DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Congresswoman S. Wilson (FL-24), was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) for her contributions to society and commitment to service at the BCU fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 10, 2016, in the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center in Daytona Beach.  The degree was presented by BCU President Dr. Edison O. Jackson, and Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Joe Petrock.

Wilson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Fisk University, a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Miami, and an Honorary Doctorate degree from Florida Memorial University.

CHICAGO —Alicia Keys tells EBONY she doesn’t believe in being “flawless,” yet on the set of the September Issue shoot, the 15-time Grammy® Award-winning music artist, philanthropist and judge on the new season of NBC’s The Voice proves she’s still a girl on fire. The fresh-faced star posed perfectly in futuristic attire while maintaining her dedication to the #nomakeup movement.

In an exclusive interview, the incomparable entertainer updates us on her upcoming and highly anticipated album. In addition to giving us insight into her career moves, she holds court on an assortment of hot-button topics, including raising Black boys in the era of #BlackLivesMatter. 

“We are at a tipping point for major change. Senseless killings are outrageous and unacceptable. It’s like a slap in the face. It’s a constant reminder that our lives—our Black lives—are literally meaningless,” Keys tells the writer.

She also talks about self-confidence and the cruelty of social media.  Her viewpoints are especially relevant as Twitter trolls attack the #blackgirlmagic of Olympians Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Simone Manuel.

“Alicia Keys is one of the artists I respect most because of her dedication to social justice and desire to go beyond lip service to make the world a better place,” says Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President of Digital Editorial Kyra Kyles. “Her commentary on race, class and gender were illuminating, and she shared some sentiments with us that you will see few other places.”

The issue also reveals the winners of EBONY's annual Beauty Awards and trendsetting tips from “It”-girl group Chole x Halle. Look out for coverage of actress Lupita Nyong’o, hip-hop icons De La Soul and the multitalented Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino. And this edition would not be complete without one of EBONY’s favorite time-honored traditions, the HBCU Campus Queens. Over 50 lovely, talented and community-oriented young ladies who represent historically Black colleges and universities across the country are highlighted.  Check out the September issue on newsstands now, and visit EBONY.com for behind-the-scenes videos. Join the conversation on social media via #AliciaOnEbony

The South Florida Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (SFC-NAASC), a 501(c)(3) organization will celebrate Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County community leaders at their annual  All That Jazz, the scholarship fundraiser: 

• Dr. Dorothy Bendross Mindingall, Vice Chair of Miami-Dade County School Board
• Robert W. Runcie, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools
• Noble Lockhart-Mays, Founder and Executive Director of Faith’s Place Centers

and Spelman alumnae working in the field of education, making a difference in the South Florida community.

WHEN

Sunday, June 12, 2016 

3:00 PM to 6:30 PM (EDT) 

WHERE

Adena Grill at The Village at Gulfstream Park

900 Silks Run #1740

Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 

Purchase tickets online at Eventbrite. 

For more information about All That Jazz event, email spelman.allthatjazz@gmail.com. 

Joy Angbo, a business major from Brooklyn, in Nicosia, Cyprus. Angbo is participating in a Bennett College Study Abroad Program.

GREENSBORO, NC —  This semester, five Bennett College are studying abroad in countries such as Nicosia, Cyprus; London, England; and Zanzibar, Tanzania. These students say that they have been able to gain insight into their passion, develop a greater appreciation of other cultures and begin an effort to build an international network for the future.

Olivia Leaven is in her junior year at Bennett and is paying for her study abroad expenses as a Robert Kantor Scholar.  She is enrolled in the School for International Training (SIT)  Study Abroad Program in Tanzania, conducting research with a focus on coastal ecology, natural resource management, and sustainable development. The biology major and international affairs minor wants to help indigenous groups grow healthy crops that will ultimately result in reduced incidents of diabetes and high blood pressure.  She wants to create and manage a non-governmental organization that acts as an ombudsman between indigenous and underrepresented communities encouraging self-sufficiency.

Iso Leaven is passionate about making sure underrepresented communities have healthy foods.   As a student, she is currently working on establishing SanKofa Sprouts in Greensboro. Sankofa is a word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates as “reach back and get it.”

“SIT is like a beacon of light that directs me to my goals,” said Leaven.

Chelsea Moore is a junior, journalism and media studies major from Nashville, Tennessee who is studying in Nicosia, Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean. Moore says, her experience thus far has been life changing. "I've grown in so many aspects and I can now say I'm able to adapt anywhere!" 

Students often wonder are they allowed to travel to other countries while studying abroad. 

