Lane College Names Dr. Donald W. Comer New Interim President

The Lane College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Donald W. Comer as Interim President, effective August 1, 2024. Dr. Comer, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, has impressive educational credentials, a stellar corporate career, a community service background, and a deep commitment to student success, which will be a driving force in the future of Lane College.

Dr. Comer brings a wealth of experience to Lane College, particularly through his long-standing association with FedEx Corporation. Over his 35-year tenure with FedEx, Dr. Comer has consistently demonstrated his leadership and management skills in various business disciplines including data analytics, marketing, finance, strategic planning, and project management.

“The Board and I are confident that we have selected a dynamic new leader for the next level of growth of our beloved Lane College,” said Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, chair of the Lane College Board of Trustees.

Dr. Comer’s commitment to student success is unwavering. He has been a tireless advocate, advisor, and mentor for students, dedicating significant personal time to serving on the boards of two historic black colleges and the National Black MBA Association.

“I am honored to serve as Interim President and have a lifelong passion for the critical mission of Lane College,” said Comer who recently retired after a 35-year career as a senior executive with FedEx. “Working with the dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and community, we will work to enhance educational opportunities and support student success, while staying true to Lane College’s mission and values.”

Dr. Comer has a PhD in Urban Higher Education, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He was Vice President, Decision Science & Analytics and Operations Analysis at FedEx.

HBCU Jackson State University receives National Academy of Inventors' Founders Award

 Jackson State University (JSU) proudly announces its historic recognition as the recipient of the prestigious Founders Award from the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This achievement makes JSU the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and the first institution in Mississippi to be honored.

The Founder's Award is presented to institutions significantly contributing to NAI's success by enhancing its reach, promoting access and diversity, and demonstrating a commitment to innovation and invention.

"This award is a testament to the impactful research and innovation of our faculty, staff, and students. Being the first HBCU and the first institution in Mississippi to receive this honor highlights JSU's leadership in invention and ingenuity," said President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson. "This recognition further underscores our dedication to academic excellence, economic development, and societal progress. It is a significant milestone not just for JSU, but for all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the state of Mississippi."

Jackson State's journey with NAI began as a charter member in February 2011. The university's dedication to innovation has been consistently recognized, with multiple faculty members inducted as NAI fellows. Dr. Ernest Izevbigie was the first, inducted in 2012 during the inaugural conference in Tampa, Florida.

At that time, Izevbigie had earned two patents, including one for a Nigerian herbal shrub formula he created called Veronica amygdalina, or bitter leaf. His research led to the formation of the JSU-initiated company EdoBotanics, which sells dietary supplements to boost the immune system and help with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. The government of Nigeria gave the company its approval to manufacture and sell the dietary capsules in the country.

"JSU's membership in the National Academy of Inventors has been pivotal in fostering innovation and research translation among JSU faculty, empowering them to transform ideas into solutions for societal impact. We are excited to have received the Founders Award and will continue to engage with NAI and similar organizations to promote the inventions of our faculty," said Dr. Almesha Campbell, Assistant Vice President of JSU's Division of Research and Economic Development.

Dr. Kamal Ali, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, was inducted in 2017 for making vital contributions to the invention of Hardware in the Loop Simulator for autopilots.

In 2019, Dr. Danuta Leszczynska was inducted after earning a 2018 medical patent on technology to eliminate inflammation and infection in patients whose artificial implants become brittle and start chipping. The inventions of these faculty members have significantly impacted quality of life, economic development and societal welfare.

Dr. Felix Okojie further elevated JSU's role in NAI by serving on the Board of Directors from 2013-2014, reinforcing the university's commitment to the organization.

Campbell, who accepted the award on behalf of the university, has been engaged with NAI since 2011 and was inducted as an honorary member in 2022. JSU Innovation Program Manager Latane Brackett also received the designation in 2023 for his significant contributions to the innovation ecosystem.

