African-American Credit Union Coalition Georgia United Credit Union Foundation Announce HBCU Scholarship

The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and the Georgia United Credit Union Foundation are proud to announce the Dr. James Williams HBCU Scholarship, honoring Georgia United’s first African American board member. This initiative aims to support the academic pursuits of students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by providing two $2,500 scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.

“Georgia United Credit Union Foundation is committed to supporting schools, education and financial education, so partnering with AACUC to establish a new scholarship program to help create a pathway of success for students pursuing higher education at an HBCU has a long been a dream of ours,” said Debbie Smith, President of the Georgia United Foundation. “Naming the scholarship after our beloved board director Dr. James Williams makes this venture even more meaningful. Dr. James Williams is an exceptional man, and we look forward to recognizing an exceptional student with this scholarship.”

Dr. James Williams, the namesake of the scholarship, has had a distinguished career in education, serving as the former Deputy Superintendent for Administration of DeKalb County Schools. He has also held positions as a teacher, principal and area director in the DeKalb County School System. Dr. Williams completed his undergraduate studies at Alabama State University, earned his master's and Ed.S. degrees from Georgia State University and received his Doctorate from Clark Atlanta University. A member of Georgia United Credit Union since 1971, Dr. Williams was elected to the Board of Directors in 1997. Throughout his tenure, he has served in various roles, including Vice Chair, Secretary and as a member of the Credit Committee and Asset & Liability Committee.

Scholarship – along with mentorship and internship – are founding pillars for the AACUC in its pursuit to advance communities and professionals of color, close the racial wealth gap and build financial inclusion. The Dr. James Williams HBCU Scholarship is the first AACUC scholarship to directly benefit an HBCU.

“Now more than ever it is important for us to advocate for higher education for our young people, and HBCUs are uniquely equipped to give them an educational opportunity where students, faculty and alumni look like them and reflect their values,” said Renée Sattiewhite, AACUC President/CEO. “We’re grateful to our Chairman’s Circle Partner GUCU for having the foresight and eagerness to bring this scholarship to life with us.”

Applicants must be enrolled as full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors at accredited HBCUs to be eligible. The application process includes submitting a completed questionnaire, an essay, one reference letter and a copy of an unofficial transcript. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

For additional information and application details, please visit www.aacuc.org or contact Tre'Vaughn Allen at tallen@aacuc.org.

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.