White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Names 2024 HBCU Scholars

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is proud to announce the 2024 cohort of HBCU Scholars, marking the 10th anniversary of this transformative program. This year, 110 outstanding students from 77 HBCUs across the nation have been selected for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to their communities.

“For 10 years, the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities – a recognition that reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s determination to fight for our nation’s HBCUs and their immense contributions to excellence and diversity in higher education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This year’s 110 outstanding students exemplify Black excellence – and fill us with hope for the promise of tomorrow. We couldn’t be prouder to support them on their journey.”

Since its inception in 2014, the HBCU Scholars program has been committed to recognizing and supporting the brightest and service-oriented minds from HBCUs. Over the past decade, the program has empowered over 500 students, providing them with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth, mentorship, and networking.

Currently representing 23 states and 11 countries, this group of HBCU Scholars were selected from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants. The 2024 cohort includes students from a diverse array of disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, math, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. These scholars have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to service and leadership in their communities. Throughout the year, the HBCU Scholars will engage in a series of workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their skills and expand their horizons. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and alumni of the program, further enriching their educational experience. Aligned with the U.S. Department of Education’s mission to Raise the Bar, students in this program are encouraged to lift their communities, unite others around student success, work to strengthen our democracy, and grow our economy.

A critical component of the HBCU Scholar Program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts. This partnership with NASA makes the Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC), Through the Mini MITTIC program, HBCU Scholars will team with one another to developing ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA intellectual property that can improve their campus and surrounding communities.

HBCU Scholars will also be invited to the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, held on September 15-19, 2024in Philadelphia, PA. This year’s conference themes are, “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet.” During the conference, HBCU Scholars will participate in conference sessions designed to engage a spirit of innovation, leadership, and personal and professional development. Most importantly, HBCU Scholars will have opportunities to engage with one another, initiative staff, and partners to further showcase their individual and collective talent.

"I am delighted to announce the 2024-2025 HBCU Scholars representing 77 of our nations HBCUs. These students exemplify the excellence and leadership that is characteristic of the HBCU community,” said Executive Director of White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges, and Universities Dietra Trent. “I anticipate and look forward to our partnership over the next academic school year.”

Following the conference HBCU Scholars will be invited to participate in programs, event and monthly master classes designed to enhance HBCU Scholars professional development and create greater access to post-graduation opportunities within non-profit, business, and federal agency partners to help ensure that as a nation we remain globally competitive.

More information about the 110 HBCU Scholars’ activities will be provided in the coming months as they serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Below is the complete listing of HBCU Scholars are listed in alphabetical order, by their state or country of origin.

ALABAMA
(Birmingham) Michaela Hart, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
(Gadsden) Chantara Williams, Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL
(Livingston) Lakenya Blakely, Selma University, Selma, AL
(Madison) Taron Randolph, Drake State Community and Technical College, Huntsville, AL
(Mobile) Jeric Packer, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL
(Mobile) Michael Stallworth Jr., Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
(Montgomery) Jasmine Bryant, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, Huntsville, AL
(Montgomery) Amia Calandrea Carter, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
(Northport) Maia Brasfield, Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL
(Prattville) JaMya Peoples, Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS
(Prattville) Dayja Brown, Trenholm State Community College, Montgomery, AL
(Tuscaloosa) Chiamaka Okafor, Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL
(Tuscaloosa) Raven Herring, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA

BAHAMAS
(Bimini) Darius Thompson, Albany State University, Albany, GA
(Exuma) Wayne Curtis II, Wiley University, Marshall, TX

BARBADOS
(Bridgetown) Juliana Blackman, Allen University, Columbia, SC

CALIFORNIA
(Los Angeles) MaKenzie Hanks, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Chester County, PA
(San Francisco) Charles-Anthony Woodfork, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC

DOMINICA
(Roseau) Kyra Edwards, University of the Virgin Islands - Albert A. Sheen Campus, St Croix & St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
(Santo Domingo) Katherine Pamela Sugilio Peralta, Paine College, Augusta, GA

FLORIDA
(Jacksonville) Kenyana McCray, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
(Miami) Gabrielle Sinclair, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL

FRANCE
(Saint Martin) Benz Joseph, Clinton College, Rock Hill, SC

GEORGIA
(Atlanta) Robert Adams, Fisk University, Nashville, TN
(Atlanta) Matthew Dormus, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL
(Columbus) Alexis Day, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
(Lithia Springs) Jacob Pearson, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
(Marietta) Osoniya Wodi, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
(Snellville) Khelsei Dorsett-Wilson, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC
(Stockbridge) Jayden Williams, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA

GUATEMALA
(Chiquimula) Mellany Sophia Morales Menéndez, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD

ILLINOIS
(Champaign) Sa’kinah Williams, Rust College, Holly Springs, MS
(Chicago) Jae’Lynn A. Jordan, Harris Stowe State University, St. Louis, MO
(Chicago) Darryl I. Hawkins, Harris Stowe State University, St. Louis, MO
(Chicago) Joshua Claybrooks, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY
(Chicago) Laila Cooper, Lane College, Jackson, TN
(Chicago) Asia Rogers, Bennett College, Greensboro, NC
(Chicago) Kennedy Orr, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA

INDIANA
(Cedar Lake) Keeley Bernard, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
(Indianapolis) Kristyn Lyles, Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL

JAMAICA
(Port Antonio) Santasha Johnson, Benedict College, Columbia, SC
(Portland) Shemar Stewart, Voorhees University, Denmark, SC
(Portland) Kayleah Shelton, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
(Portland) Roxi-Ann Williams, Benedict College, Columbia, SC

KANSAS
(Wichita) Aniyah Robinson, Langston University, Langston, OK
(Wichita) Gabriel Williams, Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO

LOUISIANA
(Baton Rouge) Nalone Sumo, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA
(Clinton) Antoine Johnson Jr., Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
(Lake Charles) Alonnie Celestine, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
(Moreauville) William J. Gaspard Jr., Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
(Natchitoches) Za’Chary Rashad Jackson, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
(New Orleans) Dana M. Bailey, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
(Shreveport) Madisyn Nicole Hicks, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
(Thibodaux) DeAndrew Thomas, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
(Ville Platte) Chandler Vidrine, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN

MARYLAND
(Suitland) Sarah Amanda Owusu, Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
(Upper Marlboro) Ashley Anderson, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

MICHIGAN
(Detroit) Erika Igarashi-Cummings, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
(Flint) Hailee L. P. Clack, Hampton University, Hampton, VA

MISSISSIPPI
(Cleveland) John Eubanks II, Coahoma Community College, Coahoma County, MS
(Flora) Almia Valentine, Tougaloo College, Hinds County, MS
(Jackson) Frances Sade Lewis, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
(Jackson) Raegan B. Johnson, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
(Jackson) Anahja Reed, Hinds Community College, Utica, MS
(Ruleville) Jordyn Johnson, Coahoma Community College, Coahoma County, MI

NEVADA
(Las Vegas) Jalen Gourrier, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD

NEW JERSEY
(East Orange) Sagal Buchanan, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL
(Hamilton) Chantel Ilawole, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney, PA
(Woodbury) Aaliyah Robinson, Delaware State University, Dover, DE

NEW YORK
(Baldwin) Naja Bostwick, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
(Bronx) Sean Carter, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC
(Poughkeepsie) Cody Gibbs, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Chester County, PA

NIGERIA
(Enugu) Izuchukwu Mba, Talladega College, Talladega, AL
(Lagos) Favour Adesoye, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA
(Lagos) Comfort Iretioluwa Olorundare, Shaw University, Raleigh, NC

NORTH CAROLINA
(Charlotte) Ayanna Anderson, Clinton College, Rock Hill, SC
(Charlotte) Sanai Price, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
(Charlotte) Aeries Hoskins, Tougaloo College, Hinds County, MS
(Raleigh) Sierra Williams, Hampton University, Hampton, VA
(Whitsett) Josh Kyei, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
(Winterville) KJ Chadwick, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

OHIO
(Cincinnati) Alexandra Nelson, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
(Maple Heights) Zhane McCorvey, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
(Toledo) Devon J. Ezell, Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA
(Toledo) Cassidy McClellan, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL

PANAMA
(Panamá City) Isabella Wynter Mitchell, Central State University, Wilberforce, OH

PENNSYLVANIA
(Upper Darby) Veronica A. Redden, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney, PA

SOUTH CAROLINA
(Beaufort) Christian Miles, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
(Greenville) Lawrenz Ellman-Sanders, Voorhees University, Denmark, SC
(Manning) Aaron D. Smith, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC

TENNESSEE
(Memphis) Keith Jordan Jr., Lane College, Jackson, TN
(Memphis) Breeze Smith, Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC
(Nashville) Erin Armstrong, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
(Trinidad & Tobago) Jean-Marie Farinha, Wiley university, Marshall, TX

TEXAS
(Cedar Hill) Olivia LaShay Dyer, Grambling State University, Grambling, LA
(Dallas) Anthony George II, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
(Dallas) Ericka Drinker, Paul Quinn College, Dallas, TX
(Dallas) Destiny Okonkwo, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
(Houston) Nadia Higgins, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
(Houston) Haile Allen, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
(Houston) DeAndré K. Bell II, Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Houston, TX
(San Antonio) Daveon Johnson, St. Philip's College, San Antonio, TX

