HBCU Times Magazine

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2022 SPRING ISSUE

FEATURING

jsU president THOMAS K. HUDSON JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Proud Prodigy:

SHANIA MUHAMMAD

KORNISHA

McGILL BROWN

National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

MECOLE HAYES:

Miss District of Columbia

THE BUTLER FAMILY LEGACY

TMCF Feature

Supporting HBCUs: Critical For Solving America’s Racial Inequity Challenge

Culture.Legacy.

Empowerment.

Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program at the Langston University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (LU-RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Project at the Langston University (historically Black college/university [HBCU]) Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (LU-RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building represents a collaborative effort between the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston ([ICI] Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University ([NCA&T] HBCU), South Carolina State University ([SCSU] HBCU), and Jackson State University ([JSU] HBCU). The Project implements a Peer-to-Peer Multiple Mentor Model to help post-doctoral fellows navigate institutional context and cross-fertilize their independent research project and research grant proposal through exchanges with a primary mentor and a scientific panel of mentors comprised of content experts, multicultural specialists, methodologists, and statisticians.

The ARRT Program works in concert with the LU-RRTC drawing upon the center’s extensive minority-serving institution research capacity building expertise, collaborative networks, resources, and interventions (e.g., methodology and grant writing web-based trainings, communities of practice, strategic planning, sponsored programs office and institutional review board technical assistance and consultation), offer courses, webinars, and implement peer mentoring as an innovative strategy to holistically address the fellows’ research skill building needs.

INVITATION TO APPLY:

We invite individuals who have earned a doctorate from a minority-serving institution (i.e., HBCU, Hispanic serving institution, or American Indian tribal college) or traditionally White institution (TWI) and current doctoral candidates (must graduate before beginning fellowship) at minority-serving institutions or TWIs interested in employment research to apply to participate in the post-doctoral fellowship. Minority-serving institution based faculty members who have earned doctorates are also eligible to apply (i.e., 80% research supplements through subcontract for such faculty in residence at their employing minority-serving institution are optional). We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities to apply. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates who have a strong desire to obtain an academic faculty position or research position at a minority-serving institution upon completion of the fellowship program.

PARTICIPATION INCENTIVES:

• Salary and benefits package- Annual salary with full health benefits • Peer-to-Peer multiple research mentorship opportunity with scientific panel mentors • Financial research agenda start-up package- i.e., study participant honorariums/fellow research travel • Peer reviewed publications • Present research findings at national rehabilitation related conferences

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (LU-RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities The MISSION of the Langston University RRTC is to improve minority entities’ (e.g., historically Black colleges/universities [HBCUs], Hispanic-serving institutions [HSIs], and American Indian tribal colleges/universities [AITCUs]) disability and rehabilitation research capacity and infrastructure by conducting a programmatic line of research examining experiences and outcomes of persons from traditionally underserved racial and ethnic populations and communities and capacity-building efforts.

LU-RRTC TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

The LU-RRTC serves as a national resource center for minority entities (MEs) seeking to develop their research infrastructure (RI), and to enhance their capacity to engage in disability and rehabilitation research.

To this end, the RRTC initiates dissemination, training and technical assistance (TA) activities to develop strong RIs within MEs for the conduct of research, preparation, submission, and management of NIDRR funded research grant projects. TA services are provided as a part of LU-RRTC interventions for research project participants and to ME and SVRA requestors around the country. The quality, intensity, and duration of TA vary by system (i.e., ME or SVRA) and the readiness of TA recipients.

Minority Entity TA Areas- • Faculty Scholar Role & Function Balance Consultation (e.g., teaching/service/research balance)• Sponsored Programs Office Operations Consultation • Research Infrastructure Strategic Planning • Institutional Review Board (IRB) Operation Consultation • NIDRR Research Proposal Development Mentorship • NIDRR Research Project Management Consultation • Manuscript for Peer Reviewed Publication Development Mentorship • NIDRR Request for Comment (RFC) or Request for Proposal (RFP) Interpretation Consultation • NIDRR Expert Panel Application Development Consultation • Data Management and Analysis Software and Related Technology Support Consultation State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (SVRA) TA Areas- • SVRA Policy Consultation to Improve Outcomes for Persons from Traditionally Underserved Communities • SVRA Rehabilitation Practitioner Consultation or Training to Improve Outcomes for Persons from Traditionally Underserved Communities LU-RRTC PEER-TO-PEER MENTOR RESEARCH TEAM ACADEMY

The LU-RRTC Peer-to-Peer Mentor Research Team Academy represents a collaborative effort between Langston University and the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

The Academy mentors Fellows to conduct research that addresses the rehabilitation needs of persons with disabilities from traditionally underserved backgrounds and communities. Ultimately, the program builds Fellows’ scholarly self-efficacy and research skills by providing them with state-of-the-science knowledge of scientifically valid measurement strategies and methodologies, and direct hands-on experience in the conduct of research and grant proposal development.

If you have any questions regarding the Langston University Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Program (LU-ARRT), please contact Dr. Corey L. Moore, Principal Investigator/Training Director at (405) 530-7531 or email: capacitybuildingrrtc@langston.edu.

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HBCUs:

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the heart beat of black excel lence

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SHOP NOW AT HBCUTIMES.COM

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editor’s Message DR. BRIDGET HOLLIS STATEN

The image of the

goals to elevate Jackson State University even further.

phoenix rising from the ashes has never

Brown and Hudson aren’t the only leaders making major

been more accurate

moves; Dr. Willie L. Todd, 9th president of Denmark Technical

than to describe the

College(DTC), is letting it be known that it’s time to put some

hard-hitting start to

respect on DTC’s name. As the only HBCU technical college

2022 by HBCUs across

in the state of South Carolina, DTC is producing results like no

the nation. In addition to unthinkable illness and heartbreaking

other - including students earning high-paying jobs directly

deaths, HBCUs were tasked with facing numerous issues

after graduating in two years. Dr. Willie Todd also drops some

throughout the pandemic, including supporting students’

gems on the value of trade skills acquired through the school

housing, financial, health, and academic needs. Undeniably

and how DTC cultivates a unique HBCU experience for all its

a challenging feat, the stories within this issue are true

students. The work of our HBCU leaders is further echoed in an

testaments to the empowering work HBCU change-makers are

article by Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of Thurgood

putting in everyday. From innovative deliveries of instruction

Marshall College Fund. He identifies HBCUs as the key that will

to ground-breaking donation numbers; we’re coming back

assist with the affordability of college for African Americans and

stronger than ever Delete “before”., and it’s time to show off just

create a more equitable society overall.

how hard we’ve been working.

Of course we have a couple of heart-warming stories to serve Our glorious rise includes a double feature, highlighting two

as a reminder that the HBCU tales of success are nowhere

HBCU-made leaders, giving us a look into their plans for

near finished. Wayne and Tanya Butler honor us with a peek

advancement in the Black community, as well as for HBCU

inside their movie-like love story, beginning at South Carolina

growth and development. Spelman alum and the 27th

State University. Delete “Now,”. Capitalize “M”married for 25

President of Jack and Jill of America, Kornisha McGill Brown, is

years with four children, the pair is now taking on every task,

up first; and she’s getting right to business. While discussing

from producing HBCU scholars through Tanya’s home school

her commitment to youth advocacy work, President Brown

program to leading marriage workshops. The Butlers are

gets candid about the impact the pandemic’s early stages had

“working in their purpose” and encouraging others to do the

on her family, and the impeccable strength they exhibited. She

same. Lastly, try not to get too shocked by the inspirational

also shares her take on the healing necessary for the nation and

story of the youngest student ever to attend several universities,

steps towards addressing and combatting racial discrimination

Ms. Shania Muhammad. By way of her dad’s home school

in an effort to materialize a better society for today’s youth.

program, Shania developed foundational knowledge to exceed on standardized tests and attend the University of Oklahoma at

Next, we have a true HBCU-coming-of-age story on President

only 13 years old. The prodigy shares navigating the college as

Thomas K. Hudson of Jackson State University(JSU). President

one of the few Black students and her hopes to attend an HBCU

Hudson opens up about memories practically growing up on

in the future.

the JSU campusDelete comma. and the pathway to him leading the institution to greatness. He discusses how his previous

