WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson is a Nike signature shoe. Wilson's shoe will be called "A'One."
"It's been incredible working with Nike toward a dream of having my collection, and it really is an honor to take this next step and become a Nike signature athlete," Wilson said in a statement. "From my logo to the look of the shoe and the pieces throughout the collection, we've worked to make sure every detail is perfectly tuned to my game and style."
The shoe and rest of Wilson's signature collection will arrive in 2025.
Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump has released an additional statement following the release of body cam and FaceTime footage from the deadly shooting of Roger Fortson.
The NAACP led 14 civil rights organizations in sending a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a presidential pardon of former Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Mosby is facing up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced on May 23, 2024. The call from civil rights organizations echoes rallying cries from activists, advocates, and concerned citizens who believe Mosby has been unfairly targeted and unjustly convicted.
Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO issued the following statement:
"We've watched, decade after decade, as Black Americans have faced wrongful prosecution at the hands of those who seek to promote injustice. The only thing Marilyn Mosby is guilty of is the desire to provide her family with a better life. The sad reality is, as Black women take their rightful places in positions of power, dark forces seek to tear down both their progress, and that of our community. The NAACP refuses to stand idly by as injustice takes the wheel, driving us down a path of further disparity. We are proud to stand alongside our partners in calling on President Biden and the Department of Justice to reemphasize their commitment to racial equity by pardoning Attorney Mosby. Enough is enough. It's time to stand with Black women."
Following her push to prosecute officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby found herself at the center of a politically motivated "fraud" case for withdrawing funds from her own retirement account. Since her conviction in February, there have been growing calls for the Biden Administration to intervene, alleging a complete miscarriage of justice.
Excerpts from the letter include:
"We are deeply concerned that the last administration abused their power to advance a meritless indictment against Ms. Mosby…"
"Her courageous commitment to justice made her a target of admiration and punishment."
"…739 individuals withdrew funds from their retirement accounts without being charged for improper withdrawals, including three within her agency."
"We expect that political persecutions and malicious prosecutions pursued during the Trump Administration would not continue in the Biden Administration."
"We ask that you grant a full pardon to Ms. Marilyn Mosby before May 23, 2024, and restore her full rights."
Signers include; Black to the Future Action Fund, Black Voters Matter, Black Women's Roundtable, Color of Change, Fair and Just Prosecution, National Action Network, National Bar Association, National Black Justice Coalition, National Black Law Students Association, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Council of Negro Women, National Urban League, Until Freedom and World Without Genocide.
The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University will award nearly $200,000 to 10 student newsrooms at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its inaugural Newsroom Innovation Challenge. The awards are designed to improve newsroom technology, business operations, audience engagement and reporting at campus newsrooms. The unique program advances the Center’s mission to help prepare HBCU students to become investigative journalists who will hold power accountable and strengthen U.S. democracy.
“HBCU student newsrooms brim with talent, but often lack the resources needed to give students access to the cutting-edge technology and operational support that so many of their peers at predominately white institutions have,” said Center for Journalism & Democracy founder Nikole Hannah-Jones, who serves as Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University's Cathy Hughes School of Communications.
Hannah-Jones said too often HBCU journalism students cannot volunteer for their campus news organizations because they need to work jobs that pay. “This grant program seeks to even the playing field by upgrading student newsrooms and paying stipends for student journalists,” Hannah-Jones said. “Investments in the talent and ambitions of aspiring journalists will fundamentally transform these newsrooms.”
The initial grant program was open to members of the Center for Journalism & Democracy’s nineHBCU cohort schools. Newsrooms were invited to apply for competitive funding last fall by submitting their vision and goals for strengthening their newsrooms and operations. Winners were notifiedin late April.
The Center for Journalism & Democracy presents a check to the Morgan State University newsroom, The Spokesman on Tuesday. The funds will go toward the newsroom website, equipment and to pay for editors and contributing writers. Photo credit: Elijah Pittman
The grantees are The Hilltop and HU News Service, both of Howard University; Morgan State University, University of the District of Columbia, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Savannah State University, and Texas Southern University.
The 10 newsrooms will receive award packages ranging from $4,000 to as much as $29,000, and include a one-time technology award. The newsrooms will also receive funding for two years to pay select newsroom staff and funding to hire contributing writers. Newsrooms can apply to renew the funding for the contributing writers for up to five years.
