Tuskegee University to receive $6.7 million in federal funds for flight school

Tuskegee, Alabama — Tuskegee University is pleased to announce it will introduce its new flight school degree program in the fall thanks to $6.7 million in federal funding sponsored by Alabama Senator Katie Britt.

Sen. Britt visited the campus on March 27 and reviewed plans for the Tuskegee Aviation Program with the university president, provost and deans. This flight school and degree program, which is pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, will introduce aviation to a new generation, who have only heard about the legendary aviators through history of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Students will earn flight hours on Moton Field, where the Airmen flew and in campus classrooms.

“It was a pleasure to host Sen. Britt today,” said University President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris.  “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. 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 General Chappie James and Captain Alfred Anderson would both be proud.”

Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force who, in 1975, became the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general in the Air Force.  Charles Alfred Anderson Sr., known as the father of Black Aviation, was the chief flight instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen.  

Tuskegee’s new program will offer a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science (pilot track) with two components. The first component includes general education core and aviation science related courses in aerodynamics, aircraft structures, aircraft propulsion, performance stability and control as well as meteorology. The second component is flight training where students will be able to take the appropriate FAA certification for private and commercial pilot certificates.

The university is optimistic that the new flight program will help an industry where the pilot shortage is expected to worsen as demand for air travel continues to grow. 

“The most exciting part is the opportunity to train our students to become pilots,” said Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Provost and Senior Vice President. “In the tradition of General Chappie James and the Tuskegee Airmen, we will continue the tradition of excellence in Aviation.”

Dr. Hargrove said the university will start with about 25 students and expects to grow to more than 200 in the aviation program.

“Our Strategic Plan has specific objectives to identify academic programs in high demand for industry and for the workforce,” said Dr. Hargrove. “Some estimates say there is an annual demand for about 10,000 to 15,000 pilots annually for the next decade.”

New York UNCF 80th Anniversary Gala Raises Nearly $950,000 for HBCUs and Students

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) hosted its local “A Mind Is…”® Gala celebrating its 80th anniversary on Thursday, March 21 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom with 500 guests in attendance. Nearly $950,000 was raised to support UNCF’s important work to uplift historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and help advance educational opportunities to ensure that more deserving, talented students reach their fullest potential.

UNCF presented its “Trailblazer Award” to Essence, which was accepted by Caroline A. Wanga, president and CEO, Essence Ventures; “Leadership Award” to Tony Signore, CEO and managing partner, Taylor Global, founder, Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship; and “Shirley Chisholm Award” to Fawn Weaver, CEO and founder, Uncle Nearest, Inc., for their steadfast support of HBCUs and commitment to Black educational equity and economic mobility.

The occasion included special guests Michelle Miller, co-host, “CBS Saturday Morning”; Kim Godwin, president, ABC News; Kevin Liles, chairman and CEO, Elektra Entertainment; DeMarco Morgan, co-anchor, “Good Morning America 3”; New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams; Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF; Ed Lewis, co-founder of Essence Magazine and chairman and publisher emeritus of Essence Communications; Dr. Rochelle Ford, president, Dillard University; Dr. Leroy Staggers, president, Morris College; Dr. Reynold Verret, president, Xavier University of Louisiana; and Nettie Washington Douglass and Kenneth Morris Jr., direct descendants of Frederick Douglass and co-founders of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. The evening also featured a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, sung by Natasha Yvette Williams, Tony®-nominated, Grammy® award-winning actress; and lively entertainment by the music group WanMor.

The celebration of UNCF’s 80-year legacy of strengthening our nation’s HBCUs and empowering African American students through higher education was most inspiring from the heartfelt acceptance remarks delivered by the honorees to the energy exuded in the ballroom by all the enthusiastic guests.

“As UNCF celebrates its 80 years of success, we continue fueling HBCUs with vital resources to educate generations of African American and other minority students,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “Thanks to the generous support and commitment of our donors, we are looking ahead to the next 80 years as we help underrepresented students go to and through college into successful careers. We thank everyone in New York that participated in the ‘A Mind Is…’ Gala to help ensure better futures for us all.”