As we continue to navigate the unpredictability of the

leadership roles prepared him to become president; but more

pandemicand the uncertainty of its ending,, we find solace in

importantly, how his willingness to admit to his uncertainty

the promise of new beginnings emerging. HBCUs are facing

ultimately helped him navigate the obstacles of the pandemic.

the challenge head-on and accomplishing success through

Interestingly, President Hudson credits the pandemic for

innovative advancements, incredible leaders, and consistent

revealing the college’s areas for improvement and details his

determination. Get empowered and jump into this special issue

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38

32

What’s inside KORNISHA MCGILL BROWN

WWW.HBCUTIMES.COM

CONNECT

JSU PRESIDENT HUDSON

NATIONAL PRESIDENT JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

08 10 24 27 42 44 48

The Game of Life

14 Denmark Tech: Forging Onward

Supporting HBCUs: Critical For Solving America’s Racial Inequity Challenge

16

Mecole Hayes:

Miss District of Columbia

HBCU To Federal Judicial: Annika Royster Hardmon Understood The Assignment

30

20

Countering Constitutional Crises: Lessons from Thurgood Marshall A CAU Man and the Right Relationship with Success

THE BUTLERS

50 Student Power Feature

TMCF Partners with National HBCU Alumni Associations 5

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HBCU CHILD PRODIGY: SHANIA MUHAMMAD

HBCU Family Legacy:

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Power Alumni Features

DR. MACIE SMITH LATISHA HOPE BONNETTE-SMALLS CARLTON EHLEY 2022

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HOME OF SOUTH CAROLiNA'S PREMiER

BARBERiNG AND COSMETOLOGY PROGRAMS Something for everyone including:

WELDING • Cybersecurity • Nursing • CDL Lineworker • Culinary Arts • EMT Plumbing • College Transfer And More.

PUTTING THE TECH BACK IN DENMARK TECH

DENMARKTECH.EDU

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Editor and Co-CEO Co-CEO Layout and Design Editor

Mia Salley

Amori Washington Dr. Regina Bush Octavia Robinson Deatrice Chisolm LaToya Ransom

Jack and Jill of America,Inc. - featured story Jackson State University - featured story Terrell Maxwell Photography Thurgood Marshall College Fund North Carolina A&T State University Denmark Technical College Jai Simone Photography Studio B Photography & Art, Alanah Butler JSU Photography Tia Andrews

CREATIVE CONSULTANTS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Associate Editors

Dr. David Staten Dr. Bridget Hollis Staten

Additional Photos provided by the authors and interviewees

Advertising Manager

Dr. David Staten

Publisher Logo Design

Post and Courier Mia Salley

Models

Patricia Hampton Dr. Kailsey Webb 7

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

credits Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis Ericka Blount Danois Kimberlei Davis Yolanda McCutchen Ashleigh Fields Nicholas Jackson Sean Perryman Dr. Harry Williams Mya Cyibar Schofield Dr. Macie Smith Chevonne Mansfield

Jordan Staten Esthervina Rogers Paula Lyles Dr. Antoinette Charmaine Hollis Dr. Corey Phillips Dr. Carlton Watson

connect with us Web Instagram Twitter Facebook

www.hbcutimes.com hbcutimes_ HBCU_Times HBCU Times

INSPIRED BY: ETHEL STATEN AND JORDAN STATEN T IMES

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THE GAME OF LIFE

BY ASHLEIGH FIELDS

T

he best uniform you could ever possibly suit

A feat that cannot and will not go unnoticed. The

up in doesn’t come once a week on Sunday

dedication of a concentrated group of faculty and

morning. It doesn’t roll around when it’s

administration often provides stability for students

convenient for a win. It doesn’t come off after an

in need of support. This sense of community helps

unexpected four year journey to loss.

alleviate the stress of obtaining a college degree.

The best team you’ll ever play for is in the arena

Less than 42% of graduates are African American

of life. Students have to look at the world in this

and many are forced to drop out due to financial

capacity before committing to a college. School

constraints. However, HBCUs combat this rate

can easily become a source of identity. And for

by offering a vehicle for social and economic

most, it serves as the foundation for success.

mobility. They faithfully fulfill their commitment to a student’s future despite where they stand

Attending a Historically Black College or University

presently.

aligns you with a legacy of change makers, risk takers and those who were unafraid to walk their

For example, Prentiss Institute, a historic HBCU,

own path. It is in this spirit that you will learn how

was founded in 1907 and allowed students to

to push when you are being pressed on.

pay in eggs, chicken and produce—a reasonable currency for Black agricultural workers at the time..

While HBCUs make up only 3% of the country’s

In 1955, it became a private two-year college, and a

colleges and universities, they’ve managed to

decline in enrollment forced the school to close in

enroll 10% of all African American students and

1989.

produce almost 20% of all African American Unfortunately, low enrollment rates still plague

graduates.

many HBCUs to date. Cheyney University, founded 8

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in 1837 as Cheyney State College, was the first

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willing them to believe a win was in their future.

historically black college. They lost 38% of their student body in 2018. Enrollment at Bethune-

“Confidence is my natural odor,” said Sanders in a

Cookman College in Daytona Beach, FL dropped

2020 press conference.

20%; and its president, Brent Chrite, sent a letter to alumni on Jan. 27, 2020 that told of the tragic

As it should have been, the JSU Tigers ended the

situation and provided a call to action for many.

regular season with 10 wins, undefeated at home,

“2020 will be a pivotal year in history of B-CU,”

and their first SWAC championship since 2007.

Chrite wrote. “It will be the year our beloved

According to Visit Jackson, the team’s success

university prepared to close its doors, or it will be

brought $30 million in revenue to Jackson, a

the year we turned a corner and began moving

predominantly African American city.

toward an exciting future.”

“Playing on ESPN2 and not ESPN. Not being Thankfully the latter rang true. HBCUs rely heavily

invited to bowl games when some teams are 6-5

on trailblazing alumni and patrons to encourage

and really not worthy. I want to know why that is

a spike in attendance. Within the last five years,

not on the table for HBCUs. When I say level the

various elite athletes have re-joined the HBCU

playing field, I want to level it in every aspect of the

community as coaching staff and mentors to

word. I just truly want our kids to understand that

create positive change.

there is a navigation system that leads us to the NFL like it once did.”

Olympic track and field bronze medalist David Oliver returned to coach at his alma mater Howard

This broadened perspective earned the trust of

University in the fall of 2017. He has been re-

this year’s number one football recruit, Travis

modifying and re-monetizing the program ever

Hunter,,Delete extra comma. who chose JSU over

since.

Florida State University.

Hue Jackson, a former offensive assistant coach to

“I am making this decision so that I can light the

several NFL teams, debuted his HBCU appearance

way for others to follow, making it a little bit easier

as the offensive coordinator for Tennessee State

for the next player to realize that HBCUs may

University. In December of 2021, he was hired

be everything you want and more—an exciting

as the head football coach at Grambling State

college experience, a vital community, and a life

University.

changing place to play football,” wrote Hunter.

But the most notable and noisy of them all is

It is not just sports but spontaneity that secures

Deion Sanders fondly nicknamed, “Prime Time.”

the future of HBCUs. In every season, our schools

His decision to coach at Jackson State University

shape shift to meet the needs of the modern

(JSU) proved to benefit not just the institution but

student. Our professors transform into theDelete

the entire city.

“the”. teachers of life lessons as we need them to be. And our coaches continue to curate careers

“Four wonderful Hall of Famers have matured from

through a trajectory specifically tailored to our

this school and 99 draftees. And I think 100 or more

path.

players who have played in the NFL, and some playing right now are from this school. So you can

We rise to excellence. We supersede expectations.

get to where you want to get to and reach your

And as HBCUs, we continue to find a way to suit up

goals from JSU,” said Sanders.

for success in the game of life.