“We are profoundly grateful for the awarding of these funds. It will make a significant impact on our ability to bring news and information to our readers,” said Milton Kent, professor of practice and advisor to Morgan State University's The Spokesman student outlet. “I can tell you that The Spokesman has lost talented journalists because some of our students can’t afford to work in the newsroom without being paid, so this is huge.”
Each newsroom will create a team that will include the faculty advisor, a student staff member and two other students responsible for implementing the plan. The Center will provide ongoing support through training and monthly meetings.
“The Newsroom Innovation Challenge is part of the vision I had when I founded the Center two years ago and I am so excited to finally see these resources headed to where they are much needed,” Hannah-Jones said. “When we invest in our HBUCs, we invest in ensuring our multiracial democracy is covered by a multiracial press.”
The University of the District of Columbia will use its funds to revive The Trilogy, the campus paper that has not published in a decade. “There are so many talented storytellers on campus who are ready to do great reporting,” said Trilogy editor Asha Moore-Smith, a rising senior at UDC. “This award will help us afford the tools and resources we need to create the highest quality content we can. We’re really grateful for the Newsroom Innovation Challenge award.”
Other examples of how newsrooms intend to use their funds include, installing a Whisper Room at The Hilltop for production of podcasts, purchasing high-definition cameras, and paying an editor on the investigative beat. Texas Southern University plans to use their award to launch a physical newsroom with computers and field kits for the newsroom staff, and to pay editors and contributing writers.
Pictured in the Morgan State photo: from left, Jacqueline Jones, dean, Morgan State University School of Global Journalism & Communication; Kali-Ahset Amen, executive director, Center for Journalism & Democracy; Jah'I Selassie, editor-in-chief, The Spokesman; Milton Kent professor of practice, Morgan State University and faculty advisor, The Spokesman; Lillian Stephens, managing editor, The Spokesman; DeWayne Wickham, dean emeritus and director, Center for New Media & Strategic Initiatives, Morgan State University. Photo credit: Elijah Pittman
Hilltop image above: Members of The Hilltop pose with a check from the Center for Journalism & Democracy. The funds will go toward technology and staff for the newsroom. From left: Angela Harris, business advisor, The Hilltop; N’dia Webb, managing editor, The Hilltop; Jasper Smith, editor-in-chief, The Hilltop; Julian Szyszka, business manager, The Hilltop. Photo credit: Elijah Pittman
The president of Florida A&M University announced Thursday that the school is putting a “pause” on a historic $237 million donation the Rattlers received over the weekend from Batterson Farms Corporation CEO Gregory Gerami and the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust.
The news comes after days of controversy over the gift.
FAMU announced the donation with a super-sized check during a jam-packed commencement ceremony on Saturday. But the school’s tone toward the funding swiftly changed this week after FAMU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons asked FAMU President Larry Robinson and Board Chair Kristin Harper to organize a public meeting in the interest of transparency.
“The recently announced donation would truly be transformative for Florida A&M University, an institution that is helping to shape the next generation of leaders,” FAMU Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons wrote in a statement shared Tuesday. “However, the reality is that little has been shared regarding the nature of the donation.”
A group of school leaders convened and discussed the donation Thursday afternoon during a FAMU Foundation Board Meeting, which was broadcast via Zoom. During the call, Robinson said that officials decided Wednesday to “put a pause” on the donation “pending additional information that’s come to my attention.”
“It’s in our best interest to put that on hold,” he said.
The group also passed a motion to form an “internal, multidisciplinary committee” that will audit the university’s process for evaluating major gifts.
The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents announced the appointment of Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as the seventeenth President of Langston University. Dr. Jackson’s selection follows an extensive eight-month national search that attracted several qualified candidates.
“Dr. Jackson’s appointment underscores her exceptional leadership and vision for our institution. During her tenure as Interim President, Dr. Jackson maintained continuity and stability and managed to build momentum. Her unwavering commitment to Langston’s mission and her ability to navigate critical transitions have been commendable. We are confident that under her guidance, Langston University will excel,” commented Board Chair Joe Hall.
Dr. Jackson served as Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to assuming the role of Interim President in July 2023. Prior to advancing to the Vice Presidency, she also served as the university’s Associate Vice President for Student Success. Dr. Jackson’s association with Langston University began in 2014 as Dean and Professor for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Before joining Langston University, she spent 11 years at Louisiana State University in Shreveport as a faculty member, graduate program director, and department chair. Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Jackson worked as a high school English teacher, assistant principal, and principal in public education.