“For eight decades, UNCF has brought individuals of all backgrounds together to uplift our nation’s historically Black colleges and universities and students so they can thrive,” said Diego Aviles, vice president, Northeast Division, UNCF. “As UNCF embarks upon its next chapter, we invite others to continue ‘walking as one’ with UNCF on a path of unity for the betterment of our HBCUs and students.”

Sponsors included platinum sponsor, Taylor Global; gold sponsors, Delta Air Lines, PepsiCo and Wells Fargo; silver sponsors, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Citi, Colgate-Palmolive Company, MetLife, Moody’s, NBA, Ralph Lauren and Sony Corporation of America; and bronze sponsors, NFL, Paramount, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New York, Schroders, TIAA and Uncle Nearest.

To donate or learn more about UNCF and its initiatives, please visit UNCF.org/NewYork.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund and NIKE announce HBCU Scholarship

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and NIKE are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Ninety-five (95) scholars will be selected to receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 for the 2024-2025 academic school year (which can only be applied to verifiable costs associated with average tuition and usual fees).

 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior at a select HBCU during the 2024-2025 academic school year.
• Must attend one of the following schools:
  • Atlanta University Center Consortium (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, or Spelman College)
  • Hampton University
  • LeMoyne-Owen College
  • Morgan State University
  • North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Texas Southern University
  • Tuskegee University
• Current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
• Must have the 2024-2025 FAFSA on file at your selected university/college by the time of selection.
• Able to demonstrate a financial need.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.

 

How to Apply

All Applicants Must: 

• Answer the following statement (Video – maximum of 2 minutes)
  • Tell us about a time when you succeeded or failed. What were your learnings from the experience?

 

Application Dates

This application opens January 16, 2024, and closes March 8, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET – Eastern Time.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Clark Atlanta University Panthers Win Sixth SIAC Basketball Title

The Clark Atlanta men's basketball team (25-5, 16-5 SIAC) are officially the 2023-24 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champions after taking down Miles College 65-55 on Sunday afternoon inside Enmarket Arena. With the win, Clark Atlanta secures their first SIAC Championship since 2017 and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament.

"This is a full circle moment that I've dreamt about since I was a player. But there's still more work to be done." said head coach Alfred Jordan after the win.

Shemani Fuller led all scorers with a game-high 20 points, earning himself tournament MVP in his first season with the Panthers. Jalen NeSmith poured in a season-high 15 points on 4-of-8 from the floor and 7-for-8 from the charity stripe. Reigning SIAC Player of the Year Chris Martin chipped in 13 points to help power the Panthers to their sixth SIAC Championship in program history.

Sunday's contest was dominated by Clark Atlanta as Miles College only held a lead for 43 seconds. Fuller scored the game's first points and six of the Panthers' first nine to mount a 9-6 advantage at 15:55 mark. The Bronx, N.Y. native nailed a pair of free throws to ignite an 11-2 run to put the Panthers in front 20-8 with 10 minutes until halftime.

NeSmith knocked down a jumper with 25 seconds left in the half, keeping the Panthers ahead 33-25 headed into the locker room. Clark Atlanta shot 39% from the floor, 33% from three-point range, and 62% from the foul line in the first half.

Fuller and NeSmith combined for eight points to open the second half to put the Panthers in front 40-26 with 17:35 to left to play. The Panthers continued to assert dominance on the defensive end after holding Miles to just eight points in the first nine minutes of the second half. Clark Atlanta took their biggest lead of the day at the 11:10 mark as they mounted a 52-33 advantage over the Golden Bears.

Despite the deficit, Miles strung together a 19-4 run to climb back within four points (56-52) with just under two minutes to play. The Panthers responded with a 9-3 run to diminish the comeback effort and escape with the 2024 SIAC Championship.

Clark Atlanta outshot Miles from the field 41% to 30% for the game while also winning the paint-scoring battle 38-12. CAU's reserves outscored MC's 12-9 and held the Golden Bears scoreless in transition with zero fastbreak points.

[SOURCE: CLARKATLANTASPORTS]

UNCF Celebrates 80th Anniversary

UNCF was founded on April 25, 1944.

For eight decades, UNCF has been the nation’s largest provider of scholarships to minority students and the guiding light in propelling our nation’s HBCUs forward.