"What I'm enjoying most about my time here in Europe is the ability to travel to various countries inexpensively."

Jaiza Wesley is a junior, psychology major- Sociology minor from Olympia, Washington, who is studying in Nicosia, Cyprus, the largest city on the island of Cyprus, a part of the European Union. Her favorite course that she is taking at the University of Nicosia is “Culture and Psychology” where she is learning how important it is to take into consideration people’s culture, not only when counseling, but in everyday life.

Wesley says, “I recommend studying abroad to all students; this experience has changed my perspective on how to view the world. I believe it is important to meet and interact with people of different cultures. Take advantage of the opportunity!”

Often, students want to study abroad, but don’t know where to start. Every semester there is an Academic Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES) program available to all students at Bennett College where study abroad students share their travel experiences.

Ms. Lee Todhunter, Interim Director, for the Center for Global Studies, said, “The only restrictions for students wishing to study abroad is that they cannot be freshwoman or in their final semester of studies. Also, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, although some programs require higher, and students must be in good academic standing.”

The Center for Global Studies is created to help students who have inquiries about studying abroad, where to start and how to apply.

Todhunter said, “The center for Global Studies has also made an effort to partner with those who provide cost effective programs that match Bennett’s cost of attendance, including programs to countries such as Cyprus and Costa Rica and to help students identify a program that offers courses they can take for credit and one that they can also afford.”

Joy Angbo, a junior business administration major and management minor from Brooklyn, New York, is also studying at the University of Nicosia. She is enjoying the course she is taking in Corporate Finance where she is learning how to make investments. This experience is an eye-opener for Angbo since it is her first time being out of the country for an extended period.

“I can’t wait to be back at Bennett to share with my Bennett sisters my full story of this beautiful opportunity,” said Angbo. 

Kiara Mills, junior journalism and media studies major from Willingboro, New Jersey, is currently studying at London South Bank University in London, England. The program has provided her with insight on how people in different parts of the world experience an education. She is taking Professional Writing; and Cultural Memory, and American Cinema courses.

GREENSBORO, NC — The spring 2016 HBCUgrow LEAD Conference, on the campus of Bennett College, featured North Carolina Senator Gladys Robinson, who spoke about the many faces of Jim Crow and how HBCUs can thrive in the 2016 political landscape. “Jim Crow has many faces, not only police brutality but injustice at the levels that denies food stamps for the hungry, housing for the homeless and access to higher education for our young people,” said Robinson.  The senator also highlighted several ways that HBCUs can sustain their momentum.  She encouraged HBCU leaders to focus on fundraising, sustainable endowments and achieving strong alumni giving.  She ended her address by issuing a challenge to the audience. “I encourage you to remember how you felt when you got that baccalaureate degree from an HBCU, and then I want you to go out and lift your hands and voices so that students that attend HBCUs can feel the same way,” she said.

The conference was designed to provide HBCUs with best practices in attracting prospective students, talented faculty, and donors.  Also, the conference recognized excellence at HBCUs. The HBCUgrow  2016 Gold Award winners were:  Shaw University for LEAD website,” Florida A&M University for LEAD marketing and the President of Shaw University, Tashni-Ann Dubroy for the “Best Leadership.”

Bennett College President Rosalind Fuse-Hall delivered the keynote address for the luncheon dispelling the notion that higher education is no longer the key to opportunity. “Americans are being constantly told that we are weighing students down with excessive debt, they can’t graduate timely, and we don’t really need that many people that are well educated -- we just need a few people with a few certifications to do certain things.  We know that this is not the case,” said Fuse-Hall.”  She also discussed the importance of student enrollment, fiscal stability, fundraising, budgeting, leveraging facilities, and having a better understanding of the dynamics of governing boards.

HBCUgrow is a consortium dedicated to helping HBCUs grow enrollment and alumni giving, and tackle the changing landscape of marketing challenges. HBCUgrow helps by offering a community of like-minded professionals sharing knowledge and inspiring HBCUs to grow. The group organizes conferences and events on topics such as enrollment management, alumni engagement, and marketing. To learn more, visit www.hbcugrow.com or join the HBCUgrow group on LinkedIn.

College leaders attending the HBCUgrow LEAD Conference were (left to right): and President of Shaw University Tashni-Ann Dubroy; Bennett College President Rosalind Fuse-Hall; Dr. Debra Saunders-White, chancellor at North Carolina Central University; and Dr. Larry Czarda, president at Greensboro College.

