my first choice.”

To help continue its rich legacy, Bennett College was selected to be a part of the Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Tiffany and Co. scholarship fund, About Love Scholarship program. This partnership is between Tiffany and Co., the BeyGOOD and Shawn Carter foundations. The program provided $2 Million in scholarships to give HBCUs and Bennett will receive a total of $400,000 from 2021 until 2025. 

The school also celebrated the 150th Founders event and announced about $2 million plus investments in Bennett. 

“One was an investment from the estate of a woman who did not even attend Bennett,” said Walsh. “ She had been watching Bennett in the news and wanted to make sure that she helped Bennett to continue on a positive path. And that investment is really helpful to support the success of our students.” 

Another major investment was $1 million from the state of North Carolina as announced by the Board Chair and State Senator, Gladys Robinson. President Walsh explained the investment was to focus on revitalizing, revamping and rehabilitating our science building. 

“Biology is our largest major. Our recent graduates are attending fabulous graduate schools like Columbia, Brown and Duke. Imagine what our students could do if our facilities or infrastructure was up to date,” she shared. 

Keeping the support going and raising awareness is major for Bennett College. Helping them continue their legacy can include spreading the amazing accomplishments the students and institution are achieving, supporting monetarily and loaning talent. One of the things they would like to provide for students would be a 24/7 chat box and they are looking for someone to lend a hand in helping them establish it. 

President Walsh explained the importance of unrestricted investments to support the college in ways they see fit. 

She mentioned,“The flexibility to be able to address the stabilization pillars is really important and it is rare that we receive large unrestricted investments. Unrestricted investments in Bennett College allow us to address things like deferred maintenance or important upgrades that are needed for IT infrastructure, or for addressing the unexpected.”

The post Sustaining the sisterhood: A look at the women of Bennett College  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is gearing up for the eighth Presidents and Chancellor’s HBCU Fly-In on Capitol Hill from March 6th to March 8th. This three day event is focused on bringing together HBCU administrators, members of congress and policy makers to discuss the issues that are directly affecting the nation’s 107 HBCUs. 

Since its conception in 2017 this annual event has been attended by presidents, vice presidents and agency secretaries. TMCF has 55 public HBCUs in their network of partnering schools, however for this event they’ll be inviting unaffiliated HBCUs as well to ensure that all of these historical institutions benefit from this event. In addition to the many HBCU administrators and political figures that are invited to this event, a series of our nation’s top business executives are invited to help create more opportunities for HBCUs.

“From the standpoint of engaging with top CEOs in the United States, this is an opportunity for potential partnerships. It’s an opportunity to build capacity at our institutions, and put them in a position to educate and train our students so that they’re prepared to take on the jobs of tomorrow,” stated David Sheppard, chief business and legal officer for TMCF.

Sheppard went on to further explain some of the events that have been happening within the last four years that have brought an increase in attention for HBCUs and how that has created a space for more policy to be created for the betterment of them. Things such as the election of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has provided a space for HBCUs to be represented and recognized like never before. While all eyes are on HBCUs, TMCF has been using this newfound exposure to highlight issues such as a lack of sourcing institutional infrastructure. 

For those who have attended an HBCU, it’s no secret that many of these institutions–especially public ones, are severely underfunded, under-resourced and undermined. Sheppard explained that this issue has even affected land-grant institutions, despite the required federal laws that have been put in place for their protection. 

“Our institutions have largely been under-resourced. In fact, the public institutions have never been supported by their state’s in the way that the flagship institutions– which are predominantly White institutions have been,” explained Sheppard. “It is a particular issue of significance as it relates to our land grant institutions.There is a set of HBCUs that are land grant institutions and they have never been treated similarly by their states despite the requirements of federal law.”

There’s a total of 21 land grant HBCUs including Virginia State University (VSU). Founded in 1882, VSU is the fourth oldest institution within the Virginia commonwealth and despite their lengthy existence they’ve never been funded in the same way public predominantly White institutions throughout the state have been. VSU’s president, Makola Abdullah spoke with the AFRO about why events like the TMCF fly-in are necessary and how we can further promote our HBCUs.

“It is an opportunity for us as presidents to advocate for our respective institutions as a whole at the federal level. It’s a way for us to really make an impact for HBCUs in Washington,” Abdullah explained.

Abdullah truly believes in HBCUs and what they have to offer. Noting that he thinks of them as some of the best institutions in the country, the head trojan in charge explained how he thinks the Black community can support and promote HBCUs even without attending them. 

“In order for our HBCUs to be around, we all have to support them no matter where we went to school. I don’t believe that every young person should go to an HBCU but I believe that every young person should visit an HBCU before they make a choice. They should put our institutions up against any other institution,” stated Abdullah. “Every Black person should donate to an HBCU because if our institutions go away, then we don’t have a choice to choose HBCUs. Right now we have the freedom to not choose an HBCU. That freedom should always be there, whether people choose to go or not.”

It seems as though the choice to attend an HBCU is one that is being chosen at an all time high these days. Sheppard shared that there’s been a 44 percent increase in applications submitted to HBCUs within the last year, even before the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action. It was also reported by the National Center for Education Statistics that between 2020 and 2023 there was a seven percent increase in HBCU enrollment. 

As HBCUs continue to pique the interest of young scholars all across the nation and enrollment increases, TMCF is continuing to provide opportunities to the students at these special institutions of higher learning. From scholarships to internships, fellowships and jobs, TMCF is showing just how much your education can pay off when attending an HBCU.

“I started this program when I was a junior in college and since then the program has offered me the tools I needed to prepare me for being an educator. I feel that this program has jump started me into my profession and it equipped me with the qualities that I wasn’t necessarily learning from my program but I was in need of,” Kaylee Pinson stated, a fellow in the TMCF teacher quality and retention program and an alumna of Morgan State University. 

Pinson recognizes the need for an event like the fly-in and is hoping the policies created and discussed will help HBCUs further develop secondary education programs and fix issues like the lack of housing on many campuses. 

“I would love to see them create some policies that can secure funding for more secondary programs. More HBCUs deserve the chance to offer more masters and doctoral programs,” Pinson exclaimed. “Housing is also a  really big issue. There isn’t enough of it or the housing provided is in need of some major renovations so I hope they focus on that as well, especially with the increase in enrollment.”

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By Ron Taylor
Special to the AFRO

A group of former colleagues gathered recently to commemorate and share the distinction of being part of a rare fraternal order. But this wasn’t just another governmental or corporate sub-unit meeting for drinks and chit-chat.

Assembled in a Martin Luther King Jr. Library conference room, were roughly 60 Howard University alum who were reporters, editors, photographers and business staff of The Hilltop, Howard ’s student newspaper, created 100 years ago, the largest student-run newspaper at a historically Black college or university in the U.S.

“We were the student voice of Howard University,” said Adrienne Mann-Israel, a Hilltop editor in the early 1960s who later served as acting editor of the Baltimore AFRO American.  

She and other Hilltop alumni echoed that sentiment about their time as student journalists. 

“It was a special time. It was a special place,” said Alonzo Robertson, a production editor in the late 1980s. “And I’m happy to a part of it.”

“We were part of the people, walking the street,” said Robertson. “We were reporting it and recording it. That’s what the Hilltop is.”

As students, they watched the Civil Rights Movement blossom  and evolve into a national change agent, they documented student protests that were at the heart of the Vietnam anti-war movement blossom, they reported on higher education’s growing pains and watched D.C.’s population become more Black than White in the 1960s, and, after the District burned in riots, become White again at they end of the 20th century.

And there were world events to cover. As student journalists Hilltop staffers covered the march of Vietnam anti-war demonstrators as protesters crossed the Potomac River to the Pentagon.

Hilltop reporters were once challenged for being “too passive” amid student protests that forced Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater to step down from Howard’s board of trustees. 

While non-journalist classmates claimed Hilltop reporters weren’t  radical enough in the 1960s, some alumni said, sometimes Howard administrators told The Hilltop they were going “too far,” former editor Adrienne Mann-Israel said.

Howard administrators denied press credentials to students when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he was  to appear at Howard’s Cramton Auditorium and when vulgar language showed up in print in a feature about student attitudes, Mann-Israel said she was summoned to the university president’s office to explain the Hilltop editor’s judgment.

She said she was pleased with the commemoration of The Hilltop hitting the centennial mark and impressed that today’s Hilltop staff of 60 would dwarf the staff of 10 that she oversaw in the 1960s. 

Like many Hilltop top editors, she came to D.C. from  a mostly White background in Masselon, Ohio. Howard nurtured her eagerness to thrive in a Black background for her and others who came to Howard from White backgrounds. 

Jazmine Goodwin, an Arizona native who was on The Hilltop Editor-in-Chief in 2018, said her time in D.C. helped develop her. 

“I was able to build my skills, build my craft and really just see what everything looked like up close and person,” she said. “From the day I arrived at Howard there was, like, a protest, Black Lives Matter.”
Mann-Israel said the experience of handling competing demands prepared her to step up her game in journalism after Howard. She went to the Washington Daily News and then the Washington Post before being hired by Elizabeth Murphy Moss to write and edit the AFRO as a 23 year old.

The post Hilltop Newspaper celebrates 100 years appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Maliik Obee
Special to the AFRO

On the fourth day of the women’s 2024 CIAA Tournament, Calflin helped to narrow down the playing field to four teams headed to the semifinals on March 1. The Panthers steamrolled over Shaw and registered a 71-45 victory in the history books.

Claflin players started the day with a remarkable shooting touch, knocking down 15 of 30 attempts (50 percent) from the field. On the defensive end, the Panthers forced the Bears to turn the ball over 22 times, resulting in 30 points. 

Guard Nya Morris led all scorers with 25 points and recorded a double-double (10 rebounds). Fellow backcourt mate Ashari Lewis (15 points) and forward Leigha Harris (13 points) scored in double-figures, staking Claflin to a convincing half-time lead 42-24. 

In-addition to forcing 22 turnovers by Shaw, Claflin went to the free throw line (and converted) often (16-for-22).

All-CIAA forward Alexis Radcliff scored 13 points on 5-8 shooting for Shaw, but guard Elisha Quinn was the only other Bear to record double-digits. 

Claflin moves on to the semifinals to face top-seed Elizabeth City State Vikings on March 1 at 12 p.m. on ESPN Plus.

Virginia State pulls off 51-42 comeback victory over Johnson C. Smith

No. 2-seeded Virginia State pulled off a spectacular 51-42 comeback victory over the third-seed Johnson C. Smith on Feb. 29. Proving that they could surpass another test on the road to the semifinals, the Trojans now look ahead to Friday’s matchup against top-seed Fayetteville State.

It was a rough start for Virginia State, after the Trojans fell behind 17-5 in the first period. Their shooting woes continued in the second, converting just 3-of-14 attempts from the field. 

Virginia State, steadied by its defense, still entered halftime barely holding onto a 23-18 lead, setting the stage for the Golden Bulls to come roaring back in the third period. 

The Golden Bulls outscored their opponents 20-6 in the third period quarter and rallied for a 38-29 lead.

But momentum is a funny thing.

The Trojons called on their scorers to carry them home. All-CIAA guard and most valuable player recipient Mijhae Hayes (21 points) combined with fellow all-conference forward Amesha Miller (14 points) for 35 points. Hayes’ ability to get to the basket resulted in her shooting 7-for-10 from the free throw line, while converting 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. 

In the fourth quarter, the Trojans turned up the intensity again, out-scoring the Golden Bulls 22-4 and limiting them to 2-for-10 shooting from the field. 

Following the contest, Hayes spoke about the run in the fourth that helped her team move forward in the tournament.

“Basketball is a game of runs at the end of the day,” she said. “It’s going to happen. It’s bound to happen. We just stuck together and told each other ‘We got this’. We’re down right now, but we still have 10 minutes to go.

“So, we just kept fighting until the end. The game isn’t over until it’s 0:00 on the clock. That’s really all it was, just keep motivating each other to never give up.”

Virginia State coach Nadine Domond commended the challenge from Johnson C. Smith, then praised her program for fighting back. 

“I have an amazing bunch of young ladies,” she said. “Every day they continue to show up. They are resilient, tough and they were committed to taking this game. They did not want to go home.”

Virginia State and Fayetteville State compete in the semifinals on ESPN Plus at 6 p.m. EST on March 1. 

The post Claflin women roll past Shaw to CIAA semifinals, Virginia State rallies for a 51-42 victory over Johnson C. Smith appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Special Release

The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is proud to announce the February airing of “The Legacy of HBCU Marching Bands,” a film that pays tribute to the rich heritage and ongoing legacy of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands. This vibrant showcase will feature the performances of eight premier bands from the 2023 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands.

This film is the fourth in the NBOTB series. It provides an in-depth look at the marching band culture and its vital role in African American culture for over a century. Celebrating their flair, dedication, and the continuity of traditions that have become a staple of entertainment and performance excellence. Viewers journey through the history of HBCU marching bands and their evolution as a crucial part of American culture.

The featured bands performances include:

• Florida A&M University, The Marching “100”
• Langston University, “Marching Pride” Band
• Mississippi Valley State University, Mean Green Marching Machine
• Norfolk State University, The Spartan “Legion” Marching Band
• Southern University, Human Jukebox
• Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands
• Texas Southern University, “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band
• Virginia State University, Trojan Explosion Marching Band

“We are thrilled to bring the stories of these iconic HBCU bands to the screen,” said Derek Webber, Executive Producer of the National Battle of the Bands. “Their music, moves and the sheer magnificence of their performances have entertained and uplifted and united communities for generations. It’s a true honor to document and share this legacy during Black History Month.”

Don’t miss this heartfelt homage to the musicians and communities that continue to inspire us with their rhythm, dedication, and trailblazing performances. 

For a complete schedule of airing dates and times, please visit NationalBattleoftheBands.com/salute, where viewers can also enjoy the film’s trailer and explore a list of stations broadcasting the documentary.

About National Battle of the Bands:

The National Battle of the Bands’ (NBOTB) mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), their marching bands, and their roles in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders. The musical showcase, hosted in collaboration between Webber Marketing and the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, occurs annually in Houston, TX, at NRG stadium. Event organizers have generated over $1.3 million in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. www.nationalbattleofthebands.com

For more information about the National Battle of the Bands and the upcoming film, please visitwww.nationalbattleofthebands.com or follow @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).

The post National Battle of the Bands honors HBCU heritage with “The Legacy of HBCU Marching Bands”  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Ariyana Griffin
Special to the AFRO

Morris Brown College (MBC) has received its largest grant in the last 20 years, courtesy of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF). The organization provided a $3 million grant to enhance the institution’s hospitality program.

The grant will allow the Atlanta-based Historically Black College to digitize and market its Hospitality Certificate program. MBC also has a partnership with Hilton Hotels, which will aid in the construction of an on-campus hotel and facility to give students hands-on experience and training spaces. This program was developed to help address the shortage of workers in the hospitality industry and will help create a pipeline for students into the field.

“I am thrilled about this collaboration with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which has a long history of supporting young people, including in the Westside of Atlanta where Morris Brown is situated,” said Dr. Kevin James, president of Morris Brown College, in a statement. “We anticipate Morris Brown becoming a prominent source of diverse talent for careers in hospitality and organizational leadership. My vision is for Morris Brown to emerge as one of the premier institutions in the nation for Black and Brown individuals to acquire expertise in hospitality, with a particular focus on working in and managing restaurants and hotels.”

The grant provided by AMBFF is a part of their initiative to provide and improve economic mobility for younger generations while providing learning opportunities as a part of the foundation’s Youth Development giving area. It will provide support to students who may have challenges when it comes to transportation, childcare or inconvenient shift work.

“The partnership between Morris Brown College and Hilton Hotels represents a promising model of employer engagement that both trains students and provides strong connections to immediate job opportunities in a thriving industry,” said Daniel Shoy Jr., managing director of youth development for AMBFF, said in a statement. 

Shoy, who is also director of AMBFF’s initiatives on the Westside of Atlanta, said he believes “this investment in the reinvigorated Morris Brown could be a scalable model for other industries and locations, including Montana State University, where the foundation is funding a similar program.”

“We invite others to join us in support,” he said.

Morris Brown is dedicated to making education and their programs accessible. The online Hospitality Certificate Program will begin to develop in early 2024 and the program’s first class will be eligible to enroll in the Fall 2024 semester.

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By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO

Howard University’s Ice Skating Club has created a 10-week program for community members who want to learn the sport.

Howard is the first HBCU to have an intercollegiate ice skating team in the country with the goal of diversifying the figure skating industry. In February, the team is taking part in its first competition at the University of Delaware.

Every Monday the team meets at Canal Park Ice Rink, 200 M St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. The lessons, which began Jan. 29, are open to everyone; however, they are on a first-come, first-served basis for participants who are not members of the organization. Members of the organization can join for free, and nonmembers must pay $15. 

The lessons will be from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. The participants will earn badges to show their achievement in ice skating skills and fundamentals. All levels are welcome and encouraged to come out.

To learn more about the organization follow them on Instagram, @hu_iceskating

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By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

(NNPA NEWSWIRE) – Renowned businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, chairman of Greenleaf Trust, have bestowed a monumental gift of $100 million to Spelman College. The extraordinary donation is the largest single contribution ever made to a historically Black college or university (HBCU).

According to a news release, Stryker, a devoted Spelman College trustee since 1997, has dedicated decades of her life to the advancement of women through higher education, championing opportunities for marginalized groups. The $100 million gift coincides with Spelman College’s commemoration of the 100 years since its official naming in 1924, marking a historic occasion in the institution’s rich legacy.

Officials said 75 percent of the donation is earmarked for establishing endowed scholarships to support future students. That move aligns with Spelman College’s commitment to attracting the brightest minds and dismantling financial obstacles that may impede qualified students from pursuing education at the esteemed institution, officials said. The remaining $25 million will go towards initiatives such as the development of an academic focus on public policy and democracy, enhancements to student housing, and the provision of flexible funding to address critical strategic needs.

“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College. “This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”

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By Aria Brent 
AFRO Staff Writer 
abrent@afro.com

Over a decade ago, Josh Stevens started his academic journey at Morgan State University (MSU). On Dec. 15, he received his bachelor’s of science in finance, officially becoming a Morgan State alumnus. 

Through financial hardships, family matters and even stage four cancer, Stevens never lost interest in finishing his degree and graduating from the historic institution. The scholar recalled the conversations he had with himself and his family regarding how important it was that he complete his degree. 

“I always had in the back of my head that I would go back to school when I had the opportunity,” said Stevens. “My dad and I had a conversation and he encouraged me to go back and finish what I started at the very least, or look into obtaining some sort of degree in another way. At the time, I wasn’t sure what to do. I wanted to go back to school, but I didn’t think I could afford the time or the financial part of it.” 

As Stevens was graduating from Eastern Technical High School in Essex, he was unsure of where to attend college. However he was encouraged by AFRO publisher and CEO, the Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper to attend her alma mater, Morgan State.

Steven enrolled for the fall 2012 semester and, during his freshman year, he walked onto the football team, lived off campus and kept to himself mostly. 

When he first attended Morgan he accomplished some great things on the field, including a conference championship during his last season playing for the Bears. Upon his return to MSU, the former athlete also succeeded, but this time, Stevens flexed his mental muscles by participating in a national academic contest with his department.

“When I came back, it was my second semester back and I was in a finance class. The guy in charge of our capital markets lab came to talk to our class about a competition they were having in Boston in the spring,” Stevens explained. “I got to be a part of the stock pitch competition and we had to pitch a stock to Wellington. We were competing with other HBCUs and we got third place.”

After playing for MSU for three years during his first matriculation, and having a different position coach every year, Stevens grew frustrated with the football program. He also found himself struggling to balance his personal life along with his studies, so he decided to take a break from school. 

While away from school, Stevens worked and did what he’s always done—serve his community. Volunteer and faith-based work is a big part of his life and, even through times of difficulty, Stevens continued to make helping his community a priority. 

“Josh has grown up serving the community alongside us. It’s not something that we would do occasionally, it’s just kind of how we lived our life,” explained his father, Matt Stevens. 

 “I think part of his worldview is in his faith (Christianity), but also in serving and helping others. It was as important as anything else. It was also something that he could draw from while he worked through the things at school and work.” 

During his time at Morgan, Steven’s peers, teammates and friends would join him for community service. During Steven’s first week at MSU, he met Clarence Swain III. The two were initially just teammates but that has since grown into a brotherhood that has now lasted more than 10 years. 

“My dad encouraged me to ask the guys I was working out with and spending time with if any of them want to come be involved, so I did. I asked Swain,” Stevens fondly recalled. “He got another teammate to drop him off and it was like after that, he wanted to be around and be a part of just about anything we’re doing ministry-wise. Through that, he and I became best friends, kind of like brothers.”

In addition to Swain, Stevens found other friends at Morgan who became part of his innermost circle. 

Steven’s father spoke on how vital and valued his son’s friends were as life’s challenges began to intensify.

 “A big piece of Josh’s story at Morgan was him meeting a handful of really good men and ladies, who became really good friends,” the elder Stevens said. “When he came into the challenging times, our faith, our family and the friendships that he had were a big part of that as well. I don’t know how anybody can make it through something like that without those things in place. His community at Morgan was really strong.”

In September of 2019, Josh Stevens was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Throughout his battle with cancer, he faced a series of health complications, including the development of a brain tumor. To combat his disease, Stevens went through several rounds of different types of chemotherapy, along with CAR-T cell therapy, a cancer treatment that consists of cells being taken from the body, fused with medicine to fight the cancer and then put back into the body. By 2020, he was able to get the fusion. As of Dec. 16, the Morganite has been in remission for three years. 

Although he stands at a towering 6 feet, 4 inches, Josh Steven’s heart still seems to be the biggest part of him. Noting how dedicated he is to Charm City, he’s focused on continuing to serve Baltimore in any way that he can. 