This much needed reminder instilled a new level of expectation and engagement in players and fans 9

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DENMARK TECH: FORGING ONWARD

BY YOLANDA McCUTCHEN

“

Forging Onward” is more

it at the same time, because we

virtually. Regarding the return of

than a tagline at Denmark

all were in unchartered territory.”

students to campus, Dr. Todd,Delete

Technical College (DTC). It

Denmark Tech shifted its operations

comma. stated, “We brought them

is a description of the leadership

to virtual for the remainder of the

back on campus to finish some of

style and practice of the college’s

spring 2020 semester. However, the

those programs and fall of 2020.

president, Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr. In

school’s administrators recognized

We opened in-class instruction,

January of 2020, Dr. Todd became

that many of the technical skills

and we had students living on

the ninth president of the 74-year-

taught in its programs including

campus. The CARES (Coronavirus

old,Delete comma. institution, which

nursing, barbering, cosmetology,

Aid, Relief, and Economic Security)

is South Carolina’s only technical

welding, building construction and

Act funds allowed us to outfit all of

college that is also an HBCU. Two

culinary could not be mastered

our classrooms with the most up-

months into Dr. Todd’s presidency,

virtually. Dr. Todd utilized an

to-date technology.” At Denmark

the global coronavirus pandemic

advantage that no other technical

Tech, Dr. Todd said they seized the

hit. He describes the start of the

college in the state of South

opportunity to accelerate the in-

pandemic as, “Whether you had

Carolina has, on-campus housing,

progress upgrades to classrooms on

been a president 20 years, Delete

and made the decision to bring

campus, “We had already put brand

comma.or whether you had been

students back to campus during the

new furniture in our classrooms. We

a president one semester, all of us

summer of 2020 when most other

had put in new fiber optic cables,

were building the plane and flying

institutions were still operating

pre-COVID. Now, in every classroom

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“WE DID AS MUCH AS WE COULD TO GIVE THEM A STUDENT EXPERIENCE, EVEN IN THE MIDST OF COVI D B E CAU S E YO U N EVER GET ANOTHER TIME TO BE A COLLEGE FRESHMAN.”

the yard. Dr. Todd said, “We did as much as we could to give them a student experience, even in the midst of COVID because you never get another time to be a college freshman. You’ll never get another time to be a college sophomore. We just wanted their experience to be as great as possible.” The efforts at Denmark Tech worked and the college saw its enrollment and student retention numbers increase during a globally challenging period.

Dr. Todd says that divine intervention brought him to Denmark Tech, initially as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services. His desire to become the president of an HBCU is a goal that he envisioned during his sophomore year at Albany State University. Dr. Todd set about accomplishing this feat following his graduation from Albany State you’re able to be at home and watch the class live. We

by intentionally building his now 26-year career in

had A/B class schedules where this group is in class on

academia at HBCUs. Dr. Todd said that choosing

Monday, and the next group is watching it at home on

to work at HBCUs was an easy decision for him, “I

Wednesday.”

know what Albany State University did for me, and I now want to be able to do that same thing for

The high level of technology on Denmark Tech’s

other people. I know the impact we make in our

campus also benefitted the larger community off

community. When the majority of our professionals

campus, “It gave us an opportunity to support the

come from our HBCUs, we’re doing something right

citizens of rural South Carolina in a way that would

at these schools; we nurture the whole student.” He

not have happened before. We gave all of our local

has served in numerous capacities from professor to

school districts in the three neighboring counties

Vice-Provost at Albany State University, Clark Atlanta

the opportunity to participate in training on how to

University, Norfolk State University and Wiley College.

have impactful online instruction, so that students

In higher education circles, Dr. Todd is known as “The

don’t feel like they’re teaching themselves and they

Learning Leader” due to his emphasis on classroom

still feel engaged,” said Dr. Todd. The college also

excellence for students, as well as faculty, by

sought to keep DTC students engaged and establish

emphasizing professional learning and professional

normalcy outside of the classroom,Delete comma. by

development on different strategies for teaching.

continuing to have campus events such as basketball

As an HBCU graduate, former faculty member and

games with physical distancing and social events on

administrator, he has been in the position of many

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on campus. However, Denmark

the then segregated South Carolina

recognized certification exams

Tech is the first two-year college

Area Trade School system and is

and aptitude assessments to allow

where he has held a full-time

one of only two public HBCUs in the

students to be exposed to a wider

position. “What attracted me to

state. Dr. Todd mentioned examples

range of career possibilities and

this position is, what the two-year

of prominent alumnus, comedian

make informed decisions regarding

college is doing and has mastered,

and actor J. Anthony Brown of “The

their fields of study. One of Dr.

is what the four-year institution is

Steve Harvey Morning Show” and

Todd’s mantras is “putting the tech

attempting to do. Two-year colleges

James Bowden, as examples of how

back in Denmark Tech,” it means

are getting people better prepared

education at DTC build a foundation

renewing the focus on and investing

to enter the world of work. We

for success, “Our national alumni

in the school’s technical programs.

have an 87% placement rate here

president, James Bowden, came

“The nursing program undoubtedly

at Denmark Technical College; and

here and did an electrical training

is our signature program. Our

our graduates are leaving, going

program that prepared him to

nursing program right now, at any

into the field for which they have

go Duke Energy and to excel. He

given time, we’re going to have a

studied, and entering with less debt

became the first African American

wait list of 100 students at least.”

than their four-year counterparts.

executive vice-president with them.

Under his administration, the

And oftentimes, they are entering

It all started with his training that

college has reinstated the plumbing,

making higher salaries with only

he received at South Carolina Area

building construction, commercial

one-year certificates. We had a

Trade School.”

driver’s license (CDL) programs

young lady graduate with a one-

and started an EMT program.

year certificate in cyber security,

Navigating and leading through

The interest in the programs has

and she left making over $80,000,”

the pandemic has not hindered Dr.

exceeded Dr. Todd’s expectations,

said Dr. Todd. This is one of the

Todd from forming partnerships and

“We thought we would get maybe

reasons he calls Denmark Tech

achieving several accomplishments

15 people signing up. We have over

one of South Carolina’s best kept

during his tenure as president.

a 100 people signed up for the CDL

secrets. He wants to expose more

The college has partnered with

program this semester. We started

people to the history of DTC, which

YouScience giving students

an EMT program last fall. When

was founded in 1948 as a part of

access to the company’s industry-

the first class graduated, we had

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four ambulances parked outside because students

Athletic programs have also expanded under Dr. Todd’s

had already gotten jobs.” Dr. Todd reported that the

administration with the addition of soccer in 2021, and

number of dual enrollment (high school) students has

there are plans to start women’s volleyball and men &

increased by over 100% since his presidency began.

women’s track and field this fall.

The college now has a partnership with the Savannah

Dr. Todd takes great pride in all that has been

River Nuclear Site and counts Congressman

accomplished during his two years as president,

James Clyburn and SC State Representative Gilda

“We’ve been able to improve facilities. We’ve been able

Cobb-Hunter as supporters. In addition to growing

to increase enrollment. We’ve been able to increase

the technical programs, Dr. Todd is making changes

financial sustainability. And we’ve also been able to

to the campus. One of the residence halls is

improve community relations because in 2018, the state

undergoing a substantial renovation. After decades of

was at a point where they were about to close Denmark

maneuvering, the college has secured a dilapidated

Technical College. When I first became president, every

home located on the campus which will now allow

conversation I had, people were saying, ‘Oh Lord, I feel

them to be able to redevelop this site. The barbering

sorry for you. You’re at Denmark Technical College.’

lab had not been updated since the 1960s, but now

Now, every time I go somewhere people are saying, ‘Oh

there are new barbering, cosmetology and culinary

my God, y’all on the move!’” Denmark Technical College

arts labs on campus. “When I came to this college,

truly is on the move, and Dr. Todd’s outlook for it is to

they had been dealing with accreditation challenges

continue forging onward.

for the last five years. We actually cleared every sanction through SACS (Southern Association of

“For the future of Denmark Tech, in essence, I want it

Colleges and Schools). For the first time in five years,

to become a premier institution right here in this small

we have no accreditation challenges. When I came to

town of Denmark, South Carolina, that will become the

this college, we were borrowing money from the state

first choice for not just people in our service area; but

technical system because we did not have funding.

people outside of our service area. That when you think

Now, the college is in the black, because we’ve

of quality, when you hear the name Denmark Technical

also instituted a fundraising campaign here at the

College, you’re going to say, ‘Wow, that’s an amazing

college,” stated Dr. Todd. He created an institutional

institution. They do a great job.’ And we will no longer

advancement office to focus on fundraising for DTC.

be one of the best kept secrets because I’m telling you,

In addition, he establishedand appointed the first

we do some amazing things down here.”

alumni affairs and public relations officers in the school’s history.

