Howard University Announces the Cathy Hughes School of Communications

Howard University president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, today announced a multi-million dollar gift to its School of Communications from Alfred C. Liggins III, President and CEO of Radio One, Inc. This notable contribution was made through the Catherine L. Hughes and Alfred C. Liggins III Foundation and establishes that the School will be named in honor of Cathy Hughes, Radio One founder and Chairperson, and former Howard University staff member. An official ceremony to announce the naming of the “Cathy Hughes School of Communications” will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at Howard University.

“The Howard community is thrilled that Mr. Liggins has chosen to honor his mother, Ms. Cathy Hughes, in this manner for her pioneering work in the field of communications,” said Dr. Frederick. “The gift will have a transformational impact on the School’s commitment to serve the communications industry and as a high-level producer of diverse media specialists.” He went on to acknowledge that Ms. Hughes is well known for her accomplishments at the School and University, particularly at WHUR-FM where she created the popular, urban music format known as the “Quiet Storm.” She is also the School’s third Time Warner Endowed Chair.

The donation recognizes the extraordinary vigor of Howard’s School of Communications and its faculty, students, staff, and alumni. It demonstrates Ms. Hughes’ and Mr. Liggins’ firm beliefs in the role that the School plays in providing and sustaining a range of educational and leadership alternatives for African Americans within the communications sector. In 2013, the School reorganized its undergraduate programs and departments, graduate studies, and interdisciplinary options. Now in its 45th year of existence, the School proudly boasts four progressive departments: Communication Culture and Media Studies; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Media, Journalism and Film; and Strategic, Legal and Management Communication.

The Catherine L. Hughes and Alfred C. Liggins III Fund at Howard University will assist the School in acquiring cutting-edge technology and equipment, which will support its academically rich programs. Radio One invites its supporters and business partners to join its effort to promote and support Howard-educated communication leaders who will continue the cycle of influence and upliftment personified by Ms. Hughes. Donations should be made to Howard University and designated for the Cathy Hughes School of Communications.

As Howard University approaches its sesquicentennial anniversary, its enthusiasm about the next 150 years is heightened by the generosity of Ms. Hughes and Mr. Liggins, and the legacy that they are graciously leaving behind.

RNC kicks off new programs to reach out to black voters

The Republican Party is making an attempt to reach out to black voters via a a partnership with Radio one. We will soon see if this is a legitimate effort or just a token effort so RNC leadership can claim they tried. To be honest I'm doubtful about this attempt since not even 4-5 years ago reaching out to a particular group was considered pandering by the RNC. Who will the RNC get to deliver this message since many of their current black operatives have no credibilty or standing in the black community? Can the RNC enter black neighborhoods and get their message out without using the "Democratic plantation" rhetoric? We shall see. George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com.

WASHINGTON – Today, the Republican National Committee (RNC) announces the launch of a voter mobilization campaign. #CommittedToCommunity: Engage, Empower, Uplift is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the RNC and a black media outlet – Radio One. The #CommittedToCommunity campaign includes recruiting, activating, and mobilizing black voters ahead of the 2016 presidential election through a series of engagement activities, issue forums and other events in communities of color. The campaign also digitally enhances the RNC’s black engagement strategy with geo-fenced mobile targeting and includes a significant radio ad campaign on Radio One stations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus.

In addition to participating in several Radio One-hosted events such as the Heritage Concert Series and Women’s Empowerment Conference, RNC staff will also be present at churches throughout Ohio highlighting issues of particular concern to black voters that include job creation, education opportunities, strong families and safe communities. This initial phase of the multi-city initiative kicks off with a faith-based mobilization on July 12, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. It culminates in Cleveland, Ohio on August 6, 2015 – the host city of the first GOP presidential debate and 2016 Republican National Convention.

Subsequent cities and activities will be announced accordingly over the course of 2015-2016. As part of the campaign, the RNC will also announce metrics-based engagement results and incorporate best practices into our overall strategy, so that we position the Republican nominee for President with the best opportunity to win over new voters and ultimately the White House.

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, Co-Chairman Sharon Day and Radio One CEO Alfred Liggins released the following statement:

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said, “We are on the move. As Chairman of the RNC we are engaging every voter, not taking any voter for granted, and not overlooking any opportunity to share our message. For too long, some have peddled the idea that only one party cares about communities of color. Not true. We have stepped up our ground game in communities of color. Expect to see more RNC staff in diverse communities, discussing our shared values and actively recruiting people from across the country. Voters will hear from us often and in black media outlets like Radio One to share our message, mobilize new activists and ask for their vote.”

RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day said “By selecting Radio One we are able to uniquely engage black voters and impact the way issues are viewed and discussed.”

Alfred C. Liggins, CEO of Radio One said, “The RNC wants to tell its story to the African-American community.  Radio One reaches 82% of black Americans with our television, radio and digital multi-media platforms. We view ourselves as the link to our audience. Our reach, relationships with black churches, organizations, entertainers, and our unique understanding of our primary audience makes us a high-value partner to organizations like the RNC. We want the black electorate to be as informed as possible going into the 2016 election season. “

For continued updates on sessions in your community click here:www.gop.com/committedtocommunity