Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University Awards Nearly $200,000 to 10 HBCU Student Newsrooms

The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University will award nearly $200,000 to 10 student newsrooms at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its inaugural Newsroom Innovation Challenge. The awards are designed to improve newsroom technology, business operations, audience engagement and reporting at campus newsrooms. The unique program advances the Center’s mission to help prepare HBCU students to become investigative journalists who will hold power accountable and strengthen U.S. democracy.

“HBCU student newsrooms brim with talent, but often lack the resources needed to give students access to the cutting-edge technology and operational support that so many of their peers at predominately white institutions have,” said Center for Journalism & Democracy founder Nikole Hannah-Jones, who serves as Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University's Cathy Hughes School of Communications.

Hannah-Jones said too often HBCU journalism students cannot volunteer for their campus news organizations because they need to work jobs that pay. “This grant program seeks to even the playing field by upgrading student newsrooms and paying stipends for student journalists,” Hannah-Jones said. “Investments in the talent and ambitions of aspiring journalists will fundamentally transform these newsrooms.”

The initial grant program was open to members of the Center for Journalism & Democracy’s nine HBCU cohort schools. Newsrooms were invited to apply for competitive funding last fall by submitting their vision and goals for strengthening their newsrooms and operations. Winners were notified in late April.   

The Center for Journalism & Democracy presents a check to the Morgan State University newsroom, The Spokesman on Tuesday. The funds will go toward the newsroom website, equipment and to pay for editors and contributing writers. Photo credit: Elijah Pittman

The grantees are The Hilltop and HU News Service, both of Howard University; Morgan State University, University of the District of Columbia, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Savannah State University, and Texas Southern University.

The 10 newsrooms will receive award packages ranging from $4,000 to as much as $29,000, and include a one-time technology award. The newsrooms will also receive funding for two years to pay select newsroom staff and funding to hire contributing writers. Newsrooms can apply to renew the funding for the contributing writers for up to five years.

“We are profoundly grateful for the awarding of these funds. It will make a significant impact on our ability to bring news and information to our readers,” said Milton Kent, professor of practice and advisor to Morgan State University's The Spokesman student outlet. “I can tell you that The Spokesman has lost talented journalists because some of our students can’t afford to work in the newsroom without being paid, so this is huge.”

Each newsroom will create a team that will include the faculty advisor, a student staff member and two other students responsible for implementing the plan. The Center will provide ongoing support through training and monthly meetings.

“The Newsroom Innovation Challenge is part of the vision I had when I founded the Center two years ago and I am so excited to finally see these resources headed to where they are much needed,” Hannah-Jones said. “When we invest in our HBUCs, we invest in ensuring our multiracial democracy is covered by a multiracial press.”

The University of the District of Columbia will use its funds to revive The Trilogy, the campus paper that has not published in a decade. “There are so many talented storytellers on campus who are ready to do great reporting,” said Trilogy editor Asha Moore-Smith, a rising senior at UDC. “This award will help us afford the tools and resources we need to create the highest quality content we can. We’re really grateful for the Newsroom Innovation Challenge award.”

Other examples of how newsrooms intend to use their funds include, installing a Whisper Room at The Hilltop for production of podcasts, purchasing high-definition cameras, and paying an editor on the investigative beat. Texas Southern University plans to use their award to launch a physical newsroom with computers and field kits for the newsroom staff, and to pay editors and contributing writers.

Pictured in the Morgan State photo: from left, Jacqueline Jones, dean, Morgan State University School of Global Journalism & Communication; Kali-Ahset Amen, executive director, Center for Journalism & Democracy; Jah'I Selassie, editor-in-chief, The Spokesman; Milton Kent professor of practice, Morgan State University and faculty advisor, The Spokesman; Lillian Stephens, managing editor, The Spokesman; DeWayne Wickham, dean emeritus and director, Center for New Media & Strategic Initiatives, Morgan State University. Photo credit: Elijah Pittman

Hilltop image above:  Members of The Hilltop pose with a check from the Center for Journalism & Democracy. The funds will go toward technology and staff for the newsroom. From left: Angela Harris, business advisor, The Hilltop; N’dia Webb, managing editor, The Hilltop; Jasper Smith, editor-in-chief, The Hilltop; Julian Szyszka, business manager, The Hilltop. Photo credit: Elijah Pittman

FAMU pauses $237M donation

The president of Florida A&M University announced Thursday that the school is putting a “pause” on a historic $237 million donation the Rattlers received over the weekend from Batterson Farms Corporation CEO Gregory Gerami and the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust.