Throughout 2024 the UNCF will recognize and pay tribute to UNCF’s founders, supporters and beneficiaries, while inspiring a new generation to continue their mission of transforming the future of our nation through educational excellence.

Together, let’s celebrate. And let’s continue to make a difference and empower dreams for the next 80 years and beyond.

Donate to the UNCF using this link: DONATE TO THE UNCF

Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Set to Become HBCU Athletic Conference on July 1, 2024

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference released the following statement on its name change to the HBCU Athletic Conference:

We are thrilled to announce that the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference is set to undergo a remarkable rebranding, emerging with a new name "HBCU Athletic Conference" and tagline "Where Winners Thrive". We are also announcing the contract renewal of Hope Credit Union (HOPE), the title sponsor for our basketball and baseball championships and our official banking partner.

Overview:

The HBCU Athletic Conference represents a dynamic evolution in our commitment to excellence and the empowerment of student-athletes. As we embrace this new identity, we are excited to showcase the vibrant legacy of our member institutions. We have set out to share stories of impact at the intersection of heritage and higher education.

In addition to our new brand identity, our banking partner, Hope Credit Union, has agreed to renew its contract for three years becoming the largest sponsorship contract in conference history.

NFL TO HOST 4TH ANNUAL MADDEN NFL X HBCU TOURNAMENT

The NFL announced that registration is now open for the fourth annual EA SPORTS Madden NFL 24 x HBCU Tournament, an event designed for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have a passion for gaming and football. The tournament aims to maintain the tradition of providing students at HBCUs with a chance to compete and explore the business of sports through practical learning and job shadowing experiences at the NFL Pro Bowl Games in Orlando on February 4, 2024. 

Students will have three paths to qualify for the HBCU Championship during the NFL Pro Bowl Games: open qualifiers, women's qualifiers, and HBCU video applications. All undergraduate and graduate students attending an HBCU school are eligible to participate. The qualifiers will be held from October through December, and students can compete in Madden NFL 24 on PC, Xbox Series X or S, or PlayStation 5 systems. The top three players from both the open and women's qualifiers will advance to the HBCU Championship. ​

HBCU students can also participate by submitting a video application explaining why they should attend the HBCU Championship. Submissions are now open and will be accepted until December 1. The top two winners will be selected based on NFL criteria. ​

The top eight players selected from the qualifiers and video applications will experience the NFL Pro Bowl Games on a whole new level. Students will participate in onsite media interviews before, during and after competitive play, as well as shadow NFL executives to learn about the business of sports. They will tour Camping World Stadium, interact with NFL players and receive a media pass for field access to the game. They will also have a chance to win cash and prizes throughout the tournament.

REGISTER TO COMPETE IN THE MADDEN NFL 24 X HBCU TOURNAMENT HERE

Qualifier 1: October 28 [Top 2 advance Qualifiers Finals]

Qualifier 2: November 4 [Top 2 advance Qualifiers Finals]

Qualifier 3: November 11 [Top 2 advance Qualifiers Finals]

Qualifier 4: November 18 [Top 2 advance Qualifiers Finals]

Open Qualifiers Finals: December 2 [Top 3 advance to Pro Bowl Games]

Women's Qualifiers Finals: December 9 [Top 3 advance to Pro Bowl Games]

Video Applications Open: Now through December 1

“Each year, the Madden Tournament showcases the top gaming talent within the HBCU community and provides students access to industry experts and career opportunities," said Arthur McAfee, NFL SVP of Football Operations, Pipeline Development. “We are excited to provide this platform with new avenues for student involvement via the expanded women's qualifier and HBCU video applications and look forward to exposing the top talent to a more in-depth look into the business of sports."

The NFL will partner with Rally Cry, a gaming technology company that builds inclusive gaming experiences for players of all ages and skill levels, who will be managing the marketing, qualifiers, registration, tournament execution and broadcast. The highlights from the tournament will be broadcasted on the NFL YouTube channel ahead of the NFL Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LVIII.

For more information about the Madden NFL 24 x HBCU Tournament, visit https://hbcutournament.nfl.com/.

