BACKGROUND: Albany State University, an HBCU in Georgia, was recently merged with Darton State College an ethnically-diverse 2-year institution. The issue did not receive extensive coverage in the media, but those concerned about the future of HBCUs watched it very carefully. The public discourse was likely diffused because Albany State maintained its name and legacy unlike similar proposals in the past. Could this be the future of HBCUs faced with dwindling enrollments and financial resources?

Dr. Art Dunning: Seizing the Opportunity to Change

With the impending consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College, the Albany community is in the midst of profound change. We must not lose sight of our primary goal: creating a better quality of life for future generations. We have the opportunity to come together to champion a consolidation that will greatly benefit Southwest Georgia. 

Dr. Art Dunning, President Albany State University

We are at the point that many communities were decades ago – impacting our future by advancing higher education. The majority of students at ASU and DSC come from Southwest Georgia.  We cannot ignore the facts about our region. There are more families living in poverty in the 2nd Congressional District than in any other district in Georgia, according to a report by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. We are ranked one of the poorest areas in the nation and anticipated population growth over the next 15 years is in the negative. In addition, low-enrollment and insufficient resources continue to threaten the progression of both institutions. By leveraging resources, preserving the assets and strengths of both institutions and creating new academic offerings that address the economic and workforce needs of the region, Albany can become the college town that is meant to be. Healthy dialogue and active participation in consolidation related matters is a start.

The new Albany State University has the ability to serve nearly 9,000-plus students.  A larger, single university will attract students from throughout the Southern United States, creating a robust and vibrant intellectual and economic center. This is imperative if we are ever going to entice students to make Southwest Georgia their home after graduation.   

Several years ago, I was asked to speak to economic and academic leaders in Lake Bled, Slovenia, a small area in Central Europe. As I discussed the political, social, and economic changes in the southern United States from 1865 to 1965, the plight of two distinct American cities came to mind, that of Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta. Birmingham, Ala., once recognized as a leading industrial center, gained a reputation as a community resistant to the immense changes of the 1960s. Atlanta, on the other hand, approached the changes from an economic development perspective and eventually became the economic capital of the Southeastern United States

Significant changes will be made in the next few months, as we continue the journey through consolidation to a bigger and better Albany State University. Change can be very difficult, but in the end, it is the only thing that makes us grow. Let’s decide to approach this change in a way that positively strengthens our region for future generations.  

Related Link:

Inside HigherEd: Merging an HBCU

 New Program Aims to Widen the Pipeline to Engineering Careers from HBCUs

Chairman Neville receives the 2 million dollar check on stage from Northrop Grumman Corporate Vice President, Darryl M Fraser. (Image: Grant Martin)

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Northrop Grumman Foundation and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) have launched a three-year, $2-million program designed to expand the nation’s engineering workforce through a partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Northrop Grumman Corporation/NSBE Integrated Pipeline Program, funded by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, will provide 72 engineering students with $8,000 scholarship grants, internships with Northrop Grumman and year-round academic and professional development support. The program’s three HBCU partners — Florida A&M University, Howard University and North Carolina A&T State University — will receive grants, technical assistance and a package of programs researched and managed by NSBE, to increase their already high capacity to recruit, retain and graduate engineers. NSBE is one of the largest student-governed professional societies based in the United States.

Executives of the Northrop Grumman Foundation and Northrop Grumman Corporation presented the $2-million grant to NSBE’s National Executive Board on March 26, during NSBE’s 42nd Annual Convention in Boston, Mass. The presidents of the NSBE chapters at Florida A&M, Howard and North Carolina A&T also joined the presentation. The convention drew more than 11,000 attendees to address the theme “Engineering a Cultural Change.” NSBE’s more than 31,000 members are dedicated to the Society’s mission: “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

“Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to helping improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to ensure a future workforce that can protect our nation and maintain our global leadership,” said Sandra Evers-Manly, Northrop Grumman vice president, global corporate responsibility and president of the Northrop Grumman Foundation.  “Our partnership with NSBE will help us achieve that goal and develop the pipeline of diverse talent that is so important to our company and our society’s future.”

