Watch Michelle Obama's full speech as she campaigns in Kalamazoo Michigan for VP Kamala Harris.
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn named president of HBCU, Paine College
Since 2017, McCorn has served as President and Professor of Christian Leadership at Clinton College located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He served as pastor of churches in Boston, Connecticut, Atlanta and as Senior Pastor of the Historic 1,500-member Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
A native of Worchester, Massachusetts, McCorn earned a Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH) in 2011; a Master of Arts from Chicago Theological Seminary (Chicago, ILL) in 2003; a Master of Divinity Studies from Yale University School of Divinity (New Haven, CT) in 1999; a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Charter Oak State College (Newington, CT) in 2001; and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology from Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) in 1989.
During McCorn's seven-year tenure as president of Clinton College, the institution:
- Added five new bachelor's degrees: Nursing, Cybersecurity, Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary Studies and pending a Bachelor of Public Health (BPH)
- Increased student enrollment by 27% in fall 2024
- Improved student retention by 20% and graduation rates by 25%
- Established a Department of Sponsored Programs and Grants and secured over $20 million in grants and awards
- Granted $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund a Cybersecurity program
- Constructed the first Digital Library and Learning Commons at an HBCU (2021) with a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Lab and a new Academic Center for Excellence, with faculty offices, writing lab and a new Nursing Simulation Lab
- Earned ten years accrediting reaffirmation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), with no recommendations, findings, or suggestions in 2023
McCorn is married to Mrs. Charlene M. McCorn, an elementary school teacher in Fort Mill, South Carolina. They are the proud parents of four adult children and five grandchildren. He is a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, outgoing president, recently retired after 31 years of distinguished service at Paine. Dr. Jones played a pivotal role in the development of the Transformation Plan that will carry forward under the leadership of President-select McCorn. She is committed to working with the Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.
Although formal introductions commenced with students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and local business leaders on October 18th, the College will organize additional focus group meetings with the campus family, stakeholders, business and community leaders, to share in the excitement of this new chapter in the history of the Institution. President-select McCorn will host a series of listening sessions designed to gather feedback from constituents and community partners to chart a course for Paine College.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
OVER 100 STUDENT AND YOUTH LEADERS ORGANIZE MAJOR COMPLETE REPRATIONS SUMMIT
The National Reparations Institute along with 100 student and youth leaders will convene a National N’Daba (Great Gathering) Reparations Summit on Friday and Saturday November 1-2nd, 2024, at the Atlanta University Center. This year’s fourth annual National N’Daba (Great Gathering) will include a diverse and evolving group of committee members, presenters and youth advocates within the existing Complete Reparations Movement.
Recent events have catapulted the long, complicated, and often brutal history of the treatment of Blacks in America to the forefront. As a result of the historic and current impact on Black Americans’ inability to achieve and maintain equality in this country, the time is now for not only a discussion on complete reparations, but a custom model and application of the National Reparations Declaration led by youth organizers and experienced leaders.
This year our youth and attendees will benefit from this national N’Daba/Summit on complete reparations in five ways:
• The practice and strategy of functional unity and co-leadership within the existing complete
reparations movement.
• A diverse cross-section of the nation’s leading Black students, Black youth, and Black scholars
reflecting diverse theological, political, philosophical, and ideologies will participate.
• The “Collective Culture Model” will be instituted to ground us in the actual process and methodology of securing complete reparations. Select committees in education and culture, economics and investments, state and land acquisition, public and mental health, and public policy and legislation will be established.
• The introduction, organization and implementation of local organizing committees for complete
reparations will be incorporated.
• Training on organizing sustainability and wellness for co-leadership of trauma-based work.
Please prepare yourself to participate in this year’s N’Daba (Great Gathering) to ensure the long-term educational, economic, cultural, political success and sustainability for the masses of Blacks in America for the remainder of the 21st century. Register as a student, individual or as an organization at nationalreparationsinstitute.org. Email us at info@nationalreparationsinstitute.org, or call us at (470) 471-8693
WATCH: Beyoncé introduces Kamala Harris at Houston rally
Watch Beyoncé introduce and show her support for Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign rally focused on abortion rights in Houston on Friday.