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BYRON ALLEN’S ALLEN MEDIA GROUP ANNOUNCES 10-YEAR PARTNERSHIP FOR HBCU GO AND THE CIAA

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group (AMG) free-streaming digital platform, HBCU GO -- the leading media provider for the nation’s 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – is proud to announce a 10-year media rights partnership with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) that grants HBCU GO cable, linear, streaming, broadcast, VOD, and pay-per-view rights coverage of all CIAA team sports through June 30, 2032. Those sports include regular season contests for football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, Olympic sports, and the football championship game.

The deal kicks off with HBCU GO’s broadcast of five CIAA football games televised live on TheGrio Cable Television Network, including the 2023 CIAA Football Championship on HBCU GO and on broadcast television stations throughout the U.S. -- including the CBS owned-and-operated duopoly stations in key television markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Detroit, Sacramento, Miami, Tampa, and Pittsburgh. In addition, the CIAA will continue to stream the other team sporting events throughout the season live through the CIAA Network and provide first right to HBCU GO for their video on demand platform. The long-term goal is to broadcast all CIAA team sports on HBCU GO and Allen Media Group platforms.

As part of HBCU GO’s partnership with the CIAA, a portion of the funds will be invested to upgrade the CIAA’s 13 member schools' campus-wide sports and broadcast equipment to ensure everyone has equitable resources and to assure quality broadcasts across the conference. The CIAA utilized the summer months to visit each of the campuses to assess equipment, internet, and technology needs.

“We are proud to amplify the CIAA and all of their team sports. The rich heritage and legacy of the CIAA and the amazing athletes who have participated in the conference since its inception are a natural fit for HBCU GO,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “The CIAA is an excellent organization, and Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker makes this a great partnership because of her phenomenal leadership.”

“This media deal with AMG is a game changer for the CIAA and unprecedented in Division II. We will expand the CIAA Sports Network platform through HBCU GO to give greater exposure for our 13 member schools and their student athletes,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker. She added, “I am excited about the jobs being created, the talent identified, and the stories to be told through a platform developed to give HBCUs well deserved and long overdue exposure. This is a great day for CIAA, and we appreciate Byron Allen and his team seeing the value and importance of HBCU sports contributions to the world and how we can continue to work together to provide exposure and economic stability in our communities through sports.”

For more information about HBCU GO, visit HBCUGO.tv or follow the streaming network on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram. Find out where to watch and download the FREE app at HBCUGO.tv/how to watch


ABOUT HBCU GO
HBCU GO is a cultural lifestyle destination and leading sports media provider that embraces and represents the voice of Black Excellence every day of the year through an all-new platform that captures the rich history, diversity, perspectives, and cultural experiences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCU GO also provides a platform for emerging creatives in media production, branding, and broadcasting. We offer our viewers the best in live sports, original series, documentaries, films, comedy, and edutainment programming produced by African American leading producers, directors, and students from select HBCUs.

Launched in 2012, the free-streaming service HBCU GO was purchased by Byron Allen in 2021 and is part of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group (AMG). AMG is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Charleston, SC. AMG owns 27 ABC-NBC-CBS-FOX network affiliate broadcast television stations in 21 U.S. markets and twelve 24-hour HD television networks serving nearly 300 million subscribers: THE WEATHER CHANNEL, THE WEATHER CHANNEL EN ESPAÑOL, THEGRIO TELEVISION NETWORK, PETS.TV, COMEDY.TV, RECIPE.TV, CARS.TV, ES.TV, MYDESTINATION.TV, JUSTICECENTRAL.TV, THIS TV, and PATTRN. AMG also owns the streaming platforms HBCU GO, THE GRIO STREAMING APP, SPORTS.TV, THE WEATHER CHANNEL STREAMING APP, and LOCAL NOW -- the free-streaming AVOD service powered by THE WEATHER CHANNEL and content partners, which delivers real-time, hyper-local news, weather, traffic, sports, and lifestyle information. For more information, visit www.allenmedia.tv

About the CIAA
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) was founded and incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1912 and adopted its current name in December of 1950. The conference is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is governed by a Board of thirteen (13) Presidents and Chancellors representing institutions from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. It has both private and public colleges and universities with enrollments ranging from 750 to over 8,000 students. The CIAA is committed to excellence in everything they do in DII to support the total student-athlete well-being and experience on and off the court through meaningful relationships and strategic partnerships to make the world a better place. Learn more.