“I am honored to lead Langston University into its next chapter,” commented Dr. Jackson in response to her appointment. “I love this university and believe in its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Our mission must be focused on empowering students, celebrating student success, and contributing to the betterment of Oklahoma and beyond. Together, we will build upon Langston’s legacy and create a future where excellence knows no bounds.”
“As a proud graduate of Langston University, I wholeheartedly applaud the selection of Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as our next President. Her admiration for our beloved institution and the excellent job she did as interim President have been truly remarkable. Dr. Jackson’s leadership embodies the spirit of Langston, and I am confident that she will continue to elevate our university to new heights,” commented Sherman Lewis, a distinguished Langston University alumnus and member of the Langston University Presidential Search Committee.
“Our search for a new president attracted an impressive pool of candidates, which is a testament to Langston University’s potential and the importance of its mission. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson on her selection as the next President of Langston University. We appreciate the support of the members of the search committee and the Langston University community as Dr. Jackson leads the university to new heights,” commented A&M Regent Billy Taylor, who chaired the Presidential Search Committee.
About Langston University: Founded in 1897, Langston University is a beacon of educational opportunity, social justice, and community impact. As Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College or
Twinette Johnson, J.D., Ph.D., dean and professor of law at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law), has been selected as the next permanent dean of Saint Louis University School of Law. She will succeed William Johnson, J.D., who has served as dean since 2017. Saint Louis University Provost Michael Lewis announced she will assume the role effective July 1, 2024.
Dr. Johnson, a former SLU LAW faculty member who earned both her B.A. and Ph.D. degrees at SLU, returns to the University with a distinguished track record of national success and leadership in legal education. She currently serves as the dean and professor of law at UDC Law in Washington, D.C., a position she has held since 2022. Over her seven years at UDC Law, Dr. Johnson also served as interim dean, associate dean for academic affairs, and director of academic success.
Dr. Johnson is a national expert in bar exam preparation and focuses her scholarship on higher education access policy, learning theory models in legal education, affinity group formation and identity, and disaster policy.
Dr. Johnson began her academic career at the Saint Louis University School of Law over 20 years ago, when she served as the associate professor of legal writing, associate director of bar preparation programs, and also briefly serving as interim director of student activities and leadership. After SLU LAW, she moved on to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where she served as an associate professor of law and director of academic success.
Dr. Johnson’s previous professional experience includes a clerkship on the Missouri Supreme Court with Judge W. Duane Benton. She was also an associate attorney with Shearman and Sterling, LLP, in New York, where she practiced in the Bank Finance group representing financial institutions and corporations in investment grade and non-investment grade financing transactions.Dr. Johnson earned her Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy, with a concentration in Implementation and Management from Saint Louis University; her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law; and her B.A. in English Literature from Saint Louis University.
Her return to St. Louis and the University marks a welcome highlight in her career.
“I am absolutely thrilled to become SLU’s next law dean,” said Dr. Johnson. “SLU LAW’s mission driven commitment to social justice and to the community in which it resides are very attractive to me and I am humbled by the opportunity to work with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and larger SLU and Saint Louis communities in leading this great law school in continued excellence.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Johnson has served a number of constituencies, most notably students, alumni, her fellow law professors, and staff. During her time at UDC Law, Dr. Johnson implemented strategies to optimize law school operations and ensure financial stability. She also created programs to enhance the law school’s connection to the local community including spearheading a law school sponsored program at the local detention facility. Dr. Johnson has also established a fund to support students facing issues that would interfere with academic pursuits.
Of her appointment, Provost Lewis said, “I am very excited to have Dr. Johnson join our team here at SLU. She will be a transformational leader for the institution and is committed to expand the reach of our Law programs and clinics through innovative programming and student support initiatives. Her focus on academic success, bar preparation, faculty development and DEI initiatives align tightly with SLU's Jesuit Mission.”
Dr. Johnson succeeds Dean William Johnson, who has served as dean since January 2017. His tenure marked an emphasis on increasing diversity and equity within the law school community. Under his leadership, the School of Law’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was expanded, a community council for justice and equity was established, and deepening relationships with affinity bars have led to increased scholarship opportunities for students.