VIRGINIA
(Arlington) Yassin Alallaq, Delaware State University, Dover, DE
(Richmond) Michael Kevin Crossley Sr., Virginia Union University, Sydney Lewis School of Business, Richmond, VA

WISCONSIN
(Milwaukee) Dailona I. Dallas, Jarvis Christian University, Hawkins, TX

ZAMBIA

(Lusaka) Chikomborero Musinga, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR

LDF Launches Voter Empowerment Project “Black Voters on the Rise”

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) announced Black Voters on the Rise – an interdisciplinary initiative that works to defend and advance the rights of Black voters and the promise of a free and fair democracy throughout the full life cycle of the democratic process. The launch comes as the country recognizes the anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act and just ahead of an election that will have a profound impact on our democracy.

Black Voters on the Rise serves to combine and rebrand LDF’s prior complementary projects, Prepared to Vote (PTV) and Voting Rights Defender (VRD). This renewed initiative will use a year-round, multi-tactical approach to build Black political power, working collaboratively across LDF departments and with strategic partners at the national, state, and local levels.

“It is crucial that our younger voters understand their vote has the power not only to select the president, but also to determine who sets national policies and laws addressing key issues – like reproductive rights, criminal justice, student loans, housing, and health care – and who will serve their interests at the state and local levels. Black Voters on the Rise is a recognition of that power and of the full potential of the Black vote,” said Janai Nelson, LDF’s President and Director-Counsel.

Black Voters on the Rise is a cross-generational initiative that builds on the legacy of Black voters organizing for our democracy to leverage the potential of the rising generation of Black voters. Young people will make up nearly half of voters in the 2024 election. And, since 2020, one in five new eligible voters in the South are Black and members of Gen Z.

As part of this initiative, LDF staff in southern communities work together with trusted organizations, including local non-profit organizations, HBCUs, churches, and others, to engage with community members and empower them to participate in the political process. By monitoring and responding to voter suppression tactics on the ground, proactively correcting and – when needed – challenging anti-voter activities, LDF’s Black Voters on the Rise project is helping Black communities defend themselves against the coordinated attacks on their rights.

“The work of defending democracy and voting rights is a year-round effort, especially as deceptive practices like misinformation and disinformation collide with racial polarization,” said Amir Badat, Manager, Black Voters on the Rise. “The aggressive efforts to suppress the vote are using increasingly novel tactics, and we must meet those efforts with creativity and innovation. Black Voters on the Rise represents the resilience, strength, and dedication of the Black community’s pursuit to retain hard-fought wins and advance the rights they are entitled to.”

In the months ahead, the efforts of Black Voters on the Rise will involve combating discriminatory election administration practices and advocating for election officials to expand access to the ballot box. Black Voters on the Rise will also educate voters on election laws and their voting rights and mobilize communities to exercise their right to vote. Through Black Voters on the Rise, LDF has committed to reaching millions of voters through direct mail, SMS, and other forms of targeted communication this year.

With partners, Black Voters on the Rise will monitor the November 2024 election and future elections to identify voter suppression and protect Black voters through rapid response advocacy. This mobilization work will extend to include a concerted effort to encourage communities to leave no power on the table by participating in public meetings and learning about their local elected officials and their roles in shaping community policies and initiatives.

Protecting the voting rights of Black people has been a critical piece of LDF’s work since its founding in 1940 when Justice Thurgood Marshall filed Smith v. Allwright, which led to the defeat of all-white primaries. Justice Marshall called it his most consequential case. Today, LDF carries on that work in communities where a history of racist and discriminatory anti-voter, anti-democracy practices continue. Congress’s inaction on passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act has also guided LDF to work in states across the country to pass state Voting Rights Acts and advance other proactive election administration policies.

LDF offers resources to voters on how to participate in the democratic process, including providing information on how to vote in person, secure an absentee ballot, research candidates and ballot initiatives, and become a volunteer. This information is available on LDF’s election resource website, www.ldf.vote.

Wesley Bell defeats incumbent Cori Bush to win Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Missouri's 1st Congressional District

St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Missouri's 1st Congressional District, beating incumbent Cori Bush with 51.2% of the vote.

“This district is ready for better and more accountable representation in Washington, D.C.,” Bell said at a victory celebration in St. Louis. “Progressives should actually make progress. And that’s what I’ve done my entire career.”

Bell is now a strong favorite to win the deep-blue Missouri 1st Congressional District, which covers the city of St. Louis and parts of St. Louis County.