AfroTech Conference 2024 Welcomes T.I., Colin Kaepernick, Kendrick Sampson, and Angelica Ross as Keynote Speakers in Houston
Blavity, Inc., the dynamic digital media company behind Blavity, 21Ninety, Home & Texture, AfroTech, Travel Noire, Blavity House Party, Blavity360º, and Talent Infusion, is thrilled to announce exciting additions to the highly anticipated AfroTech Conference 2024, taking place November 13-16 in Houston, TX. Joining the speaker lineup are artist, actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and podcast host Tip "T.I." Harris; Kendrick Sampson, actor, founder, and president of BLD PWR; Angelica Ross, actress, human rights advocate, and founder & CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises; and Colin Kaepernick, founder and CEO of Lumi and Super Bowl quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. These additions reflect AfroTech's mission to bridge culture and technology, driving innovation and inspiring future leaders.
"Having T.I., Kendrick, Angelica, and Colin at AfroTech 2024 underscores what this event is all about—pioneering the future of technology by challenging the status quo," said Morgan DeBaun, Founder and CEO of Blavity, Inc. "Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective on harnessing technology to not only scale businesses but to break down barriers. We're here to push the boundaries of what's possible and to empower the next generation to think bigger."
For instance, Colin Kaepernick will highlight how Lumi is empowering creators with AI tools to democratize storytelling, and T.I. will share strategies on thriving in today's rapidly evolving innovation economy. The aim isn't just to inspire but to equip attendees with the insights to drive tangible change in their own ventures."
T.I. will join Tosh Ernest, Head of Catalyst 2045 at Silicon Valley Bank, A Division of First Citizens Bank, for "Strategies for Success: Thriving in the Innovation Economy," a session tailored for Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. While this landscape offers exciting career and wealth-generation opportunities, systemic and historical barriers have limited access for women, Black, and Latinx individuals. T.I. and Ernest will share practical strategies for overcoming these challenges and navigating networks to create lasting impact.
"Technology is driving the future of business and culture, and it's vital for us to stay at the forefront," said T.I. "I'm excited to join AfroTech and speak to the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs about harnessing innovation to amplify our voices and impact globally.
Kaepernick will discuss his groundbreaking AI-driven platform, Lumi, which empowers creators by providing them with the tools to independently create, publish, and merchandise their stories. Moderated by Brian Dixon, Managing Partner at Kapor Capital, the session will also explore how Kaepernick's innovative approach to content creation and distribution has liberated creators and democratized storytelling.
Sampson will engage the audience in a vital discussion on technology and election integrity, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in driving change. Meanwhile, Ross will lead an inspiring fireside chat dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ talent in the tech industry, highlighting strategies to create inclusive environments and amplify diverse voices.
Attendees can also look forward to over 50 speakers, including Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley North America & Global Ice Cream, who will lead a panel on brand building through sustainability, diversity, and ethical leadership. Zuhairah Washington, Founder & CEO of Unlimited Ventures, will join a panel on overcoming barriers to success, focusing on mentorship and leadership development for women of color in tech and other underrepresented fields.
Engaging discussions will be paired with interactive networking sessions and hands-on workshops, offering a comprehensive experience for attendees. By learning from industry leaders and peers, participants will gain valuable insights and strategies to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities, contributing to a more inclusive and innovative tech landscape.
The conference will culminate in the highly anticipated Blavity House Party Block Party, featuring live performances from renowned artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere for attendees to celebrate culture and connection.
Please visit afrotechconference.com for more information about AfroTech Conference 2024, the full agenda, and to purchase tickets.
ABOUT BLAVITY, INC.
Blavity, Inc. is a technology and news media company founded in 2014 around a simple idea: enable Black millennials to tell their own stories. Today, Blavity is home to the largest network of platforms and lifestyle brands serving Black millennials & Gen Z through original content, video series, and unique experiences. The company has grown into a market leader for Black media, reaching over 100 million individuals per month through its growing brand portfolio, including Blavity, 21Ninety, Home & Texture, AfroTech, Travel Noire, Blavity House Party, Blavity360º, and Talent Infusion. For more information about the latest happenings at Blavity, Inc. and the company's diverse offerings, please visit Blavityinc.com.
ABOUT AFROTECH CONFERENCE
AfroTech is a global tech conference that celebrates and promotes Black innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in technology. It brings together over 20,000 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in tech. We also bring together over 150 Fortune 500 companies and an audience from all over the world. Conference highlights include four full days of over 50 renowned keynote speakers from companies like Riot Games, American Express, Capital One, & Deloitte; panel discussions curated on topics ranging from Data Engineering, AI, and Cybersecurity; networking sessions and workshops aimed at empowering Black professionals while fostering diverse perspectives in the tech industry. For more information about AfroTech Conference 2024, please visit afrotechconference.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)