“I could not be more pleased with the selection of Dr. Twinette Johnson as the next permanent dean of this remarkable institution,” said Dean Johnson. “She has an incredible breadth and depth of directly relevant experience, which will position her and the entire law school community for continued success. And her commitment to mission is clear. Under her leadership, the difficult work of seeking justice and equity that this mission-driven law school community has undertaken will flourish. I am so proud to call her my dean, and I look forward to doing everything I can to ensure the best possible transition.”
Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement and the distinguished chairman of the nonprofit organization Spill The Honey, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joseph Biden. The ceremony took place at the White House on May 3rd, 2024.
Dr. Jones, who served as a speechwriter and legal advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played a crucial role in drafting King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His contributions to the civil rights movement have been widely acknowledged as instrumental in advancing the rights and liberties of African Americans throughout the United States.
Beyond his historical involvement in civil rights, Dr. Jones has continued to impact social justice through his leadership at Spill The Honey. This organization is dedicated to promoting human dignity and confronting prejudice and inequality by educating the public about the history and consequences of racism and discrimination. Under his guidance, Spill The Honey has developed educational programs and partnerships that foster a deeper understanding of civil rights history and encourage the pursuit of justice in contemporary society.
Shari Rogers, Co-Founder of Spill The Honey, expressed her admiration for Dr. Jones, stating, "Dr. Clarence B. Jones is not only a guardian of history but a continuing force for good whose work has consistently upheld the values of justice and equality. His dedication to Dr. King's legacy and his leadership at Spill The Honey reminds us that the fight for civil rights is ongoing, and it is our duty to continue it."
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Dr. Jones's receipt of this prestigious award is a testament to his lifelong commitment to civil rights and his enduring influence on American society.
Spill The Honey’s mission is to eradicate all forms of hatred by illuminating the historical alliance between Black and Jewish communities, utilizing the arts and education as a catalyst for empathy and compassion - ultimately creating a seismic societal shift.
This will be achieved by leveraging the power of arts and education to ignite empathy and compassion, thereby catalyzing a profound societal transformation. Spill The Honey's future endeavors, including establishing an inspiring music group, crafting accredited K-12 curricula, offering collegiate courses, and providing community-based online educational programs, hold the promise of fostering diversity and inclusivity to combat racism, instilling hope for a more just and equitable future.
The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is excited to announce Montgomery, Alabama Mayor Steven L. Reed has been appointed as President to lead the national nonprofit organization. Mayor Reed was officially sworn in on Friday, April 26 at the conclusion of AAMA’s 10th anniversary conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
“As we usher in a new decade of the African American Mayors Association, I am thrilled to welcome Mayor Steven L. Reed as President of our organization. Mayor Reed brings a wealth of experience and creative solutions to the table and we’re excited to see what he accomplishes for our cities and communities,” said AAMA CEO, Phyllis Dickerson. “I also want to thank Mayor Patterson-Howard for her tremendous service and leadership this past year.”
“I am honored to accept the challenge of representing the unique needs and interests of our communities, big and small, to the White House, Congress, and others over the next year,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed. “I am committed to harnessing the collective strengths of our members nationwide to drive meaningful policy changes. We will work together to address critical issues such as public safety, economic development, and health equity to ensure that our regions not only thrive but also offer a higher quality of life.”
Mayor Reed was sworn in 2019 as the 57th Mayor of the City of Montgomery, Alabama, a historic destination known globally as The Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. He is the first African American to hold the position. A native of Montgomery, Mayor Reed is committed to realizing his vision of a more equitable, progressive, and compassionate city. As a lifelong public servant and leader, Mayor Reed previously served as Montgomery County, Alabama’s first African-American and youngest elected Probate Judge. Prior to serving as AAMA’s President, Reed served as AAMA’s 1st Vice President on the Board of Trustees.
During his one-year term, Mayor Reed plans to focus on improving public safety outcomes, reskilling workers and building capital and capacity for minority-owned businesses, increasing collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, and building support for equitable infrastructure investments and sustainable city initiatives.