“Our sincere thanks to the Northrop Grumman Foundation for this generous investment in our mission,” said NSBE National Chair Neville Green. “The student leadership of NSBE is excited about this program’s potential to move us toward the goals of our strategic plan and support HBCUs in the process. Initiatives such as this, with strong strategic partners, will be critical, as we seek to increase the number of African-American bachelor’s degree recipients in engineering from 3,500 to 10,000 annually over the next nine years.”

“We are delighted to receive this endorsement of our work from one of America’s most innovative companies,” said NSBE Executive Director Karl W. Reid, Ed.D. “For years, we have spoken about the vital role that engineering diversity plays in our national economy and national security. Northrop Grumman’s investment in this program illustrates that they understand the need exists and are willing to do something about it. This fact is reflected not only in their longtime support of NSBE but also in the high ratings the company receives from our membership.”

The first cohort of 24 Northrop Grumman Corporation/NSBE scholars will be selected in December, and their participation in the Pipeline Program will be kicked off with a summit meeting in March 2017, during NSBE’s 43rd Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo. Summer internships for the first cohort will begin in May 2017.

Last night's premiere of Miles Ahead at the Writers Guild Theater in Los Angeles, sponsored by Maestro Dobel Tequila, brought out celeb supporters of Don Cheadle who wrote, starred and directed the Miles Davis Biopic.

As the team at HistoryMiami builds for the future, there are openings for key positions. 

The team has identified 5 key audiences > history buffs, 305’ers (those that love and thrive on Miami), school students and their teachers, families with children age 6 and under, guests to the region.

Mission:   HistoryMiami Museum connects people by telling the stories of Miami’s communities, individuals, places and events.

Vision:   Exploring our past to inspire our future.

Director of Advancement: http://www.historymiami.org/_preview/about-us/employment/director-of-advancement/  Opportunity to build a team with a new attitude towards advancing the museum through individual, corporate and government support.  Building and maintaining relationships a key aspect of this position.  

Director of Education: http://www.historymiami.org/_preview/about-us/employment/director-of-education/  Build upon a strong museum school curriculum and public program. New initiatives include the creation of an education learning gallery for guests of all ages and the creation of invigorating programs for the community.

City Tours Manager: http://www.historymiami.org/_preview/about-us/employment/city-tours-manager/

 As Polls Close in North Carolina, Illinois, Florida, Ohio and Missouri, Election Protection Received Over 2,100 Calls

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - CIRCA 2015: A mural in Winston-Salem honors the history of the Civil Rights movement. With 'voting rights' being debated nationally, the mural has taken on renewed significance.  

Credit: MC Lewis / Shutterstock.com

Washington, D.C. – The nationwide nonpartisan Election Protection voter hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE received more 2,100 calls as voters in five states headed to the polls during March 15 presidential preference primaries as of 6 p.m. EDT. The hotline received a steady stream of calls throughout the day with voters seeking information and requesting assistance on a range of issues that resulted from poll worker misinformation, voter ID requirement implementation, long lines and last minute polling place changes.

“The hundreds of calls to 866-OUR-VOTE make clear that voters still continue to face barriers when seeking to exercise the right to vote,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “The nature and sheer volume of complaints received from states such as North Carolina, Illinois and Florida demonstrate that much work remains to be done to improve access to the ballot box across our country."

Throughout the day, the majority of the calls came from North Carolina where the state’s restrictive voter ID law was in effect for the first time.

In North Carolina:  

Eligible voter encounters problem with voter ID requirement: 

A voter in Wake County only had a temporary driver’s license for today’s election. The poll worker at her polling location said she would have to cast a provisional ballot and it should count according to the state’s “reasonable impediment” law, but because the voter was not confident that her ballot would be counted, she returned home to get her passport which is a valid form of ID.  The voter has voted in the same precinct and polling location for the last 20 years and never had a problem casting a ballot.

Long-time voter not on voter roll at polling place where she has voted for last 30 years:

A woman in Durham County went to her polling place where she has voted for the past 30 years, but a poll worker could not find her on the voter rolls. After searching the voter rolls several times and then asking the chief judge for help, the poll worker offered the voter a provisional ballot. The voter did not want to vote provisionally and went to the Board of Elections where she waited in line for another 45 minutes before she was able to cast a regular ballot. Upon contacting Election Protection, a volunteer was also able to verify her voter registration status and noted that she has voted in 62 previous elections. The voter indicated she was concerned for other voters who may not have had the time or resources to follow up in the way she did to ensure that they cast a ballot that counts.