Candidate Votes Percentage

Wesley Bell 63,340 51.2%

Cori Bush *Incumbent 56,492 45.6%

Maria Chappelle-Nadal 3,257 2.6%

Morehouse College Receives $20 million Gift to Support Academics, Recruit New Professors

Morehouse College has received a $20 million anonymous gift to expand academic programs and professorships at the College, the only liberal arts institution in the nation dedicated to the education and development of Black men. The contribution—the largest gift ever designated for faculty positions at Morehouse—will be used to fund six endowed professorships that will enhance innovation and research in several academic areas.

The professorships will be added to the Division of Business and Economics, the Division of Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and the Arts (HSSMA), and the Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, including the Office of Health Professions.

"Our faculty are the heartbeat of this institution. They lead our academic programs, develop the intellect of our students, and challenge them to go out in the world and be great. They have fueled the success of thousands of Morehouse Men," said David A. Thomas, Ph.D., President of Morehouse College. "This transformational $20 million gift will allow us to increase the ranks of our esteemed and talented professors so that we can uphold the legacy of excellence in our classrooms as our as veteran faculty retire."

Morehouse, which educates more than 2,300 students annually, has world-class academic programs that have been especially successful at cultivating men of distinction who rise as leaders in every field, including the U.S. Congress; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General; the Olympics; as well as the recipients' platforms of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Academy Awards. The College is the top producer of Black men who go on to receive doctorates, and is the top-feeder school for Black men entering top-ranked MBA programs as well as managerial and executive positions in business.

The anonymous $20 million gift was contributed to the "Making Men of Consequence" Campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in Morehouse's 157-year history. The goals of the $500 million campaign are to expand Morehouse's ability to offer scholarship support to any deserving student, recruit new faculty at the top of their fields, invest in innovative academic programs, and to fund campus improvements. 

Specifically, the donation falls under the campaign's "Inquiry with Distinction" pillar, which focuses on expanding investment in academics, including distinguished faculty positions, curricular and academic programming, and evidence-based research. The fundraising goal for that pillar is $100 million. Currently, Morehouse employs more than 300 full-and-part-time faculty.

"Investing in Morehouse College's talented faculty is critical to maintaining the College's reputation and relevance as a world-class institution of higher learning," said Provost Kendrick Brown, Ph.D. "At Morehouse, we are developing men with integrity and intellect to become 21st-century leaders and innovators. That takes resources—not only funds for technology and classroom materials, but also a significant investment in attracting accomplished professors to Morehouse who will continue to elevate our profile in all academic areas."

With the addition of the anonymous gift, nearly $290 million has been generated for the "Making Men of Consequence" Campaign to date.

"We are grateful to the anonymous donor for this generous investment in our faculty," said Hodan Hassan, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. "This significant gift fuels our ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education and our ability to offer students transformative academic experiences that help them to reach their full potential."

For more information on the Morehouse "Making Men of Consequence" capital campaign, click here.  

FAMU Board Of Trustees Approves Interim President Timothy Beard’s Contract

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees (BOT) approved the 12-month contract of Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D.

Beard, who served as president of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) from 2015 until his retirement earlier this year, will begin his tenure on August 5. He succeeds President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., who served nearly seven years prior to stepping down. Beard will serve until the next university president is selected. Beard, a FAMU alumnus, addressed the BOT before the unanimous vote.

“Thank you for this opportunity. I am a servant leader and want to make a difference. There are three things I want our students to keep in mind, and that is to learn, earn, and return, which is giving back. We owe a great debt to this institution for what she (FAMU) has done,” said Beard in a statement following the Special BOT meeting.

Beard earned undergraduate degrees from FAMU and Florida State University (FSU) and a doctoral degree from FSU in 1998 in Rehabilitation Counseling with a focus on Higher Education Administration. Two of his daughters and a son-in-law are FAMU alumni.

During his 14 years working at FAMU, Beard served as a faculty member, as well as a staff manager. He was an assistant professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences (SOAHS), and SOAHS director of Student Affairs. He also held several roles in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, including director of Graduate Student Services, director of Instructional Research, and director of Career Services. He also served as an assistant director of the FAMU Career Center.

BOT Chair Kristin Harper hailed Beard’s return to his alma mater. “Welcome back to The ‘Hill.’ We look forward to working together as we continue to Boldly Strike for student success.”

HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Announces 2024 "I Aspire" 100

The second annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF), announced its 2024 festival dates, November 8 – 10th  and  the premiere  of the 2024 HBCU First LOOK "I Aspire" 100. (2024 HBCU First LOOK 100)

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit HBCUFirstLook.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Jalila Larsuel - J L Media PR - Jalila@JLMediaPR.com

HBCU First LOOK Film Festival: Sheila Eldridge – CEO - Sheila@milesaheadentertainment.com 

SOURCE Miles Ahead Entertainment

University of Michigan Professor of Robotics, Dr. Chad Jenkins, Honored with the 2024 Richard Tapia Achievement Award

The Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in IT (CMD-IT) honors Dr. Chad Jenkins, University of Michigan Professor of Robotics, as the 2024 recipient of the Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award for Scientific Scholarship, Civic Science, and Diversifying Computing. The awards ceremony will take place during the CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference, held in San Diego, California, Sept. 18-20, 2024. Last year, more than 2,000 attendees, including students from more than 250 colleges and universities, attended the conference.

Each year, the Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award for Scientific Scholarship, Civic Science, and Diversifying Computing is presented to a distinguished computational scientist, computer scientist, or computer engineer who is making significant contributions to computing and civic areas, including teaching, mentoring, advising, and building and serving diverse communities. The award winner represents extraordinary leadership in computing scholarship and CMD-IT's mission to increase the participation of underrepresented communities in computing.

"We are proud to honor Dr. Chad Jenkins, the University of Michigan Professor of Robotics, as this year's recipient of the prestigious Tapia Award," said Dr. Valerie Taylor, CEO and President CMD-IT. "The recognition is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field of robotics, in particular computational reasoning and perception, and his exemplary work with mentoring students and professional from underrepresented communities in computing."

"I am deeply honored and grateful to be recognized with the 2024 Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award for Scientific Scholarship, Civic Science and Diversifying Computing. I have been incredibly fortunate to stand on the shoulders of giants across the Tapia community," said Chad Jenkins.

"The commitment to both excellence and equity at Tapia has provided a guiding light for how to be a trailblazer, mentor, mentee, and catalyst for positive impact," Jenkins adds. "Joining the distinguished group of Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award honorees is a crowning accomplishment in my career. I look forward to our continued work together as a community to extend and expand the ladder of opportunity for future generations."

Chad Jenkins is a Professor of Robotics and a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan. His work aims to discover methods for computational reasoning and perception that will enable robots to effectively assist people in common human environments. Professor Jenkins' research pertains primarily to robot learning from demonstration, semantic perception, and mobile manipulation towards enabling the usability of technology by people in real situations.

Professor Jenkins is currently serving as the Vice President for Educational Activities for the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. Professor Jenkins was the founding Program Chair of the Robotics Major Degree Program launched in 2022 for undergraduates at the University of Michigan. He was a founding Editor-in-Chief for the ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction, serving from 2016 to 2024. Professor Jenkins served on the Computing Community Consortium from 2019 to 2022. Recently, he was elected Member-At-Large for the Association of Computing Machinery.

As a member of the Computing Research Association's Committee on Widening Participation in Computing Research (CRA-WP), he helped found The Skip Ellis Early Career Award in honor of Professor Clarence "Skip" Ellis, the first American Black person to earn a doctorate in computer science.

Professor Jenkins is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). He is a Senior Member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He is an alumnus of the Defense Science Study Group (2018-19).

About the CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference

The CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference (TAPIA Conference) is the premier annual event to acknowledge, promote, and celebrate diversity in computing. Each year, the conference brings together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, researchers, and professionals in computing from all backgrounds and ethnicities to celebrate the diversity that exists in computing and tech. The annual conference presents an opportunity to connect with others and to create communities that extend beyond the event.

National Black Farmers Association Statement on Historic $2B Payout for Discrimination in Farm Lending

The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) has championed a major victory for African American farmers and their families in the United States. After years of protests, lawsuits, and failed bills, the organization, led by President John Boyd, has successfully secured a $2.2 billion payout for discrimination in farm lending from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This historic payout comes as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 22007, signed into law by President Biden nearly two years ago.

Approximately 43,000 farmers will each receive payouts of up to $500,000, with the average award being $82,000. These funds are meant to provide financial assistance to farmers who have experienced racial and other forms of discrimination from the USDA prior to 2021. This victory marks a significant step towards justice for Black farmers, who have long been fighting against systematic discrimination in the farming industry. The NBFA, founded by John Boyd 40 years ago, has been at the forefront of this fight and has led the way in advocating for change.

Boyd reflects on the long and difficult road to this victory, stating, "No matter how it is sliced, the $2.2 billion in payouts is historic. In 1999, Black farmers received a $1 billion payout. In 2013, a $1.25 billion payment was made in a late filers' lawsuit settlement." The NBFA has also been instrumental in paving the way for similar settlements with Hispanic, Women, and Native American farmers, as well as the related Cobell case settlement.