NAACP Urges Biden Administration to Address Student Debt Crisis and Fulfill Promises to Black America

NAACP sent an open letter to President Joe Biden emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive student debt relief and calling for him to fulfill his promises to the Black community.

Read that letter below:

NAACP open letter to Biden Administration emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive student debt relief... by George L. Cook III on Scribd

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Grants to HBCUs Disrupted by Bomb Threats

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today announced Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grants to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that were disrupted by bomb threats last year: Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas was awarded $191,962; Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware was awarded $217,000; Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina was awarded $440,000 and Howard University in Washington, D.C. was awarded $203,000.

Project SERV provides short-term funding for local educational agencies and institutions of higher education that have experienced a violent or traumatic incident to assist in restoring a safe environment conducive to learning. The Department expects additional grants to be awarded in the coming weeks and continues to work with additional impacted HBCUs to support them in the grant application process and expedite the processing of applications once received.

“The bomb threats last year that targeted several Historically Black Colleges and Universities traumatized their campus communities, disrupted learning, and drained resources by prompting costly campus lockdowns, class cancellations, and law enforcement activities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The Biden-Harris administration will always stand by HBCUs and unequivocally condemn racist efforts to terrorize Black students and educators and deprive them of their right to safe, welcoming, and nurturing environments for teaching and learning. The Project SERV grants announced today will help four HBCUs directly impacted by these bomb threats to better serve students, faculty, and staff by increasing access to mental health and wellness services and improving other vital supports.”

Texas Southern University (TSU) will use its Project SERV funds to provide access to in-person and tele-mental health services for one year, including through access to behavioral health providers. TSU will also use funds for a project coordinator to manage and oversee the project.

Delaware State University (DSU) will use its Project SERV funds to develop a Mental Health First Aid Education Program. DSU will also pay for overtime expenses for counselors, social workers, and law enforcement officers to help address safety and health concerns, and to train employees to serve on the Campus Mobile Crisis Team.

Claflin University will use its Project SERV funds to hire a licensed clinical social worker, as well as to support trainings focused on stress reduction; provide workshops focused on identifying signs of distress in students and coworkers; and other programs to address stress, anxiety, and safety on campus.

Howard University will use its Project SERV funds to hire two case managers who will be responsible for conducting wellness visits and contacting families on an as-needed basis related to student wellness concerns, as well as a full-time field training specialist who will provide security trainings.

Additional HBCUs that have been previously awarded Project SERV grants are Tougaloo College, Fayetteville State University, Southern University Law Center, Fisk University, Coppin State University, North Carolina Central University, Philander Smith College, and Hampton University.

“These funds are critically important to the safety, security, and well-being of our institutions,” said Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “HBCU students consider their campuses as a sacred refuge and home away from home, and it is imperative that we provide them with these resources ensuring that they not only feel safe but are safe. It is also incumbent upon us to ensure that the faculty and staff who are dedicated to educating the next generation of leaders are also able to do so with peace of mind. Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has been committed to strengthening the HBCU community and the investments that these institutions will make using the Project SERV funds is another example of the strength of that commitment.”

The Biden-Harris Administration continues to take a whole-of-government approach to support HBCU campuses. For example, to date, the Department of Education has delivered nearly $7 billion in cumulative investments to HBCUs, including:

• $3.7 billion through the American Rescue Plan and other COVID relief;
• $1.6 billion in capital finance debt relief;
• $2.45 million in Project SERV funds; and
• $1.5 billion in grant funding to help HBCUs and other MSIs expand capacity.

President David Wilson Gets Seven-Year Contract Extension At Morgan State University

The board of regents at Morgan State University in Baltimore voted unanimously to extend the contract of president David K. Wilson for seven years. Dr. Wilson will now lead the university through 2030. Dr. Wilson became president of Morgan State University in 2010.

