The Word Network to Air Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee's Memorial Service Live on Thursday, August 1st

The Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s celebration of life will be carried live on The Word Network on Thursday, August 1st at 12pm ET/11am CT. Jackson, who passed away last week, represented the 18th Congressional District in Texas.

The Word Network continues its tradition of airing memorial services of such prominent people as Aretha Franklin, Rosa Parks, and Whitney Houston. The Word Network is the leading cable channel for religion and gospel music. The Word Network can be seen on all cable systems in the United States, and internationally on all streaming platforms in over 200 countries.

Those wanting to air the service are asked to credit The Word Network. Coordinates are Galaxy 32 at 91.0 W, Transponder 19C, 4066.5 MHz Horizontal.

Rally for Sonya Massey held in New York City

Hundreds gathered in Washington Square Park in New York City to pay tribute to Sonya Massey, the 36-year-old mother of two, who was fatally shot earlier this month by a sheriff's deputy inside her own Illinois home.

Rev. Dr. Maisha Handy Named President of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago

In July 2024, the Board of Trustees of McCormick Theological Seminary named Rev. Dr. Maisha I. Handy the 12th president at one of the nation’s oldest and most influential seminaries rooted in the Presbyterian tradition.

A Chicago native, Dr. Handy is a recognized and accomplished theologian, administrator, and educator. She will assume her new position as McCormick’s first African American president and second female leader on September 3rd.

This appointment follows her 24-year career at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Ga., where she most recently served as Interim President and Professor of Religion and Education of the historic institution.

Dr. Handy steps in to lead McCormick into its third century committed to supporting and building upon a legacy of fostering a community of Christian leadership serving diverse ministries and congregations in this challenging and complex world.

"It is with joy and excitement that I join the McCormick community as its 12th president,” says Dr. Handy. “McCormick’s mission as a seminary committed to justice and social impact aligns with my sense of vocation and purpose as a leader. Working collaboratively with the board, faculty, staff, and students, we will walk together into the next phase of this great institution’s legacy in theological education.”

A progressive leader among American seminaries, Dr. Handy is well respected for her experience as an administrator, dean, and pastor. She is an ordained minister of word and sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and since 2013 has served as pastor at Rize Community Church, an inclusive Africentric Christian ministry located in the heart of Atlanta with an intergenerational congregation of believers from all walks of life. Her time in the pastorate at Rize has brought her recognition for her work guiding young adults.

Dr. Handy earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Lincoln University in 1989; received her Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University in 1994, and her Ph.D. from Emory University in 2002 — the first African American woman to receive the degree from the department. Dr. Handy also spent a year as a teaching assistant to Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa in 1999.

In addition to her proven track record of more than two decades of experience in theological education, Dr. Handy is a collaborative leader and social justice-oriented community builder whose values and commitments align with those of McCormick. She inherits a financially strong and healthy seminary and a community that will embrace and support her to advance the institution’s mission and notable reputation for community collaboration.

Dr. Handy succeeds David H. Crawford, who retired on June 30, 2024, after serving as the seminary’s president since 2017. Mr. Crawford is credited with successfully leading McCormick through the pandemic and a transformational period in its history. His profound commitment to the future of the seminary helped to ensure McCormick’s historic legacy — and safeguard the vital work that we do so it may continue into the future.

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.