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SUPPORTING HBCUs: CRITICAL FOR SOLVING AMERICA’S RACIAL INEQUITY CHALLENGE

BY DR. HARRY WILLIAMS

H

istorically Black Colleges and Universities

profoundly affect our economy. HBCUs are

(HBCUs) have been greatly underfunded

uniquely positioned to foster such engagement

throughout their history despite their

given their assets, experience, and cultural and

proven track record in training and educating an

historical significance.

outsized proportion of Black professionals, but recent events have prompted philanthropists and

TMCF recognizes that HBCUs are an essential

large corporations to donate to and partner with

component to the nation’s diversity, equity, and

these great institutions.

inclusion strategy. Few Americans realize there are over 100 HBCUs in the US, which serve as

HBCUs’ role in educating, training, and developing

the powerhouses of Black mobility. HBCUs only

Black professionals creates a vital bridge

represent 3% of all colleges and universities but

between Black workers and corporate America’s

produce 26% of all Black American graduates.

pledge to diversify. Blue-chip companies such

They also award, on average, 32% of STEM degrees

as Visa, Boeing, Google, and Apple have already

earned by Black students and supply more Black

recognized this fact and have partnered with the

applicants to medical schools than all other higher

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to invest

education institutions combined.

time, money, and resources with our organization to create comprehensive DEI strategies.

These professions, as well as training and developing the next generation of Black

Recent data from McKinsey & Company shows

entrepreneurs, are critical to closing the racial

that this kind of investment in HBCUs would

wealth gap.

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Black students have nearly $25,000 more student loan debt than their white counterparts according to the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. Our work at TMCF addresses these issues by providing pathways intended to reduce student loan debt and address the racial wealth gap by giving Black talent access to lucrative jobs while providing an affordable path to college degree completion.

We support nearly 300,000 HBCU students across the country with scholarships, leadership development, and unique programs that bridge the resource gap to get students to and through college and into good jobs.

We believe HBCUs possess the power and the people to create a more equitable society.

That’s why we work so diligently to ensure their sustainability and strengthen their capacity to continue to produce top talent who are prepared to change the face of leadership in business and beyond.

As the common goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion become even more widespread, companies have the daunting task of figuring out what works. My hope is that corporations and individuals demonstrate their commitment to HBCUs by renewing and reinvigorating their

Dr. Harry L. Williams is the President & CEO of Thurgood

pledge to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now is

Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the largest organization

the time to turn position statements into policies

exclusively representing the Black College community.

and action for change.

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MECOLE HAYES: MISS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

BY ERICKA BLOUNT DANOIS

M

ecole Hayes knew early on that

local paper, the St. Louis Post

she wanted to devote her life to

Dispatch. They were tickled and

communications. At age 14, she started

responded that she sounded too

a blog that she titled ‘The Bossy Bible’ that

young to work for the Dispatch.

became enormously popular in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. For the blog, she’d interview

“They were gracious enough to do

girls that were fashionable. She’d interview

the interview,” she laughs.

entertainers and battle rappers. She garnered an interview with two of the most popular battle

When it was time to attend

rappers in St. Louis by using her wits. She told

college, she was initially hesitant

them on the phone that she was working for the

to go far from home as a first-

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generation college student.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I left home to go to college. I’d watched ‘A Different World’ and ‘High School Musical’, and that was the extent of what I knew about college. No one in my family had ever left the state of Missouri. My best friend and I decided to attend TSU together. Our parents dropped us off, and that’s where my life started.”

She had played softball for 12 years competitively and was offered an athletic scholarship at Texas Southern University (TSU). She was 16 when she graduated high school – too young to walk on to play softball in college. But by the time school started, she would be 17.

At the time she was considering college, softball was pulled out as a sport from the Olympics just 12 years after it had debuted in the 1996 Olympics.

In 2008, a secret vote removed softball and baseball from the Olympics. At the time, there weren’t many professional softball teams for women to aspire towards.

“The Olympics was essentially the highlight of your career,” said Hayes. “Once that decision was made in addition to be red-shirted, I decided to accept an academic scholarship rather than an athletic scholarship from Texas Southern University.” She studied journalism and speech

from CNN. “I was ambitious but silly,” she laughs.

communications during her years there.

Her impulsive decision would end up being the

She and her best friend lived together their four

couldn’t have dreamt up.

impetus that would launch a career that she

years in undergrad, and both would eventually earn master’s degrees in 2020.

A friend from Texas State University told her that

Her early blogging informed her decision to work

was looking for communications interns, and

the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

for two years as the editor-in-chief of Texas State

she would be the perfect candidate. The friend

University’s newspaper.

encouraged her to apply, and two weeks later she

After graduation, she had three interviews with

in January 2016. She interned in the office of U.S.

was accepted. Hayes moved to Washington, D.C.

CNN for a desk associate position. Confident that she would get the position, she packed up her things and relocated to Atlanta. She never heard

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Congressman Marc Veasey who represented the 33rd District of Texas.

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media. She did so well in the position that by the

have the largest public charter school networks

end of the internship she was offered a position

in the entire country. In Hayes’ work, she sees

with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney who

innovative programming for normally underserved

represented the 18th District of New York. For the

youth. She’s been able to witness programs

next four years, she worked in a variety of positions

where children are being educated in language

including legislative correspondent and press aide

immersion programs, alongside programs like

where she conducted interviews, wrote speeches,

two-generation schools where preschoolers study

and helped to pitch op-eds. What really sparked a

on one level of the building and adult education

new passion was when she had the opportunity to

happens on another floor. Parents can receive their

create policy. She worked on immigration policy,

education at the same time in the same place.

healthcare, labor, and education. She helped to get five bills signed into law, four of which were

“It took me working for The Public Charter School

education bills.

to learn more about the schools and what they offer versus the arguments

“I am a girl from inner-city St.

against them,” said Hayes.

Louis,” she said. “We didn’t talk politics in my family. I

Hayes acknowledges that

never imagined I’d be writing

attending Texas Southern

policy. I fell in love with

University impacted her

education policy, so much

directly for her to have the

so that I decided to get a

career she has now.

master’s degree in education policy from American

“TSU for me was a

University.”

playground where I had the opportunity to create the

The first-generation college

kind of person that I wanted

graduate would graduate

to be,” said Hayes.

magna cum laude from American University’s School

“It was a strategic move

of Education.

for me to minor in speech communications,” she

Education would continue to be her cause. She

added. “I was very country, and my teacher taught

took a position in 2019 as a digital media specialist

universal and proper English. We didn’t understand

for the DC Public Charter School Board, where

how impactful that would be. Joining Delta Sigma

she writes, edits and proofreads content like

Theta Sorority, Inc., for someone who grew up as an

reports and press releases; redesigned the dcpcsb.

only child, provided me with the sisterhood outside

org website, and maintains web performance;

of anything I could have fathomed. I got on-the-job

created a multi-faceted digital content strategic

training by serving as the editor-of-chief of TSU’s

plan for the organization, along with managing a

newspaper and being responsible for a team of a

team and facilitating digital media and audience

dozen individuals. Being at TSU didn’t just allow me

engagement training for local education agencies

to grow as a scholar, it taught me everything about

to increase the digital presence of D.C.’s charter

discipline and hard work and being fearless and a

sector.

team player.”

Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana

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YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY

Our commitment to excellence supports us as being recognized as a leading 21st Century institution of higher education that develops a diverse and inclusive community of globally engaged visionary leaders.

OFFERING BACHELOR’S, MASTER’S, AND ONLINE DEGREES BACHELOR’S DEGREES MAJOR African and African American Studies Art Education Biochemistry Bioinformatics Biology Biotechnology Business Administration (concentrations in Accounting and Finance) Chemistry Computer Engineering Computer Science Criminal Justice Digital Design Early Childhood Education Elementary Education English English Education Environmental Science History Human Performance and Recreation Management Management Information Science Marketing Mass Communications Mathematics Mathematics Education Middle Level Education Music Music Education Philosophy and Religion Political Science Psychology Sociology Spanish Sport Management Studio Art

MASTER’S DEGREES DEGREE B.A. B.A. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.A. B.A. B.S. B.S. B.A. B.A. B.S. B.A. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.A. B.S. B.S. B.S. B.A. B.A. B.A. B.A. B.A. B.A. B.A. B.A. B.A.

MAJOR Biotechnology Business Administration Criminal Justice Curriculum and Instruction Nursing

DEGREE M.S. MBA M.S. M.Ed. M.S.N.

PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING STUDIES (Orangeburg and Ft. Jackson/Columbia Campus) Criminal Justice Organizational Management Psychology

B.A. B.S. B.A.