“Truth be told, Baltimore is probably my biggest focus in life at this point. I knew coming out of high school that I wanted Baltimore to be where I put my ministry efforts more than anything,” he said. “I really care a lot about the people in Baltimore, and it hurts when I see things like violence rates, carjackings, and all this craziness happening on a regular basis.” 

Since graduating, he is now working as a logistics coordinator for Somebody Cares Baltimore, and he’s excited for all the opportunities that await him as he furthers his career with the non-profit organization. 

The recent grad shared that the work he’s doing now is preparing him for future business endeavors that will allow him to pursue the intersection of ministry and the business industry. 

“I’ve had the ability to oversee not only this warehouse happening, but, in the future, other businesses too,” Josh Stevens shared. “God really spoke to my spirit and gave me some insight and vision on some things that could really help benefit the city. Ever since then, I’ve just been convinced that  this is the first step in opening multiple businesses that are invested in ministry and the industry.” 

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By Ayanna Alexander
The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The Democrats’ first primary of the 2024 presidential contest contained little mystery. South Carolina propelled President Joe Biden to the Democratic nomination four years ago and had little trouble besting token opposition on Feb. 3.

What was really at stake for Biden was the depth of support he received from Black voters. They made up half the party’s primary electorate in the state in 2020 and gave him a resounding victory, a win he rewarded by moving South Carolina to the front of the party’s nominating process. In the general election, Biden was backed by 91 percent of Black voters nationwide, according to AP VoteCast.

Whether he ultimately enjoys a similar level of support this year has implications far beyond South Carolina.

Biden’s support among Black voters has waned considerably since he assembled his winning coalition four years ago. His approval rating among Black adults is 42 percent in the latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, a substantial drop from the first year of his presidency.

That’s a potentially troubling sign as he prepares for a rematch against former President Donald Trump, the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination. Lackluster turnout among Black voters in South Carolina’s primary could signal a broader dip in enthusiasm. Biden will need to energize Black voters in the key swing states of Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

His campaign didn’t take the state for granted. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been visiting in the lead-up to the primary and have promised to keep advocating for the interests of the Black 

community.

Interviews with a wide array of Democratic-leaning Black voters in South Carolina ahead of the Feb. 3 primary revealed general support for the president, from early voting centers in Columbia, the state capital, to a historically Black college in Orangeburg to a voter-mobilization event in Charleston. But they also provided warning signs: Voters want Biden to spell out his priorities for a second term while expressing concerns about his age and how he is handling inflation and the economy.

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

Younger Black voters said they want Biden to represent their concerns and to see them prioritized if he wins a second term.

Alexandrea B. Moore, a 22-year-old senior at South Carolina State University, said Biden could have been more transparent about the challenges he faced in fulfilling his promise of widespread student loan forgiveness, a plan that ultimately was struck down by the Supreme Court.

“If Biden wants to be able to regain the trust of the U.S. citizens, then there does need to be a little bit of transparency on why things didn’t go the way that they were promised to us,” she said.

Olivia Ratliff, a 19-year-old sophomore at the college, the state’s only public historically Black college or university, wants to hear Biden focus on education issues, primarily school safety and the teacher shortage.

South Carolina school districts reported over 1,600 teacher vacancies at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, a 9 percent increase from the year before, according to a report from the South Carolina Education Association.

“It’s bad enough we send our children to schools with no teachers, but then they also risk their lives every day going to school,” said Ratliff, an education major.

Kailyn Wrighten feels let down by Biden because she thinks his administration has been too quiet on social justice issues stemming from the protests against police violence in 2020. But seeing her mother’s student loan forgiven before Biden’s initial plan was struck down was a relief and something she considers a bright spot for the administration, so she plans to vote for Biden in the primary.

A 22-year-old senior at South Carolina State, Wrighten also expressed a frustration shared by most younger voters interviewed — that Biden decided to run for reelection rather than make way for a new generation of Democrats.

“This is something we’ve worked up to for 18 years and kind of finally being able to exercise this, and you’re like, ‘This is what I’m left with right now?'” she said.

STUDENT LOANS, ECONOMY

Biden’s faltering attempts to push a broad plan for student loan forgiveness and his handling of the economy came up repeatedly as top-of-mind issues in interviews with more than a dozen voters.

Sheridan Johnson cast an early vote for Biden in Columbia. She applauded the fact that his administration reduced some loans, but is hoping for more.

“I’m waiting for that to pass because I really need some student loans forgiven,” said Johnson, 53.

Biden’s initial plan was struck down by the Supreme Court. The administration then developed a repayment plan set to take effect this month. Under it, borrowers won’t see interest pile up as long as they make regular payments.

Inflation remains a major concern. While price hikes have cooled in recent months and the economy is growing, that has not had a significant trickle-down effect on Americans’ outlook or benefited Biden.

Laverne Brown, a 69-year-old retiree in Columbia, said Biden needs clear messaging to show voters what he has done to improve the economy and what more he would do if given a second term.

“As an American citizen, the message that would make me feel really good is knowing that there’s continued concern for the working people, the people that have really put in … years of working and now are living on a lower income,” she said.

She noted that some in the city don’t have access to grocery stores within a reasonable distance, which adds to their financial strains.

TOO OLD?

Age concerns came up frequently in the interviews, and not just among younger voters.

Polling has consistently shown a broad lack of excitement about the prospects for a Biden-Trump rematch. The age of the candidates — Biden is 81, and Trump 77 — is among the top concerns.

An August AP-NORC poll found that 77 percent of U.S. adults, including 63 percent of Black adults, said they believe Biden is too old to effectively serve another term as president.

“They’re as old as I am, and to have these two guys be the only choices, that’s kind of difficult,” said Charles Trower, a 77-year-old from Blythewood, South Carolina. “But I would much rather have President Biden than even consider the other guy.”

Trower, a veteran, said Biden has implemented changes that improved the quality of life for veterans.

Joshua Singleton, a 19-year-old sophomore at South Carolina State, shared the sentiment: “We should have, you know, younger presidents to represent us.”

VOTING RIGHTS, ABORTION, OVERDOSES

Some of the nation’s most divisive and personal issues — voting rights, abortion and the overdose epidemic — also were among the top talking points for many of the Black voters interviewed.

Several noted the failure of Democrats to pass voting rights legislation during the first two years of Biden’s presidency as a response to restrictive laws passed by several Republican-controlled states. Democrats’ slim majority in the Senate was not enough to overcome Republican procedural moves to prevent the legislation from moving forward.

“The ability to protect voting rights needs to be expanded,” said Seth Whipper, 74, a former Democratic state representative who was contacted last week by voting rights activists during a community canvassing event in Charleston. “Every state in the nation, every territory should be subject to the Voting Rights Act. It’s just that important.”

Biden and Harris have been focusing on the stakes for abortion rights in this year’s election, a message that appeared to resonate with voters. Several wanted to know what a second Biden administration plans to do to protect reproductive rights.

“I’m a strong believer in women’s rights. I have a wife. I have a daughter,” said Tony Thomas, who is 71 and cast his ballot at an early voting site in Columbia. “I believe they should have a right not to have the government interfere in their lives.”

Fentanyl, which along with other synthetic opioids is the leading culprit in an overdose crisis killing Americans at a record rate, concerns Saundra Trower, a 75-year-old from Blythewood, just outside the state capital. She wants Biden to continue trying to fix it and figure out how fentanyl is flooding the country and why so many people are addicted.

“That’s the biggest thing for me,” she said. “There are too many young people and even middle-aged people who are dying from fentanyl.”

STICKING WITH BIDEN

The voters interviewed were among the most engaged Democrats in the state, taking advantage of early voting opportunities or helping to register and persuade others to get to the polls. Many said they generally supported Biden and would vote for him in the primary and November’s general election, driven by a sense that he was trying to address their concerns.

They pointed to strides he has made in diversifying the federal judiciary and government agencies, funneling more funding to historically Black colleges and universities, and taking steps to reduce unemployment.

Many also said they recognize that Biden can’t make everything happen on his own, given the divided power and deep polarization in Congress.

Austin Nichols, a 28-year-old lawyer in Columbia, said Biden is pushing the country in the right direction, particularly in addressing such things as racial discrimination in housing.

“One thing that I appreciate that directly impacts me are reforms and new rules governing race discrimination when it comes to home property values and getting appraisals, and the inherent biases that are in there,” Nichols said.

In his view, Biden is a president “for the people, and not for self-interest.”

LaJoia Broughton, a 42-year-old small-business owner in Columbia, voted for Biden in 2020 and said she will do so again this year, citing reasons both local and national: his administration providing more opportunities for Black-owned businesses, and what she sees as a threat to the nation’s foundational governing principles under a second Trump presidency.

“We can’t live with a leader that will make this into a dictatorship. We can’t live in a place that is not a democracy. That will be a fall for America,” Broughton said. “So my vote is with Biden. It has been with Biden and will continue to be with Biden.”

But several of those interviewed also acknowledged that it could be difficult to motivate voters who don’t always show up to the polls, especially those who have seen little change in their circumstances.

The Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton, pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, said that is particularly true for those who haven’t seen much improvement in their lives, no matter who was president.

Biden has had extensive outreach to the state in an effort to maintain his bond with its Black electorate. He recently spoke at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, where in 2015 nine Black parishioners were gunned down by a White assailant they had invited to join their Bible study.

To Benton, it seems that Biden is connecting more directly with Black churches this time than even during his campaign four years ago.

“At the end of the day, whether you are excited or have no excitement, what I’m still hearing is based on what’s present,” he said. “The candidate that the majority of African Americans are going to vote for is still President Joseph Biden.”

___

Emily Swanson, the Associated Press’ director of public opinion research, contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press’s coverage of race and voting receives support from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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By Holly Edgell 
The Midwest Newsroom

Antonio Lewis was surprised to see an email from Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey in his inbox on the morning of Jan. 8. Lewis, president of the Atlanta chapter of the Lincoln University Alumni Association, had never met Candia-Bailey, but knew she was the university’s vice president for student affairs and an alumna.

After scanning the first few lines of the email, his surprise turned to alarm.

“The first paragraph says, ‘Lincoln, where it all started and where it all ends.’ That paragraph made me alert to what could happen,” said Lewis, who said he immediately sent Candia-Bailey a message via Facebook.

“I said, ‘Whatever you’re doing, please don’t do it. Give me a call.’”

The email came in the form of a letter addressed to Lincoln University President John B. Moseley. Candia-Bailey sent the message from her personal account to family, friends and Lincoln alumni, hours before she died by suicide.

Running more than 10 pages and nearly 6,000 words, the email called out Moseley for a litany of actions that Candia-Bailey said exacerbated her existing mental health condition, which she did not explicitly describe.

“It was a manifesto,” Lewis said. “She was very direct with what she wanted to happen and what had happened to her. She didn’t mince any words.”

In the email, which the Midwest Newsroom has reviewed, Candia-Bailey gives Moseley 18 recommendations for how to improve his job performance as university president. She includes accusations of micromanagement, failure to provide clear directions, inconsistency and arrogance.

She also pointed to jail time, DWI offenses and criminal charges by a key leader on Moseley’s staff–citing case numbers and other details from public records. She said the leader was disruptive and created a toxic work environment.

She outlined several occasions when she talked about her mental health struggles with Moseley and asked for help, only to be rebuffed.

“I think the entire email shows the culture of bullying and go-along-to-get-along, and it is sickening,” Lewis said. 

As word of Candia-Bailey’s death and her email spread, blame and criticism grew among alumni and students–most of it directed at Moseley, who fired Candia-Bailey the week before she died. Her termination letter read, in part, that she “was being fired ‘due to your continued failure to appropriately supervise your staff and continued failure to properly supervise the area of student affairs at Lincoln University.’”

Candia-Bailey’s email addresses her firing, admits to mistakes and details the times she tried to work within the university’s processes and seek ways to improve.

Moseley took voluntary paid leave within days of Candia-Bailey’s death, and on Jan. 12, Lincoln University’s Board of Curators announced it would “engage a third-party expert to fully review potential personnel issues and concerns recently raised regarding compliance with the university’s established policies and procedures.”

In response to requests to interview Moseley as well as a representative of the Lincoln University Board of Curators, the Midwest Newsroom received two statements from the university’s marketing and communications department. One is the same statement released on Jan. 12. The second, dated Jan. 18, provided more details about the review. It said the university has hired attorneys led by Ronald Norwood and Jerina Phillips in the Higher Education Practice Group of Lewis Rice in St. Louis to conduct the independent review “of recent issues raised regarding compliance with the University’s established policies and procedures.”

Lewis, a 2011 graduate of Lincoln, is eager to learn what the review reveals. Regardless of the findings, however, he thinks Moseley’s voluntary leave is not sufficient and that he should resign immediately.

He referred to Claudine Gay, who stepped away from the Harvard University presidency in early January amid criticism about her remarks about anti-Semitism and accusations of plagiarism.

“I saw the grace that Dr. Gay showed. She showed a different level of maturity,” Lewis said. “And to see the way that our president is acting shows me the privilege that he thinks he has. I hope he steps down for the betterment of the university.”

Sherman Bonds, national president of the Lincoln University Alumni Association, asked for even more definitive action in a letter he wrote to the Board of Curators president.

“The university’s institutional care has been breached,” he wrote to Victor Pasley. “The present administration has become a liability to the mission and health of the institution. I have become compelled to demand a change to the Office of the Presidency of the university effective immediately.”

Bonds, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln in 1980 and a master’s degree from the school a year later, told the Midwest Newsroom neither Pasley nor anyone else from the Board of Curators has responded to his letter.

Pasley did not respond to Midwest Newsroom requests for an interview.

On Moseley’s watch

Lincoln University, one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Missouri, has struggled with funding shortfalls and declining enrollment. In late 2023, federal officials estimated Missouri had underfunded the college, located in Jefferson City, by almost $361.6 million for three decades.

The Missouri Independent reported that Lincoln University’s funding woes grew “over years of the state not meeting its obligation to match federal funds and school administrators dipping into the university’s other revenue streams.”

Lewis said he was dismayed by the way Moseley responded to his questions about securing money for Lincoln University shortly after he took office.

“I immediately gave him a call,” Lewis said. “I said, ‘Congratulations, President Moseley. Now can we work on getting that Lincoln University funding?’”

Lewis said Moseley made a remark that caught him off guard.

“He told me asking for that funding is like asking for reparations.”

Moseley’s university biography touts the securing of the much-needed funding: “For the first time since it was federally mandated in 2000, the University received nearly $10 million, the full state match for its federal land grant funding, in May 2022 and maintained the full funding following the 2023 legislative session.”

Bonds said it’s no accident that Moseley, who is white, was able to do what Black Lincoln University presidents over decades could not.

“African American presidents came through this era where we did not receive this funding,” he said. “The entitlement to the funding was always there. The state just decided to release it on Moseley’s watch.”

Moseley’s biography says he has more than 20 years of higher education experience, “including 14 years on HBCU campuses.” His LinkedIn profile shows few examples of university administration experience, however. It lists an assistant head basketball coach position at North Carolina Central University, followed by the head basketball coach role at Lincoln. From there, Moseley was the school’s athletic director for nearly six years. After nine months as interim president, Moseley officially got the job in 2022.

“He just walked out of the gym and into the president’s office,” Bonds said.

Lewis did not discount Moseley’s experience as a basketball coach or athletic director, but he did question why the Board of Curators selected him for the position in the absence of academic and administrative leadership roles.

“Dr. James Franks was our basketball coach, became our athletic director, became our president,” Lewis said. “He went on to become the first Black man to be the president of the NCAA. And so I’ve seen a basketball coach become a president, and I understand and respect it.”

Lewis said that Moseley’s race was not a key factor in his concerns, pointing out that Lincoln University’s founding president, Richard Baxter Foster, was white. Lewis called Moseley a novice, based on his resume.

Bonds also called Moseley a novice and said the Board of Curators tapped him to lead Lincoln University because he had strong relationships with lawmakers and officials in Jefferson City.

“There was always concern about his ability to mentor faculty and students, to provide direction to others,” Bonds said. “His ability to provide scholarly leadership is limited.”

In her email, Candia-Bailey urged Moseley to get to know the alumni and partner with them for the good of the university. Bonds said that, unlike previous presidents, Moseley seemed uninterested in connecting with alumni, who number thousands around the country and actively fundraise and recruit on behalf of their alma mater.

“Our feedback was not received with any value,” said Bonds, who’s been active in the alumni association for decades. “So we’ve always, from the time that Moseley’s been in the position, been at a position of, you know, feeling that indifference toward what we believe and our input.”

Bonds said the indifference has continued in the wake of Candia-Bailey’s death.

“It would be interesting if the Board of Curators would want to have a listening session with us,” he said. “They said they want a listening session with the faculty and a listening session with the students, but they didn’t say they want a listening session with the alumni.”

A student speaks

On Jan. 12, the day Lincoln University announced the independent review, a group of students gathered outside a Board of Curators meeting, hoping to question leaders about the university’s response and plans.

“We were just trying to have a conversation just to get some type of answers or just to be heard,” Kenlyn Washington, Lincoln’s Student Government Association president, told local television station KRCG. “When they said, ‘OK, we’re having a closed meeting now,’ it was very frustrating.”

Washington, a political science major from St. Louis, told the Midwest Newsroom she became acquainted with Candia-Bailey through her work in student government.

“She was a great woman,” she said. “She was about her business. She made a significant impact on campus, and she impacted many lives.”

As for Moseley, Washington said he maintained close relationships with student-athletes and athletic department staff but was perceived as “distant,” by the wider student body.

She said a reckoning at Lincoln University is the last thing she expected going into her senior year.

“For everything to happen in such a short period of time and to have this much attention and the spotlight, it’s really been an eye-opener,” Washington said. “But we students continue with the things that we need to get done.”

Among those things, Washington said, is pressing the Board of Curators for information about how Candia-Bailey was treated and her firing.

The Jan. 18 statement from the Board of Curators said, “…we want to prioritize the mental health of everyone here and make sure each employee and student is treated with dignity and respect.”

Like Bonds and Lewis, Washington is ready to see Moseley gone–whether by termination or resignation.

“We should hold everyone accountable on behalf of the student body,” she said.

‘Our university is suffering’

Stevie Lawrence II, Lincoln University’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, is now acting as interim president of Lincoln University. DeNeia Thomas, dean of professional studies, now serves as acting vice president for student affairs, the position Candia-Bailey held until her firing.

The next Board of Curators meeting is scheduled for Feb. 8. Students will be there, Washington said, to take a stand for the university they love.

“For me, coming to Lincoln made me who I am,” she said.

Lewis, who has not visited the Lincoln campus for two years, said he will also be at the meeting in Jefferson City. He’s eager to resume the fundraising and recruiting efforts he suspended during Moseley’s tenure.

“The person I became at Lincoln University is the person I am now,” he said. “I was taught how to speak up in times like this. Our university is suffering.”

Bonds, a special education teacher in Georgia, said he will not attend the Feb. 8 meeting, but he and other alumni will gather in Jefferson City for their annual meeting later in the month. He said the occasion could be an opportunity for university leaders to engage with alumni.

Bonds, born and raised in Sikeston, in Missouri’s rural “Bootheel,” said Lincoln University has long served as a beacon for Black students, and he worries that the school’s current troubles are detracting from its brand and reputation.

“What the whole underpinning of the institution is about is bringing individual students and faculty to a platform that engages them and uplifts them,” Bonds said.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm or know someone who is, the 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support all hours, seven days a week.

This story comes from the Midwest Newsroom, an investigative journalism collaboration including IPR, KCUR 89.3, Nebraska Public Media News, St. Louis Public Radio and NPR.

This article was originally published by Word In Black. 

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January 26, 2024 — Word In Black, a groundbreaking collaboration of 10 legendary Black news publishers and a program managed by Local Media Foundation, has received a $300,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to establish a religion and social justice desk.

This funding will allow Word In Black to delve into the intersection of race, religion and social justice within the Black community, as well as the Black youth perspective. These stories will humanize what audiences are experiencing and offer religious-based solutions.

Word In Black has hired an award-winning journalist and editor, the Rev. Dorothy Scott Boulware, for this new position. She has worked at the AFRO American News Co. for more than 20 years, beginning as a reporter and progressing to managing editor of the 131-year-old publication. She also served as editor of the Mustard Seed Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for young adults with Christian values. 

Alongside her journalism career, she served as an urban pastor for 17 years, and as a charter professor for the Determined Biblical and Theological Institute of New Shiloh Baptist Church of Baltimore. She’s a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Coppin State University (B.S.-English/ journalism), and Leadership Baltimore County, 2021.

“We are grateful to the Luce Foundation for funding Word in Black’s religion and social justice reporter. The AFRO is especially pleased that our special projects editor and former managing editor, the Rev. Dorothy Boulware, has been tapped for this important position. Dorothy is a talented writer who is a perfect fit for this position,” said Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of The AFRO in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and chair of the Word In Black board of directors. 

“Developed in response to the Luce Foundation’s recent request for proposals for projects seeking to advance public knowledge on democracy, race, and religion in America, Word in Black’s new initiative will support journalism that examines the role of religion in African American life and explores how Black faith communities put their spiritual understandings of justice and democracy into practice in a diverse range of social, cultural, and institutional contexts,” said Jonathan VanAntwerpen, program director for religion and theology, Henry Luce Foundation. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support this effort, which will build upon an innovative media collaboration that seeks to amplify the voices of Black Americans by sharing stories about African American communities across the country.” 

About Luce Foundation 

For more than 80 years, the Henry Luce Foundation has invested in knowledge makers and ensured that their work informs public discussion. This commitment to public knowledge derives from its founder. Henry R. Luce created Time magazine to disseminate the most important news, ideas, analysis, and criticism to a mass audience.