Despite the progress made with this payout, Boyd acknowledges that there are still challenges faced by Black farmers. These include banks denying them access to operating funds and farm ownership loans, as well as recent allegations of racial discrimination by companies like John Deere. However, he sees this victory as a symbol of hope for those still fighting for justice.

Boyd's decades-long lobbying campaign has not been without its challenges. He has faced hateful phone calls, mail, and even death threats throughout the years, but his determination to fight for the rights of Black farmers has never wavered. He emphasizes that this payout was not a blanket settlement, and that a neutral third-party administrator, Midtown Group, has carefully evaluated each farmer's case. The application process was lengthy and complex, compounding the pain and frustration felt by many farmers.

As Boyd reflects on the long journey to this victory, he questions whether it was all worth it. But his answer is a resounding "Yes." He explains, "The answer is an unqualified 'Yes,' just for the few moments today of listening to Stephen Benjamin, Senior White House Advisor and Director of Public Engagement, share the details regarding award notifications and check disbursement to DFAP applicants. That made it all worthwhile." This victory is not just for the NBFA, but for all Black farmers and their families who have endured discrimination and struggled to make ends meet.

To learn more about this historic victory and the ongoing work of the NBFA, please contact John Boyd via email JohnWesleyBoydJr@gmail.com. The National Black Farmers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of African American farmers and their families. Through education, advocacy, and support, the NBFA fights for civil rights, land retention, access to loans, and economic development for Black farmers across the country.

Biden-Harris Administration Issues $2 Billion In Financial Assistance to Black And Minority Farmers

The Biden-Harris Administration announced it has issued payments to eligible applicants under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), which aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination prior to January 2021.

“Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our Nation’s land. But for too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support,” said President Joe Biden. “I promised to address this inequity when I became President. Today that promise has become a reality. My Inflation Reduction Act took a bold step to address the effects of discrimination in farming and ranching, and today’s action will enable more farmers and ranchers to support themselves and their families, help grow the economy, and pursue their dreams.”

“The completion of the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is an important moment in USDA’s history, and in our journey to becoming a department that truly serves everyone who wants to participate in agriculture. While this financial assistance is not compensation for anyone’s losses or pain endured, it is an acknowledgement. My hope is that this will ensure that many farmers can stay on their farms, contribute to our nation’s food supply, and continue doing what they love,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I am also immensely grateful to USDA’s many partners in this effort, including the organizations who helped spread the word and offer technical assistance to applicants. This process, and the information contained in the applications, will help USDA as we fine tune our efforts to make USDA programs accessible, inclusive and equitable to all.”

The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program was established by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act. Through the Act, Congress allocated $2.2 billion for the program and directed USDA to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Upon signing of the law by President Biden, USDA worked immediately and diligently to design the program in accordance with the statute, sought significant stakeholder input, and opened the application process in July 2023.

One year later, over 43,000 individuals, including individuals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, will receive financial assistance through the program. The assistance will help many of them continue farming or enhance their operations, will allow some to begin farming, or in other cases will help to ease lost income.

The recipients include over 23,000 individuals who have or had a farming or ranching operation, who are receiving between $10,000 and $500,000 of assistance, with an average of nearly $82,000. Recipients also include over 20,000 individuals who planned to have a farming or ranching operation, but reported they were unable to do so because they couldn’t get a USDA loan. These individuals are receiving between $3,500 and $6,000 of assistance, with an average of $5000.

More information about the awards, including geographic distribution, can be found on the program website, 22007apply.gov.

Over the course of the application process, USDA and program administrators embarked on an aggressive outreach program to ensure those who were eligible were aware of the program and had access to free technical assistance. Each application was reviewed twice, by two independent teams who worked for the program administrator, to ensure fairness, thoroughness, and accuracy. Standards for eligibility were set and enforced by USDA, but the review was carried out by third-party administrators in accordance with the statute. Agricultural experts were also consulted for complex questions that arose in application review.

The DFAP is an application-based financial assistance program that is built around the amount of funding Congress provided for this program and is not a compensation program. It is an important component of USDA’s work under the Biden-Harris Administration to make USDA programs more accessible, equitable and inclusive for all who want to participate in agriculture.

As detailed in the letters applicants will receive, decisions are final. All eligibility decisions and payment determinations were made in a single round, which means funding is not available for appealed applications, nor does USDA have the ability to fund or staff an appeals process.

The information provided in DFAP applications will continue to be reviewed and analyzed, and will provide a roadmap for USDA as we fine-tune our program equity efforts at the national, regional and local levels. Those equity efforts are extensive. Among them, USDA wants producers to be aware of significant changes at the Farm Service Agency that are intended to make the farm loan process more accessible, inclusive, and equitable to support all who want to participate in agriculture. This includes but is not limited to diversified agency leadership and county committee membership, the ability to apply for farm loans and make loan payments online (new in 2024), streamlined and shortened loan paperwork requirements, and new processes that reduce the need for human discretion in loan decision-making.