ONLINE DEGREES Business Administration Criminal Justice Curriculum and Instruction Nursing Organizational Management Psychology

MBA B.A. and M.S. M.Ed. B.S.N. and M.S.N. B.S. B.A.

DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS • Engineering (3+2 with Clemson University) • Engineering Technology (3+2 with South Carolina State University) • Biology/Public Health (4+1 with University of South Carolina) • Medical Laboratory Sciences Associates Degree  Biotechnology (2+2 with Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College) • Biotechnology Associates  Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (2+2 with Greenville Technical College) • Biochemistry  Doctor of Pharmacy (3+4 with Presbyterian College) • Biochemistry  Doctor of Pharmacy (South Carolina College of Pharmacy i.e. University of South Carolina and Medical University of South Carolina) • Masters in Mass Communications (4 + 1 with University of South Carolina)

400 Magnolia St | Orangeburg, SC 29115 | (803) 535-5000 | www.claflin.edu Dr. Warmack, 19 | H B C Dwaun U T I M J. ES S P R I N President G IS SUE 2022

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HBCU FAMILY LEGACY: THE BUTLERS

BY YOLANDA McCUTCHEN

G

oing to South Carolina State and

would certainly be a once in a

becoming an educator are a part of

lifetime opportunity; and there

Tanya Butler’s destiny.

was no way I could pass that up.”

Although one of her brothers was

Even before she knew that she would attend

at the time a recent graduate of

South Carolina State University(SCSU), HBCUs

SC State and another was enrolled

were a part of Tanya’s life. Both of her parents are

at the university, the school was

HBCU graduates (Morris and Voorhees Colleges).

not Tanya’s first choice, “I didn’t

Tanya says that as a child she was taught to do her

necessarily choose State originally,

best and take pride in her culture. She describes

State chose me.” Tanya’s initial

the shift from the Detroit Public School System to

selection was Johnson C. Smith

a predominantly white private parochial school as

University; however, her father

a shocking and defining period for her, “Once I hit

insisted that if she was going to

the 11th grade, I knew that I wanted and needed

college outside of Michigan, she

an HBCU experience upon graduating because I

needed to be close to family. Both

felt the need to be with “my people.” Four years

of Tanya’s parents are from South

in a predominately Black undergraduate setting

Carolina and still had numerous

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family members in the state. Her father gave her

choice that would foreshadow

was in the cafe, eating with a frat

the SC State application of which she reluctantly

Tanya’s career as a teacher,

brother, and I was eating with my

applied. Before it was time for her to relocate

founder of an educational

friend. There were no distractions.

to Orangeburg, S.C. ,Tanya’s attitude changed, “I

academy, homeschool educator of

We exchanged words jokingly

had visited State prior, as a high school student,

her own children and a facilitator

from table to table and somehow

and I found it to be a wonderful and welcoming

of marriage workshops.

completed our meals at the same

environment. It gave me “A Different World”

time. They followed us out of the

vibes, as it was full of all things Black; an intimate

“Semester after semester,

dining hall and down the stairs

educational environment that I was accustomed

my enrollment at SCSU was

and another conversation began.”

to but didn’t realize that I had missed it so. State

confirmed and affirmed. But

The conversation continued

was special. It was southern, relaxed, friendly, and

you know what really made it all

for the Butlers after they both

comfortable.”

worthwhile, meeting my husband

graduated in 1995. The following

at State! That, in and of itself

year they were married. They

It did not take long for Tanya to acclimate to

was a major confirmation that

recently celebrated their 25th

college life at SC State, “Within my first week,

attending SCSU was a part of

anniversary and are the parents of

I made friends that would carry me through

God’s plan all along,” said Tanya.

four children.

all four years and beyond. As a student, I fell

Both Tanya and her husband

in love with literature and writing again and

Wayne began their matriculation

After graduation, the Butlers

discovered interests that I didn’t know I had. I

at SC State during the fall of 1991.

relocated to Charlotte; and Tanya

further confirmed my gift of teaching and sat

They had passing encounters

taught first and second grades

under teachers and advisors who unearthed my

on campus, but Tanya says they

for three years in the Charlotte-

creativity.” Tanya intended to major in political

didn’t actually meet until the end

Mecklenburg County Schools

science and go to law school after graduating.

of their sophomore year. “We met

system. After the birth of her first

However, her father who was her first principal

at Truth Dining Hall. It was fate

child, Tanya decided to leave the

when she was in elementary school, encouraged

because the cafeteria was bare,

school system to remain home

her to pursue education instead. On his advice,

and there was no way we could

with her newborn. This decision

Tanya changed her major to early childhood

pass by or overlook each other. He

resulted in Tanya founding

education. Choosing to major in education is a

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the Butlers for Excellence in

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Education Academy (B.E.E. Academy) where she has homeschooled all of their children.

Tanya is the academy’s administrator and teacher. She describes the academy as “our home-grown private academy birthed out of the aspiration to provide a unique educational experience for our children, as well as a desire to produce well rounded vessels to be used by God. It is a homeschool that focuses on college prep, apprenticeship, youth entrepreneurship, community service and sharpening innate God given gifts.” The school has been operating since 2003. The B.E.E. Academy emphasizes spiritual growth, artistic and musical development, athletic aptness, and oratorical skillfulness. All students are encouraged to establish skill sets that set them apart with a wide range of knowledge.

Tanya has taught various classes for homeschool children and tutored both public and private school students expanding the reach of B.E.E. Academy beyond her family. Three of the Butler children have graduated from the academy and the fourth child is slated to graduate in 2023. As HBCU graduates, the Butlers encouraged their children to attend HBCUs as well. Two of them are students at Howard University, one attends Pennsylvania State University, and their youngest is in pursuit of a tennis scholarship at an HBCU. “In our first few years of marriage, we found ourselves organically in conversation with many new and existing married couples about the successes, failures, illusions and realities of marriage. Fortunately, such conversations prepared us for our first workshop as well as gleaning from and sharing our relationship experiences. Witnessing and learning from the marital relationships of our parents, relatives and friends helped greatly,” said Tanya. The Butlers were invited to jointly facilitate a workshop for married couples. They enjoyed the experience and

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came to two realizations: couples

and Art. In 2006, Wayne

needed the information that

gifted Tanya a camera. A year

they were sharing, and guiding

later, she turned her hobby

and inspiring other couples was

into a business where she

their calling. More than 12 years

specializes in portrait and event

later, the Butlers have facilitated

photography and has begun

marriage workshops and retreats

to delve into photojournalism,

throughout the east coast for

fashion/decor, street, and travel

various churches, organizations

photography.

and within the ministry at The Living Church in Charlotte where

“Go All In” is the Butler Family

they are members.

motto. Tanya defines their motto as a simple expression

Tanya and Wayne are also

of how everyone should be

entrepreneurs outside their joint

consistent and fully committed

ventures. He is the owner and

to their God given purpose. On

founder of The Computer Butlers

multiple fronts, the Butlers are

consulting firm, and she is a

living out their purpose and

professional photographer and

carrying on their family HBCU

owner of Studio B Photography

tradition.

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HBCU TO FEDERAL JUDICIARY: ANIKA ROYSTER HARDMON

BY YOLANDA McCUTCHEN

T

he immediate perception of working in the

a Rattler. “Both of my parents

legal field are lawyers and judges in the

attended Oakwood University and

courtroom. Anika Royster Hardmon took

from the time I can remember

a different path in the arena of law that has taken

it wasn’t whether you’re going

her to the Federal judiciary. She is the Career

to college but when you go to

Federal Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable

college. My mom told me and all

Donald L. Graham, Senior United States District

my siblings the only thing I ask is

Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

that you do at least one year at an

Hardmon is on a mission to expose more African

HBCU, and if you don’t like it you

Americans in the legal field to the possibilities and

could transfer. So, by the time

importance of working as a law clerk.

I got to the eighth grade I had heard that so much I knew I was

When Hardmon was in eighth grade, she saw a

obligated to do at least one year at

Florida A&M University (FAMU) brochure at school

an HBCU. When I saw that FAMU

and instantly decided that she would become

pamphlet I said oh this meets all

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as one of Hardmon’s daughters

the prestigious firm as a great

and her sister’s daughter.

resume builder. Even after she

HER PHILOSOPHY

began her summer clerkship, her

“DON’T EVER LET SOMEONE ELSE’S STORY BE YOUR STORY.”