About Word In Black

Word In Black is a groundbreaking collaborative representing 10 legendary Black news publishers. Word In Black promises to confront inequities, elevate solutions and amplify the Black experience by reporting, collecting, and sharing stories about real people in communities across our country. We believe that by joining forces and providing a platform to examine these experiences in one place, we can shape how the nation understands and addresses systemic issues of race, justice, and equity.

About Local Media Association and Local Media Foundation 

Local Media Association brings all media together to share, network, collaborate and more. More than 3,000 newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, digital pure-plays, and research and development partners engage with LMA as members or constituents of our programs. As a 501(c)(6) trade association, LMA is focused on the business side of local media. Its programs and labs focus on revenue growth and new business models. LMA helps local media companies develop their strategies via cutting-edge programs, conferences, webinars, research and training.

Local Media Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable trust, serves as the innovation and transformation affiliate of LMA. Incorporating our four strategic pillars — business transformation, journalism funded by philanthropy, industry collaboration, and sustainability for publishers of color — LMF helps provide local media companies the strategies and resources for meaningful innovation and impactful journalism projects.

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By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Education sent all colleges and universities across the nation a notice, reminding them that they need to comply with the newly updated cybersecurity regulations published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The regulations – which include specifications such as implementing critical controls for information security programs, maintaining oversight of service providers and designating an individual to oversee a school’s cybersecurity infrastructure – came in response to an uptick in ransomware attacks on schools around the United States.

While these regulations are certainly warranted in an age where personal data is becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyber-criminals, the penalties for failing to comply with the regulations – especially the withholding of federal needs-based funding under Title IV – pose an existential threat to schools operating under tight budgets.

Take historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which have throughout their existence struggled to find the substantial funding that many state and private predominantly White institutions (PWIs) of higher education enjoy and who are already steeling themselves to deal with an expected surge of applicants following the Supreme Court’s regressive decision to effectively end affirmative action admission programs.

The loss of Title IV funding would drastically affect around 80 percent of the student bodies at HBCUs and would have a consequential negative impact on the future of these vital institutions of higher education.

Endowments at HBCUs pale in comparison to those at the U.S.’s top ranked colleges and universities, with the overall endowments at all the country’s HBCUs accounting for less than a tenth of Harvard’s.

The gap in funding between PWIs and HBCUs isn’t just because of smaller endowments, it’s also because state lawmakers keep funds off HBCU campuses – in North Carolina, for example, legislators awarded N.C. State an extra $79 million for research while N.C. A&T – the nation’s largest HBCU – was given only $9.5 million.

When it comes to access to technology, HBCUs also face an uphill battle with 82 percent of HBCUs being located in so-called “broadband deserts.”

Despite their struggles with funding, and the fact that these schools constitute only 3 percent of four-year colleges in the country, HBCU graduates account for 80 percent of all Black judges, 50 percent of Black lawyers, 50 percent of Black doctors, 40 percent of Black members of Congress and our country’s current vice president.

HBCUs truly know how to do more with less, but they cannot be saddled with costly regulations that pose an existential crisis to their ability to operate and be given no help to deflect some of the costs. Fortunately, however, there are businesses and individuals who see the importance of HBCUs to the Black community and are willing to lend their hands – and their dollars – to support them.

The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a non-profit chaired by philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith and funded by major tech companies like Cisco, has raised millions of dollars to help HBUs comply with the Education Department’s mandates. Cisco alone donated $150 million to the SFI with $100 million allocated to bringing HBCU cybersecurity system upgrades and $50 million going to establish an endowment to offer alternative student loans.

With $89 million already distributed to 42 HBCUs across the nation, the initiative has already saved around $1.5 billion in needs-based funding to these colleges and universities and is making strong inroads to helping these institutions meet the new cybersecurity regulations, but more is required if all HBCUs are to be saved.

Given the empowering impact HBCUs have on the nation’s Black community and the future promise of a more inclusive America, it is imperative that more companies support the work the Student Freedom Initiative is doing to ensure these vital higher education schools can continue to educate and inspire future generations.

As Vice President Harris said, “What you learn at an HBCU is you do not have to fit into somebody’s limited perspective on what it means to be young, gifted and Black.”

We in the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) https://www.nafeonation.org/ stand in strong support of the Student Freedom Initiative. We all should work together to ensure the sustainability of HBCUs in America.

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By Brian Witte
The Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Black Maryland lawmakers highlighted a package of measures on Jan. 18 that they are prioritizing to improve health, access to housing, minority business opportunities, education and criminal justice reforms.

Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, noted that the caucus includes 66 of the Maryland General Assembly’s 188 legislators, the largest caucus of its kind in the nation.

“Our agenda seeks to address health disparities and maternal health and cancer that plague our communities and lead to high mortality rates,” Wilkins, a Montgomery County Democrat, said at a news conference. “We will seek to increase access to housing and create a more stable environment for renters and Marylanders.”

Here’s a look at some of the measures that are being prioritized by the caucus:

HEALTH

The caucus is supporting a measure to improve the health of pregnant women by streamlining medical forms after they are discharged from hospitals and connecting patients with community-based services.

Black lawmakers also are adding their support to a bill to expand the authority of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board to set upper payment limits on prescription drugs statewide. The caucus also wants to do more to raise public awareness about the availability of cancer screening.

HOUSING

The caucus is backing a bill to give local governments the authority to require just cause to deny the renewal of leases and establish clear criteria for evictions to protect tenants. Another bill would restrict housing providers from discriminating against potential tenants who have criminal records by barring landlords from reviewing criminal history three years after release.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

The caucus is seeking to expand criminal record expungement laws. One measure would enable courts to decide whether a person’s record could be expunged, even if a crime falls outside of current statutory allowances. Supporters say that while the state has made progress on expungement rights, there are still a number of misdemeanors — like driving without a license or without insurance — that can’t be expunged.

The caucus also supports a bill to create an ombudsman’s office for the correctional system that would provide a voice for the incarcerated and their families about conditions in correctional facilities.

EDUCATION

A measure with caucus support would ensure that Maryland is not approving duplicative programs that already are being provided by the state’s four historically Black colleges and universities.

The caucus also expressed opposition to a proposal in Gov. Wes Moore’s budget proposal that would create a copayment of up to 7 percent of families’ income to participate in a child care scholarship program. Del. Stephanie Smith, a Baltimore Democrat, said the potential copays “could actually make the value of the scholarship program less potent.” The governor’s office said Moore is proud to have put forward the largest investment ever in the program, and that the governor looks forward to continuing conversations with lawmakers, local leaders and advocates.

MINORITY BUSINESS

The caucus highlighted a bill to increase transparency in the awarding of state contracts. One measure would create an interactive public dashboard for the state’s Board of Public Works, which approves most state contracts. Another measure would increase prime contracting opportunities for minority businesses.

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By Heather Hollingsworth and Summer Ballentine
The Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Many students at a historically Black college in Missouri returned from Christmas break this week dressed in black, mourning the suicide of a beloved administrator who had alleged bullying and racism by the school’s White president.

Known for keeping her office door open and greeting everyone at Lincoln University with a smile, Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey’s death has spurred student protests and #JUSTICE4BONNIE T-shirts across the idyllic red-brick campus in Jefferson City.

While President John Moseley agreed last week to go on paid leave pending a third-party investigation, many of the school’s 1,800 students and its alumni group are calling for his termination. A string of #firemoseley social media posts have questioned his qualifications, his treatment of the Black administrator and whether it was appropriate for a White man to lead an HBCU.

“We do want to see the removal of Dr. Moseley, as well as the board of curators and everybody else who was responsible,” said 22-year-old senior Xoe Binford, who was among about 30 protesters at a curators’ meeting on Jan. 17.

The board described the 49-year-old’s death on Jan. 8 as “tragic,” but declined to comment in detail, citing the need to keep personnel information confidential.

“As a University community, we want to prioritize the mental health of everyone here and make sure each employee and student is treated with dignity and respect,” Board of Curators President Victor Pasley said.

Monica Graham, a Lincoln graduate and longtime friend, said Candia-Bailey killed herself days after being fired as vice president of student affairs. Graham shared an email in which Candia-Bailey detailed the problems she was having with Moseley, including saying that he harassed her and alluded to her being “an angry Black woman,” which she described as a “stereotype that has demoralized Black women for decades.”

Candia-Bailey wrote that the situation deteriorated after she requested time off through the Family Medical Leave Act to deal with her “severe depression and anxiety.”

Moseley has not responded to an email seeking comment.

Most historically Black colleges and universities had White presidents through the 1940s after which graduates began to push back, said Marybeth Gasman, a Rutgers University historian whose research focuses on systemic racism in higher education.

Today, a White president at an HBCU is a rarity, she said. She was aware of just one other example, Bluefield State in West Virginia, which is now a majority White school.

“As it’s rare, we don’t know much about the consequences,” she said. “However, we do know from research and many examples that Black women are often mistreated, bullied, and harassed in the workplace by White men and others. They have to contend with sexism and racism as well.”

The first Black female president of Harvard University was recently forced to resign after being accused of plagiarism and amid backlash over her testimony at a Congressional hearing about antisemitism on campus. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled to end affirmative action in college admissions, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs are increasingly under attack in academia and the corporate world.

Just 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Lincoln University, anti-racism protests erupted at the University of Missouri’s Columbia campus in 2015, forcing that school’s president to resign. One Black student at the overwhelmingly White campus went on a weeklong hunger strike. Dozens of Black football players refused to play until the president stepped down.

Friends of Candia-Bailey said Moseley was never a good fit to lead the historically Black university.

“Why would you appoint a White president for such a position?” asked 53-year-old Eric Malone, who met the late administrator when they were both students at Lincoln and kept in touch with her over the years. His main concern, though, was Moseley’s qualifications.

Moseley was named as president in January 2022 after serving as the school’s director of athletics and basketball coach. His wife is an assistant professor at Lincoln.

“When he was the basketball coach, we loved him,” said Graham. “Everything was great. But then he became president and that’s where we didn’t support that. Again, not because he’s White, but because he wasn’t qualified to lead a university.”

Kendra Perry, 50, who also met Candia-Bailey when they were students, questioned his motivation in accepting the leadership role.

“I have to ask myself, ‘Are you really going to be for us or are you for what you can benefit from?’ And I saw him being more political and not being more personable to ensure that you keep the integrity of our HBCU,” Perry said.

Emails shared by Graham show Candia-Bailey reached out to the board in November about her troubles with Moseley, and that the board apparently dismissed her concerns. The board president, Pasley, told Candia-Bailey that the board “does not engage in the management of personnel issues for Lincoln University and will not be taking further action related to this issue.”

Pasley declined to comment to The Associated Press.

Cierra Tillman, a freshman computer information systems major at Lincoln, said she hoped the protests achieve “justice, not only for Dr. Bailey, but to raise mental health awareness for every student on campus and every other faculty or staff.”

“Her voice should have been able to be heard before we got to this point,” Tillman said.

Funeral services are set for Jan. 20.

The death has really taken a toll on Perry, whose daughter was hoping to become the fourth generation of her family to attend the school. She is wondering if they should rethink that plan.

“If you can break down someone as strong and confident as Bonnie, then I am in fear for my own child,” Perry said. “I can’t send her down there. I don’t have the trust. I lost the trust in that university.”

___

Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas.

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By Ashleigh Fields
AFRO Assistant Editor
afields@afro.com

Howard University officials are looking into a recent break-in at Benjamin E. Mays Hall, which housed the institution’s School of Divinity from 1987 to 2015.

A viral video shows the individuals breaking into the building through the mechanical entrance. Vandals recorded themselves deploying a dry ice fire extinguisher inside, roaming through the stairwells, hallways and empty classrooms in a post on the @urbexjetz account via social media. 

Upon posting the exploit, the trespassers received significant backlash online and defended their actions, before ultimately deleting the recording. 

“One of the individuals that I was with was an African-American who was also curious on the history of his relative’s school. (you can see him for a split second in the video) ,” wrote the Instagram user. “I do not make these videos to diminish the institutions who the property belongs to, but rather to raise awareness on these type of things. I am always working with people who have the power and will to restore these historic buildings and everything that rests inside.”

Further posts went on to state that the video was taken a long time ago and that the conditions of the building have since deteriorated. 

“The entire building can still be restored and repurposed. I hope that after raising awareness on this issue, proper precautions will be taken to secure the building from any further vandalism and theft,” the account owner shared in a separate post.

Rev. Kenyatta Gilbert who serves as the dean of Howard University’s School of Divinity issued a statement on the matter shortly after viewing the video, which has since been removed.

“While DPS (Department of Public Safety) continues to investigate, we want to make it abundantly clear that the University condemns the unlawful entry of this group of misinformed individuals,” Gilbert wrote. “In 2015, the School of Divinity was relocated from Mays Hall on the University’s East Campus to its current home at the University’s West Campus, as the East Campus site was planned for redevelopment.  At that time, all primary instructional content necessary for maintaining the school’s coursework and accreditation was transferred to the school’s new location.”

The university shared that monthly check-ins were occurring prior to the trespassing incident but have now increased to a daily patrol and 24 hour surveillance. 

Numerous copies of the Christian Recorder, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black newspaper, full sets of the 1868 British and Foreign Evangelical Review in addition to awards from the Bishop Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity were combed through in the recording. 

“When the team went in in 2015 to do the assessment, they made an inventory of what’s taken out, where it was going and then what’s remaining. Items that were deemed less significant for instruction and research remained there; most of those materials were European field theology, divinity text and White American text. Things that weren’t tied to Howard’s mission, which is the global Black experience,” said Benjamin Talton, director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at the University. “ We have off-site storage for collections that are not often sought after by researchers and patrons of the library. We have multiple storage facilities on our main campus, and we have multiple storage facilities off campus. Once they removed the relevant material from the Divinity School, the collections that remained there that we saw as not tied to the global Black experience that for all intents and purposes became a storage facility.These materials were not abandoned. They weren’t thrown away. They’re not being neglected. They were just deemed as being in storage.”

Talton said any Black texts that remained on site are likely items that the University has duplicates and triplicates of in addition to mentioning that President Ben Vincent and Dean Gilbert recently visited the hall. The Moorland-Spingarn team also visited the building to conduct a reassessment of artifacts during the week of Jan. 8.

“The individuals were intruders who made the conscious decision to take actions that were harmful and of no regard,” said Jennifer Early, president of the Graduate Student Council at Howard. “Our history is one of pride and importance, archival materials give voice and breathe life into our rich history and the Black experience. These experiences deserve to be respected, protected and preserved.”

The East Campus is where notable graduates studied to earn their degrees, including Barbara Williams Skinner, D. Min., founding executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Carla Brailey, Ph.D., executive director of community affairs and senior advisor for religious affairs for the District of Columbia and Bishop Alfred Owens Jr., D.Min., dean of the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops. The building was named after Mays, who was a Black educational and spiritual maverick that served as the dean of the School of Religion from 1943 to 1940 and president of Morehouse college for 27 years.

“In a moment where Black History is under attack on multiple fronts– ranging from book bans to whitewashing and obfuscation of Black lived experience, protecting primary sources is vital as we maintain and build institutions that provide Black students the freedom to learn about our history,” said Michael Franklin, former student body vice president. “I trust in Howard University’s leadership to put in the necessary work to protect and preserve the archives.”

Howard’s School of Divinity currently stands as one of only six Historically Black Theological Institutions accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

“Despite the University’s efforts to remove historically relevant materials from the site in 2015, the actions of those who trespassed and broke into Mays Hall remind us how some are willing to violate the sacred boundaries of our beloved HBCU campuses and threaten to embolden others with similar actions,” read the statement from the current dean. “In light of this incident, Howard University’s Department of Public Safety will ramp up existing patrols of the site and the University will work to reassess the contents of the building and secure it from unlawful access.”

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By Annie Ma
The Associated Press

The United Negro College Fund announced a donation of $100 million from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the single largest unrestricted gift to the organization since its founding 80 years ago.

The gift announced Jan. 11 will go toward a pooled endowment for the 37 historically Black colleges and universities that form UNCF’s membership, with the goal of boosting the schools’ long-term financial stability.

HBCUs, which have small endowments compared with other colleges, have seen an increase in donations since the racial justice protests spurred by the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF, said donors today no longer question the need for HBCUs and instead ask how gifts to the schools can have the largest impact.

The chairman and CEO of the Lilly Endowment said the gift continues the organization’s history of supporting UNCF’s work. “The UNCF programs we have helped fund in the past have been successful, and we are confident that the efforts to be supported by this bold campaign will have a great impact on UNCF’s member institutions and their students’ lives,”  N. Clay Robbins said in a statement.

The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment provides financial support for coverage of religion and philanthropy at The Associated Press.

Lomax said he hopes other philanthropies will take note of the trust Lilly put in UNCF’s vision by making an unrestricted gift.

“They’re trusting the judgment of the United Negro College Fund to make a decision about where best to deploy this very significant and sizable gift,” Lomax said. “We don’t get a lot of gifts like that.”

As part of a $1 billion capital campaign, UNCF aims to raise $370 million for a shared endowment, Lomax said. For some UNCF schools, the gift from the Lilly Endowment alone, when split across all member organizations, will double the size of their individual endowments.

On a per-pupil basis, private non-HBCU endowments are about seven times the size of private HBCU endowments, according to a report from The Century Foundation. For public schools, the non-HBCU institutions on average have a per-pupil endowment that is three times larger than their public HBCU counterparts.

“We don’t have the same asset base that private non-HBCUs have,” Lomax said. HBCUs lack “a strong balance sheet as a result. And they don’t really have the ability to invest in the things that they think are important.”

Schools with substantial unrestricted financial resources are better able to weather crises and invest in large expenses that have long-term impact, such as infrastructure repairs.

The financial disparities between HBCUs and their counterparts, in many ways, mirror the racial wealth gap between Black and white families, particularly in the ability to create lasting wealth. The pooled endowment, Lomax said, is meant to provide some of that stability to member schools.

“Black families have fewer assets than non-Black families,” Lomax said. “They live paycheck to paycheck. Many of our smaller HBCUs live on the tuition revenue semester by semester. They need a cushion. This is that cushion.”

___

The story has been updated to correct to the Lilly Endowment, from the Lilly Foundation, on one reference.

___

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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Southwestern Athletic Conference emerges victorious

By Mekhi Abbott 
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com

The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Rattlers defeated the Howard Bison in the Cricket Football Celebration Bowl on Dec. 16. Delivering a final score of 30-26, the Rattlers left Atlanta with their first ever Celebration Bowl victory. 

The Bowl, also known as the “Black National Championship,” started off with a bang when Howard University graduate student Ian Wheeler returned the opening kickoff 63 yards, not being tackled until he reached FAMU’s 27-yard line. Four plays later, the Bison sprinted out to an early 7-0 lead against the Rattlers. 

“I honestly didn’t expect to kick me the ball because their kicker has a good leg. But once I saw it in the air, I knew I had to show out. It’s always awesome being able to put our team in position to score to start off the game,” said Wheeler.

After linebacker and fellow graduate student Christian White strip sacked FAMU quarterback Jeremy Moussa causing him to fumble the ball, the Bison were able to recover the ball once again in FAMU territory. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champions took advantage of the turnover and executed a six play, 37-yard touchdown drive to go up 14-0. 

The Bison went into halftime with a 16-10 lead after FAMU’s kicker Cameron Gillis kicked a field goal with 11 seconds left in the second quarter. 

A relatively quiet third quarter saw both teams score zero points, but the fourth quarter was full of action. FAMU flipped the momentum, scoring on their first possession to start off the final quarter after Moussa threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Dean. With that score, they were able to take their first lead of the game, 17-16. In their very next possession, Moussa and Dean connected on another deep ball, this time for 53 yards. The Rattlers led the Bison 24-16. 

After kicking a field goal to break FAMU’s 17-0 scoring run, Bison defensive back Carson Hinton jumped a screen pass thrown by FAMU’s Moussa and returned it 27 yards for a defensive touchdown. The Bison retook the lead 26-24. 

However, the Rattlers didn’t take long to respond. The 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Offensive Player of the Year’s deep ball was connected on Dec. 16 and Moussa was able to throw another pass for a touchdown, this time to wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread for 38 yards to put the Rattlers in the lead 30-26.

The Bison had two more offensive possessions in the fourth quarter to try and respond, but both drives resulted in interceptions thrown by senior quarterback Quinton Williams. After starting the game off with a pedestrian first half performance that resulted in an interception thrown, a fumble and a safety, FAMU quarterback Moussa made the big throws when it mattered the most in the second half. He finished with 289 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a fumble. Williams finished with 106 passing yards, 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. FAMU’s Dean was named the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl’s Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP). 

Despite 56 points being scored, the 2023 Celebration Bowl proved to be a defensive matchup. FAMU’s “Dark Cloud” defense held Howard to only 187 total offensive yards, which is a record for the least amount of yards put up by an offense in Celebration Bowl history. Nine of the 26 points that Howard put up were scored by the defense via the pick-six by Hinton and a 2-point safety caused by Howard defensive lineman Darrian Brokenburr. The offensive touchdowns scored by the Bison were set up by special teams and a fumble caused by the defense. FAMU’s senior linebacker Isaiah Major took home Defensive MVP honors after securing what proved to be the game-sealing interception for the Rattlers. Major was also named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year at the conclusion of the regular season.

Tiffany-Dawn Sykes, FAMU’s vice president and athletic director is the first female athletic director to win a Celebration Bowl. Sykes forged a strong relationship with star linebacker Major. 