As one of the NAI's Charter Member Institutions, Jackson State University has been an unwavering champion of the academy, playing an integral role in supporting its mission since the NAI's inception.

Barack and Michelle Obama endorse VP Kamala Harris for President

Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday for President of the United States.

Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in… pic.twitter.com/0UIS0doIbA

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 26, 2024

MARTHA’S VINEYARD AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF IT’S 22ND YEAR

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) proudly announces its 22nd annual celebration, taking place from August 2nd to August 10th. This esteemed Oscar-qualifying festival showcases the best of black cinema, featuring independent films, acclaimed documentaries, panel discussions, and exclusive events ESPN returns as the Presenting Sponsor for this unforgettable 9-day celebration.

“We are beyond thrilled to mark 22 years of amplifying the voices and stories of black filmmakers,” said Floyd Rance, founder of Run & Shoot Filmworks and producer and co-founder of the MVAAFF. “From our beginnings in Park Slope, Brooklyn to the beautiful shores of Martha’s Vineyard, we are extremely proud of the financial impact felt by all island business, during the two weeks of the festival, and look forward to another year of celebrating black excellence in film.”  

Brian Lockhart, ESPN SVP of Original Content and ESPN Films states, “We are incredibly honored to be a presenting sponsor of the prestigious Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. This festival stands as a beacon for celebrating diverse voices, showcasing powerful narratives, and fostering meaningful conversations within the community. Being part of this vibrant and influential festival not only aligns with ESPN’s mission of elevating unique and vital perspectives, but also allows us to contribute to its continued success and impact. We look forward to engaging with the festival’s discerning audience and supporting the extraordinary talent showcased here.” 

The MVAAFF is committed to promoting diversity in the film industry, providing a platform for black and brown filmmakers to share their unique perspectives and stories. Over the past 22 years, the festival has grown into a premier event, attracting A-list talent and audiences from around the world.  Featured shorts and Documentaries include Albany Road; Luther: Never Too Much; Rebel Girls and How Do You Remember the Days of Slavery from Harvard Historian, Vincent Brown.  

The festival kicks off on opening night with the powerful new release from A24, “Sing Sing,” starring Academy Award Nominee Colman Domingo. The film tells the inspiring story of Devine G. (Domingo), a man imprisoned at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, for a crime he did not commit, who finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men.  The screening will take place at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center at 8:00pm and will be followed by a discussion with Colman Domingo, producer Monique Walton and Gina Belafonte (President and CEO of Sankofa.org). 

On August 3rd, from 11am – 3pm in the Vineyard Lounge, step into the Magic Iyanu as Lion Forge Entertainment, Cartoon Network, and Max present The Magic of ‘IYANU’: 

an animated series inspired by West African folklore, coming to Cartoon Network and Max in 2025. Follow a young hero’s journey as she discovers her superpowers and races to save Yorubaland from an ancient curse with her newfound friends. Join Lion Forge Entertainment at MVAAFF for family-friendly activities, including an art wall, drum circle, and panel discussion with the series creators. Plus, an EXCLUSIVE REVEAL of scenes from the series and a book signing with Roye Okupe, creator of the original ‘Iyanu: Child of Wonder’ graphic novel.

Warner Bros Television presents “A Color of Conversation” with the incomparable Sheryl Lee Ralph on August 3rd, at 8:00pm.  The Emmy-winning actress and singer will discuss her latest triumph with the award-winning series “Abbott Elementary.”

Foodies and film lovers alike will delight in an exclusive culinary experience on Sunday, August 4th. Celebrity Chef and bestselling author Patrick Neely of the Food Network will join renowned Chef Juan Martinez of the Harbor View Hotel for a first-of-its-kind dinner to celebrate African American cuisine to kick off the festival weekend. The dinner will feature exquisite wines curated by Boston’s own Black Owned Sommelier, TJ Douglas.   

Apple Original Films has partnered with Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival to kick off the official opening festivities taking place at l’etoile restaurant from 10:00pm to 1:00am. A multi-year partner of MVAAFF, Apple’s award-winning, high-quality programming features a diverse range stories that connect with our shared humanity and are available in more than 100 countries on Apple TV+.