The news comes after days of controversy over the gift.

FAMU announced the donation with a super-sized check during a jam-packed commencement ceremony on Saturday. But the school’s tone toward the funding swiftly changed this week after FAMU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons asked FAMU President Larry Robinson and Board Chair Kristin Harper to organize a public meeting in the interest of transparency.

“The recently announced donation would truly be transformative for Florida A&M University, an institution that is helping to shape the next generation of leaders,” FAMU Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons wrote in a statement shared Tuesday. “However, the reality is that little has been shared regarding the nature of the donation.”

A group of school leaders convened and discussed the donation Thursday afternoon during a FAMU Foundation Board Meeting, which was broadcast via Zoom. During the call, Robinson said that officials decided Wednesday to “put a pause” on the donation “pending additional information that’s come to my attention.”

“It’s in our best interest to put that on hold,” he said.

The group also passed a motion to form an “internal, multidisciplinary committee” that will audit the university’s process for evaluating major gifts.

[]SOURCE: WCTV]

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson Appointed President of Langston University

The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents announced the appointment of Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as the seventeenth President of Langston University. Dr. Jackson’s selection follows an extensive eight-month national search that attracted several qualified candidates.

“Dr. Jackson’s appointment underscores her exceptional leadership and vision for our institution. During her tenure as Interim President, Dr. Jackson maintained continuity and stability and managed to build momentum. Her unwavering commitment to Langston’s mission and her ability to navigate critical transitions have been commendable. We are confident that under her guidance, Langston University will excel,” commented Board Chair Joe Hall.

Dr. Jackson served as Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to assuming the role of Interim President in July 2023. Prior to advancing to the Vice Presidency, she also served as the university’s Associate Vice President for Student Success. Dr. Jackson’s association with Langston University began in 2014 as Dean and Professor for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Before joining Langston University, she spent 11 years at Louisiana State University in Shreveport as a faculty member, graduate program director, and department chair. Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Jackson worked as a high school English teacher, assistant principal, and principal in public education.

“I am honored to lead Langston University into its next chapter,” commented Dr. Jackson in response to her appointment. “I love this university and believe in its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Our mission must be focused on empowering students, celebrating student success, and contributing to the betterment of Oklahoma and beyond. Together, we will build upon Langston’s legacy and create a future where excellence knows no bounds.”

“As a proud graduate of Langston University, I wholeheartedly applaud the selection of Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as our next President. Her admiration for our beloved institution and the excellent job she did as interim President have been truly remarkable. Dr. Jackson’s leadership embodies the spirit of Langston, and I am confident that she will continue to elevate our university to new heights,” commented Sherman Lewis, a distinguished Langston University alumnus and member of the Langston University Presidential Search Committee.

“Our search for a new president attracted an impressive pool of candidates, which is a testament to Langston University’s potential and the importance of its mission. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson on her selection as the next President of Langston University. We appreciate the support of the members of the search committee and the Langston University community as Dr. Jackson leads the university to new heights,” commented A&M Regent Billy Taylor, who chaired the Presidential Search Committee.

About Langston University: Founded in 1897, Langston University is a beacon of educational opportunity, social justice, and community impact. As Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College or

Dr. Twinette Johnson named dean of Saint Louis University School of Law

Twinette Johnson, J.D., Ph.D., dean and professor of law at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law), has been selected as the next permanent dean of Saint Louis University School of Law. She will succeed William Johnson, J.D., who has served as dean since 2017. Saint Louis University Provost Michael Lewis announced she will assume the role effective July 1, 2024. 

Dr. Johnson, a former SLU LAW faculty member who earned both her B.A. and Ph.D. degrees at SLU, returns to the University with a distinguished track record of national success and leadership in legal education. She currently serves as the dean and professor of law at UDC Law in Washington, D.C., a position she has held since 2022. Over her seven years at UDC Law, Dr. Johnson also served as interim dean, associate dean for academic affairs, and director of academic success.

Dr. Johnson is a national expert in bar exam preparation and focuses her scholarship on higher education access policy, learning theory models in legal education, affinity group formation and identity, and disaster policy. 

Dr. Johnson began her academic career at the Saint Louis University School of Law over 20 years ago, when she served as the associate professor of legal writing, associate director of bar preparation programs, and also briefly serving as interim director of student activities and leadership. After SLU LAW, she moved on to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where she served as an associate professor of law and director of academic success.