“My vision for FAMU Athletics is for every student-athlete to graduate with a degree in one hand and a championship ring in the other. THIS is what it’s all about! Congratulations Isaiah Major!” Sykes wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to Major thanking FAMU for his overall collegiate experience in being able to get a degree, earn a SWAC Championship and be named a 2023 Black College Football National Champion. 

The season proves to be a historic one for both programs. This was both FAMU and Howard’s first time going to Mercedes Benz Stadium to play in the Celebration Bowl.  FAMU clinched its first ever SWAC football championship just a couple weeks ago after defeating the Prairie View A&M Black Panthers, 35-14. FAMU finished their season 11-1, going an undefeated 8-0 against SWAC opponents. The Rattlers started off their season by knocking off Jackson State, who were the then reigning 2-time SWAC Champions. After losing their second game of the season to in-state opponent University of South Florida, FAMU would run the table and not lose a single game for the rest of the season. 

FAMU is only in its third season as a SWAC school after leaving the MEAC in 2020. Prior to that, FAMU had a 15-year run as a MEAC program and was a part of the conference for over 35 years in total. This year, FAMU became the first school in NCAA history to win a conference title in the SWAC, MEAC and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in football. Each of the three respective conference’s member schools are composed entirely of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). 

FAMU continues to add to their legacy as one of best football programs in all of HBCU football history. FAMU is the only HBCU program to ever win a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National title. FAMU also boasts four college football Hall of Famers and over 60 players who have played in the National Football League, including current starting middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, Markquese Bell from the class of 2021. 

Despite the 4-point loss, the Bison still had a season to remember. They finished their season with at least a .500 record (6-6, 4-1 MEAC) for the first time since 2017. They also won the MEAC outright and qualified for their first bowl game in thirty years. Some of their season highlights include a 30-point blowout victory against the then 7th-ranked (FCS) team in the nation North Carolina Central Eagles and a very close 23-20 loss against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Wildcats are a Power 5 program that have a record of 7-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten, one of the most challenging and competitive conferences in all of college football.

Some notable names amongst the crowd at the Celebration Bowl included Vice President and Howard alumna Kamala Harris, former NFL MVP Cam Newton and his younger brother, former Bison quarterback Caylin Newton. Actor Lance Gross from Howard University’s class of 2024 was also in attendance.

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By Zsana Hoskins
Special to the AFRO

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and Anacostia High School co-hosted STEMs-Giving, a celebration of the new innovative programs launched at the high school as a part of UDC’s Developing America’s Workforce Nucleus (DAWN) initiative. The event took place on Dec. 14 at Anacostia High School from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and featured several guest speakers.

The initiatives celebrated at the event include a new hydroponics lab and community gardens—which will be placed in the high school, and the recent publication of the book “Through My Anacostia Eyes,” which was written by 12 Anacostia High students. The 72-page book features poems, essays and photos as students detail their experiences living in DC and their work with the environment.

“As a master of ceremonies, I draw my energy from the audiences. The love and support I felt from the Anacostia faculty and staff and our partners put me on cloud nine. I certainly appreciated the presence of the students and the parents, but they do not know me like the faculty and staff. The highlight was giving the award to our biggest funder and support, Pepco,” said Patrick Gusman, deputy chief of staff and executive director of strategic partnerships for UDC.

Other speakers at the event included Anacostia High Principal Kenneth Walker, UDC President, Maurice Edington and Caroline Brewer, editor of “Through My Anacostia Eyes.”

“Through My Anacostia Eyes” was produced in a six-week time frame by a dozen Anacostia High students who participated in a summer internship program sponsored by the UDC-Department of Interior (DOI) Justice40 Initiative, which was established by the President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said he is thrilled about the book and the UDC-DOI partnership.

“This anthology really captured the perspective of DCPS students but also the Anacostia experience with lots of outdoor exploration, incorporating topics around science and math and literacy as well,” Chancellor Ferebee said.

The STEMs-Giving event also served as recognition for the year long successes the DAWN initiative produced.

The UDC DAWN initiative was created to address the challenges of underrepresentation of Black and brown professionals in the STEM industry by providing resources to public schools to create a wider talent pool for STEM employers. The initiative has received support from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Pepco Holdings, Apple, Giant, the U.S. Department of Energy and Environment in addition to several other entities in the private sector. 

Gusman believes the impact of the support of such entities has played a huge role in DAWN’s success this year.

“DAWN provides interesting, cutting-edge project-based learning experiences, the ability to deploy the knowledge in on-campus and external events, and access to internships,” said Gusman. “The financial contribution was indispensable. However, their commitment and, in some cases, friendship was a driving force in advancing the initiative.”

This year, DAWN doubled the number of students participating in the DOI Environmental Justice summer internship, added a literary component with the publication of “Through My Anacostia Eyes,” added a year-round internship to its programming, expanded its partnership with Pepco and the Urban Federal Partnership and supported the hosting of the District of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE’s) Rooting DC at Anacostia High School.

For Gusman, the benefits students reap from initiatives like DAWN are deeper than a broader knowledge of STEM.

“The high school students gain knowledge of cutting-edge technology like hydroponics and knowledge of environmental or climate change career fields which are not typically emphasized in economically challenged neighborhoods. The students also receive direct contact with future employers and opportunities to gain and interact with peer mentors from UDC,” Gusman exclaimed. “Future students also may have the opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree while in high school. UDC students also have direct access to future employers and gain experience in mentorship and other leadership tactics.”

This STEM partnership is just as beneficial for the sponsors as it has been for the students. For Julie Lawson, a program analyst with the DOEE, the STEMs-Giving event was an opportunity for her to hear how appreciative students are of the work being done.

“Students want people to know what they are getting to do and they appreciate all the adults leaning in on their education. Several came up to me the night of the event to give me hugs and thank me for all I do for them,” said Lawson. “But it’s not just me—we have a lot of DOEE staff and partners who support this work. Our goal is to support D.C. youth and residents in getting good jobs that help us meet our needs for a sustainable and resilient future.”

The DOEE has been a partner alongside UDC with Anacostia High since 2018. Through this partnership, Lawson said DOEE has provided programs to give students an understanding of the Anacostia River and its natural resources, renewable energy and environmental justice. Programs include summer jobs through the Green Zone Environmental Program, fishing and boat trips to the Aquatic Education Resources Center in Anacostia Park, building an electric vehicle to race in the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix and much more.

Opportunities like these help the students not only help students to learn more about the STEM field but actually see themselves in it. Chancellor Ferebee believes this kind of representation is crucial.

“The notion around exploring various careers and specifically spotlighting careers where we may not see the level of diversity we like, especially in organizations and companies around the district area…This is an opportunity for students to get that exposure and for them to think about their own personal life skills, and how that may relate to career opportunities,” said Chancellor Ferebee.

To learn more about the DAWN initiative and the partnership between UDC and Anacostia High School, visit www.udc.edu/dawn.

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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T ), the largest historically Black college in the country, is in the process of bringing self-driving shuttles to the Greensboro, N.C. community. The university unveiled three autonomous vehicles, known as Aggie Auto shuttles, in November 2022 before testing them in a one-month pilot program that took place in September 2023.

With the shuttles, North Carolina A&T hopes to provide transportation access to disconnected communities in the Greensboro and surrounding areas, a number of which are rural areas. 

“We’ve been conducting a survey to all riders who are using our service about their perception and trust in these vehicles. Imagine in the future, the city invests a lot in this domain and then people are still not trusting,” said Karimoddini. “What is the trust of the public in these vehicles and how can we build that trust are the questions we are looking at.”

“There are a lot of open questions that we can address with public transportation in rural areas, which are a signature of our state of North Carolina,” said Ali Karimoddini, associate professor at North Carolina A&T’s electrical and computer engineering department. “We decided to move on with creating infrastructure for testing autonomous vehicles in rural areas, and we’re developing different autonomous cars that can serve underserved and rural communities.”

Ali Karimoddini is an associate professor for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s electrical and computer engineering department. He has helped to lead the university’s work on the Aggie Auto Shuttles.

The Aggie Auto shuttles were designed by a collaborative of researchers, faculty and students across various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Before the pilot program’s start, they were tested at Gateway Research Park’s 2-mile test track, which simulates real-world, rural driving conditions. 

The pilot’s fleet consisted of three self-driving vehicles, a high-speed van and two sedans, that shuttled students, faculty, staff and community members from campus to downtown Greensboro. 

The shuttles are equipped with safety mechanisms for emergency stops and have a human back-up driver who can take over if necessary. They were also designed in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 

However, Karimoddini said perceived safety concerns did pose a challenge to community members embracing the shuttles. 

Karimoddini said the research team intends to release the survey’s findings in the spring. For him, autonomous vehicles hold the key to circumventing the low population density and low ridership in rural communities that cause traditional transit to run infrequently. 

“The nature of the distributed population in our rural communities and the sparse demand for transportation services may not justify the use of current transportation,” said Karimoddini. “These autonomous vehicles could be very efficient—cost-wise, time-wise and human resource-wise— when you have very little service demands distributed across a large community. We can’t just ignore their transportation needs.” 

Dezmon Estep, senior computer engineering student at North Carolina A&T, was a part of the team of researchers behind the Aggie Auto shuttles. He decided to join the project because of his affinity for mobile autonomous systems. 

“Before, it was really stressful because you have to make sure everything is working properly and precise. Once I actually got to the event, we did the first shuttle ride, and everything worked smoothly,” said Estep. “You could see the wow and amazement of everybody there getting on the shuttle. It was pure bliss to me because I was a part of something so cool.” 

Estep said the test run went well. As for improvements, he wants the team to develop an app, similar to Uber or Lyft, that would enable individuals to view estimated wait times and the shuttle’s list of stops. 

Estep thinks the autonomous shuttles have an opportunity to reduce the constraints that traditional shuttle services are confined to. If he had to describe their strength in one word, he said it would be their versatility. 

“There’s not as many restrictions once you solidify the platform because you won’t have time restrictions, like shuttles only operating at certain hours, and it won’t be that it can only go to certain spots,” said Estep. “I think once the platform is fully developed, you’ll be able to get on the shuttle at any time. You’ll also be able to go to a wider variety of locations. It’s also just a really cool experience.”

Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member. 

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By Sharon Johnson
The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A core mission of Florida A&M University from its founding over a century ago has been to educate African Americans. It was written into the law that established the school along with another college, in Gainesville, reserved for White students.

At Florida’s only public historically Black university, some students now fear political constraints might get in the way of teaching parts of their history.

A law signed last spring by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, blocks public colleges from using taxpayer money on diversity programs. It also forbids instruction of theories that “systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.”

The new law, part of broader GOP efforts to rein in campus efforts on equity and inclusion, has spurred protests on campus. Some students say they are watching for signs the new guidance will affect teaching of topics related to race and American history.

Chad Preston, a senior political science major, said he worries some viewpoints will be silenced.

“We deserve the same level of education that all these other states are getting. We deserve the same information,” he said.

DeSantis describes the law as an effort to rid university classrooms of what he calls left-leaning “woke” indoctrination. His education policies — including limits on what schools can teach about racism and which bathrooms students use — have faced criticism from civil rights leaders but fueled his political rise by harnessing culture war passions.

“In reality, what this concept of DEI has been is to attempt to impose orthodoxy on the university,” DeSantis said at a ceremony in May when he signed the bill into law. “This has basically been used as a veneer to impose an ideological agenda, and that is wrong.”

The university, founded in 1887, hosts about 10,000 students at its campus a few blocks from the state capitol.

The new law has made Florida a difficult learning environment for students and faculty of color, said Marybeth Gasman, a Rutgers University historian whose research focuses on historically Black colleges and universities and systemic racism in higher education.

“I’ve talked to some FAMU faculty who have basically told me that they’re keeping their head down because they’re afraid they’re going to lose their jobs,” Gasman said. “If I were in Florida, I would probably be concerned as well.”

FAMU has not seen upheaval anywhere near the scale of New College of Florida, a progressive campus where DeSantis and his allies overhauled the Board of Trustees and installed a majority of conservative figures. But many on the FAMU campus are wary.

Asked about the impact of the new law, a university spokesperson referred to a comment Florida A&M President Larry Robinson made in June.

“There are more than 30 pieces of legislation passed this legislative session that have some impact on educational institutions in Florida, including FAMU, and we take them all seriously,” Robinson said. “But our commitment to ‘Excellence With Caring’ remains strong, and remains unchanged.”

In early December, the board overseeing Florida’s state university system released proposed regulations outlining programs that would be prohibited from receiving state or federal money under the new law. 

Programs on the outs would include any that promote “differential or preferential treatment of individuals, or classifies such individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.”

The FAMU Democrats have been taking steps to ensure the messages of speakers they invite to campus are moderate, said Jovan Mickens, a senior and president of the student political group.

“With my organization, there are certain things I can’t do like bring certain people on campus for a panel discussion. We’re tip-toeing around this university,” he said.

Historically Black colleges and universities often receive less funding than predominantly White public colleges. A group of students at FAMU have filed a lawsuit against the state, saying it has underfunded their school by nearly $1.3 billion.

But for leaders of public colleges, pushing back on policies they disagree with could put them at odds with the same officials deciding on their budgets, said Abul Pitre, chair of the Department of Africana Studies at San Francisco State University.

“It requires a certain kind of balance that does not allow them to have too much of an Afrocentric social justice perspective, because they have to go to the same politicians for money who are advocating to eliminate it,” he said.

Raghan Pickett, a senior at FAMU, traces her lineage back to Rosewood, Florida, where hundreds of Black people were killed or driven out in 1923 by a mob of White men who then destroyed their neighborhoods. She fears the new law could stop instructors from teaching about such atrocities.

“Back then, it was afraid of being lynched,” Pickett said. “Today, Black people are still struggling. We’re still fighting to learn basic history.”

___

The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Education sent all colleges and universities across the nation a notice, reminding them that they need to comply with the newly updated cybersecurity regulations published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The regulations – which include specifications such as implementing critical controls for information security programs, maintaining oversight of service providers and designating an individual to oversee a school’s cybersecurity infrastructure – came in response to an uptick in ransomware attacks on schools around the United States.

While these regulations are certainly warranted in an age where personal data is becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyber-criminals, the penalties for failing to comply with the regulations – especially the withholding of federal needs-based funding under Title IV – pose an existential threat to schools operating under tight budgets.

Take, for example, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which have throughout their existence struggled to find the substantial funding that many state and private predominantly White institutions (PWIs) of higher education enjoy and who are already steeling themselves to deal with an expected surge of applicants following the Supreme Court’s regressive decision to effectively end affirmative action admission programs. 

The loss of Title IV funding would drastically affect around 80 percent of the student bodies at HBCUs and would have a consequential negative impact on the future of these vital institutions of higher education.

Endowments at HBCUs pale in comparison to those at the U.S.’ top-ranked colleges and universities, with the overall endowments at all the country’s HBCUs accounting for less than a tenth of Harvard’s.

The gap in funding between PWIs and HBCUs isn’t just because of smaller endowments, it’s also because state lawmakers keep funds off HBCU campuses – in North Carolina, for example, legislators awarded N.C. State an extra $79 million for research while N.C. A&T – the nation’s largest HBCU – was given only $9.5 million.

When it comes to access to technology, HBCUs also face an uphill battle with 82 percent of HBCUs being located in so-called “broadband deserts.”

Despite their struggles with funding, and the fact that these schools constitute only 3 percent of four-year colleges in the country, HBCU graduates account for 80 percent of all Black judges, 50 percent of Black lawyers, 50 percent of Black doctors, 40 percent of Black members of Congress, and our country’s current vice president.

HBCUs truly know how to do more with less, but they cannot be saddled with costly regulations that pose an existential crisis to their ability to operate and be given no help to deflect some of the costs. 

Fortunately, however, there are businesses and individuals who see the importance of HBCUs to the Black community and are willing to lend their hands – and their dollars – to support them.

The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a non-profit chaired by philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith and funded by major tech companies like Cisco, has raised millions of dollars to help HBUs comply with the Education Department’s mandates. Cisco alone donated $150 million to the SFI with $100 million allocated to bringing HBCU cybersecurity system upgrades and $50 million going to establish an endowment to offer alternative student loans.

With $89 million already distributed to 42 HBCUs across the nation, the initiative has already saved around $1.5 billion in needs-based funding to these colleges and universities and is making strong inroads to helping these institutions meet the new cybersecurity regulations, but more is required if all HBCUs are to be saved.

Given the empowering impact HBCUs have on the nation’s Black community and the future promise of a more inclusive America, it is imperative that more companies support the work the Student Freedom Initiative is doing to ensure these vital higher education schools can continue to educate and inspire future generations.

As Vice President Harris said, “What you learn at an HBCU is you do not have to fit into somebody’s limited perspective on what it means to be young, gifted and Black.”

We in the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) https://www.nafeonation.org/ stand in strong support of the Student Freedom Initiative. We all should work together to ensure the sustainability of HBCUs in America.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is chairman of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) and president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

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By Deborah Bailey
AFRO Contributing Editor

Cable network anchor and Bowie High School graduate Abby Phillip reminded Bowie State University winter graduates Dec. 23 of the power of failure in life.

Phillip, anchor of “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” a Harvard graduate and a member of Bowie High School’s class of 2006, told the 405 graduates that the road to success is filled with redirection, difficulties and unavoidable pain. But even with life’s many obstacles, she assured the graduates, what is meant for you will come. 

“There has been nothing that was meant  for me that I did not receive or was given to someone else,” Phillip declared.  

Phillip cautioned students that “successful people have a high tolerance for adversity, for discomfort, for unhappiness, even,” as she recounted experiences in college and her career that were filled with rejection and experiences where she did not fit in. 

“I wish that someone had told me that bad things are going to happen to you. But the real question is, what do you do when that happens,” Phillip said.  

Phillip shared with graduates of the Maryland HBCU and their parents that it took her years to figure out that rejections are part of life, even when they are based on “unfairness.”  

 “There can be trauma associated with rejection, being left out, especially when you think there is unfairness at play,” Phillip said. 

“We have to start training our minds and our hearts to see the messages in rejection knowing that we can triumph over it. Sometimes we have to hear a loud and resounding ‘no’ in order to fight for yourself.”

The university’s winter graduation included a surprising 2023 fine arts graduate: Myles Frost, who won a Tony in 2022 for his portrayal of music icon Michael Jackson in “MJ the Musical.”  Frost entered the stage shouting out  ”We graduating baby” to his classmates before belting out a rendition of “Enjoy Yourself,” originally performed by the Jackson 5 in 1976. 

Frost ended his graduation appearance with a touching tribute to his 90-year-old grandmother, Hattie Strayhorn, who he said “is still walking and talking with style and grace.” Frost gave his grandmother flowers when she walked to the stage, assisted by his mother, Charmaine Strayhorn. 

Bowie State University President Aminta Breaux said Frost demonstrated “good character to pursue his hopes and dreams (on Broadway) while getting his education and being awarded his degree today.”  

The themes of family and resilience were woven throughout the Bowie State ceremony, which also highlighted five doctoral level graduates in computer science and educational leadership, as the institution is focused on moving toward a Carnegie Research Level II institution. 

Antuan Terrell Jemerson Sr., a newly minted graduate in business administration, personified the theme of resilience.  The Upper Marlboro, Md. business marketing major started his degree program in the 1990s and returned to BSU in 2021 after his son suggested he come back to the college classroom. 

“My kids are here; my son inspired me to come back to school. Today feels great, it’s exhilarating, I’m proud. Overall it feels amazing,” Jemerson said. 

Following the ceremony, Phillip expressed joy at addressing an audience “at home” in Bowie. In many ways, she said, she’d never left.

She also summed up the importance of the day and the occasion of an HBCU graduation ceremony.

“There would not be a Black middle class without HBCUs and this is so important,” she said. “HBCUs carry on the legacy of many in this country.” 

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By Ariyana Griffin
Special to the AFRO

Our group woke up to the peaceful sounds of nature and began walking down a hill from our hotel to sign up for a daytime safari ride. After experiencing the night safari, we were excited to see the trails during the day and hoped to see more wildlife.

Less than 10 minutes into our ride, our hopes came true. Our Jeep paused as we saw a few baboons in the middle of the road playing, completely unphased, as they enjoyed their natural habitat. We passed them slowly on their terms and time, making sure the baby baboons were safely crossed. Instantly, we felt this would be a great trip. As our ride progressed, we saw several animals, from different species of birds to a wildebeest. Although we were unsuccessful in spotting an elephant – our main goal – we were in awe as we traveled through the trail, taking in nature.

Finally returning, we quickly ate breakfast and got on our bus to travel to another part of Tamale. There was a significant emphasis on seeing different towns and regions of the country, so we were always on the move.

On the bus, I learned more about the culture and my African Day name. I was born on Wednesday, so mine is “Akua,” meaning I am stubborn, which may or may not be accurate. According to a postcard I  bought, “it is believed that the soul chooses which day a child will enter into the world and that the day of birth affects the child’s behavior, fate and future.” Having something as substantial as a name from Africa felt renewing, and I loved learning about the naming system. It reminded me of zodiac signs and how birth dates and months also have meanings. Our guides and professors allowed us to ask as many questions as our curious hearts desired.

Driving through Tamale, I mentally noted the difference between architecture and other structures compared to those in Accra. The rural nature of the town allowed it to have more trees, grass animals, and nature, altogether. Going at a slower pace for a few days was nice and relaxing. I noticed no highways in either region; traveling was sometimes prolonged due to traffic. On the other hand, I was thankful we had to take the road and the scenic route.

After eating lunch, we traveled more by bus. Once we finally reached our destination, we were free to relax and stretch out, which was much needed after our journey.

The post Ariyana Abroad: Day six on the safari  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Lake Marion
Special to the AFRO

Angel Reese, the Randallstown, Md., native and St. Frances graduate, came home and handled business as she and the Louisiana State University Tigers defeated the Coppin State University Eagles 80-48 on Dec. 20.