USDA’s commitment to equity spans the Department’s mission areas and agencies. USDA is actively working to build a department that ensures none of our customers are ignored or left behind. The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is just one of many programs helping USDA rebuild trust, address systemic issues. and improve service to people who may have been underserved by USDA in the past. To learn more about USDA’s equity work and resources, visit www.usda.gov/equity.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Working Families Party Endorses VP Kamala Harris for President

The Working Families Party released the following statement endorsing VP Kamala Harris for President:

The Working Families Party is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Our members, chapters, and party leaders have voted overwhelmingly to support VP Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee — with 95% of the total vote in favor of the endorsement.

We are living in uncertain times. But we do know this: we cannot let Donald Trump and MAGA extremists return to power.

In 2020, we said that making Trump a one-term president was our moral mandate. It still is. Four years ago, we played a major role in organizing and mobilizing ‌voters to oust Trump. This year, we’re prepared to defeat his movement once and for all. Electing Kamala Harris as President is one step‌ — ‌one important step‌ — ‌toward our goal of winning power for working people and a government that is responsive to all of us, not just the wealthy few.

Donald Trump wants to seize on the uncertainty that people are feeling to seize power and enrich himself and his billionaire backers. If elected to a second term, he will double down on his attacks on working people. His friends in the MAGA movement have drafted a 900-page plan called “Project 2025” that calls for slashing taxes on large corporations and the ultra-rich, raising the cost of health care, and making it harder for workers to organize for better wages and benefits.

We have a historic opportunity to stop Trump’s authoritarian movement in its tracks and elect Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.

As Vice President, Kamala Harris has played a decisive role in President Biden’s greatest victories, casting the tie-breaking vote to pass the landmark Inflation Reduction Act and presiding over the confirmation of Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson.

Now, Vice President Harris has the chance to build on President Biden’s record of delivering for working people. Harris wants to bring back the child tax credit expansion, to raise the corporate tax rate, and to make big investments in preschool, childcare, and elder care. Meanwhile, she has an opportunity to turn the page on the United States’ disastrous support for the Israeli government’s human rights abuses in Gaza.

Change of any kind‌ — ‌especially at this stage in the race‌ — ‌can be scary. But we have a clear plan to win and set our movement up for even bigger victories in the future.

1. Elect Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump. By engaging and mobilizing the majority of Americans who oppose MAGA’s extremist agenda, we can put a stop to Trump’s authoritarian movement once and for all.
2. Win a governing majority in Congress. We need strong Senate and House majorities that don’t rely on corporate Democrats like Joe Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema. The path to retaking Congress this cycle will run through unlikely battleground states, like New York and California.
3. Build the bench of progressive leadership at all levels of government. Progressives have shown leadership and vision during a period of incredible uncertainty. We need to build our ranks of progressive champions in state houses across the country, while protecting those who face cynical attacks from big money Super PACs.

We must win policies that make real, concrete improvements in people’s lives. Taxing the rich to bring down the cost of housing and child care. Raising wages for workers and making it easier for them to organize their workplaces.

Imagine a House majority with a growing group of WFP leaders fighting every day for our values. That’s not just possible — it’s happening. Year after year, cycle after cycle, the ranks of WFP champions in Congress and in state houses are growing.

Together we’re building an independent political party that reflects the values, hopes, and dreams of working people in our country‌ — ‌and that is rigorous about what it takes to win, and won’t risk throwing power to the right. We’re building coalitions and community across race, place, gender and generation. And if we continue to build our power together, before too long, it’ll be WFP leaders setting a pro-working families agenda in city halls, state houses, and Washington, DC.

It’s all possible — ‌but it won’t be under a Trump presidency. Under Trump, we’ll be left playing defense and trying to deflect the worst of his attacks against our communities. To have a shot at a working families agenda, we’ve got to win at the top of the ticket.

We have a clear job in the next one-hundred days: block and build. We must block MAGA extremists from seizing governing power, and we must build the most viable, durable political vehicle that is beholden and accountable to the people and not the wealthy and corporations.

Recently, France provided us with a ray of hope and a path forward. The French were facing a rising tide of right-wing authoritarianism. A white supremacist, nationalist movement that pits working people against each other. It’s growing there, just like it’s growing here.

But France’s left and centrist parties recognized what was at stake, put aside their differences, and joined forces. By participating in a united front, the newly formed New Popular Front ‌ finished ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party.