Election Protection Helps 93-Year-Old Voter to Cast a Ballot:

A 93-year-old voter was initially denied a ballot after attempting to vote with an expired ID. Both a Democracy NC poll monitor and Election Protection hotline volunteer informed her of her right to vote with the ID.  Armed with this information, she went back to the polling place, informed the poll workers that she should be allowed to vote with an expired ID (as she is over the age of 70), and was allowed to cast her vote.

No notification of last minute polling place location:

At North Carolina Central University the polling place was moved from the student union to the law school. This change was not reflected on the Durham County Board of Elections website for most of the day, and no signs were present indicating the change and directing voters to the new location. An Election Protection volunteer created a sign to inform voters of the move and redirected over 100 people to the new polling location.  Many of the voters were elderly and had trouble getting across campus, which included a steep hill. As of 4:15 p.m. EDT today, several hours after the opening of the polls, the Durham County Board of Elections appeared to have updated their website.

Lines Over an Hour Long in Wilmington:

Long lines were reported at the VFW polling location in Wilmington where voters were waiting over an hour to vote, many of whom were elderly. An Election Protection volunteer encouraged voters to stay in line but counted at least 17 people who left the polling location without casting a ballot.

In Florida: 

Malfunctioning electronic poll book issues:

In Orange County, a voter called 866-OUR-VOTE to report that the electronic poll books used to look up voters were malfunctioning, causing delays in checking in voters as they arrived at the polling site. The problem resulted in a long line and although the voter was able to wait and vote, the voter reported that other voters left the line and polling place without voting.

Long Lines Impact Elderly Voters:

Another voter in Volusia County called 866-OUR-VOTE to report long lines at his polling location. Voters were forced to wait at least an hour, including many senior citizens who left because they could not stand and wait that long. Election Protection reported the issue to the county board of elections.

In Illinois:

Voter Denied Opportunity to Register to Vote at Polling Site in Accordance with Law: 

Despite the fact that Election Day Registration should be available to voters at all polling locations in counties with a population of over 100,000, a McHenry County voter who needed to register reported that the supervisor at his polling location directed him to another location but did not provide the address. The Illinois State Board Elections in Chicago confirmed that McHenry County should have Election Day Registration at all polling places allowing voters to register at the polling site. McHenry County officials were called numerous times but were not reachable to address the issue.

17-Year-Old Eligible to Vote Turned Away at the Polls:

In Chicago, a 17-year-old voter who will turn 18 next week reported that she tried to register at her polling location, but the electronic form would not allow her to register because she is 17. The voter was not offered a provisional ballot and left the polling location without casting a ballot. The Chicago Board of Elections reported that her ballot would have been counted.

Election Protection Helps Student Voters at Wheaton College:

A student went to vote at a polling location near Wheaton College and was turned away by a poll worker. The voter had his student ID and driver’s license, but the poll worker incorrectly informed the voter that college students need to provide another form of ID with the college’s mailing address. Election Protection contacted a deputy registrar with the DuPage County Election Commission, who informed the poll worker that college students are allowed to vote in this election with a driver's license and a student ID. The student returned to the polling location and was able to vote but noted 15 to 20 of his fellow students had left the polling location without voting.

Youth Leadership Miami (YLM) brings together high school students from both public and private schools throughout Miami-Dade County with the goal of expanding our youth’s community awareness and broadening personal experiences, as well as exploring future professional goals.  This year’s program will be taking place on Friday, April 8, 2016 (Miami-Dade County Public Schools Teacher Planning Day) and Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus, Kovens Conference Center, 3000 NE 151 Street, Miami, FL 33181.

YLM is a two-day, fun and high-energy conference filled with unique series of activities focused on students working together to solve structured problems to gain confidence, teamwork, respect, communication skills and leadership.  Both days will include adventure challenges and a wide variety of activities with community leaders and prominent business executives, all sharing their views on our community and their leadership skills.  The program is not just for students with high grade point averages, but for those students in good standing at their school who are interested in issues affecting Greater Miami, its youth and developing leadership and personal skills.  Students will leave the program with new friends, leadership skills and a sense of pride and ownership of the community. 