From left to right are: Jeanne Frazer, president of Vitalink, one of the Founding Partners of HBCUgrow; Anthony Brooks, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Shaw University; N.C. Senator Gladys Robinson; Bennett College Senior Cymone Baker; David Hoard, president of DHT & Associates and an HBCUgrow Advisory Board member; Audrey Franklin, executive director of Alumnae Relations at Bennett College; and Dr. Kim Long, associate provost for Administration at Wiley College.

Greg Hylick, ASU alumnus and president of the ASU Foundation, (right) receives an original painting by artist Leroy Campbell (left) after bidding $4,000 during a live auction at Saturday’s “Party with a Purpose” benefit in Atlanta. Photo: Reginald Christian

ALBANY, Ga. – A lively and energetic atmosphere proved to be the best setting for raising funds for student scholarships. Albany State University alumni and supporters raised $30,600 for need-based scholarships at Saturday’s “Party with a Purpose” benefit held at the prestigious Commerce Club in downtown Atlanta. 

“This is a proud day for ASU,” President Art Dunning said to a group of nearly 160 alumni and supporters. “The future of the university depends on the people in this room.”

The event, held in collaboration with the Tom Joyner Foundation, was the first of many university initiatives for the Tom Joyner School of the Month campaign. As the November School of the Month, the TJF will promote raising funds for the university and highlight its programs for the entire year. ASU will be featured daily during the month of November. 

During the live auction, Greg Hylick, president of the ASU Foundation, made a successful bid of $4,000 on an exclusive Leroy Campbell original painting. Dunning and first-lady Karen Baynes-Dunning were so inspired, they committed another $4,000 to support need-based scholarships. A silent auction that featured original artwork by ASU students was also a great success, with many of the pieces earning more than $100 bids. 

“Much like the band’s performance in Pasadena, the student artwork was just another shining example of how talented ASU students are,” said Chanta Haywood, ASU vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the ASU Foundation. “They need our support to nurture that talent so that they may graduate and inspire future generations.”

Co-hosts, television actress JoMarie Payton and the Honorable Glenda Hatchett, Atlanta attorney and star of the former “Judge Hatchett” television show, helped to reinforce the importance of giving by making donations of their own.

After hearing about the upcoming groundbreaking for the ASU Fine Arts Center, Payton wrote a check for $500 toward fine arts scholarships.

“The young people that we support with our donations are the biggest investment we can make in our lives,” said Payton, a native Albanian.

“We don’t want to look back and say we wish we would have done a little more,” said Hatchett, who served as the 2014 Spring Commencement speaker at Albany State. “We are claiming extraordinary things for ASU. We have work to do, and it’s on our collective shoulders to get it done.”

Fitting the occasion, a $2,500 scholarship was presented to social work major, Debra Rucks. The inaugural scholarship is part of the $25,000 endowment by Virginia Harris and family, in honor of her husband, Keith Harris.

“Ms. Rucks will likely graduate on time and begin helping her community as a result of this generous donation,” Haywood said. “All donations matter, no matter the size. Collectively, small amounts add up to make large differences and that's something to celebrate.”

“Party with a Purpose” was the first event in ASU’s “Week of Giving” initiative, which began Saturday, March 26 and will culminate on Founder’s Day, Friday, April 1. The “Week of Giving” is an invitation to students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends to give back through donations and personal involvement. To make a donation, visit giveto.asurams.edu. 

Photo caption: Greg Hylick, ASU alumnus and president of the ASU Foundation, (right) receives an original painting by artist Leroy Campbell  (left) after bidding $4,000 during a live auction at Saturday’s “Party with a Purpose” benefit in Atlanta. Photo credit: Reginald Christian

The Metropolitan Dade County Section of the National Council of Negro Women and Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. present the 5th Annual HBCU College Recognition Forum

This event is free and open to Middle School and High School students seeking to learn about the benefits of attending a Historical Black College or University.

Sherbondy Village
215 Perviz Avenue
Opa Locka, FL 33054

For more information contact Nadelyn Harris at 786-379-5507

It's that time of year again and if it's HBCU football time then it's time for trash-talking and bragging rights. While the winner of the game is determined by the final score, the half-time competition between marching bands is a serious matter. Check out this video of one of Ricky Smiley's most hilarious comedy routines.

To help you get your travel plans in order, check out HBCU Buzz for the list of this year's Homecoming games. I'll save some of you the trouble, FAMU's Homecoming game is October 17 and BCU is October 24. Who are their opponents? It doesn't matter, it's Homecoming! 

Check out page 59 of the September 2015 issue of Ebony magazine for tips on attending your college's Homecoming. The print and digital versions of the magazine feature a picture of a Florida A&M University Marching 100 drummer. Get the HBCU Homecoming spirit!

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