Hardmon did not regret her

colleagues at the firm continued

choice; she loved her years at

to remind her that summer clerks

FAMU and graduated with a

and interns are not considered for

degree in accounting in 1994.

full-time positions. Hardmon’s

Following graduation, she worked

philosophy is “Don’t ever let

in the accounting field, got

someone else’s story be your

married, had two daughters while

story.” At the end of her clerkship,

also aspiring to attend law school.

she received an offer to return and

Hardmon’s mother is an attorney

became the first summer clerk

and a former judge and had

to be hired by the Law Firm of

exposed her to areas of the field.

Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson &

Yet, Hardmon was still not certain

Gary. While working there for four

which aspect of the law she would

“phenomenal” years, Hardmon

pursue, “I thought I was going

retained her interest in serving as

to do transactional work, pretty

a Federal clerk. When she learned

much taxation. Until I got to law

that Judge Graham was looking

school at North Carolina Central,

for a new clerk, she eagerly applied

I didn’t realize all of the different

for the opportunity and was hired

areas. I knew I did not want to do

for a two-year term.

criminal law and decided to focus requirements! They have an outstanding engineering program and it’s in the Sunshine state!” By the time Hardmon was a senior in high school, she no longer wanted to study engineering, but she was still determined to attend FAMU despite her mother’s concerns about her going so far away from her hometown of Detroit. However, she persisted and applied to the university’s School of Business and was accepted. Her parents supported her decision based on the school’s stellar reputation. The brochure that Hardmon saw when she was only 13 years old proved to be very influential on her family. The year after she began her matriculation at FAMU she was joined by her sister and later followed by two brothers in Tallahassee. All four of them are FAMU graduates as well

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on civil litigation.” The summer

“In the Federal court typically,

of her first year in law school,

they have term law clerks which

Hardmon had a career defining

could go anywhere from one year

internship with Judge Denise

to two years maximum of four

Hood, of the Eastern District of

years. Then you term out. You

Michigan, who is a Black judge on

can’t be a term clerk for more

the Federal bench, “I was really

than four years on the federal

excited about the experience. As

level,” explained Hardmon. After

an intern, I was in chambers and

the first year of her term, the

really seeing how it works. I got

judge asked Hardmon if she was

to observe her law clerks and

interested in becoming his career

remember asking them how to

law clerk, without term limitations.

get a position like this.” Following

Twelve years later, Hardmon is

that experience, Hardmon said

still passionate about her position,

becoming a federal law clerk

“I always had in the back of my

became a goal for her. Her first

mind that I wanted to clerk. I

opportunity as a clerk came the

didn’t know it could be a career.

following year at the law firm of

I love being on this side of the

prominent attorney and Shaw

action.” She wants to demystify

University alumnus, Willie Gary.

the role of law clerks and is actively

Going in, she was warned that

recruiting more people of color

Gary’s firm did not hire summer

to consider clerking and apply for

clerks for full-time positions.

the positions. She realized that

Hardmon was not deterred and

there are many that do not know

saw the opportunity to work at

the integral function that law

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clerks provide, “Most people don’t know what law

Hardmon uses her position on the diversity

clerks do. Being a clerk is a position of influence.

committee of the Florida Bar Association to also

Judges rely on their clerks. We do the drafting of

promote clerking. She said that often she finds

the opinions. They advise or counsel the judges

that law students especially those in underserved

when it comes to sentencing issues on the district

communities have no exposure and do not know

court level. The judge really does value my opinion

clerkships exists.

when it comes to how he’s going to sentence somebody. Sometimes judges create new law

Hardmon says that she and Judge Graham make

if there’s not a set precedent. So often Judge

an intentional effort to hire students of color so

Graham will ask my opinion on these issues.”

that they can be exposed to the other side of the bench. “I tell students as long as he’s on the

In her role as an adjunct professor at Florida

bench because I work for a Black judge and I’m

International University College of Law, Hardmon

here, we’re going to do what we can to get you

is exposing students to the opportunities that

in here at least to get this experience on your

clerking can provide, “Those that serve as term

resume, to get the exposure so you can go on

clerks and move on to other positions are

and if you want to clerk you have an upper hand.

highly sought after because they have a unique

I’ve had up to six former interns go on to become

perspective being on the other side of the

clerks, and I’m very proud of that. I feel like we’re

bench. They’re behind the bench with the judge

making a difference. It’s small but it’s something.

and see the inner workings of chambers. They

Everybody has to reach back and do their part.”

hear how the judges think, how they process information, what’s important and so once they

Anika Royster Hardmon is paying it forward and

leave chambers they’re sought after. They’re often

providing what she received as a law student to

given signing bonuses and clerkship bonuses.”

the next generation of legal minds.

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UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT B Y D R . R O S LY N C L A R K A R T I S

T

hose who follow social media – especially Instagram and TikTok are, no doubt, aware of the phrase “understood the

assignment.” The term is a popular way to praise someone who goes above and beyond to do a good job. According to the Urban Dictionary, “understood the assignment” is used when someone is giving it 110%. It applies when a person (or group) is truly at the top of their game.

Given the definition, I cannot help but apply this phrase to the Benedict College Alumni. Without a doubt, the Best of BC Alumni “understood the assignment.”

Alumni are the best barometer of institutional quality and effectiveness. The personal and professional success of our alumni is tangible proof of the college’s value to the individual and to society. Benedict College has produced leaders in every area of human endeavor. From civil rights icons - Septima P. Clark and Modjeska Simpkins, to Olympic luminary, Leroy T. Walker, to Tyrone A. Burroughs, a serial entrepreneur and benefactor of the renowned Burroughs Scholars Program and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Benedict College has delivered on its commitment to produce “powers for good in society.” Like its sister HBCUs, Benedict has produced significant numbers of African American teachers, lawyers, doctors, scientists, and more recently, engineers! Clearly, Benedict graduates “understood the assignment” to achieve at the highest levels.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Benedict College Alumni shattered the $1M mark for annual alumni giving to Benedict College. In fact,

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this year, the alumni donations

.

of their alumni who give. We

totaled a stunning $1.626M.

celebrate their success in this

Importantly, unlike many other

academic year by the number of

regard. However, despite the

institutions, Benedict does not

alumni of record for that same

importance of the alumni

include “pledges” in its annual

year. U.S. News and World Report

participation rates, I think there

alumni giving numbers. Every

averages and uses in the rankings

is another key indicator that

dollar has actually been received

the two most recent years of

should be considered: the ratio

and booked by the College.

alumni giving rates. The alumni

of alumni giving to institutional

Additionally, the $1.6M number

giving rates accounts for 3% of an

budget. The 16.5% of Benedict

reflects a giving rate of 16.5%

institution’s rankings calculation.

alumni - 1,454 individual donors,

which is nearly twice the giving

Accordingly, the consistently

collectively donated an amount

rate for most HBCU alumni, and

strong alumni giving at Benedict

equal to 4% of the institution’s

places Benedict Alumni in the top

College helped it to achieve its

total annual budget! Therefore,

10 HBCUs nationwide for alumni

first ranking this year! Our alumni

the question should not simply be

giving. More specifically, this year’s

understood the assignment.

how many alumni give, but rather

record breaking giving reflects

how much do they give? With

gifts from 1,454 individual alumni

In addition to rankings, alumni

an average annual gift of more

donors with an average gift of

giving impacts other donor trends.

than $1,000 per person, Benedict

$1,118! Benedict College Alumni

Nearly every private foundation

College Alumni are among the

showed up and showed out! They

and most competitive grants

most generous HBCU alumni

are the BESTofBC! They clearly

include the alumni giving rate

in the country, and they should

understood the assignment!

as a question on the funding

be recognized and celebrated

application. Many funders ask the

for their loyalty, generosity,

Beyond the direct financial

question: “If your graduates don’t

and commitment to “the

impact to the College, the alumni

invest in the school, why should

place where the golden sunshine

giving is a common measure of

we?” At Benedict College, we

falls.” They do far more than

alumni engagement. The average

can proudly say that our alumni

give a modest amount to be “in

percentage of living alumni with

support their institution! They

the number.” They challenge

bachelor’s degrees who give

understood the assignment!

themselves, they increase the goal,

to their school, is an indirect

In recent years, we have heard a

they shatter records, and they

measure of student satisfaction,

great deal about the HBCUs with

SUPPORT THEIR HBCU! Benedict

and it impacts the College’s

the highest alumni giving rates.