In addition to announcing its 2024 President, AAMA also approved its Board of Trustees during the Annual Conference:
1st Vice President – Mayor Byron Brown (Buffalo, NY)
2nd Vice President – Mayor Wayne Messam (Miramar, FL)
Treasurer – Mayor Van Johnson (Savannah, GA)
Secretary – Mayor Sharon Weston Broome (Baton Rouge, LA)
Immediate Past President – Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard (Mt. Vernon, NY)
Past President – Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. (Little Rock, AR)
Board Member – Mayor Errick Simmons (Greenville, MS)
Board Member – Mayor Tishaura Jones (St. Louis, MO)
Board Member – Mayor Brandon Scott (Baltimore, MD)
Board Member – Mayor Eric Adams (New York, NY)
Board Member – Mayor LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans, LA)
Board Member – Mayor Vince Williams (Union City, GA)
Board Member – Mayor Vi Lyles (Charlotte, NC)
Board Member – Mayor Phillip Jones (Newport News, VA)
Board Member – Mayor Victoria Woodards (Tacoma, WA)
Board Member – Mayor Adrian Mapp (Plainfield, NJ)
AAMA’s 2024 policy priorities are anchored around key areas that are critical to the well-being of its communities. The association will prioritize affordable housing, improved healthcare access, building generational wealth, and reinforcing 21st century cities through investments in transportation and infrastructure.
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the appointment of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Lewis is the first African-American Judge to serve on this esteemed court.
“Judge Lewis’s distinguished record of jurisprudence ensures that he will serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals with honor and integrity. Throughout his esteemed legal career, he has consistently demonstrated a devotion to justice and fairness under the law. I look forward to his contributions on the Court,” said Governor Ivey.
Lewis will fill the vacancy left by long-time Judge William C. “Bill” Thompson, who retired on February 1, 2024, after serving on the Court of Civil Appeals for 27 years, including as its Presiding Judge for the last 17 years.
“I’d like to thank Governor Ivey and her staff for the confidence that they are placing in me. It is an honor to accept this appointment,” said Judge Lewis. “Judge Thompson served this Court with distinction and integrity. I know I can’t replace him, but I hope to follow in his footsteps. Serving as presiding judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit has been an honor and I’ve loved the people that I have worked with. It won’t be easy to leave the courthouse, but I’m very excited about this opportunity to serve the people of our state as a member of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.”
Judge Lewis has served as Circuit Court Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit in Elmore County since 2016; he currently serves as the Circuit’s Presiding Judge. Prior to becoming circuit judge, Lewis was the senior partner of the Lewis Law Firm, a firm he started in 2006. Lewis served as Assistant District Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit before going into private practice. He has also served as a criminal defense attorney in criminal cases and practiced civil and family law.
Judge Lewis received his undergraduate degrees in political science and economics from the University of the South and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law.
Judge Lewis’s appointment was effective immediately.
The National Black Book Festival (NBBF) is an annual event, sponsored by Cushcity.com, one of the largest online sources for African-American authors and literature. The event attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide.
The 17th annual National Black Book Festival is scheduled for Oct. 17-19, 2024, at Fallbrook Church Brook Sports Facility, 12512 Walters Rd., in Northwest Houston and is sponsored by Cushcity.com, one of the leading websites promoting African-American literature. This 17th annual event will feature the following:
● Author and publisher exhibits ● Featured author discussions and signings ● FREE Children's Festival ● An evening reception and two breakfasts ● FREE workshops and seminars ● Networking and door prizes ● Food court where food can be purchased all day
HOTELS: The host hotel is the Sheraton North Houston and rooms are $95.00/night. NBBF will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the Sheraton daily. A list of hotels close to the venue are online here.
Recommended Airport: IAH
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All events will be held at Fallbrook Church. The Festival schedule includes the following events (ticket purchase in advance is required for those with asterisk [*]):
Thursday, October 17, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception*
Friday, October 18, 2024 @ 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Get Acquainted Breakfast*
Saturday, October 19, 2024 @ 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Networking Breakfast*
Saturday, October 19, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Children's Festival [Free and open to the public]
Tickets for the special events can be ordered HERE.
The University of Maryland announced that Governor Wes Moore will deliver the university's commencement address on Monday, May 20, 2024. Moore will address summer 2023, winter 2023 and spring 2024 graduates, family and friends during the ceremony at SECU Stadium.
"Governor Wes Moore's remarkable story is nothing short of inspirational and aspirational," said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. "I am honored that our graduates will have the opportunity to learn from his journey, beginning from his Takoma Park roots to becoming Maryland's first Black Governor in the state's 246-year history."