Almost two years ago, Reese was playing for the University of Maryland Terrapins when she last played against the Eagles and earned a double-double in their win.

This time, in front of a sold-out crowd of 4,100 – the line to enter wrapped around the Physical Education Complex buildings on Coppin’s campus –  Reese was happy to be playing in front of not only the LSU fans that traveled to the game, but the home crowd as well.

“A lot of people came out tonight,” Reese said. “I know they were supporting Coppin, but being able to come to a historically Black college… coming back here, doing a lot for this community and them (members of the community) being able to see opportunity—where there can be a lot of little girls knowing they can have this opportunity— was something that was important to me.”

Reese said that coming into Coppin was “completely different” this time around compared to how it was when she played at Maryland.

“My sophomore year I remember the first time I came here there weren’t that many fans here,” she said. “But coming in tonight just seeing my impact and being able to see how so much has changed…. I’m just happy the place that I’m in and the people I’ve been able to touch.”

Reese showed out, finishing the game with 26 points, six rebounds and five steals (tying her career-high in steals) in the team’s cruising victory. It was the team’s 12-straight win since their season-opening loss to Colorado.

Head coach Kim Mulkey understood the importance of this game and what it would mean to Reese when it was put on the team’s schedule this season.

“This is Angel Reese’s hometown area,” Mulkey said. “ We try to go back to the hometown areas of our players, but it doesn’t always work out. Other than recruiting, scheduling is the second hardest thing to do in college athletics. We were just grateful we could work it out.”

The Tigers came out victorious in the end and the Eagles couldn’t keep up with the No. 7 ranked team, but it was still a moral victory for Coppin.

Eagles head coach Jermaine Woods gave credit to coach Mulkey for signing off on the scheduling to play against a historically Black college and praised his team for continuing to fight back throughout the game.

“Obviously you want to win,” Woods said. “But I was proud of the fight. I think all of you left out of here and said that our young women never and that’s the goal.”

And the Eagles didn’t give up, especially earlier on in the second quarter where they were down by 10 before going on a 10-4 run to gain a little momentum.

Eagles leading scorer and guard Tiffany Hammond and forward Laila Lawrence, who finished with 32 points and five steals, combined, felt the physicality of the game when going up against bigger opponents like Reese.

“You had to stand your ground and just be physical throughout the whole night,” Lawrence said. “You gotta hit her first every time or she’s gonna hit you.”

Hammond seconded Lawrence’s comment about the tenacity required to play against Reese and the Tigers.

“We had to be physical on both ends of the court,” she said. “Fighting for positions, trying to rebound with girls that’s over 6-foot-5, it was a physical game the whole time.”

Coach Woods said that they had a lot of fun for the “first time in a long time” after playing an opponent like LSU and just wanted to “enjoy the moment” as the Eagles prepare for another tough game against Duke Dec. 28.

As for Reese and the Tigers, they will travel back home and get some rest before they play against Jacksonville Dec. 30, seeking to win their 13th straight game.

Reese left with a little advice for college students before preparing to head back to Louisiana.

“Take some time to yourself,” Reese said. “Mental health is the most important thing and being able to put yourself first.”

Marion Lake is an AFRO intern from Morgan State University.

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(Black PR Wire) NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl announced today (Dec. 16) that student registration is now open for the 2024 Career Fair, to be held on February 22nd and 23rd at the New Orleans Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl is about opportunity, both on and off the field. The Career Fair serves as a platform to elevate HBCU students into the world of professional success,” said Black College Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder and 2012 inductee James “Shack” Harris.

The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair, presented by the New Orleans Saints, provides job opportunities and career counseling for HBCU juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. Admission is FREE. In just two years, it has become the largest HBCU Career Fair in the nation, attracting nearly 1,500 students from 49 different HBCUs networking with over 100 of the nation’s top employers.

Starting today, students can register at https://www.hbculegacybowl.com/career-fair

ABOUT THE ALLSTATE HBCU LEGACY BOWL

The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame is a postseason all-star game that showcases the top 100 NFL draft-eligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game will be played on Saturday, February 24, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Tulane University, and broadcast live on NFL Network. More than a football game, the week-long celebration of Black culture and history will provide invaluable exposure for HBCU students. HBCU Legacy Bowl Founding Partners include Allstate, National Football League, adidas, 2x NFL & Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Coca-Cola, Coors Light, Bank of America, New Orleans Saints, State of Louisiana, Riddell, Allstate Sugar Bowl, Zebra Technologies, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Follow the HBCU Legacy Bowl on social media (X, IG & FB) via @HBCULegacyBowl or visit www.HBCULegacyBowl.com for more information.

ABOUT THE BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been over 100 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as trustees.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) soon will have a permanent home at the Pro Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF) to tell the story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

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ATLANTA, Ga. and WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 14, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Distinguished climate activist and founder of the HBCU Green Fund, Felicia Davis, took center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, making groundbreaking announcements that underscore the organization’s commitment to global climate action and youth empowerment.

In a momentous press conference, Davis announced the official opening of the HBCU Green Fund’s new Africa office in Senegal and revealed plans for the third annual Pre-COP Africa, African American Youth Climate Summit, set to take place in Dakar in June 2024.

“Establishing a significant presence in Africa positions HBCU Green Fund to give voice to people most impacted by climate change and help to cultivate innovative youth leadership,” Davis commented.

Cheikhou Thiome, HBCU Green Fund’s Africa director, adds, “Our Pre-COP29 summit will bring young leaders, activists, and innovators from the United States and across Africa together in Dakar, Senegal to engage in constructive dialogues, share insights, and ignite climate action.”

HBCU Green Fund’s Managing Director Illai Kenney shared insights into the organization’s extensive involvement at COP28, with eight delegates from the United States credentialed through partner Omega Institute, and network representatives from 12 African countries. Kenney emphasized the HBCU Green Fund’s dedication to empowering future leaders through supporting youth-led projects in Africa and the U.S.

“We have a unique Eco Spring Break program that is a service-learning experience connecting HBCU students with peers in West Africa that involves hands-on environmental restoration projects. The program offers students, faculty, and alumni the chance to plant trees, dig wells, plant gardens and gain firsthand experience in addressing environmental challenges,” said Kenney.

Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, executive vice president, National Wildlife Federation; Hussein Kassim, Ghana project director; Sharon Gakii Mureithi, Kenya project director, and Denise Ayebare, Uganda local youth coordinator joined Davis, Kenney and Thiome for the press conference.

In addition to the press conference, HBCU Green Fund delegates actively contributed to multiple COP28 side events. Davis delivered a powerful keynote speech at the Uganda Pavilion emphasizing the role of youth in addressing the climate crisis. She also participated in a panel discussion with Dr. Ali at the Kenya Pavilion and Lucky Abeng, a coordinator from Nigeria, organized a conversation that included contributions from Davis and Mithika Mwenda, executive director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance. Davis also contributed to side events organized by young climate leaders from Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.

Another member of the delegation, Pamela Fann of Impact Energy, moderated a discussion about the energy transition with Davis as a panelist. Fann also coordinated sessions for partner organization, Harambee House/Center for Environmental Justice, featuring renowned environmental justice leader and executive director, Dr. Mildred McClain.

Young leaders in the HBCU Green Fund delegation played a pivotal role in several youth events. Kenney, a former youth activist and the youngest speaker at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in South Africa in 2002, spoke about cultivating young leaders at the launch of the Stone Soup for a Sustainable World Curriculum. She also organized and facilitated the HBCU Green Fund’s day-long workshop and 2024 strategy session for youth delegates. The workshop included a briefing by the founder of the Chisholm Legacy Project, Jacqui Patterson, along with her team, on the Global Afro-Descendant Climate Justice Collaborative.

In response to the overall outcome of COP28 Davis says, “A stronger commitment to phasing out fossil fuels remains a reach, however, acknowledging the need to transition away from fossil fuels is still a small step forward. Ultimately, it is action rather than rhetoric that will make the difference for vulnerable communities already impacted by climate change.” She continued, “The HBCU Green Fund’s impactful presence at COP28 reflects its commitment to global climate action, sustainability, and empowering the next generation of leaders in the fight against climate change.”

For more information on the HBCU Green Fund, Sustainable Africa Network, or the 2024 Pre-COP Africa, African American Youth Climate Summit, visit: https://hbcugreenfund.org/  or check for @hbcugreenfund on social media.

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/23-1214-s2p-hbcucop28-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: COP28 d – 

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By Ariyana Griffin

Day five started early and there was no room for errors or mistakes when it came to oversleeping or missing the bus. We were prompted to be outside at 3 a.m. –  sharp – so we could  prepare for our early morning flight to Tamale, the capital city of the northern region of Ghana.

This experience would allow us to see not only a different region of Ghana, but also experience what it was like to take a domestic flight in another country. Boarding a PassionAir plane from Accra to Tamale, we were excited and curious as to what the flight would be like. Tired from the early morning, I actually napped the majority of the short flight. I woke up feeling refreshed, curious and ready to go!

Upon landing I admired how green and rural Tamale was compared to the hustle and bustle of the city life in Accra. We traveled from the airport to Mole National Park, Ghana’s first, largest and most prestigious protected area. Our hotel was right in the middle of a safari. Just moments after checking in, we started to spot wildlife.  The hotel overlooked breathtaking scenery and there were benches placed especially for us to relax and take it all in.

We had a free day overall, but we decided as a group that we would go on a night safari once the sun went down. In the meantime, we played in the pool, ate lunch and chilled in our rooms. I ate red red, which quickly became my go-to and favorite meal in Ghana. It consists of a stew made from red beans paired perfectly with plantains and/or banku. I took the downtime to focus on hydrating and relaxing my body from the activities prior. 

Before we knew it, night fell and it was time for the safari.  I was scared but also thrilled for what wildlife may be out there. I have never experienced a safari before but I figured what better place to do it than here. 

On our adventure we saw a few animals such as antelopes and lizards under the night moon, but heard more of them. The park is known for having over 90 species of mammals– which was mind blowing to me! My group decided we would wake up bright and early and catch a morning safari with hopes of seeing more wildlife and more scenery. 

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By Ariyana Griffin 
Special to the AFRO

Morgan State University’s (MSU) wrestling team has made a comeback after a 25-year hiatus, making it the only historically Black college or university (HBCU)  to offer a Division 1 men’s wrestling program. 

The sport was cut from MSU during the 1996-1997 season due to lack of funding. The organization, HBCU Wrestling, donated $2.7 million to the institution to restart the program, supporting its goal to diversify the sport and provide opportunities to HBCU students. 

HBCU Wrestling is “committed to restoring and establishing women’s and men’s wrestling programs at historically Black colleges and universities.” They execute this by pledging “to make up to a 10-year commitment to NCAA-sanctioned wrestling programs,” along with providing “scholarship opportunities, coaches with salaries comparable to top programs and competitive operating budgets,” according to information released by the organization. 

This opportunity opened the doors for the highly decorated wrestler, Kenny Monday, to become the head coach for the team. Monday is a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and earned an Olympic Gold medal in 1988 and a silver medal in 1992. 

He has vivid memories of how he fell in love with the sport at just five years old. He chalks his love for the sport up to his two older brothers, Mike and Jim Monday, who started wrestling at a YMCA program in Tulsa, Okla. “I started behind my brothers and then just fell in love with it. I never, never looked back—never, never stopped,” he said. 

He continued pursuing the sport through high school.

“I didn’t lose a match from the seventh grade through the 12th grade,” said Monday. “I was one of the most highly recruited athletes out of high school.” 

Throughout college, he trained, competed and prepared to join the Olympic team in 1988. He became the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling.

His journey and love for HBCUs ultimately has led him to serve Morgan State University as a coach, reviving the program—a heavy task— but not too much for Monday. 

The Olympian said building and recruiting the team from scratch was complex, but he is confident in the selection. 

“I started with one kid, and now we have 30 kids on the program.” He shared that he was dedicated to building a meaningful team.

“I  recruited all the kids before I even hired an assistant.” His goal is to mold MSU’s team and become national champions.

Eric Tecson, a freshman, took a gap year to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and is excited to be competing at Morgan. “It’s a pretty young team, so we’re all like-minded. We ready to get this thing started,” he said. 

He enjoys the sport and the mental aspect. “It’s a mental grind. It’s a physical grind every day. You come in here, and you find something to get better— that other people can’t do, and then it pushes you to keep going and keep working on your moves,” he said. “It’s a grind that you can never perfect, but you always are chasing perfection.” 

Monday is excited to share his connections, knowledge and resources with the team.

Kingsley Menifee originally planned to attend Cornell University but, after being given the opportunity by Monday, switched his decision and attended MSU. He explained that as a freshman, he is getting acclimated to being a collegiate student-athlete, but the team helps each other through that. “School comes first, so you gotta get that done,” he said. “We have study hours to maintain every week and then practice. So it keeps our schedule pretty busy.”

Coach Monday explained the importance of the students coming in and being successful not only on the mat but also in their academics. “Our goal is to bring student-athletes in and have our student-athletes graduate. We want to make sure we have a high graduation rate so they can come through Morgan State and be Morgan State graduates.”

Jake Marsh has had experience being on a college wrestling team. He recently graduated from Princeton University, and with his last year of eligibility, he joined the team and is earning his master’s in Finance. “It’s pretty cool to be around a group of younger guys,” he said. “They have a little more drive; they’re more excited. So that’s kind of refreshing to be around that energy.” 

He talked about balancing school and athletics, but he feels accustomed to it due to his time at Princeton; however, with the graduate-level workload, he is finding his balance. “I’d also like to attend the national tournament, represent there, and help reach our independent highest potential.” He has the goal of possibly helping the team next year as a grad assistant. 

In their first home match of the season, the team won their first victory, 53-0 over Marymount University.

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By Gene Lambey
Special to the AFRO

Mayor Muriel Bowser officially launched the HBCU Public Service Program on the campus of the University of the District of Columbia earlier this month on Nov. 13. The program invites graduating undergrad seniors from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and Howard University to apply for public service positions with the D.C. government. 

It is set to begin in summer of  2024 with applications opening on Feb. 1 and closing onFeb. 28, 2024. Those who are interested in applying can do so at does.dc.gov/HBCU.

“Building talent is our number one calling because we want all of our residents to be able to participate in a prosperous D.C.,” Bowser said. “Wherever I go in the city, I see talented people.”

To celebrate the launch of the event, the respective presidents of Howard University Ben Vinson and the University of the District of Columbia Maurice D. Edington were present. 

This program provides a yearlong paid apprenticeship for the participating students. The participating students will be provided a competitive salary, a full-benefits package, paid holiday, sick and annual leave. Students must be willing to work at an agency during their apprenticeship. There is no GPA requirement for the students applying.

Bowser spoke at the opening event, promoting the HBCU Public Service Leadership Apprenticeship Program and noting the city has “no shortage of talent” that the program looks to cultivate. 

Bowser envisions the HBCU Public Service Leadership Apprenticeship Program as a great learning opportunity for students that are interested in D.C. government services and departments, giving them the momentum they need to pursue their careers. 

“We’re a local government and in local government in D.C., you can go to the feds, you can go to think tanks, you can go to a lot of places that do public policy, but you won’t have the immediate impact you can have in local government,” Bowser said. “I tell folks if you like politics, if you like people, you like to mix it up a little bit, you like public policy, but more than that you want to change communities one block at a time, the place you go to local government.”

Overall, Mayor Bowser’s main goal through this program is to have Howard and UDC graduating seniors to apply into the D.C. government to increase the workforce in the several departments around the city.

The AFRO spoke with Unique Morris Hughes Ph.D., director of the Department of Employment Services, who spoke more on the program and how public services agencies would be accessible for the UDC and Howard University students.

“There’s 25 positions that we’re going to offer for this inaugural year and the positions are going to span over multiple agencies from the Department of Employment Services (DOES), D.C. Healthcare, Finance, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Child and Family Service Agency (CFSA), D.C. Water, D.C. Parks and Rec,” said Hughes. “Those are just some of the agencies that we have enlisted to partner with and our list is growing day by day.”

Hughes believed that graduating seniors from UDC and Howard, entering into this program would not only benefit the students in gaining work experience but also bring young people into D.C. government agencies. 

Hughes spoke with the AFRO on the importance of the program, highlighting the benefits of college graduates entering the public service workforce as she mentioned “fulfilling opportunities” that would have workers living in the same communities that they are helping. Hughes also mentioned the possibility that the HBCU Public Service Leadership Apprenticeship Program would be expanded outside of Howard University and UDC.

“We intend on offering mentorship and other professional development opportunities, you name it,” Hughes said. “From understanding economics and the D.C. budget, to specific skills related to that person’s occupation and industry that they are working in, these are really unique components of the program as well.”  

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By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com 

President David K. Wilson named alumnae Endia DeCordova vice president of institutional advancement for Morgan State University (MSU) and executive director of the Morgan State University Foundation last March after leading a national search. The former vice chancellor for advancement at Rutgers University returned to her alma mater in July to officially start the position.

In her role, DeCordova’s focus is attracting funding, volunteerism and other resources that will help move MSU’s vision, mission and core values forward. As head of the university’s foundation, she also monitors all of the philanthropic gifts that come through the historically, Black university. 

“I take great pride in knowing what this institution has done for me,” said DeCordova. “Coming back and leading in this space to help usher our university into the next phase of our momentum is exciting and fulfilling.” 

The AFRO recently connected with DeCordova to learn more about how she’s driving philanthropy at MSU. The responses below have been edited for length and clarity. 

AFRO: What goals were top of mind for you when you became MSU’s vice president of institutional advancement and head of the Morgan State University Foundation in July? 

Endia DeCordova: The first thing was for us to continue to strengthen the culture of philanthropy at Morgan. Morgan is the largest HBCU in Maryland, and we have been very successful in raising transformational gifts over the years. We’ve also received a lot of support from the state and federal government. We’re determining how we can sustain this level of support overtime, which means creating a culture where everyone sees themselves in the action of being philanthropic. 

The other thing I wanted to do right away was to provide more resources for my team. Over the years we’ve seen the tremendous growth of Morgan, but in our particular division, there’s an opportunity for us to grow in staff and professional development. I’m looking at where we need to add more capacity on our team so we can continue to raise the kind of funds that are required to meet the needs of our university. 

The third goal is identifying opportunities to invest in more resources for Morgan’s growth areas. We have the new Health and Human Services Building opening in 2024, and there’s new exciting opportunities for endowed chairs. There’s also great programming already happening in our schools of engineering and business. We have to continue to tell the story of Morgan to get more investors and individuals to support the work we’re doing in these spaces. 

AFRO: What are some of the recent philanthropic gifts MSU has received? 

ED:Recently, BGE committed more than $1 million over the next four years to support scholarships and grants that address educational expenses and research in the area of engineering. At Morgan, the school of engineering is a big initiative for us and having that level of investment is critical. 

The Wells Fargo Foundation recently gifted us $1 million to help with a student housing project. As we see our enrollment numbers increasing so is the need for student housing. Having a funder like Wells Fargo come in to help fill that gap has been instrumental. Then, our very own president, Dr. Wilson, gifted the college his $50,000 award from the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. He gave it right back to the university for the Leading the World Endowment Fund, demonstrating in real time how he’s not only talking the talk but walking the walk. 

One of the things I really want to stress though is that all gifts matter. A lot of times when we think about philanthropy, many individuals think they have to have a certain amount of money or status to give back. I argue that anyone can give back and that all giving counts. Oftentimes, we highlight the very big gifts, but the small gifts matter too because at the end of the day, they all add up to allow us to do great things at Morgan. 

AFRO:MSU’s 39th Annual Homecoming Gala is approaching, why is this event so important to support? 

ED: We have our 39th annual homecoming gala that was postponed coming up on Dec. 8. It’s one of the largest fundraisers for Morgan where we raise critical dollars for scholarships for our students. This event is not only a party with a purpose— it allows individuals to meet with alumni, our president, members of our board of regents and some of our stellar students who are the recipients of the funds we raise. 

Because we had to change the date, we unfortunately lost some of the initial guests who would have attended. With this new date, we’re hoping that others who may not have had the opportunity to attend the gala in the past will consider showing up to support. It’s really an opportunity to give back. 

We’re marketing it as “Home for the Holidays.” People can come home to Morgan for the holidays and celebrate all of the successes and accomplishments we’ve made over the years. Being a part of the celebration is something I’m inviting all to attend. 

AFRO:More broadly, why is it critical for people to support HBCUs?

ED: HBCUs have played an important role in American history. There’s no doubt about it. Even today if you think about our leaders of color, many have graduated from an HBCU. The work that we’re doing in these spaces is connecting in real time with societal issues. HBCUs are critical today more now than ever. 

This is a space where diversity has always been at the cornerstone of who we are. Educating the top of class and providing the next wave of leaders for our world has been the mission of the HBCU education, and I think that’s something we should always remember. 

With the Supreme Court decision that recently came down on affirmative action, we see more and more institutions holding onto these distinctions, like minority-serving institutions, hispanic-serving institutions and HBCUs. We are spaces that train the best of the best and spaces where access is available to all. 

Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.

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By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

Today, we woke up bright and early to head to Cape Coast. This central region of Ghana is full of rich history and incredible attractions. Our faculty leaders notified us today would be an emotion- heavy day due to us visiting Elmina Castle, one of about 40 slave dungeons in the country.

We started by visiting a rainforest at Kakum National Park, where we could partake in a canopy walk over 30 meters from the ground. Not afraid of heights, I instantly was down to participate; however, the hike quickly humbled me. Although the activity was slightly physically demanding it was no match for the beautiful sounds of the forest. 