There is no cost to attend the conference.  The conference takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days. In addition, students may receive community service hours for attending both days.  Participating seniors may also have an opportunity to win a scholarship from the South Florida Progress Foundation.

To participate in YLM 2016, students must complete the application online: http://miamichamber.com/YLM2016

The final deadline for applications is Thursday, March 24, 2016.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Check out the news reported by Ch. 10’s Bob Norman regarding racist memorabilia on the walls at Sal’s Towing in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Norman goes on to state that Sal’s Towing is contracted by the City of Fort Lauderdale and other governmental entities.

It’s interesting to note that a black male former employee reported the racist memorabilia and even was subjected to racial slurs. Another black male employee initially defended the business, go figure. Why anyone would allow themselves to be subjected to such treatment in this day and age is downright sad. It’s 2016, and this level of discrimination still exists. Some white people don’t believe it or don’t want to believe it or are in denial. Some black people don’t believe it or don’t want to believe it or are in denial.

As expected, after denying being racist, the owner, Sal Belasai, eventually indicated the signs would be removed. That’s a step in the right direction but is removing the signs is supposed to make everything alright? I don’t think so. Sal’s supporters defend him by citing his service to the community. Really? I don’t think so.

Sal’s accuser has also been targeted. He was arrested for violently abusing a girlfriend. That still doesn’t change the fact that the racist signs were posted in Sal's place of business. Stay focused.

I have a couple of questions. How long has the memorabilia been on display at Sal’s? How many people, black and white, have seen it and done nothing about it? This is the sad reality of post-racial America.

By the way, Sal indicated the memorabilia is black history, in a way he’s correct. Check out this video on the history of the term ‘gator bait’. Get a better understanding why everyone should be mortified and disgusted these signs would be on display in a place of business in the United States.

 @vbyers

#racism #thestruggleisreal #gatorbait #blackhistory

This is the follow-up post regarding construction of a charter school as part of the rebuilding of Liberty Square Housing Project AKA the Pork ‘n Beans.

by William DC Clark

It appears what Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said concerning the District's involvement in the Liberty Square Development was true after all.

By now, those of you who have been following ICARE (Inner City Alumni for Responsible Education) knows that when it comes to our respective schools, we don't take any prisoners. If we thought that anyone, including Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, was trying to destroy the fabric of our beloved institutions, then they would have hell to pay. So when we heard the District was involved in building a Charter School in the middle of the newly developed Liberty Square Apartments, we went ballistic. Not only would a new K-12 Charter School destroy Miami Northwestern and its entire feeder pattern, but the building of that school would also probably be a precursor to the start of gentrification in that area.

As you know, in a recent article written in the Miami Herald, it stated Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez threatened to report Mr. Carvalho to the Ethics Committee for violating the Cone of Silence due to his and the District's relationship with Miami Waymark 2.0. Waymark is one of the developers bidding on the Liberty Square development and was recently eliminated by the Mayor from this process. It made the Superintendent look like a shady character at best and worst, someone who couldn’t be trusted.

However, during a meeting between ICARE and the Superintendent, Mr. Carvalho brought with him some supporting documents (see below) that stated, even though the District does have a relationship with Miami Waymark 2.0, there were no plans in Waymark's submission letter to build a Charter school. Even though the letter said: "a new recreational space and other spaces are designed to serve Miami-Dade Public Schools ...for community programming..." it did not mention the District assisting Waymark in the building of any school.

In the end, it appears as if Mayor Gimenez purposely use that opportunity to throw Superintendent Carvalho under the bus and mislead the citizens of Miami-Dade County at the same time. Whether it was for political or personal reasons, the members of ICARE thinks the play that the Mayor made on Mr. Carvalho was horse shit and that he, instead of Mr. Carvalho, should be the one reported to the Ethics Committee.

As most of you should know by now, our relationship with Mr. Carvalho hasn't always been a healthy one. But at least, he finds the time to meet with us and has devoted a team around the clock to address our concerns. We will continue to stay on his ass until the concerns of our schools are met. The Mayor, however, meets with our community sporadically and have yet to address our concerns despite his Disparity study showing that the County spends less than 2% of their procurement budget with Black businesses. Does he truly care about our community? You do the math.