A distinguished military veteran, author and Maryland native, Governor Wes Moore is the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States. Honored as a Rhodes Scholar (the first Black Rhodes Scholar at Johns Hopkins University), Moore's exceptional academic work and fearless service earned him a spot as a White House Fellow, advising on issues of national security and international relations. As an entrepreneur, Moore's work has encompassed forging success in higher education for underserved students via his company, BridgeEDU and exploring race, equity and opportunities in his published works, "The Other Wes Moore" and "Five Days."
"The University of Maryland is the pride of our state," said Gov. Moore. "I look forward to sharing reflections on life and service with this year's graduates. But more importantly, I look forward to speaking with our students. In a moment of profound consequence for our state, nation, and world, these graduates won't just be our inspirations -- they will be our guides."
Vice President Harris kicked off her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour in Atlanta. The multistate tours purpose is to tout economic opportunities for Black Americans in an effort to mobilize a critical voting base for Democrats ahead of November’s election. She began the tour with a moderated conversation with Earn Your Leisure’s Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings about investing in communities, building wealth, and ensuring every American has the ability to thrive.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is happy to announce Dr. Constance Meadors as the new director of the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) and NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program.
Meadors has taken over for Dr. Keith Hudson, who is still serving the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium in a director emeritus role. Meadors’ new role comes with some historic significance as she is the first African American and first female space grant director for the state of Arkansas as well as the first African American female space grant director in the United States.
“I am only the third director since the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium began in 1991,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity. My NASA experience started here at UA Little Rock conducting hybrid rocket research as a graduate student. Immediately upon entering the program, I was identified as the recipient of a NASA fellowship. That was the first time I became involved in NASA, and it was beyond anything I imagined as a young African American female from a small town. It feels like I have come full circle in coming back to the place where it all started.”
ASGC partners with 17 four-year universities and colleges across Arkansas, dedicated to advancing space science education, research, and public outreach. The ASGC recently partnered with six higher education institutions in Arkansas to provide funding and solar eclipse glasses for free STEM festivals where the public could watch the solar eclipse and learn about STEM activities in Arkansas. ASGC employees spent April 8 at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, where NASA scientists, partnering researchers, and citizen scientists spent the day conducting research experiments for the total solar eclipse.
“This was ground zero for NASA research in Arkansas,” Meadors said. “We had research teams launching balloons, and we completed several workshops, including one workshop where we taught citizen scientists how to use their phones to collect data during the eclipse. We had scientists join us from Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North and South Carolina.”
Meadors joined UA Little Rock in 2023 as the associate director of ASGC, and she brings a diverse wealth of space research and NASA experience. In the Office of STEM Engagement, she served as the first Minority Serving Institution (MSI) STEM Engagement Liaison-Faculty Fellow for NASA Intergovernmental Personnel Assignees (IPA). The NASA EPSCoR advisory council was established and led by her.
She played a key role in developing the inaugural solicitation for the Predominantly Black Institution (PBI)/Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Minority University Research Education Program (MUREP), known as the Diversity Equity Accessibility Priority for Research and Education (DEAP). She created the MUREP Kennedy Space Center Courageous Conversations Series and hosted NASA’s first Juneteenth Celebration in 2021.Her academic experiences include K-12, community college, private, and public institutions. She has served as associate dean of arts and sciences, dean of applied science technology, chair of electronics, director of electronics engineering technology, and held many STEM teaching positions.
Meadors earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Grambling State University as well as a Master of Science in Applied Science with a focus on instrumentation and a Ph.D. in Applied Science Engineering Science and Systems from UA Little Rock. She holds the distinction of being the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Systems from UA Little Rock and the first African American and female to teach mechanical engineering at Harding University.
The critically acclaimed couple Viola Davis and Julius Tennon - producers of film, television and theater, with visionary author and publisher Lavaille Lavette announced the launch of JVL Media. This trailblazing company is set to enhance the publishing landscape as a comprehensive independent publisher, while also forging strategic alliances with leading book publishing houses to deliver uniquely curated titles to a global readership.
Viola Davis expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "This endeavor embodies our collective aspiration—to champion and elevate voices that resonate with authenticity and are often overlooked. Our mission is to interlace a rich mosaic of both fiction and non-fiction that not only stirs the imagination but also venerates the enduring heritage of storytellers from diverse walks of life."
JVL's debut slate presents a dynamic array of non-fiction and fiction books. Had to Lose to Win: The Tiki Davis Story by Tiki Davis narrates a journey of unyielding determination and the quest for self-reconstruction. Here, Tiki lays bare his hitherto concealed odyssey of resilience, becoming an emblem of hope and transformation.