College Alumni demonstrate year

rankings. The alumni giving rate is

Many of our sister HBCUs have

after year that they thoroughly

calculated by dividing the number

achieved tremendous success

and completely understood the

of alumni donors during a given

in increasing the percentage

assignment!

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BENEDICT

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COLLEGE

Apply Today! www.benedict.edu/apply 29

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.

“No matter what people say you can’t do, if you really want it that bad you can achieve it,” said Shania.

This is a mentality onset by her father, Elijah Muhammad, who served as her teacher up until her first collegiate course at Oklahoma City Community College in the fall of 2020.

PROUD PRODIGY: SHANIA MUHAMMAD

BY ASHLEIGH FIELDS

F

“My dad had his own home school program called Prep One Collegiate Academy, and the foundation of it was reading, writing and agriculture,” said Shania. “He focused on themes you can actually learn and use in the world.”

These courses proved to provide a strong base for

or most, college is a long awaited journey

logical reasoning and preparation for standardized

into adulthood and the transition into a

testing. At just 13 years old, Shania took the ACT

new phase of life away from home. But

and scored a 20. On her second try, she scored a

for Shania Muhammad, it was and still is a family

22 which placed her in the 63rd percentile among

affair. At the tender age of 14 years old, she reigns

all test takers. From then on her family knew that

as the youngest student to ever attend several

she was a prodigy destined for scholarships and

universities.

success.

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University for the fall 2021 semester where she was not only accepted but esteemed as the youngest Edwin P. McCabe scholar. Recipients of the award are guaranteed membership in the McCabe Honors Program and registration in general education honors courses. It also includes the coverage of tuition and fees for up to 18 credit hours per semester, basic room and board charges in designated campus housing and a textbook stipend.

Shania said, “The scholarship relieves stress because you’re not focusing on the bill. You don’t “The most important thing and our standard

have to worry about things being paid for; you can

in this home is free college,” said Shania. “The

just excel in your classes.”

standard was to get a full ride, debt puts you in a tricky situation.”

However, after the spring semester of 2021 paying for college was the least of her worries. Shania graciously received the Teacher Appreciation Foundation Award and scholarship making her the youngest recipient. Simultaneously, she remained enrolled in Oklahoma City Community College but also became the youngest African American student to ever attend the University of Oklahoma.

“It was a bit awkward. It [University of Oklahoma] was my first in person class, with me being there no one really knew I was 13 years old because of my height,” said Shania.

Her dedication also played a large factor in masking her age. Throughout the semester, she maintained a 3.8 GPA and made the dean’s honor roll despite being different from the average

“MY DAD WAS THE BACKBONE FOR EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO GO TO COLLEGE AND EXCEL IN IT HE MADE SURE I HAD...”

She is currently studying as an agricultural cropping soil science major with the desire to sow into Earth’s grounds.

“Before I went to Langston, I was volunteering at a close friend’s garden developing plants and seeing them grow from a seed to a vegetable or fruit was amazing; it’s the evolution of life,” said Shania. “Seeing everything that applies to nature made me connect it to our world. It applies to life; we are humans, we grow, we develop.”

Her future plans include publishing “Read, Write, Listen”, a book that focuses on what she did to excel in college including the magnitude of reading, writing and listening.

“My dad was the backbone for everything.

Everything I needed to go to college and excel in it, he made sure I had; although yall seeing the product, my father is the one who really set this up,” said Shania. “Black fathers do matter in

student.

families, they need to be highlighted as important to the family.”

“I would always sit at the front. I was really engaged,” said Shania. “I knew I was going to be a minority there. It was me, my sister and one other

Her mother has also been a source of inspiration.

Black girl there; it was different, and that’s why

This year she will receive a Ph.D. from Hampton

I’m leaning toward HBCUs where you feel more at

University.

home and more connected.”

“My family has set a high standard, but I know whatever they accomplish I can too,” said Shania.

Her gut guided her to apply to Langston 31

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FEATURED STORY

KORNISHA MCGILL BROWN NATIONAL PRESIDENT JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

BY KIMBERLEI DAVIS

Stacey Abrams, Alice Walker, Dr. Bernice A. King, Major General Marcelite J. Harris, Janet Bragg, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Kornisha McGill Brown.

Whether living or rejoicing with our ancestors, these women left an indelible impression on all of

A

mong them are glass-shatterers, known for their activism, patriotism, work on Broadway, the silver and small screen,

aviation, ministry, education, and advocacy for children - they are Spelmanites!

distinction to include Marian Wright Edelman,

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We all share in their rich legacies (as different as they each may be) of creativity and a passion to create spaces of equity and inclusion.

Almost two years since being elected as the 27th

Spelman College has produced women of

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National Convention, Kornisha

at risk while navigating and calling attention to

McGill Brown remains a gentle

America’s fragile healthcare system.

.

force, knowing her assignment to serve all children - on mission and

“The pandemic took me to another level of prayer

on purpose.

and faith,” the Thomaston, Georgia native and former A.M.E. preacher’s kid said. “I knew how to

Prior to her election on Aug. 23,

pray, but this pandemic has stretched our faith

2020, Brown served as the 2017-

and we had to teach our children how to stretch

2019 Regional Director of the

their faith and believe that God was going to

Southeastern Region.

protect their father - my husband.”

Brown credits the support of her husband, Dr. Darius K. Brown, an emergency medicine physician, their children Jordan Janay Brown and Darius Brown, Jr., her family, and her time at Spelman College

The Browns grew closer since the pandemic,

with her ability to “give her all to

valuing and appreciating every moment and

the work of Jack and Jill and in

every opportunity to see and love on each other.

other areas.”

“The pandemic is not over, but we will face it with With a reassuring smile, Brown

God, and He will see us through.”

exuded such grace as she spoke about how she prioritizes family,

As confirmed COVID-19 cases and child

her duty as the National President

hospitalizations are at an all-time high due to

of JJOA all while remaining

the wave of more transmissible variants, Jack

committed to her youth advocacy

and Jill of America, Incorporated launched a

work in their community in

#WeCanDoThis social media campaign and

Columbus, Georgia nearly three

webinar series to encourage families to get

years into a global pandemic.

vaccinated and boosted.

“The pandemic has really

Brown has led the nation’s premier organization

impacted our family in a

for Black families during some tumultuous and

tremendous way, and it has been

divisive times.

our faith in God that has sustained us,” the philanthropist and

From impeachments to the January 6th

University of Georgia alumna said.

insurrection at the US Capitol to the high profile murders of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky,

Her husband was one of the

George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and

thousands of frontline clinicians

Ahmaud Arbery in Glynn County, Georgia.

who became the face of the pandemic by representing the

Following the guilty verdict of Arbery’s convicted

best of humanity. They rose

killers, President Brown said in a statement in

every day to treat critically ill

part, “I am the mother of a Black son. I also live in

patients, putting their own lives

the State of Georgia where Ahmaud’s murder took 33

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“EVERYONE ON THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD AND OUR MEMBERS IN POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE WORK OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF ALL CHILDREN. INVESTING IN OUR CHILDRENALL CHILDREN TODAY IS INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE TOMORROW.”

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place; therefore, it was troubling

poverty, and discrimination while

pandemic didn’t slow down the

to think that our children can’t

staying true to the founding

giving from our children and our

go into the community and run

mission of community service

families.”

without their lives being taken….

and preparing children to be

Although this does not bring

successful leaders.

Since its founding on January

Ahmaud back, and there will be

24, 1938, in Philadelphia,

one less seat at his family’s dinner

Overall, despite the setbacks and

Pennsylvania by the late Marion

table, this verdict shows that Black

challenges that the pandemic

Stubbs Thomas, members

lives do matter and these heinous

presents, Brown believes that the

and their families have helped

crimes should not happen in

children of Jack and Jill are taking

support the transformation of

America. It also shows that

a 21st-century approach to world

African-American families, one

humanity won and that human

issues by pivoting and stepping up

child at a time.

beings, no matter the race, can

to the occasion whether virtual or

see wrongdoing.