Dr. Johnson’s previous professional experience includes a clerkship on the Missouri Supreme Court with Judge W. Duane Benton. She was also an associate attorney with Shearman and Sterling, LLP, in New York, where she practiced in the Bank Finance group representing financial institutions and corporations in investment grade and non-investment grade financing transactions.Dr. Johnson earned her Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy, with a concentration in Implementation and Management from Saint Louis University; her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law; and her B.A. in English Literature from Saint Louis University. 

Her return to St. Louis and the University marks a welcome highlight in her career.

“I am absolutely thrilled to become SLU’s next law dean,” said Dr. Johnson. “SLU LAW’s mission driven commitment to social justice and to the community in which it resides are very attractive to me and I am humbled by the opportunity to work with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and larger SLU and Saint Louis communities in leading this great law school in continued excellence.” 

Throughout her career, Dr. Johnson has served a number of constituencies, most notably students, alumni, her fellow law professors, and staff. During her time at UDC Law, Dr. Johnson implemented strategies to optimize law school operations and ensure financial stability. She also created programs to enhance the law school’s connection to the local community including spearheading a law school sponsored program at the local detention facility. Dr. Johnson has also established a fund to support students facing issues that would interfere with academic pursuits.

Of her appointment, Provost Lewis said, “I am very excited to have Dr. Johnson join our team here at SLU. She will be a transformational leader for the institution and is committed to expand the reach of our Law programs and clinics through innovative programming and student support initiatives. Her focus on academic success, bar preparation, faculty development and DEI initiatives align tightly with SLU's Jesuit Mission.”

Dr. Johnson succeeds Dean William Johnson, who has served as dean since January 2017. His tenure marked an emphasis on increasing diversity and equity within the law school community. Under his leadership, the School of Law’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was expanded, a community council for justice and equity was established, and deepening relationships with affinity bars have led to increased scholarship opportunities for students.

“I could not be more pleased with the selection of Dr. Twinette Johnson as the next permanent dean of this remarkable institution,” said Dean Johnson. “She has an incredible breadth and depth of directly relevant experience, which will position her and the entire law school community for continued success. And her commitment to mission is clear. Under her leadership, the difficult work of seeking justice and equity that this mission-driven law school community has undertaken will flourish. I am so proud to call her my dean, and I look forward to doing everything I can to ensure the best possible transition.”

Dr. Clarence B. Jones, MLK's Former Speechwriter Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement and the distinguished chairman of the nonprofit organization Spill The Honey, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joseph Biden. The ceremony took place at the White House on May 3rd, 2024.

Dr. Jones, who served as a speechwriter and legal advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played a crucial role in drafting King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His contributions to the civil rights movement have been widely acknowledged as instrumental in advancing the rights and liberties of African Americans throughout the United States.

Beyond his historical involvement in civil rights, Dr. Jones has continued to impact social justice through his leadership at Spill The Honey. This organization is dedicated to promoting human dignity and confronting prejudice and inequality by educating the public about the history and consequences of racism and discrimination. Under his guidance, Spill The Honey has developed educational programs and partnerships that foster a deeper understanding of civil rights history and encourage the pursuit of justice in contemporary society.

Shari Rogers, Co-Founder of Spill The Honey, expressed her admiration for Dr. Jones, stating, "Dr. Clarence B. Jones is not only a guardian of history but a continuing force for good whose work has consistently upheld the values of justice and equality. His dedication to Dr. King's legacy and his leadership at Spill The Honey reminds us that the fight for civil rights is ongoing, and it is our duty to continue it."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Dr. Jones's receipt of this prestigious award is a testament to his lifelong commitment to civil rights and his enduring influence on American society.

Spill The Honey’s mission is to eradicate all forms of hatred by illuminating the historical alliance between Black and Jewish communities, utilizing the arts and education as a catalyst for empathy and compassion - ultimately creating a seismic societal shift.

This will be achieved by leveraging the power of arts and education to ignite empathy and compassion, thereby catalyzing a profound societal transformation. Spill The Honey's future endeavors, including establishing an inspiring music group, crafting accredited K-12 curricula, offering collegiate courses, and providing community-based online educational programs, hold the promise of fostering diversity and inclusivity to combat racism, instilling hope for a more just and equitable future.