We brushed through the area to make it to the first canopy. Safe to say, I was not as prepared as some of my classmates. With seven in total, I did the first two before deciding the canopies won. Standing in the middle of a canopy, I looked and instantly realized that this was not a National Geographic photo, I was in the middle of a rainforest in Africa. Standing still, I listened to the sounds of nature that I have never experienced and became entranced by the breathtaking views. 

Tired, thrilled and feeling accomplished, we began to walk back down the trail towards the bus. Along the route were some vendors selling cacao, a fruit used to create one of the greatest creations known to man: Chocolate. Unfamiliar with the fruit, I was taught how to eat it, which consisted of not eating or chewing the seed. You simply suck the fruit off and dispose of the seed, similar to a pomegranate.  I had no idea chocolate came from such a sweet fruit, but it makes sense. Once I reached the bottom of the trail, I stopped by the market and grabbed a few more souvenirs before heading to our next stop. 

Both anticipation and dread filled me enroute to the next destination. Upon arrival, we were met by the cool breeze sent to us by the ocean. We gathered together, ready to enter the large white building used during the transatlantic slave trade. Nothing can truly prepare you for the pure horror and atrocity that stood behind the entrance of Elmina Castle. 

Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it is said to be the “first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea and the oldest European building in existence south of the Sahara.” Throughout its operation for more than three centuries thousands of women, men and children were forced to be enslaved. 

Silence took over as we walked in, looking around as the reality of where we were starting to settle in. My eyes glanced around the dungeon as my heartbeat increased. I read a sign for female slave dungeons, a sign with a large skull and crossbones making an X underneath, male slave dungeon, and others that made my heart sink. A church was built on top of the dungeons where people would give praise while others suffered and died below. My heart felt heavy and my eyes welled up with tears as I thought about the fate of all who entered Elmina Castle. No textbook could ever describe the feelings I felt walking through the dungeons. My mind could never even fathom the actual torture that our ancestors were forced to endure for centuries.

Our tour guide walked us through the steps of the enslaved people who once stood where we were. We learned about the tactics used to punish, scare, emasculate and harm those who were enslaved. 

The rooms were dark, poorly ventilated, warm, stuffy and all around crept with fright. I took a moment and thought, if it feels this way with just 20 or so of us for a few minutes, imagine how it felt with 400-plus humans for months. My mind, struggling to wrap my head around the concept, realized just how important it is for us to learn our history and what a privilege it was to be learning it where I was standing.

Led into the cell I mentioned earlier with the skull, we all became alarmed when our guide closed the door, replicating a small dose of what it felt like to be trapped inside. The door had tiny squares cut into it, a sorry air source. Where we stood, no one ever made it out alive. There were scratches on the wall engraved from people’s nails as a result of the agony that they were going through. The only time the door was opened was to remove someone who had passed away; no water or food was given.

We trailed through the dungeon until we reached the door of no return. It is a small, narrow opening in the wall where the water used to meet the building. This is where they would be transferred to boats or ships during the transatlantic slave trade.  

Water, food and flowers left by visitors filled the room. 

As I type this, I do not have words to explain my emotions honestly. We stood freely in the place where our ancestors were captives. I believe my colleagues share a similar sentiment, few able to  gather and articulate their thoughts. “As a history major, I feel I am supposed to push the agenda of teaching people more about Black history. It was a bad experience, but it was a good experience at the same time,” said Camille James, a senior history major at MSU. 

Our guide left us with a powerful quote that I will carry with me, “Until the lions have their history, the hunters will always be the hero.” 

I knew it was important to learn our history before, but this cemented a seed in me to do my duty to learn more, read more and research more. I feel obligated, especially having the privilege and resources to do so.

We headed back to our hotel with our hearts and minds heavy as we discussed some of what we were feeling with each other before preparing for our flight to Tamale tomorrow. 

Ariyana Griffin is an AFRO Intern from Morgan State University.

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Morgan State University,
By Mylika Scatliffe,
AFRO Women’s Health Writer

The Alzheimer’s Association Community Forum will take place on Dec. 9, 2023, at Morgan State University. This will be the 19^th year of the Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African American Community Forum on Memory Loss. This free annual event is designed to advance the health, education  and well-being of the African American Community.

The aim of the forum is to improve community awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, its risk factors, including vascular disease and diabetes, the history of unequal health care access, and misinformation about the disease, as well as to decrease the high prevalence, incidence, and risk of dementia among African Americans.

The inspiration for the forum came from the late Pythias A and the late Virginia I. Jones and their five children: Senator Verna Jones- Rodwell, Ernestine Jones Olivet, Dr. Pythias D. Jones Jr. and the late Alvin S. Jones and Gilda Jones Garrett. After losing their mother in 1992 to Alzheimer’s disease, and their father to vascular dementia in 2004, the family began raising funds to create outreach and education initiatives about Alzheimer’s disease among African Americans. 

Their first fundraising effort in 1992 was the request for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of bereavement gifts to establish a Caregivers Support program for the Black community in Baltimore.  After Pythias Jones’ death in 2004 from vascular dementia the family made a similar request. The raised funds were used to establish the community forum.

“The ongoing theme of the forum is finding hope through early detection, education, and research. Early detection is essential to access treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and to be aware of the behaviors people should take to reduce their risk of developing dementia,” said Marlyn Taylor, diversity and inclusion director program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter.

The setting of Baltimore city for this year’s forum is most fitting since Maryland has the nation’s highest rate for dementia, and Baltimore city is second in the nation for dementia prevalence, with 16.6 percent of citizens aged 65 and older living with some form of the disease.

“Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Younger onset, also known as early onset Alzheimer’s affects people younger than age 65. It’s much less common, but many people with early onset Alzheimer’s are in their 40s and 50s. They have families, careers, or are even caregivers themselves when Alzheimer’s disease strikes,” said Taylor.

There are still stigma, myths, and misinformation surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, especially among the Black community. Events like the forum are essential in dispelling these myths and breaking down the barriers for people to receive much needed and accurate information about early warning signs of the disease and available resources.

While the emphasis is on early detection, it is never too late to be educated and gain access to available resources.

“At more than one forum in the past I’ve been moved to a corner of a hallway to have a care consultation with someone who has received information at the forum and found it to be overwhelming, but they all say, ‘I wish I had known about the Alzheimer’s Association before my spouse or family member was diagnosed,’ or even when they were dying because they had just been doing everything by themselves,” said Taylor.

Taylor shared with the AFRO ten common warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and how they differ from typical  age -related forgetfulness:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life and forgetting recently learned information. This is different from typical age-related forgetfulness, where an individual will eventually remember whatever may have slipped his or her mind.
• Challenges in making plans and solving problems. An example may be forgetting to pay  major bills, as opposed to getting busy and forgetting a single bill due date.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks, like forgetting how to drive home or the grocery store, or how to record a TV show.
• Confusion regarding times or places. This can include losing track of dates, seasons, or times.
• Trouble understanding visual images. Sufferers may experience vision changes which leads to problems judging distance and determining colors. This affects balance. Someone living with the disease may misjudge when walking up or down steps or from the sidewalk to the street and fall.
• Developing problems with words. An individual living with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to speak or write or have trouble following a conversation. They may have trouble with simple vocabulary or skills like telling time in an analog clock.
• Misplacing personal belongings and not having the ability to retrace steps to find them. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may accuse their caregivers of stealing their money or possessions when actually they have hidden or lost them.
• Withdrawal from work or social activities. Someone living with Alzheimer’s disease may realize they are declining and avoid social situations because of it, while the typical person may just occasionally want to spend an evening alone.
• Drastic changes in mood and personality. A common marker of Alzheimer’s disease is that the sufferer may be easily upset, suspicious, confused , or depressed, even when in their typical comfort zone, as opposed to the typical minor irritation when a routine is disrupted.

If Alzheimer’s disease is identified in its early stages, medications may be more effective and can slow down cognitive decline. This year’s forum is the place to be  or anyone looking to connect with resources as patients or caregivers. The forum‘s annual attendance has grown from 65 to over 400 participants and is proud of its longstanding partnerships with the Jones Family, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center, the Baltimore City Health Department, Office of Aging and CARE Services, Coppin State University and Morgan State University.

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Percy Griffin, the national director of the Scientific Engagement Office of Research at the Alzheimer’s Association home office.  His information will include the latest updates on Alzheimer’s research.  Additionally, there will be afternoon breakout sessions for information on legal and financial planning, long term care and how to choose a facility and local research regarding Alzheimer’s disease, and greetings from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

The Alzheimer’s Association is available 24/7 through their Helpline at 800-272-3900, or their website, www.alz.org. Their support groups, education services and care consultations are also available virtually. To find a virtual support group or education program, go to https://www.commuityresourcefinder.org or call the Helpline.

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By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

Morgan State University (MSU) has announced a series of events, set to take place this weekend as part of the institution’s “Home for the Holidays” programming. The events will take place Dec. 8 through Dec. 10, during MSU’s “Favorite Things” weekend. 

MSU’s 39th Annual Gala will take place on Dec. 8, 2023 inside of Martins West.  The event, originally slated for the 2023 MSU Homecoming weekend in early October, was postponed after multiple people were shot at a homecoming event on Oct. 3. 

Undeterred, the gala was rescheduled, and will take place during a weekend of exciting events. 

The gala invites MSU alums, stakeholders, students and supporters to celebrate, while also helping to provide financial help for students in need of aid. Other events, set to take place throughout the weekend, will allow students, alums and faculty to connect before the holidays. 

On Dec.9, student activists from MSU will host “The Art of Protest,” an event focused on how the MSU student body has historically affected change through peaceful demonstration and speaking out about injustices and inequality. The program will take place inside of the school theater in the MSU Communications Center. 

The MSU men’s and women’s basketball teams will also play on Dec.9 at Hill Field House. The men’s team will play Virginia University, of Lynchburg, Va., at 12 pm. The Lady Bears will face off against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County at 2 pm. Later that night, alumni will have a chance to unwind at the Alumni Happy Hour. 

On Dec.10, the Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine will join the Ravens Marching Band at the match between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams. To wrap up the “Home for the Holidays” series, the MSU Choir will host their annual Christmas Concert at  Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, James H. and Louise Hayley Gilliam Concert Hall, also on Dec.10. 

Ariyana Griffin is an AFRO intern from Morgan State University. 

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By Mekhi Abbot,
Special to the AFRO

The Howard Bison are on their way to the Cricket Celebration Bowl after defeating the Morgan State Bears on Nov. 18 earning their second consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship. The Bison won the matchup with a final score of 14-7. 

“Offensively, our keys to victory were that we wanted to start fast–play for 60 minutes– and just make plays. We did that,” said quarterback Quinton Williams. “We knew it was going to be a 60-minute fight.”

The team jumped out to an early lead against Morgan State and 14 points proved to be enough for Howard to leave the game victorious. 

The Bison finished regular season play with a record of 6-5, their first winning season since 2017. They finished 4-1 in conference play for the second year in a row and went undefeated when playing on their home turf.

This year they won the conference outright. In  2022, however, the team received backlash after being named co-champions alongside the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles. 

“That was our main goal throughout the offseason. We trained to go to the Celebration Bowl and actually win it. There was a lot of chatter this offseason about us not earning a ‘full ring’ last year and that really motivated us,” said Williams. 

Both the NCCU Eagles and the Howard Bison finished with a 4-1 conference record in 2022, but when the two teams faced up last year, the Eagles dismantled the Bison with a 50-21 victory. The Bison flipped the script this year, as they dominated the visiting Eagles and sent them out of Greene Stadium with a 50-20 loss. 

After the controversial crowning of two conference champions last season, the MEAC did away with co-champions. The conference voted that even if two teams finish with the same conference record, the winner of the MEAC will be decided by a tie-breaker. 

This season proves to be a very historic one for the Bison. This is the first time in school history that the Bison finished two consecutive seasons claiming MEAC championship honors. It is the first time since 1993 that the Bison are outright MEAC champions, and this will be only the third time that the Bison are competing in postseason play in program history.

“We continue to make history. This year they decided that there are no ties… that rule comes about because Howard is the school that is officially tying [for a MEAC championship], alright fine. Make the rule. We [knew] we had to win out, and we did it,” said head coach Larry Scott.

The Celebration Bowl is an adored postseason bowl game birthed in 2015 and is heralded as the de facto Black College Football National Championship. The MEAC conference winner plays the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) victor. The game takes place in Atlanta every year, formerly in the Georgia Dome and now at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is currently the only bowl game contested by teams in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Howard’s SWAC opponent has yet to be determined as the SWAC Championship game has yet to be played. On Dec. 2, the Florida A&M Rattlers (10-1, 8-0 SWAC)  and the Prairie View A&M Panthers (6-5, 6-2 SWAC) will face off to determine who will represent the SWAC in the Celebration Bowl. The MEAC currently holds a 6-1 record against SWAC opponents in the Cricket Celebration Bowl.

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By Sabrina McCrear
Howard University News Service

 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change released ahead of COP 28

The climate crisis is a health crisis, experts emphasized on Nov. 15 during the release of the 2023 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change policy brief.

“Protecting human health and health equity must be a central consideration in the transition to health and renewable energy,” said Naomi S. Beyeler, co-director of the Evidence to Policy Initiative and lead for the Climate Change and Health Initiative.

Improving air quality in the most impacted communities should take precedence, Beyeler said. There is a severe health equity imbalance, especially for those in underprivileged communities.

“Those that contribute the least to the climate crisis are the ones being most affected,” said Marina Romanello, executive director of The Lancet Countdown.

The Lancet Countdown is an annual independent report on governmental action worldwide to address climate change under the Paris Agreement. The U.S. policy brief is released in addition to the global report in partnership with the American Public Health Association.

During the launch, experts also shared their perspectives on the 5th National Climate Assessment (NCA5), which was released a day earlier and is mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990.

The launch precedes the 28th session of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Conference, known as COP 28, which is scheduled from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in Dubai. This is the first session that will have an entire day dedicated to the human health risks and solutions of climate change.

Numerous issues were covered during the briefing. The main focus was the impact climate change has on underserved and overburdened communities — commonly populated by Black, brown and indigenous people. More often than not, these communities experience firsthand the effects of climate change. Many of them border oil refineries, power plants and highways.

One speaker highlighted her experience living in an overburdened community during a panel titled, “Taking Stock of Where the U.S. Stands on Healthy Climate Action,” moderated by Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.

“I am a mom of six. Two of my children have asthma,” said Roishetta Ozane, founder of the Vessel Project in Louisiana, a small mutual aid and environmental justice organization. “My community smells like rotten eggs mixed with Clorox. If you come here, you’re gonna get a headache. You’re gonna feel sick. You’re not gonna wanna stay here. But this is where we live every day.”

Ozane’s concerns were directed toward actions that need to be taken to increase accessibility to health care in communities like hers in the Lake Charles area of southwest Louisiana. Health complications ignited by climate change continue to grow.

Another panelist, Jeni Miller, executive director of the Global Climate and Health Alliance, responded to Ozane’s comments explaining that the anecdotal effects of climate are rarely discussed during the U.N. conference, if at all.

“There has not been a clear focus on the need to phase out fossil fuels as an imperative in order to protect people’s health,” Miller said.

Adm. Dr. Rachel L. Levine, assistant secretary for health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cited several examples of how health is being harmed. New York State documented an 82% increase in asthma-related cases caused by air pollution, Levine said. Additionally, 127 million more people are experiencing food insecurity as a result of flooding and drought.

“We’re moving in the wrong direction and promoting the burning of the health-harming fossil fuels,” Romanello said.

When fossil fuel-producing facilities flare, they release hazardous gases into the air like methane and benzene. These gases can pose health risks upon inhalation like asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and heart disease.

The panelists expressed their concerns and hopes for the COP 28. “Climate change is affecting all of us in the United States; the difference is it’s affecting us in very different ways,” said Margot Brown, senior vice president of justice and equity at the Environmental Defense Fund.

Speakers said there is no cookie-cutter way to cater to the needs of communities suffering from the diverse effects of climate change. “We must end development of new fossil fuel infrastructure; phase out exports of coal, oil and gas; and drastically reduce investments in and subsidies for fossil fuels, while dramatically accelerating investments in non-polluting renewable energy,” Beyeler proposed.

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are alternatives to fossil fuels and reducing emissions. The Biden administration developed a new Office of Climate Change and Health Equity in January 2021. Under Adm. Levine, the office’s initiative is to pour funding into renewable energy projects.

“The Biden administration has been big on funding and investing in safer and healthier futures for every community,” Brown said.

The 2023 Lancet Countdown concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Renee N. Salas, lead author of the U.S. brief and a member of the global working group of 114 experts and 52 institutions and research agencies dedicated to solving climate change.

“There is an entire collaborative community that makes this work possible,” Salas said. “Climate change continues to bring people together across silos because it cannot be solved by one person, institution, state, sector or country.”

Sabrina McCrear is a health and science reporter for HUNewsService.com.

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By Ryan Coleman

The National Bureau of Economic Research suggests predominantly White institutions can learn how to better support Black students by implementing best practices from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

This past year, Black students from George Washington Carver Arts and Technology High School, Western Tech, Randallstown, Pikesville, New Town and other high schools decided to choose HBCUs. One of those students is my amazing daughter, who gained admission to Ivy League Schools, top schools in Maryland and out of state. However, she chose the “Mecca,” the beacon of Black thought…Howard University (Howard). 

She chose Howard because of its diverse and inclusive community that celebrates the richness of the entire American experience. Her grandmother and cousins attended Howard and our family has ties to a founder of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. This is something that a predominately white institute (PWI) could never offer. 

There has been a narrative that Howard and other HBCUs are lesser than other universities. Racism emboldens people to think, feel and behave in racist ways. It legitimizes the over representation and idealization of White Americans, while marginalizing and minimizing Black Americans. In this case, the false narrative is that PWIs are better than HBCUs. Don’t believe the hype! 

Howard’s admission rate was 7 percent percent for the class of 2027. Harvard’s admission rate is 4 percent. Howard has an average GPA of 3.6, while UCLA has an average in-state GPA of 3.5. Howard has an average SAT score of 1240, while Loyola, in Maryland, has an average SAT score of 1240. Howard has an average ACT score of 26, while the University of Baltimore average ACT score is 20. Howard University is America’s number one institution for producing Black applicants to U.S. medical schools, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Nearly 150 years ago, eight students entered Howard University’s College of Medicine. Today, it enrolls more than 300 African American students–more than double the number attending predominantly White medical schools. This is not surprising, as Howard has a lengthy list of notable alumni, including– but certainly not limited to: Edna Brown Coleman, Deverne Coleman, Gene Adams, Marty Adams, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Phylicia Rashad, Zora Neale Hurston, Letitia James, Vernon Jordan, Kenny Lattimore, Douglas Wilder, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Young Guru, Elijah Cummings, just to name a few. 

HBCUs’ success with supporting Black students comes from their emphasis on “Black identity formation,” which can boost self-confidence and academic performance; curricula and strong pathways to graduate education. PWI’s should follow HBCUs’ lead, including tailoring parts of their curriculum and first-year experiences to include Black culture, exposing Black students to Black faculty members and alumni and engaging them in co-curricular activities related to activism. 

HBCUs actually outperform PWIs in providing an excellent, affordable education. Research shows that HBCUs provide a better educational experience for their students than comparable non-HBCUs. HBCUs have, on average, a higher graduation rate than comparable non-HBCUs. A recent Gallup survey found that despite challenges, HBCUs are successfully providing black graduates with a better college experience, with greater financial and social well-being, and higher levels of satisfaction than they would get at PWIs. 

College graduates, in general, enjoy higher incomes, greater intergenerational wealth, better health care, and enhanced quality of life, and few institutions can match the job that HBCUs do in achieving these results. 

Now we understand why some individuals want HBCUs to fail. HBCUs have been underfunded for years, leading to lawsuits in Maryland, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina. In 2021, Maryland reached a $577 million settlement to end a fifteen-year-old lawsuit over inequities in state funding for Morgan State University and three other HBCUs. In 2002, the Ayers case resulted in a $503 million settlement to three public Mississippi HBCUs over seventeen years. A Tennessee legislative committee recently acknowledged the state failed to meet its obligations to fund Tennessee State University by $150 million to $544 million. 

Under Title III of the Higher Education Act, HBCUs receive a modest infusion of federal grant support—about $500 million annually—because of their unique contributions to American higher education. Under the Biden administration, HBCUs gained more prominence in federal policy, recently receiving an uptick in federal funding—approximately $2.7 billion in COVID-related aid—to help them recover from the economic shock of the pandemic. This targeted federal aid, however, does not create an even playing field for HBCUs. They must still overcome decades of inadequate grant aid, limited ability to raise tuition without negatively impacting students, boom and bust cycles of philanthropic support and stark disparities in public financing. 

The time is now and we cannot delay. I implore us all to give donations to HBCUs and demand our elected officials fund our HBCUs appropriately. Ryan Coleman can be reached at randallstownnaacp@gmail.com.

The post Howard, Morgan, Coppin, UMES, Bowie and Hampton: Baltimore County Public School children continue to choose HBCUs appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Ashleigh Fields,
AFRO Assistant Editor

Morgan State University alumni gathered at Boeing Headquarters in Arlington, Va. on Nov. 13 to celebrate 75 years of service to their institution. The group hosted historically Black college and university (HBCU) presidents from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tennessee State University (TSU) and Morgan State University (MSU) to engage in a panel discussion surrounding the day’s theme of “Reimagining HBCUs Beyond 2024.” 

Prominent guests such as Elaine Blackwell, the longest D.C. Metro Alumni Chapter member, Kysha Hancock, former Miss MSU and Bobby Scott (D-Va.-3), Virginia state senator were in attendance. The keynote speaker was Dietra Trent, who serves as the executive director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, more commonly known as the White House HBCU Initiative.