“There’s a lot more work to be done,” President Wilson said. “We’re building a research powerhouse here at Morgan, and the pieces we’re putting in place now, along with the work that is being undertaken, will enable the university to continue making a consequential impact on the communities we serve, long after my stewardship has concluded. It is a profound honor to serve as president at one of the nation’s best and fastest-rising universities. I am humbled by and appreciative of the board of regents’ continued trust in my capabilities and vision as president.”

The board’s support was not always so strong. In early December 2012, the board of regents voted not to renew Dr. Wilson’s contract. After students, faculty, and alumni protested the decision not to renew Dr. Wilson’s contract, the board of regents changed their decision. His contract was renewed and extended again in 2018.

Prior to becoming the 12th president of Morgan State University, Dr. Wilson was chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of Wisconsin-Extension. During a more than 30-year career in higher education, he has held administrative positions at Rutgers University, Kentucky State University, Radcliffe College, Auburn University, and Tuskegee University.

Dr. Wilson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tuskegee University in Alabama. He earned a second master’s degree and an educational doctorate from Harvard University.

Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic with Grambling State University and Hampton University Set for September 2 at Red Bull Arena

The City of Newark and event planner KBS Sports Strategies will host the inaugural Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic, with Grambling State University and Hampton University playing on September 2, 2023, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ at 3:00 PM ET.

The Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic is a celebration of the culture and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Classic is designed to increase awareness of HBCU’s while also having a direct impact on the City of Newark through the awarding of scholarships, strengthened partnerships, and local economic development.

“Hampton University is appreciative of the invite to participate in the inaugural Brick City Classic and the opportunity to face another legendary HBCU program, Grambling State University. This will be a great weekend for our alums in the New York/ New Jersey area to be a part of a prestigious HBCU classic, reconnect with fellow Hamptonians, and support our football team over the Labor Day Weekend,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams.

The Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic renews a popular rivalry between two teams that are able to boast of Hall of Fame coaches- Eddie Robinson of GSU and Joe Taylor of HU. Always highly competitive contests, Hampton University and Grambling State University have faced off on the gridiron seven times with Hampton having won six of those match-ups with an average attendance of 46,000. The top five most highly attended HBCU Classics played in New Jersey all feature these two teams with three of the games against each other drawing better than 58,000 fans.

“We are extremely excited to bring Hampton Football back to New Jersey and the Tri-State area for this game against the Grambling State Tigers. Having participated in this long-standing rivalry in the late 1990’s I know the great history and tradition accompanying this match-up. This game provides us with a tremendous opportunity to reconnect with Hampton alumni, supporters, and friends and will allow our world-class university to recruit future Pirates to Our Home by the Sea,” said Hampton University Athletic Director Anthony Henderson, Sr.

Grambling State University Athletic Director, Dr. Trayvean Scott added, “We are excited about the opportunity to compete against Hampton University in the Inaugural Brick City Classic. The history between Grambling State University and the tri-state area goes back many years and has left its mark on HBCU football. This is an opportunity for our alumni and new generation of #Gramfam football fans to be involved in such a historic game”.

The Colonial Athletic Association’s Hampton University and Southwest Athletic Conference’s Grambling State University both look to have breakout years in 2023. HU’s Robert Prunty and GSU’s Hue Jackson will have both teams primed and ready to compete.

"Our players, coaches, fans, and alumni are excited to play in the Brick City Classic against Grambling State University at Red Bull Arena. We know it will be a great atmosphere, and we know it will be a great game with two of the best brands in HBCU football being able to match up -- two very explosive teams. I have a lot of respect for Coach Hue Jackson and the way he does things. You see the growth, you see the explosiveness from his group, and we know it's going to be a heck of a matchup," said Hampton’s Head Coach Robert Prunty.

"We’re extremely excited to play in the Brick City Classic against the Hampton Pirates to start our season. We’re looking forward to going on the road traveling to Newark, New Jersey and playing this game. Let’s Go GramFam." – said GSU head Football Coach Hue Jackson.

“The Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic is the perfect way to enjoy your Labor Day weekend,” said Kris Smith, CEO of KBS Sports Strategies. “We are working with the City of Newark and Essex County to provide meaningful activations throughout the community. The Classic will promote pathways to STEM and media career possibilities while also providing resources for financial literacy and wellness. Also, to be able to highlight these two world-class institutions and the missions of all HBCU’s, being able to share that and incorporate that into a community that is full of promise and talented students, while also lessening their financial burden through scholarships, is what this is all about.”