Additional screenings, panel discussions and a host of surprises will continue to be updated throughout the festival.  All screenings and events will take place at Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center (MVPAC) 100 Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. The Festival will also highlight its signature events which include the annual White Party, Director’s Brunch as well as the signatory Bonds of Brotherhood and Women’s C-Suite lunches.  

For more information on the MVAAFF and a complete schedule of screenings and special events, please visit www.mvaaff.com.

About Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

The MVAAFF, established in 2002, is an OSCAR®-qualifying film festival in the short film category. It is a nine-day event where independent and established African American filmmakers can showcase, screen, and promote emerging feature, documentary, and short films from across the world. The brainchild of the husband-and-wife team, Floyd and Stephanie Rance, the MVAAFF provides a nurturing environment for African American filmmakers to test their creativity while giving sponsors a captive audience to promote their brands among a highly discerning community of people of color.

30 African American Historic Sites Receive $3 Million in Preservation Funding

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, today announced $3 million in grant funding to protect and preserve 30 sites representing Black history. With more than $140 million raised since its founding in 2017, the Action Fund is the largest resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places. 

"The National Grant Program represents the Action Fund's enduring commitment to telling the full American story - one that makes room for Black resilience, creativity, and achievement," said Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. "History is crucial to our nation's understanding of where we've come from, who we are today, and how we envision our future. These grants will support critical preservation efforts to revitalize and sustain tangible links to our shared past that we hope will inspire future generations."

This work would not be possible without the Action Fund's key philanthropic partners who share a commitment to social justice through preservation and education. The Mellon Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of the Action Fund and the National Grant Program, and several of this year's grantees will be receiving the financial resources they need to complete capital projects, build organizational capacity, and more as a result of the Mellon Foundation's contribution of $1.5 million.

"Preserving African American culture is central to preserving and understanding American culture writ large," said Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation. "This new suite of Action Fund grants will provide crucial financial and strategic support to sites that further illuminate the Black voices and visions that make up our shared American past. We at Mellon are pleased to support this effort to ensure that all of us can continue to learn and experience these essential histories in our public spaces."

In addition to the Mellon Foundation, the Action Fund is grateful for the generous contributions of the Ford Foundation and the Robert D. L. Gardiner Foundation to the National Grant Program.

This year's awardees include the second round of Conserving Black Modernism grants, a program designed to protect and promote the work of African American architects. These sites will receive $1.2 million in preservation funding through the Action Fund with support from the Getty Foundation.

"We're thrilled to support a second iteration of grants for the Conserving Black Modernism program," said Joan Weinstein, director of the Getty Foundation. "This program both expands our understanding of modernist architecture in the United States and celebrates the unique contributions of pioneering African American architects who have long been overlooked."

With amounts ranging from $50K to $150K, this year's Action Fund grants will support preservation efforts across four categories: 

• Building Capital: Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of cultural assets important to Black history
  
  
• Increasing Organizational Capacity: Providing leadership staff positions within nonprofits stewarding Black heritage sites
  
  
• Project Planning and Development: Funding planning activities tied to the development of preservation plans, feasibility studies, historic site reports, National Register designations, and fundraising
  
  
• Programming and Education: Advancing storytelling through public education, exhibits, and creative interpretation

A site list including details about all of this year's grantees, and a media kit with hi-res photographs, are available here.

About the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

In November 2017, the National Trust for Historic Preservation launched its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF) to make an important and lasting contribution to the American landscape by preserving sites of Black activism, achievement, and resilience. Since 2017, it has raised over $140 million and supported 304 grantees nationwide. The AACHAF's work is guided by the Founding Executive Director, Brent Leggs, and an esteemed National Advisory Council that includes thought leaders in the arts, academia, business, government, philanthropy, and preservation.

Learn more about the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at www.savingplaces.org/actionfund.