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By Ashleigh Fields,
AFRO Assistant Editor,
afields@afro.com

The D.C. metropolitan Area Alumni Chapter of the Morgan State University Alumni Association gathered on Nov.13 to acknowledge 75 years of existence. The group used the occasion to celebrate, network and hold important discussions about the impact and future of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). 

“I would not be the man I am if it were not for Morgan State,” said Richard Allen Moore, president of the D.C. Metropolitan Area Alumni chapter and former assistant state’s attorney for Prince George’s County. “My deceased wife and I have been members of the alumni association for over 35 years. There’s no doubt in my mind that the D.C. Metropolitan Chapter exemplifies all that is required to effectively promote the interests of our beloved Morgan State University.”

Moore shared these opening remarks for the commemorative event entitled, “Reimagining HBCUs Beyond 2024” which took place at Boeing’s headquarters in Arlington, Va.

The company welcomed leaders from the nation’s top historically Black universities to include Larry Robinson, Ph.D., of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Glenda Glover, Ph.D., of Tennessee State University and David K. Wilson, Ed.D., from Morgan State University.

The three served on a panel that aimed to address issues previously encountered by HBCUs and discuss the support needed to uplift such institutions in the future. Recruitment, restitution and opportunities for research proved to be topics of importance and cited as areas with room for improvement. 

“Our alumni must understand the power they have in getting out there and bringing that institution to the space where prospective students are gathering so they can really put in front of them why ‘X HBCU’ is critical to their future to help us stretch the legacies and names of these institutions across the nation and across the world,” said Wilson, using a hypothetical HBCU name as an example. “Alumni must double down on being mentors and sponsors for current students. Alumni must give. They must give to the level that they can.”

Wilson mentioned that these can be social, financial or even professional contributions but every act of engagement counts specifically when universities utilize these metrics to support federal funding from Congress, private investors and other entities.

“When I arrived at Morgan, the alumni investment rate was 6.4 percent. And believe it or not, this is a question funders are interested in,” said Wilson. “They ask if alumni aren’t donating to your institution then why should we?”

Glover chimed in by noting that these numbers are also imperative as it pertains to state funding.

“We are not state supported, we are state assisted. TSU and FAMU are land grant institutions,” said Glover, speaking of Tennessee State and FAMU respectively. Glover serves as vice chair for President Joe Biden’s HBCU Board of Advisors.”

Land grant institutions were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Their programs main objectives are intended to “strengthen research, extension and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences.” However, this year the U.S. Department of Education reported that 16 states have underfunded these HBCUs by a combined $12 billion. The state of Tennessee underfunded its HBCU land grant college more than any other state forcing Tennessee State to engage in an effort to reclaim a staggering $2.1 billion. 

This discrepancy poses a threat to education for Black students and a lack of opportunities across the board for stakeholders at these institutions. It affects each of these schools as it pertains to national rankings and academic ingenuity.

A limiting factor that the three presidents attribute to their stagnant designation as an R2 University, a term given to doctoral universities with high research activity. This categorization is just one step lower than an R1 University which is given to doctoral universities with very high research activity. Currently, no HBCU in the country can claim this status which differs by about $40 million in funding. 

This qualification is one that HBCU prospective students may not consider or understand but it affects their experiences daily.

“In education we want to go to R1– that’s the cream of the crop. However, our students aren’t necessarily coming to TSU because we are an R2 university or an R1. We aren’t there yet,” said Glover.

Nonetheless, it gives Black researchers a chance to present life-changing data and information on topics disproportionately impacting communities of color.

“We added a specific level of productivity in our grad programs and we added new grad programs,” said Robinson in reference to efforts to gain R1 status at FAMU. “I just dont see some of the complex problems being solved in the communities we serve without us being involved.”

Last year, Morgan State spearheaded an $11 million project to achieve R1 status through the implementation of top tier programs at state funded interdisciplinary research centers including Cybersecurity Assurance and Policy Center, Center for Urban Health Equity , Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems , Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research and the Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction.

“Baltimore city is not going to be what it can be, if Morgan is not driving that train. We are in our city, we smell our poverty, we live in it,” said Wilson. “Our programs are speaking to the challenges we see everyday.”

This unique level of exposure was underscored by Hampton University graduate and keynote speaker Dr. Dietra Trent who serves as executive director of the White House HBCU initiative.

She left the audience motivated by commenting on how imperative it is to, “continue beating the drum, continue to make people hear and see us.”

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By The Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Higher education officials in Mississippi voted Nov. 16 to name a new president of Jackson State University, the state’s largest historically Black university.

The board of trustees for the state Institutions of Higher Learning named Marcus L. Thompson the 13th JSU president, concluding a monthslong search that began after the March 31 resignation of the university’s former president Thomas K. Hudson.

Thompson currently serves as the deputy commissioner and chief administrative officer of the Institutions of Higher Learning public university system.

“The Board selected a leader who knows the unique historic importance of the university who will articulate a bold vision for the future and will be indefatigable in the pursuit of excellence for Jackson State University,” said Steven Cunningham, chair of the Board Search Committee.

Hudson, the former president, was put on leave in March. Months prior, the JSU faculty senate issued a vote of no confidence in Hudson. They had raised concerns about campus safety and curriculum changes. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, who had been the chairwoman of JSU’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies, served as acting president.

Thompson earned a doctor of philosophy degree from JSU in urban higher education. In a statement Nov. 16, he said would develop a consensus around the university’s goals.

“I’m very honored to be named President of Jackson State University because I believe in its mission, purpose and most of all, the outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and students who embody our school’s motto of challenging minds, changing lives,” Thompson said.

Thompson’s appointment will be effective Nov. 27.

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By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

Today we rode through the busy streets of Ghana until we made it to a magnet primary school into the city of Tema. Upon arrival we were warmly met by the principal. Escorted in groups of two, we were assigned different classrooms to speak to students as well as distribute school supplies.

I was assigned to a fourth grade classroom. Their faces lit up when we arrived –as did mine. I was filled with excitement and a little bit of jitters. After warming up a bit and introducing ourselves, questions from the students started pouring in. This was my favorite part because I loved how curious they were. They asked various questions such as what the weather was like, and what sports and foods were traditional for America. They asked what games we liked to play, how our family dynamic is and so many more. Their eyes widened with each answer and they smiled while hanging onto our every word. 

We had questions as well such as what they wanted to be when they grew up, what was their favorite subject in school and what hobbies they enjoyed. 

Before arriving we were assigned to prepare a bag of “Me Stew.” This is a bag full of keepsakes from home to talk and share with students that would give them an idea of our life in the United States. I brought my Morgan State University identification card, a photo of my dog, a newspaper I was published in, a clay turtle– which is my favorite animal– and a hip-hop history photo book.

I thought it would be fun to show them some of the styles and fashions we have in the United States. With 2023 marking the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, I wanted to share my favorite artists and how their artform has impacted my life. Not only were they surprised to see chains and clothing with the map of Africa on the rappers, they were amazed that each rapper’s hometown could have  different weather. They were fascinated that it snows and rains in some regions, but not so much in others.  The students were also interested to learn that women can be rappers too.

Before lunch time we gave them a spelling test with five words: department, mid-term, journal, residence and responsibility. I loved how the teacher made it a priority to celebrate all the students no matter how many words they got right. He spoke about the importance of trying, even if you get it wrong the first time. This is actually a life lesson that I will be sure to implement in my life. I loved that they were getting reassurance and positive affirmation so early on. 

After our “Me Stew” show and tell session, and a few more questions, the students were released for lunch and play time. Although it was hot out, we enjoyed playing jump rope, volleyball, and basketball. A DJ was present and played both American and Ghanaian music. We danced and danced to the rhythmic beats like we did not have a care in the world. The residents showed us their best moves and we showed them some of ours. The students also taught me a new way to play “rock, paper, scissors.” Unlike in the United States where we use our hands, they use playing cards. While sharing a traditional lunch of jollof rice, chicken and potato salad, we spoke about the day’s experience and what we learned from one another. 

At the end of the day, we said our goodbyes and it was more difficult than I imagined. Even though it was just a few hours, the students we spent time with truly had an impact on me. Feeling a range of emotions, I was sad but also happy I got to experience them. I was sad to leave the group so soon– but happy that I got to experience the next generation of Ghanaian doctors, lawyers, engineers, actors and maybe, musicians. 

I told them they all had a spot waiting for them at Morgan State University! 

The post Ariyana Abroad: Day two in Ghana appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

WHO: Alfred Street Baptist Church

WHEN: Saturday, November 18, 2023

TIME:   9 a.m. ET – 2 p.m. ET (Doors Open at 8 a.m.  ET)

WHERE:  The St. James Sports Complex , 6805 Industrial Rd, Springfield, VA 22151

WHAT: Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC), ASBC Foundation and Google (Title Sponsor) to host the largest hybrid HBCU College Festival on Saturday, November 18 at the St. James Sports Complex located at 6805 Industrial Road in Springfield, Virginia. More than 7,500 expected to attend the largest hybrid festival of its kind in the country. Over 6,000 students expected to attend the in-person portion at the St. James Sports Complex from (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m.)

In 2020, 2021,  and 2022 the ASBC HBCU Festival welcomed more than 7,500 prospective students and their families, produced nearly 1,500 offers of admission to high school seniors, and awarded more than $3.8 million in scholarships – and the fall 2023 festival is poised to yield even greater benefits.

The majority of the 70-plus HBCUs in attendance for this fall’s 2023 festival will conduct on-site interviews and offer instant admission virtually and on-site, while some, if not all, participating institutions will be waiving application fees. Since the festival’s inception, participating HBCUs have awarded more than $45 million in the form of academic scholarships and/or waived fees.  

For more information about the 2023 ASBC HBCU Festival, please visit:  https://hbcufest.alfredstreet.org/e/hbcu-fest#about

About Alfred Street Baptist Church: 

Established in 1803, Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) will celebrate its 220th anniversary in November and is home to one of the oldest African-American congregations in the nation. It has served as a prominent religious, educational, and cultural organization in the Northern Virginia community for over 220 years. Currently under the esteemed leadership of the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, ASBC has grown from 2,500 members to nearly 12,000 members with services Sunday at 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. ET. ASBC is also home to the popular Come as You Are (CAYA) worship service.  For more information on Alfred Street Baptist Church visit www.AlfredStreet.org. 

Follow Alfred Street Baptist Church on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlfredStreetBaptistChurch/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlfredStreetBC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfredstreetbc/

About the HBCU College Festival: 

The HBCU College festival is a premier event that connects students and parents to historically Black colleges and universities and is arguably the largest HBCU college fair in the country.

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By Ashleigh Fields,
AFRO Assistant Editor

The AFRO honored those who have served the country on Nov. 7 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore. Prominent military leaders from around the state of Maryland were in attendance, including Adjutant General Janeen Birckhead, former Adjutant General Linda Singh and Anthony C. Woods, secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Speakers and honorees of the event shared personal testimonies of the veteran that impacted their life and memories from their own time in the service. The event also honored the Morgan State University ROTC Program. 

Honorees received a framed copy of the AFRO, with their own story front and center, and each guest received a copy of “This is Our War,” included in the price of their ticket. 

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By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

In Los Angeles, where I am originally from, we have a small subsection called Leimert Park Village – aka Africatown. The pavement is engraved with Adinkra symbols. African drum sessions take over the streets and Black owned businesses occupy the buildings. It is a place where we can gather, commune, learn about different cultures within the African Diaspora and connect with others. Besides books and movies, Leimert Park had been my only connection to Africa. 

After months of meetings and preparation the time had finally come for my first ever trip to Africa. Over 20 Morgan State faculty and students set off to embark on an amazing study abroad trip to Ghana to explore their education system.

We met at the Dulles Airport, and awaited to board our 10 hour flight. The plane ride was extremely smooth, but I was too excited to sleep well and anticipated the moment we would finally land in Africa. 

Upon landing, we were greeted with smiles and welcomed at Customs. Once we exited the airport, we were hit with a gust of wind full of dry, hot air. We had finally made it to the Motherland.

Here, the busy streets were filled with men, women and children selling everything from food to laundry detergent. Many women carried baskets on their heads full of goods. I was amazed by their ability to balance the baskets while navigating the sun drenched streets and their strong work ethic. Our caravan’s first stop was the Accra Mall. It was very similar to our malls in the United States with restaurants and stores like KFC and Pandora but also had various local businesses inside with products unique to Ghana. I stopped by a sit down restaurant and tried beef fried noodles.

After lunch, we walked around and explored before heading to our hotel. Some university students signed up to get their hair braided by local hairdressers, while others began to unwind for a while before dinner. 

When asked why Webb wanted her hair braided in Ghana she said she wanted to “give back to the community  and to be more acquainted with the locals and their services.”

We met our tour guides at a restaurant so we could try native food. My order of bean stew with fish, plantains and banku looked like a small feast. I loved this first time  experience because we were able to eat fragrant meals with our hands.

Following our delicious meal, we had a great conversation and many shared laughs about the day’s festivities. Full and happy, we headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest and prepared for day two. 

We’ll see what tomorrow brings….

This month, Morgan State University student Ariyana Griffin travels to Ghana with other scholars from the historically Black institution. As an AFRO Intern, she will be giving regular updates from her trip to the Motherland. 

The post Ariyana Abroad: on the road to Ghana appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Bria Overs,
Word In Black

HBCU students win again. Over 2,700 former students of Morehouse College had their debts canceled by the Debt Collective recently, totaling nearly $10 million in student debt. 

Thousands of accounts from the fall 2022 semester and years prior owed $9.7 million to the historically Black college. Morehouse College transferred the entire balance in collections to the Collective and its sister organization, the Rolling Jubilee Fund, after which they canceled the debts as a “no-strings-attached gift.”

“Now, thousands of Black men can receive their diplomas, access their transcript, pursue further education, and move on with their lives,” reads a statement from Morehouse.

The Debt Collective is “the nation’s first debtors’ union,” they proclaim on their website. They are organizing to have debts canceled and abolished. 

“Our nation is defaulting on the promise of education when we burden communities, especially Black HBCU graduates, with crushing amounts of student debt,” said Braxton Brewington, spokesperson for the Debt Collective, in a statement. “This nearly $10M of student debt cancellation will put thousands of Black folks in a better position to be able to save for retirement, purchase a home or start a small business.”

According to the Legal Defense Fund, in 2019, 86 percent of Black students used student loans to pay for their education, with an average of $39,500 taken out. And in 2022, 57 percent of Black student loan borrowers had at least $25,000 of debt from their education, the Federal Reserve found. 

This is not the Collective’s first time aiding Black students and graduates. In May 2022, the group purchased $1.7 million of unpaid student debt for 462 women who attended Bennett College, a women’s HBCU. Some of the bills went as far back as 1996, Insider reported. 

While some have reason to rejoice, the debts forgiven were not federal loans, the group noted in a post, it was money owed directly to Morehouse. The Collective said they were “doing their part” because President Joe Biden had not held up his end of the deal.

During his 2020 campaign, Biden proposed he would forgive “all undergraduate tuition-related federal student debt from two- and four-year public colleges and universities for debt-holders earning up to $125,000.” This benefit would also apply to federal loans for private HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions.

In June, the Supreme Court struck down Biden’s broad forgiveness plan that would have fulfilled this campaign promise and removed over $400 billion in federal student loans. Since the decision, interest and loan payments have restarted, and the administration rolled out the Saving on an Affordable Education (SAVE) plan, formerly known as the Revised Pay as You Earn income-driven repayment plan.

On Oct. 4, the administration announced they had forgiven over $127 billion for an estimated 3.6 million borrowers enrolled in Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, who have disabilities, or were misled by their school.

President Biden is not giving up on achieving forgiveness. The administration and Department of Education are moving forward with a new path to debt relief for student loan borrowers, including policy considerations, through the Higher Education Act of 1965.

In its statement, Morehouse College hinted at these recent moves and Biden’s promises.

“The fact that a small group of activists can eliminate $10 million in a split second is a reminder of the amazing power the executive branch has to eliminate the crushing weight of student loans for the public writ large.”

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By Reuben Greene,
Special to the AFRO

Coppin State University (CSU), a long-standing educational institution in the heart of Baltimore, has deep roots within the local community. Established in 1900, the university has served as a beacon of opportunity for generations of students, striving to uplift the educational landscape of Charm City. 

The inauguration of the new College of Business on Oct. 19, marks a significant milestone in the university’s history and furthers the college’s effort to advance learning opportunities in the city. The state-of-the-art building is poised to be a hub for business education in Baltimore, offering advanced facilities in academic fields such as accounting, data science, management information systems, marketing, entertainment management and sports management. The College of Business also provides certificate programs in entrepreneurship, innovation and esports (electronic sports), equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the modern business landscape.

The opening ceremony was a momentous occasion, with inspirational speeches delivered by CSU President Anthony L. Jenkins and Dean Sadie R. Gregory. 

“This university has committed to ‘be more’ than what we could hope for, and partnerships like this allow us to do it,” said Jenkins. His words captured the institution’s commitment to going above and beyond for its students and the community.

Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby was present to honor Gregory with a city proclamation for her dedication to education. This recognition highlighted the university’s integral role in the city’s development.

The event was expertly organized by Joshua Humbert, vice president of institutional advancement, and his dedicated staff, who ensured that everything ran smoothly. Notably, Charles Schwab’s investment in the business school led to the creation of the Charles Schwab Community Finance Center, further demonstrating the university’s commitment to financial literacy and community economic empowerment.

“This is a space where the school plans to continually educate and keep financial literacy and the bridge to economic wealth in the forefront of the community,” Gregory said.

As part of the event, the public was offered building tours, allowing everyone to explore the cutting-edge facilities. The second floor of the building featured impressive details, including a ticker tape mounted in the ceiling and a soundproof phone booth for private conversations.

“I think the new space is very important to the community since we have so many students interested in the entertainment industry. Also, it’s a D1 school, so having a sports management program housed in its own location is exactly what the students needed,” said Student Government Association Vice President Tori Haynes-Harrison. 

Another student Jaylen Camp, SGA executive secretary and accounting major, weighed in on what the new building means for students.

“This is an inspirational moment for myself,” said Camp. “The College of Business having classrooms and spaces designed specifically for my major is very beneficial to my academic career.”

The event exuded an electrifying energy, with excitement radiating from the audience. It was a celebration of not just a new building but of the future that it represents and the enduring legacy the university continues to build.

Over the years, Coppin State has maintained a strong commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, earning its place as a pillar of higher education in the region.

One of the critical markers of a university’s success is its graduation rate. CSU has steadily improved its graduation rate over the years. In recent years, it has achieved a graduation rate of over 40 percent, reflecting the institution’s dedication to guiding students towards their educational goals.

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By Ariyana Griffin,
Special to the AFRO

Thousands of Howard University alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and supporters filled the streets and institution’s campus the weekend of Oct. 21, showing their pride as they prepared to close out homecoming festivities. 

Alumni returned, as they do each year, for the internationally-known celebration of all things related to the historically Black college/university (HBCU) experience. 

“I have a lot of friends and great memories here. I met my wife here, so we try to do this annually, come out and rehash where we first met. We turn it into a date night,” said Larry Flagg, class of ’80.

With similar sentiments, Miss Howard University 2005-2006, Shayna Yvonne Rudd explained that it’s a tradition she tries to withhold every year. “It’s a tradition. We come out every year. It’s a form of self-care for me. We do a lot in our work life. Howard raised us up to be great, so most of us work very hard,” she said. “When we come back home, it’s to fill up our tank to be reminded of who we are, to connect with our brothers and sisters here. So, I don’t miss homecoming.” 

For many first-year students, it was their first time exposed to homecoming HBCU culture, and they were not sure what to expect. “Well, I didn’t know what homecoming was when I first got here. I thought homecoming was like prom, but everybody was like, oh, it’s like a big event. It was completely different from what I expected, and it was pretty cool meeting up with many alumni and the events. So far, it has been 10 out of 10,” said Anthony Vaughn Jr.,  freshman major. 

This year’s theme for homecoming is Revival, according to the university, it “signifies the time to recapture the enthusiasm of the past, rekindle our flames of school pride and reconnect with the stories and memories that make Howard special.” The Mecca kicked off its homecoming on Oct. 14 with a day of service and concluded on Oct. 22 with a chapel service. 

The institution, aware of the tragic events that occurred this year at Morgan State University and Bowie State during homecoming season. Howard made it clear that safety was their number one priority for visitors, students and the community. The university expressed that safety is a shared commitment and that they have a strong proactive safety plan due to several forged relationships with law enforcement. 

Deyla Davis, a freshman journalism major, expressed that she felt safe at homecoming overall. “I feel like Howard has been making it their mission to protect their students. We stay in groups like I think we know what to do to stay safe,” she said. “Obviously, there’s always going to be a threat somewhere. I think there were a couple of threats, but personally, I wasn’t around them. So I feel safe around here. There’s a lot of people out here, a lot of alumni, a lot of adults, so I’m fine, and I hope everybody else is fine.”

The institution’s colors of red, white and blue flooded the campus and stadium as people showed pride wearing Howard paraphernalia. The yard was packed with Black Greek letter organizations, families and music. 

The Howard University Bisons football team competed against Norfolk State’s Spartans and took home the win with a final score of 27-23. 

Ariyana Griffin is an AFRO Intern from Morgan State University.

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By Ariyana Griffin 

WASHINGTON D.C.- Thousands of Howard alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and supporters filled the streets and Howard’s campus this weekend, showing their HBCU pride as they prepared to close out their Homecoming festivities. 

Every year, Homecoming welcomes alumni back with welcome arms, and it becomes something to look forward to. “I have a lot of friends and great memories here. I met my wife here, so we try to do this annually, come out and rehash where we first met. We turn it into a date night,” said Larry Flagg, class of ’80.