"Red Bull Arena is proud to host our venue's first American football game featuring two storied universities, Grambling State and Hampton," said Marc de Grandpré, General Manager, New York Red Bulls. "We consider it a true privilege to host the inaugural Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic. As we continue to expand and diversify our sports and entertainment event offerings, having college football played in Harrison, NJ this September will be very exciting for all gridiron fans in our area."

Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, will proudly host international sporting events this summer that include a Premier League matchup between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Newcastle United, Gold Cup group stage matches and the Rugby Sevens event.

Since 2010, Red Bull Arena has hosted some of the top soccer clubs in the world including FC Barcelona, Chelsea FC, Manchester United, Manchester City FC, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, SL Benfica, Club America, Paris Saint Germain, AS Roma and Juventus as well as international squads including the United States Men’s and Women’s National Teams, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Czech Republic and Turkey.

Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster on April 24. For suite information email Red Bull Arena at Staphanie.Delorenzis@newyorkredbulls.com. Additional information on tickets and Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic events can be found at www.BrickCityClassic.com.

Morgan State’s Willie E. May Named President-Elect of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals, elected Willie E. May, Ph.D., to serve as the association’s president-elect. Members elected Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Ph.D., and Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis, Ph.D., to the AAAS Board of Directors as well.

AAAS members also overwhelmingly approved – with 86 percent supporting – an amendment to the AAAS Constitution and Bylaws, which gives the Board the authority to amend the governing documents, a duty that remains shared with the members. This amendment enables the final step in the organization’s governance modernization process. AAAS’ governance had not been updated in more than 70 years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Willie, Kathleen, and Betty to the AAAS Board. Their expertise will be invaluable as we advance scientific excellence, expand who can participate in the STEMM ecosystem, address mis- and disinformation, and provide historical context on the scientific enterprise to inform strategic thinking. We are confident that these strong leaders will help achieve our vision, especially as we celebrate our 175th anniversary and focus on igniting progress for the next 175 years,” said Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., chief executive officer of AAAS and executive publisher of the Science family of journals.

“I am also delighted that we have successfully completed our three-year governance modernization process, the culmination of thousands of hours of volunteer and staff work. We look forward to moving into full implementation of our streamlined structure that will allow us to run a modern organization efficiently and provide our volunteer leaders ample opportunities for meaningful and engaging work to further our mission of advancing science in service to society,” added Parikh.

May serves as vice president of research and economic development and professor of chemistry at Morgan State University, Maryland’s largest historically Black university. He is currently a member of the AAAS Council for the Section on Industrial Science and Technology. Previously, he served as the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. May’s one-year term as president-elect begins immediately, followed by one year as AAAS president (and chair of the AAAS Annual Meeting), and one year as immediate past-president.

“I am honored to serve as the new president-elect of AAAS. During my term, I will prioritize partnering with key leaders to enhance the U.S. STEMM workforce by proposing ways the nation can expand access and opportunities to education. I stand ready to support AAAS as it embarks on a mission to transform the way the scientific enterprise realizes benefits to society at large,” said May.

Uncle Nearest To Raise $1M for Underfunded HBCUs

 

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the top-selling Black-owned spirits brand in the world, announced the launch of its HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, a nationwide initiative to raise $1 million dollars for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Kicked off on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and extending through Black History Month and Women's History Month in February and March, respectively, the program will raise money to be distributed amongst the country's top 58 ranked HBCUs to use as they see fit.

Through the HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, Uncle Nearest not only aims to raise money for these institutions, but to shine a light on their contributions to workforce diversity and the role they play in economic mobility. HBCUs make up less than 3% of college institutions, but they enroll 10% of all African American students, and produce almost 20% of all African American graduates. These graduates have gone on to hold high income jobs, making up 40% of Black judges, 50% of Black doctors and lawyers, and 40% of Black engineers. Underfunding of HBCUs leads to lower graduation rates due to student debt and lack of resources, as well as causes understaffing and underrepresentation of Black faculty members.