Julius Tennon reinforces the foundational principles of the company, "JVL Media transcends traditional publishing. We're nurturing a literary culture that echoes the soul of our society and propels us into the future with stories that matter."
Anticipated fiction titles promise to enthrall readers with New Hope by Tanya Wright—a poignant saga of camaraderie interwoven with the complexities of sorrow and bliss—and Black States of America by D. E. Rogers, an inventive sci-fi epic that reimagines the trajectory of Black lives in an alternate reality forged by Lincoln's survival.
Lavaille Lavette adds, "JVL Media stands as a beacon for inclusive and nuanced storytelling. We are wholeheartedly devoted to fostering joy, inspiring wonder, and unlocking the limitless power of literature to unite us all."
In the fall of 2025, JVL Media will expand its literary repertoire to include an array of children's books and young adult titles.
The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) has named Dr. Anthony Fletcher as its 20th president, putting the Arkansas interventional cardiologist at the forefront of the organization’s efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease and increase diversity in the cardiology field.
Dr. Fletcher, who practices at the CHI St. Vincent Cardiology and Medicine Clinic in Little Rock, assumes leadership of the national organization as it aims to boost awareness about heart health, advocate for more Black cardiologists and researchers, and establish an endowment to fund its programs.
“He is poised to lead the organization and drive its national agenda to achieve a reduction in cardiovascular disease through awareness and education; advocating for a more diverse workforce inclusive of more African American cardiologists, researchers, and providers; and, to establish an endowment that advances the ABC’s agenda and programs,” the ABC said in a statement.
A graduate of Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Fletcher brings decades of experience in interventional cardiology to his new role helming the 2,000-member organization.
The ABC, founded in 1974, says its mission is “promoting heart health and wellness in minority communities” across the United States. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death among African Americans.
Morris Brown College President Kevin James attended Mays High School graduation ceremomy in Atlanta and announced that all 272 seniors had been admitted to Morris Brown College, a Georgia HBCU and Atlanta University Center member. The only stipulation is that they graduate with above a 2.0 GPA.
E.W. Scripps is reportedly considering offers to sell off Bounce, its multicast channel targeted at Black and African-Americans, according to CNBC.
Interest in the network appears to have been, at least in part, spurred after Paramount Global considered selling BET, its cable channel aimed at a similar audience, in 2023. Paramount ended up backtracking on the deal and kept BET its portfolio.
Scripps didn’t elaborate on who might be interested in Bounce. CNBC analysis suggests the network could go for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Bounce became part of Scripps in 2017 when it bout Kat Networks for over $300 million. In an interview on CNBC, Scripps CEO Adam Symson described the company as being being proud of its “stewardship” of the Bounce brand.
The potential sale comes at a time with significant moves in Black media.
In addition to still owned BET, Paramount also owns Dabl, a network marketed as a “strong Black comedy” offering, which rebranded in December 2023.
Meanwhile, Tyler Perry inked a major new deal with BET and streamer BET+. Perry also owns part of BET+.
Comedian and TV host Steve Harvey has also ventured into digital by inking a deal with Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media. Harvey also became an investor in the venture created by the former syndicated talk show host and psychologist.
Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford of Nevada and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.:
“Today, the Congressional Black Caucus mourns the loss of our dear colleague and friend, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., and we are holding his family and loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time.
“Representative Payne served the people of New Jersey and our country honorably for six terms in the U.S. Congress. He was an advocate for racial justice, equal rights for all, reproductive freedom, free college tuition, and public transportation. He was also a fierce proponent of improving the lives of working families, expanding voting rights, lowering the costs of prescription drugs, and combating the climate crisis.
“Representative Payne was an effective leader in Congress having served as the ranking member and chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, as well as the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
“Prior to joining the Congress in 2012, Representative Payne, in the footsteps of his father Rep. Donald Payne Sr., dedicated his life to serving his community as a member of the New Jersey City Council, as a president of the South Ward Young Democrats, as a Garden State Parkway toll collector and for the Essex County Educational Services Commission.
“Representative Payne will be remembered by all those who knew him for his kindness and generosity. He leaves behind a legacy and commitment to service that New Jerseyans and our country will not soon forget.”
Rep. Summer Lee was projected to win the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district, according to Decision Desk HQ. Lee defeated Edgewood Councilmember Bhavini Patel with 57.5% of the vote.