Our endorsement of Vice President Harris doesn’t mean that we’ll never disagree with her, or never have contrasting views on policy. This election, however, is bigger than any one person. It’s about what kind of country we want to be and whether we will let the rights and freedoms that our ancestors fought for‌ — ‌the right to participate equally in our democracy, to love who we love, and to control our own bodies — be taken away from us.

We also know that our movement must give people something to vote for, by laying out a vision for a country where everyone has health care, everyone has clean air and food, and everyone can afford quality housing.

Defeating the far-right and electing VP Kamala Harris is a political necessity, but it’s not a final destination. No matter what happens in November, we will continue to organize‌ — ‌community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood‌ — ‌to create the future the next generation deserves.

NABJ In Talks With VP Harris In Talks With For Virtual or In-Person Q&A in September

A Message from NABJ President Ken Lemon: 

NABJ has been in talks with both the Democratic and Republican parties since January. NABJ was in contact with Vice President Kamala Harris’ team for an in-person panel before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July. 

However, we were advised by her campaign at the time that her schedule could not accommodate this request. The last update we were provided (earlier this week) was that Harris would not be available in person or virtually during our Convention. We are in talks about virtual options in the future and are still working to reach an agreement.

I consulted with a group of our Founders and past NABJ Presidents Tuesday on-site in Chicago, and as a group, we affirmed that the invitation to Former President Trump was in line with NABJ’s usual practices since 1976. It has always been our policy to ensure that candidates know that an invitation is not an endorsement. We also agreed that while this race is much different — and contentious — so are the consequences. 

While we acknowledge the concerns expressed by our members, we believe it is important for us to provide our members with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and hold them accountable. We also want to provide our members with the facts. We have partnered with PolitiFact for live fact-checking using the hashtag #NABJFactCheck.

UAW Endorses Kamala Harris for President

On Wednesday, July 31, the UAW International Executive Board voted to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Her historic candidacy builds on the Biden-Harris administration’s proven track record of standing with the UAW and delivering major gains for the working class. 

Years before the Stand Up Strike, Kamala Harris walked the picket line with striking autoworkers in 2019, has taken on corporate price-gouging and profiteering, and has spoken out and voted against unfair trade deals that hurt the American worker like NAFTA and NAFTA 2.0, the USMCA. 

On Wednesday, August 7th, the Harris for President campaign will come to Detroit to rally with UAW members, Michigan voters, and thousands of working class people who are fighting for a better future. Vice President Harris will also meet directly with UAW members and leaders to hear about the issues that matter to Michigan workers.

 

“Our job in this election is to defeat Donald Trump and elect Kamala Harris to build on her proven track record of delivering for the working class,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “We stand at a crossroads in this country. We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed. This campaign is bringing together people from all walks of life, building a movement that can defeat Donald Trump at the ballot box. For our one million active and retired members, the choice is clear: We will elect Kamala Harris to be our next President this November.” 

Stacey Abram's new podcast "Assembly Required"

Assembly Required, a new weekly podcast from Crooked Media and All-American polymath Stacey Abrams focused on connecting the people and pieces in order to make our union a little more perfect.

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution.

Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can’t fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon.

Check out Assembly Required on APPLE PODCAST

Check out Assembly Required on SPOTIFY

Check out Assembly Required on AMAZON

Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion Black Voters Kamala Harris Poll

In the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris's ascension as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party, the Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion conducted a poll on the opinions of Black voters July 22-24 in relation to Harris's candidacy. The report includes results from more than 2000 respondents from more than 30 states, weighted by gender and education level. Results suggest that Harris is best known for her advocacy for reproductive rights, that her best path to victory is to select a white male running mate, and that respondents view her as a politically moderate Democrat. The poll results also show that 93% of those polled plan to vote for VP Kamala Harris.

Read the poll results below:

Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion Black Voters Kamala Harris Poll by George L. Cook III on Scribd

Lauren Scruggs wins silver medal in Fencing and makes history

Lauren Scruggs won a silver medal in Fencing after losing to fellow American Lee Kiefer in the Finals. Although she didn't bring home the gold, she made U.S.Fencing history. Scruggs became the first Black American woman to win an Olympic medal in individual competition, according to USA Fencing. She placed second in Women's Individual Foil.

“Fencing has largely, certainly been a non-Black sport,’’ Scruggs said. “So I hope to inspire young Black girls to get into fencing, so that they can have a place in the sport.

“I just hope that more people who look like me, girls that look like me, feel they have a place in the sport.’’

Silver for Lauren Scruggs! 🥈

The 21-year-old secures her first Olympic medal at the #ParisOlympics! pic.twitter.com/gR4r1Yau4Q

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 28, 2024