"Many have opinions about Deion Sanders' decision to move from Jackson State, an HBCU, to Colorado. I will tell you what I know to be true: Coach Prime put a much-needed spotlight on how HBCU programs can compete if they are properly funded," said Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest. "He showed us what one person with influence, shining a light on HBCUs, can do to help. Enrollment in HBCUs grew tremendously after Beyonce's 2019 film, Homecoming. I am certainly no Beyonce, but I have a spotlight on me, and it's my greatest honor to be able to shift that spotlight where it should be - on our incredible Historically Black Colleges and Universities. When I reached out to share this program, so many of them asked me, 'What can we do to help?' I told each of them that I didn't want them to do anything. It's our turn to be torchbearers and give back, asking nothing in return."

The launch date of the Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned Challenge on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, was strategically chosen to spotlight the legacy of HBCUs in the life of one of our greatest American leaders. At the age of 15, following in the footsteps of his father Martin Luther King, Sr., MLK Jr. enrolled at Morehouse College, a historically Black, men's liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia. Both MLK Jr. and Sr. received their undergraduate degrees from Morehouse. The Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned Challenge extends through Women's History Month as an homage to Spelman College, a historically Black women's college and the number one ranked HBCU in America.

From January 16 to March 31, 2023, consumers will be able to participate in the challenge in one of four ways:

• For every Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned sold at participating bars and restaurants, one dollar will be donated to the challenge.
• Uncle Nearest will donate one dollar for each bottle of whiskey sold at participating online and brick-and-mortar retail stores.
• ReserveBar will sell Old Fashioned Cocktail Kits, featuring a bottle of Uncle Nearest as well as syrup and bitters from Hella Cocktail Co., the Black-owned bitters and soda company. For every kit sold, both Uncle Nearest and ReserveBar will donate one dollar to the challenge.
• During the time period, brand fans can also submit a photo of a homemade Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned at www.oldfashionedcocktail.com. Uncle Nearest will donate one dollar for each image received.                                                                     

"As a proud Morehouse Man and member of Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, I'm honored and grateful to work for a company where I didn't need to go to the leader and say HBCUs need our help," said W. Jay Madison, IV, Director of Legacy and Strategic Partnerships for Uncle Nearest. "Fawn came to me and said, 'We have to do something.' Every one of my team members immediately embraced the mission of this initiative, and our distributors, retail stores and outlets, restaurant, hotel, and bar partners came on board. One million dollars is just the beginning. We expect to see this program get bigger and even better every year, and our hope is other corporations will join with their own initiatives to support HBCUs."

For more information on the HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, including a list of participating bars, restaurants, and retailers, and to follow along on the road to $1 million raised, please visit www.oldfashionedcocktail.com.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the first spirits brand in the world to be named after a Black American. The portfolio is the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, with over 600 awards and accolades since the brand's 2017 launch, including 406 Gold medals or higher, 71 Best in Class honors and an average critic's score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently sold in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.   

Howard University to Offer Free Test Preparation Services to Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Historically Black Howard University in Washington, D.C., announced that through a new partnership with Kaplan Inc., it will immediately begin providing all of its undergraduate students with free test prep courses for graduate-level admissions exams, including the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT. It will also offer free test prep for professional licensing exams for its students enrolled at its graduate schools. Additionally, all Howard students interested in taking the exams to be a CPA or CFA can also prepare with Kaplan for free.

“Part of our mission at Howard University is ensuring that education is accessible to students, regardless of their economic status,” said Anthony K. Wutoh, provost at Howard University. “Bringing Kaplan’s All Access initiative to Howard University will relieve the financial barrier many students are faced with when it comes to the critical step of preparing for graduate admissions tests and licensing exams. With immediate access to free test prep through this initiative, Howard students will be empowered to take the next step in their education, encouraging even more students to pursue their career goals and have a positive impact in their chosen profession.”

James Polulach, director of institutional partnerships at Kaplan notes that “many students see admissions and licensing exams as a barrier, instead of an opportunity, whether because of the price of preparation or because of how difficult the exam is. With All Access, Kaplan is eliminating these challenges, providing best-in-class instruction with zero out-of-pocket expenses for them.”