With similar sentiments, Shayna Yvonne Rudd, Miss Howard University 2005-2006, explained that it’s a tradition she tries to withhold every year. “We come out every year. It’s a form of self-care for me. We do a lot in our work life. Howard raised us up to be great, so most of us work very hard,” she said. “When we come back home, it’s to fill up our tank to be reminded of who we are, to connect with our brothers and sisters here. So, I don’t miss Homecoming.” 

For many first-year students, it was their first time exposed to Homecoming HBCU culture, and they were not sure what to expect. “Well, I didn’t know what Homecoming was when I first got here. I thought Homecoming was like prom, but everybody was like, ‘Oh, it’s like a big event.’” said Anthony Vaughn Jr., a freshman finance major. 

It was completely different from what I expected, and it was pretty cool meeting up with many alumni and the events. So far, it has been 10 out of 10.” He said.  

This year’s theme for Homecoming is Revival; according to the university, it “signifies the time to recapture the enthusiasm of the past, rekindle our flames of school pride and reconnect with the stories and memories that make Howard special.” On Oct. 14, The Mecca kicked off Homecoming with a day of service and concluded on with a chapel service on the 22nd. 

Aware of the tragic events that occurred this year at Morgan State University and Bowie State during Homecoming season, Howard’s public safety department made it clear that safety was their number one priority for visitors, students and the larger community. The university expressed that safety is a shared commitment and that they have a strong proactive safety plan due to several forged relationships with law enforcement. 

Deyla Davis, a freshman journalism major, expressed that she felt safe at Homecoming overall. “I feel like Howard has been making it their mission to protect their students,” she said. “Obviously, there’s always going to be a threat somewhere. I think there were a couple of threats, but personally, I wasn’t around them. So I feel safe around here. There’s a lot of people out here, a lot of alumni, a lot of adults, so I’m fine, and I hope everybody else is fine.”

Dark reds, indigo blue, and grays flooded the campus and stadium as people showed pride wearing Howard’s colors and paraphernalia. The Yard was packed with D-9 organizations, families and music. The Howard University Bisons football team competed against Norfolk State’s Spartans and took home the win. The score was 27-23. 

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By: Amber D. Dodd
Special to the AFRO 
adodd@afro.com 

Homecoming may be a longstanding tradition at all universities, but Howard University’s homecoming is like no other. 

From all walks of life, alumni, students, friends and family, all gather in Washington D.C. to celebrate the lifelong bonds that Howard University has fortified. But, surviving the latest pandemic and the everchanging dangers of being Black in America, these reunions and long-time-no-sees hugs resonate harder for older alum. 

Elder alums spoke to the AFRO about the magic of Homecoming and how reconnecting with old friends, supporting their community and returning to Howard reignites their spirits.

Saturday morning, tailgaters and members of the Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha set up their tents in the parking lot across from Starbucks and food as they chatted after the homecoming parade. 2023 marks 47 years in the Alpha fold for Jonathan Johnson of Mt. Vernon, N.Y., 70, who graduated with a political science degree in 1974. “Because of Howard, I was prepared for the world,” he said. 

“Howard has been great to me, I got a great education. I worked downtown at the White House and the folks from Harvard or Yale could tell me nothing because I went to Howard,” Johnson said. “My degree took me all over the world, in every continent except Antarctica.” 

One of the eldest members present from the Beta chapter, Johnson said he returned to  enjoy the festivities and boasted about the Alpha’s Homecoming Greek Step Show win on Friday night. He visited his old dorm room in Cook Hall Room 129 and found landmarks where he met his wife of 47 years, Bonny, on campus. 

“It’s good to see Howard has grown, it’s good to see that Howard is still the Black Mecca and the leader of HBCUs.” Johnson said. 

Brian Watkins, another Beta chapter member and 1990 graduate, called Howard the “best four years of my life.”

“Homecoming is home, it’s reconnecting, it’s reenergizing, it’s just so welcoming to be back, I want everyone to experience this.” He said. 

Watkins says that the biggest difference in the Howard experience today is DC’s cost of living and the definition of fellowship. 

“HBCUs have to compete for the best Black minds now, and I think Howard’s doing pretty well, but I am concerned about the cost of tuition and housing,” Watkins said. “This is all great, but students can’t afford to live here. I talk to parents and they’re talking about paying $1,500 a month for housing. Plus, college is competing with so many other things for these kids’ attention. All we had to do was leave the dorm and that was our whole day right there.” 

Saturday’s biggest draw was the football game against Norfolk State University. This year, football alum Richard McGee, a 71-year-old Washington D.C. native, returned to William H. Greene Stadium 43 years after his last game as a offensive lineman in 1980.

McGee said that there was a “collective understanding” about the importance of education for Black men and general feelings at the time. 

“We all felt that we were all in a serious time, because the Vietnam War was going on at that time, and the one thing that brought you to reality is to know that you can be sent to the war at any time,” McGee recalled. “You flunked out, you were in the jungle the next year.”

In high school, he integrated the Bladensburg High School football team. While alone in that experience, his fellow Howard teammates also broke the color barrier at their respective schools too. 

McGee is a member of the Howard University Football Hall of Fame 2005 class and said that, with Howard’s long standing traditions still honored at the best Homecoming of all time, it shows the consistent Black excellence that the University produces. 

“This is going to be with you forever, take advantage of your time, even when the world beats you up, you can always come home. This is a safe haven from all the riff raff in the world.” McGee said. 

While patrons filtered into the stadium for the Howard Bison’s homecoming battle against Norfolk State University, many ignited old flames and friendships with familiar faces. This was the case for a trio of Howard women from the Class of 1987, Yolanda Rowell, Felicia Carpenter and Deitre Epps. They reflected on Howard’s political landscape in the 80s and how daughters of Black revolutions around the world were flocking to the Mecca.

“We were here with Stevie Wonder, and we marched right up to Washington to make Martin Luther King’s birthday a [federal] holiday,“ Rowell said. Epps also mentioned students being arrested for protesting the apartheid at the South African embassy. 

“Jesse Jackson was running for president, and that was one of our first Black men on the ticket,” Rowell said. “Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, they were my favorite groups. At the time, our radicalism was perfect. It spoke volumes to me.” Rowell said. 

Now at homecoming this year, they chatted about the goals they’ve accomplished, the everyday whereabouts and the children they’ve raised. With these new updates, it’s true that with distance, Epps said, the heart does grow fonder.

“Imagine how that felt after 40 years,” Epps said. “It felt like a belonging, home, family, remembered, cherished, all of those things. Some of this stuff doesn’t come back immediately, but what does come back is that feeling.”

“Yesterday, Felicia said that we’re going to meet up with Yolanda, I said I don’t remember her until she started describing her and then I had this “ding!” moment, asking ‘Wait, Yolanda with her hair like that?! Who curled it under with a bump curl? An image of her 40 years ago popped in my head.”

Rowell beamed with pride for another one of their classmates: United States Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We’ve got the vice president from here, and just to see her hold it down, I just see ‘truth and service’ all in it,” Rowell said of Howard’s motto. “I think there was a torch being passed from Thurgood Marshall being the first Black Supreme Court Justice. She’s not sitting in the seat, Kamala is working and that’s the beauty of it.”

In a thriller Homecoming game against the Norfolk State Spartans, Howard University battled for a 27-23 victory in Greene Stadium Saturday afternoon. 

At halftime, the 1993 football team were honored for their 30-year anniversary. Under head coach Steve Wilson, the team went undefeated in that season, winning the 1993 MEAC conference title. Doug Morency was an offensive lineman at that time, and beamed with pride at the stadium-wide recognition. 

“Coming back 30 years later, seeing how Howard has progressed and how the team has progressed, it warms [my] heart because I was part of this foundation,” Morency said. “It’s really beyond football. Football was just a catalyst.”

Morency recalled the love he shared with his teammates, calling them brothers that “never lost touch.” He said that Howard’s homecoming festivities are a testament to the University’s ability to build lifelong friendships throughout the Black community. 

“We bled together, cried together, won together, fought together, and DC was a different time back then, we had to stick together to survive,” Morency said. “Thirty years later, we’re still close. We have lawyers, doctors, vice presidents, Olympians, congress people, you name it. It’s about life after football as a Howard man.”

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By Megan Sayles,
AFRO Business Writer,
msayles@afro.com

Morgan State University football player Elijah Williams recently landed a name, image and likeness (NIL) contract with The Harbor Bank of Maryland, a Black-owned bank based in Baltimore. The senior defensive lineman was most recently chosen for The Bluebloods 2023 FCS Preseason All-American Team and has a number of other accolades under his belt. 

The contract will enable Williams to market himself, affording him the opportunity to receive compensation from businesses that want to use his NIL for advertising and promotional campaigns. The Harbor Bank of Maryland’s execution of the deal is a product of its longstanding relationship with MSU. 

“We really feel that not only is this an opportunity for us to financially impact Elijah but, ultimately, it’s an opportunity to impact Elijah in his career,” said Stanley Arnold, executive vice president and chief lending officer for The Harbor Bank of Maryland. “We feel like this deal is a way to have a lasting impact on an HBCU student.” 

Before July 2021, NIL contracts were prohibited by the NCAA, but a U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that it was illegal for the association to bar student athletes from profiting off of endorsements, apparel, brands and more. 

The Harbor Bank of Maryland called on Anthony Johnson, founder of Renaissance Sports Group, to help facilitate the deal. His entire company comprises historically, Black college and university alumni. 

Williams’ deal furthers Johnson’s mission of creating more opportunities for HBCU students to obtain NIL contracts. 

“I think there needs to be more intentionality around the NIL space being equitable for HBCU student athletes,” said Johnson. “With us being in this space, we see how deals are allocated and to whom they’re allocated, and we see that there’s clearly a disparity. We want to be intentional about balancing that scale to the best of our ability.” 

Williams, a native of New Jersey, began playing football when he was 7 years old. He was drawn to the camaraderie and competition of the sport and dreamed of playing in the NFL. 

In his freshman season at MSU, Williams started in every game and finished as the Bears’ third-leading tackler. Since landing the contract, Williams said his teammates have started calling him, “Mr. Harbor Bank.” 

“It’s a blessing. It was something that really just came out of nowhere. I didn’t expect it,” he said. “Once I got it, I said, ‘Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity that you’ve given me. I’m going to make the most of it.’”

Williams still plans to go to the NFL. He’s in the process of deciding whether he wants to play one more season with the Bears or take his chances with the league next year.

Beyond the NIL contract, The Harbor Bank of Maryland is also prepared to support Williams in his studies as a marketing major. Arnold said the student athlete will be able to participate in a paid marketing internship with the bank after graduation, which could later turn into a full-time position if Williams does not go to the NFL. 

“I think it’s been a great opportunity for us to find an individual whose potential and future we feel confident about,” said Arnold. “Even if he doesn’t make it to the NFL, we’re going to have an individual who’s going to be a substantial contributor to society in some way.” 

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By The Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A 19-year-old has been arrested and charged with killing a fellow college student in Mississippi on Sunday.

Joshua Brown of Columbia, Mississippi, was arrested Wednesday in the death of 21-year-old Jaylen Burns. Brown was charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm on school property, arrest affidavits show.

The shooting was reported late Sunday at an apartment complex on the campus in Mississippi’s capital city. Jackson State University said Burns was an industrial technology major from Chicago.

Brown is a student at Jones College in Ellisville, about 85 miles (136 kilometers) away from Jackson. He was initially arrested by Jones College Campus police and was then turned over to authorities in Jackson, according to a news release.

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones told WLBT-TV that Brown is being held at the Raymond Detention Center in Hinds County.

Reached by phone Thursday, the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office said an attorney had not been assigned to represent Brown. It was not clear whether he had obtained a private attorney. A call to the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office seeking information about his representation was not immediately returned.

In a statement after the shooting, Jackson State University’s acting president, Elayne H. Anthony, called Burns an “ambitious and bright young man, who believed in being of service.”

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By Megan Sayles,
AFRO Business Writer,
msayles@afro.com

JPMorgan Chase and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) invested $900,000 in philanthropic capital on Oct. 3 to the Howard University (HU) School of Law to mitigate and resolve heirs property, or tangled title, cases. 

The investment will be used to establish the first-of-its-kind Estate Planning and Heirs Property Legal Clinic, which will provide pro-bono legal support to the District’s underserved communities.

“Homeownership can play a critical role in establishing wealth, especially among Black, Hispanic and Latino households. It builds more prosperous communities, creates an opportunity to secure equity and allows people to have stable housing that can lead to generational wealth,” said Tim Berry, global head of corporate responsibility and chairman of the Mid-Atlantic region for JPMorgan Chase. “But, for many minority families and those with limited wealth, there are laws that increase the risk of property loss and further undermine wealth generation. These laws are heirs property laws.” 

Heirs property commonly occurs when a homeowner dies before creating a will, resulting in multiple people having rights to ownership of the property. With no clear owner, any one heir can force the sale of the property, or partition sale. Heirs also face higher risks for property tax foreclosures. 

“In 2021, there were an estimated 440,000 heirs property cases across the country, equaling an estimated $41 billion in market value,” said Berry. “I know this issue can sound so specific that it might not hit close to home, but rest assured, it does. In D.C. alone, there were 67 heirs property cases totaling $300 million in market value as of November 2021.” 

JPMorgan Chase contributed $500,000 to investment, which will support the training of several HU law students and create the community legal clinic. RWJF supplied $400,000 to identify community needs and finance the clinic’s free legal services, which include estate planning and title resolution. 

“The scale of this problem is often overlooked. Heirs property is the leading cause of Black land loss, impacting over a third of Black-owned land,” said Akobe Sandy, impact officer for the RWJF. “It significantly contributes to the racial wealth gap in our country.” 

The next legal clinic led by HU’s law school will take place on Nov. 3 at JPMorgan Chase’s community branch in Southeast D.C.’s Skyland Town Center.

“What makes this initiative so unique is that often when we hear about challenges facing people of color in the housing market, we think of predatory lending, discrimination around credit scoring or algorithm discrimination. All of those are very tricky problems to tackle,” said Michael Ralph, chair of Afro-American studies at HU . “I think the virtue of the heirs property clinic is that it empowers families to discover what they can do to their homes. Some of the structural problems are beyond their power to address, but with the tangled title problem, they can begin to address it immediately.” 

Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member. 

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By Deborah Bailey,
AFRO Contributing Editor,
dbailey@afro.com

Homecoming weekend posed difficulties for Bowie State University faculty, staff and students due to an unexpected shooting. But on Oct. 9, University president Aminta H. Breaux rallied the campus together to reflect on the incident and provide a forum for the campus community to raise their questions, voice concerns and think about next steps.  

 “This session today is the beginning of a healing process. Today we are coming together because there were individuals on our campus who were armed and who were shot,” said Breaux. “We are coming together as a campus community to make sure this never happens again.”

Breaux said campus administrators are weighing the pros and cons of new security measures including metal detectors in select campus buildings and required IDs for the campus community.  

At approximately 11:45 pm on Oct. 7, shots rang out near the campus’ Center for Business and Graduate Studies. Two 19 year old males were injured and taken to the hospital. The victims were not students at Bowie State and neither teen suffered life threatening injuries.

Mack Cummings, Bowie State University’s chief of police, reiterated that the shootings were the result of outside groups coming on to the Bowie State Campus.

“The groups we were able to see had an argument. There was tension between the groups that were there. Unfortunately two people were tragically shot,” Cummings said. 

As the night went on, parking reached capacity and Cummings said a decision was made to close the gates for additional cars to enter. However, many attending the session said that cars were parked for miles on route 197, just outside of the campus.  Guests continued to walk from the road nearby to enter the school throughout the evening.  Cummings estimated the crowd reached 10,000 persons at its highest point.   

 Cummings and other speakers during the rally, said Bowie State Police were supported by additional uniformed and plainclothes units from the Maryland State Police and Prince George’s County Police department. 

He and other speakers said the campus community must also participate in insisting visitors respect the campus.

“I believe this is our house. And we have to make sure that our guests and visitors have the same decorum that we have. Ensure that they would treat our campus the way that you would treat the campus,” Cummings insisted. 

But several members of the audience pushed back, raising questions about the crowd atmosphere before the shooting started. 

“I know it isn’t possible for the police to be everywhere at every moment. But one of the behaviors I saw that I was mortified by was the number of people walking around with open bottles of alcohol and not hiding it. People were selling mixed drinks in little pouches,” said Januela M. Burt, associate professor of Educational Leadership.  

“I don’t want to see us put up metal detectors; I don’t think we’re quite there, not yet,” Burt countered.  “The campus police need to do a better job in building relationships with our students.  I saw them all on the perimeter, but I really didn’t see them on campus interacting with students.” 

“Campus police were laughing and making derogatory comments while students were trying to shelter in place,” commented a student during the session who asked not to be identified. 

Darren Swain, president of Bowie State University’s alumni association, said that the shooting incidents would not deter Bowie. 

“This is our house; this is our tradition. Homecoming is sacred,” Swain said. “We’re not going to let anyone, anywhere shut us down,” he continued.  

“This is a safe school. Homecoming was a very peaceful event until the shooting happened. I want everyone who’s thinking about coming here, to still come,” said the Baltimore native. 

Senior Jaivien Kendrick, thought the session was a beginning, but therapeutic work needs to be done on campus and in the community, particularly after the pandemic.  

 “Dr. Breaux and a lot of people are trying their best to handle the situation,” Kendrick said. “Will more security fix this? I’m not sure.  We have a lot of healing that needs to happen with our people, that’s the root of the problem.”

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Disney’s UNCF program introduces a new FX-supported scholarship in honor of legendary director John Singleton for students pursuing directing and producing in the next academic year; Andscape, Rhoden Fellowship, and National Geographic Content HBCU Scholarship also added, building on Disney and UNCF’s multi-year legacy of collaboration

(Black PR Wire) Recently, The Walt Disney Company and UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) announced ━the 2023 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars, representing students from four-year institutions across the country, including many historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The 2023 scholars will be awarded annual scholarships, with several having applied and been placed in paid internships for the summer at Disney. The scholarship recipients are juniors and seniors pursuing degrees in business, communications, creative writing, journalism, film/media and science who will also receive mentorship opportunities and consideration for possible full-time roles with Disney upon graduation.

The Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program builds on Disney’s longstanding history of supporting aspiring storytellers and innovators in collaboration with UNCF and is part of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative. Disney’s support of UNCF scholars includes scholarships, mentorship, internship opportunities, professional development and career exploration workshops. In an effort to inspire future storytellers, Disney frequently provides guest speakers for UNCF events and invites UNCF scholars and staff to advanced screenings of Disney films.

FX Storytelling Legacy Scholars

Just announced with this year’s cohort is a series of FX-supported college scholarships within the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program. These new scholarships will honor the legacy of acclaimed director and producer John Singleton. John’s relationship with FX began in 2016 when he scored an Emmy® Award nomination for the award-winning and acclaimed hit limited series, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. He then co-created and was executive producer on FX’s acclaimed hit drama series Snowfall. Singleton is the youngest and first Black person to receive an Academy Award nomination for best director. The intention is for these scholarships to encourage and empower the next generation of Black artists following in John’s footsteps as part of the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program.

“Every artist has that person, the one that makes it over the hill so they could tell you everything is ok. Mine was John Singleton,” said Damson Idris, actor, Snowfall.

“It was a rare honor to work with the legendary John Singleton on several iconic FX series and to see him in action as a leader, mentor, and friend to so many,” said John Landgraf, chairman, FX Content & FX Productions. “John was generous to a fault with his time and wisdom, having never forgotten where he came from and the hard work it took to break barriers. FX is proud to endow these scholarships in John’s name so that his legacy will inspire the next generation and offer meaningful assistance as they follow the trail he blazed.

Andscape’s Rhoden Fellow

For the first time, Andscape’s Rhoden Fellows will also be part of the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program. Rhoden Fellows is a training program for the next generation of sports journalists from HBCUs, founded and headed by Andscape editor-at-large and former New York Times award-winning columnist William C. Rhoden.

The year-long fellowship aims to develop new voices and serve as an incubator for future multicultural journalists. Scholars will receive scholarships and are currently summer interns at Andscape.

The fellowship’s learning curriculum includes writing from various onsite events, producing weekly podcasts, pitching creative storytelling ideas and contributing content published on the Andscape digital hub, plus continued learning, professional development, and journalism projects throughout the upcoming school year. Following a 10-week, intensive summer immersion program with Andscape and ESPN, the fellows return to serve on-campus as local correspondents for Andscape throughout the academic year.

“We are thrilled to welcome the seventh class of Rhoden Fellows. They reflect the future of journalism and the vision of Andscape,” said Raina Kelley, vice president and editor-in-chief, Andscape. “We embrace their diverse experiences and boundless curiosity. We look forward to nurturing them and providing the platform for them to shine brighter.”

National Geographic Content HBCU Scholarship

Additionally, the National Geographic Content HBCU Scholarship program will become part of the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program going forward. Since 2021, National Geographic’s program has offered scholars real-world experience to help gain access and exposure to the factual entertainment industry. Scholars receive scholarship funding, participate in a multi-day immersive experience on the National Geographic campus in Washington, D.C., and are part of a six-month mentorship program with a National Geographic executive.

“At National Geographic, the power, influence, and reach that our stories have around the world is unparalleled,” said Karen Greenfield, senior vice president, Content, Diversity & Inclusion, National Geographic. “We want to ensure that the stories we tell are not only impactful and relevant, but are also authentic, diverse, and reflective of our global audience and experiences. Through the Nat Geo Content HBCU Scholarship program, we hope to inspire and cultivate the next generation of factual storytellers.”

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About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment,ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

About UNCF

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3 percent of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15 percent of bachelor’s degrees, 5 percent of master’s degrees, 10 percent of doctoral degrees and 19 percent of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

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