According to a year-end giving

Acknowledging

report by the philanthropic arm

these wrongs is

of the organization, the Jack and

the first step of

Jill Foundation, Incorporated

reconciliation

touched the lives of more than

towards healing

39,034 people (including 23,970

our nation as we

African Americans) through

recognize there is

their four independent agency

still much more

grants and raised a half-million

work to do…”

dollars for students attending Historically Black Colleges and

There were also

Universities.

two significant victories some

“Through The College Gap Fund,

would say that

started under the leadership

came out of The

of immediate past president

Peach State - Warnock and Ossoff.

in-person to make a difference in

Danielle Brown, even in the

their respective cities and regions.

midst of a pandemic, we were

Yet the long-term mental health

able to exceed our fundraising

effects of those tragic events are

Through award-winning chapter

goal and expand our network

still manifesting in adults and

programming like the Oklahoma

of institutions we can help

children alike which makes the

City Chapter’s “Time to Protest” or

support.”

work of Jack and Jill of America,

the Queen City Chapter’s “Black

Incorporated so important Brown

Farmers” or the Augusta Chapter’s

Brown’s early love for HBCUs

said.

“The Cheese Keeps Moving,”

and the sheer fact that Spelman

members implemented and

attracts and produces multi-

Through their partnerships with

engaged children in activities that

talented women sealed the deal

When We All Vote, The Sonrise

centered on the National Program

for the political science major.

Project, the National CARES

Thrusts: Education, Cultural, Civic,

Mentoring Movement, The

Social/Recreational, and Health.

“Being around women who

CROWN Act – Dove, and many

were like-minded leaders and

others, they are addressing

“As an organization, we set

wanted to give back to their

critical needs surrounding voter

guidelines based on CDC

communities, Spelman was the

registration, mental illness,

recommendations, but the

perfect fit,” Brown said.

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Launched in the summer of 2020, Jacks in the

“Everyone on the national executive board and our

House and Jills Take Spelman are just two of

members in positions of leadership are passionate

several new enrichment initiatives being offered

about the work of making a difference in the lives

exclusively for teens of JJOA.

of all children. Investing in our children-all children today is investing in our future tomorrow.”

“Our immediate past National Recording Secretary, Michelle Gentry Anderson, helped

Before she’s NP Kornisha to thousands of

launch our partnership with Morehouse College

members representing over 250 chapters

and through that was birthed a partnership

nationwide and more than 40,000 JJOA families,

with Spelman College. We want to expose our

Brown is a wife, mother, family member, Soror,

children to HBCUs, their significance, their role in

and friend who tries to make time for Netflix; and

leadership development and networking, and the

you’ll probably catch her playing a throwback

importance of supporting these institutions.”

game of red light green light before you see her cruising down a zip-line again.

Some notable JJOA members, dads, and legacies are Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded

It was Convocation Day at Sisters Chapel, and then

Entertainment; Michele Thornton Ghee, CEO

President Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D. rose to the

of Ebony and Jet; Kalia Booker King, Executive

podium to say “My Spelman Sisters!”

Vice President, Television, Proximity Media; Sheinelle Jones, co-host of NBC’s 3rd Hour of

“That’s a moment at Spelman, I’ll remember

Today; Michelle Miller, co-host CBS This Morning:

most.”

Saturday; Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes; Prentice Penny, showrunner

Brown recalled how Cole charged each

of hit HBO series, Insecure; Sterling K. Brown

Spelmanite to make sure the sister to her right

of NBC’s “This Is Us;” Ryan Michelle Bathe of

and left was there on graduation day.

BET+ “First Wives Club;” Keith David of OWN’s “Greenleaf;” Codie Elaine Oliver and Tommy Oliver,

“Years later, I have the privilege of working with

co-creators of Black Love Doc and acclaimed

Dr. Cole as a part of Sisters United for Reform,

photographer Tyler Mitchell.

and under her leadership at Spelman is where I learned that I am my sister’s keeper and that

The list of Black Excellence that is and has tenured

together we rise.”

out of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is quite lengthy.

To support The College Gap Fund visit: jackandjillfoundation.org

The work of any successful organization isn’t accomplished alone - it takes a team, a team of melanated Black Girl Magic.

Brown works alongside National Vice President Claudia Curtis, National Treasurer Nadine J. Gibson, National Program Director Shirell A. Gross, National Recording Secretary Robin Rice Hodges, National Corresponding Secretary Sativa LeachBowen, and National Editor Florence Lankford.

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JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED. ORANGEBURG (SC) CHAPTER JACKS AND JILLS

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WEAR TOP BRANDS. OR WORK FOR THEM.

.

The world’s best companies actively recruit from Jackson State University. That’s because no one prepares young men and women to become leaders in their fields like we do. Here, you’ll be welcomed and challenged. Embraced and pushed. And when you graduate, you’ll leave JSU transformed - with an unwavering sense of pride and purpose.

TM

J E S S I C A ALEXANDE R Y R I G O YE N N I K E EVENT P LAN N E R JSU Graduate, 2019

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There’s ready. Then there’s JSU ready.

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FEATURED STORY

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT HUDSON

BY ERICKA BLOUNT DANOIS

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here couldn’t be a better president for

you grow up in a place like Jackson – Jackson

Jackson State University than President

State is the university in our capital city.”

Thomas K. Hudson. Hudson was literally

born to be there.

Hudson wasn’t close to being an “A-student” in high school but found his niche at Jackson State.

Hudson grew up in Mississippi and was raised

He’d always been interested in politics and law

within a few blocks of the university. His mom, a

and was able to find the kind of professors that

single mother of seven children, carried him in

helped to pique his interest and inspired him to

tow with her to classes at Jackson State.

become a more engaged student.

“That’s really an HBCU story,” Hudson says by

“I was in a place where I could engage with people

phone. “This is before childcare, we had to do

from all over the world and engage with faculty

things differently.”

that took a personal interest in me. They saw something I didn’t see in myself and helped to

He attended summer programs on campus and

propel me forward. It was the perfect fit for me

attended junior high school right behind the

to realize my potential and become the person I

campus. From his office now, he can see where he

was meant to be,” said Hudson who would go on

attended his old school. He’d later meet his wife

to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of

who attended grad school at Jackson State.

Mississippi School of Law and establish a private practice.

And of course, he would attend Jackson State, along with his sister.

Hudson has come full circle serving now as the president of Jackson State since February

“Jackson State has been intertwined with my

2020. He took the position prior to any American

life for as long as I can remember,” said Hudson.

understanding of the full scope and severity of the

“Even though I applied and was accepted to other

pandemic. Before he was appointed president,

schools, this is where I knew I was going. When

he was working as the special assistant to the

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president and chief operating officer of the

the Jackson State University

of the campus and really

university, overseeing Title IX, human resources,

equal opportunity employment

learn about Jackson State

legal and ombudsman.

program. He was meeting

holistically in a way that I don’t

people, training them, and

think very many people get

In the early days of COVID, Hudson was on

working in the areas of problem

the opportunity to do was

a telephone call with presidents of other

solving and dealing with

enlightening,” said Hudson.

universities. He was new to his position as

sensitive information.

president and made it clear that he was new and unsure about what to do.

His work in various positions at Soon after, he took on the role

Jackson State helped to inform

of chief diversity officer making

his work as President of the

“They were like we don’t know either. This is new

connections and contacts in

university. During his role as chief

for all of us. It leveled things out for me. Everyone

a leadership role and entering

operating officer during one of

was in the same position trying to figure out

into relationships in the

the university’s most difficult

the pandemic. It fostered an environment of us

entire university, with the first

financial crises, he helped to

working together. It was an equalizer in many

introductions to the academic

prepare a financial plan to bring

ways. For me coming into a role and immediately

machinations of the university.

the university back to solvency.

didn’t have time to focus on any external factors,”

“It was a wonderful experience

He used that same skill set when

remembers Hudson.

– diversity is our superpower.

the university lost revenue when

Being able to leverage that

they were forced to shut down

Hudson also had an insider’s point of view for

position, that opportunity and

because of COVID. They were

the role as president. He had worked as the first

really learn about the entire

forced to suspend meal plans,

EEO officer overseeing employee complaints and

campus, the inner operations

lost revenue from summer

facing that type of crisis, it focused you. You

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“WE ARE A UNIVERSITY ON THE RISE” camps, residence halls, catering and had to refund

alumni like jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson and Dr.

money back to students.

Rod Paige, the first African American to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Education.

It forced him and the university to embrace a new normal.

Hudson wants to continue to grow the university with six main goals: becoming one of the most

“It exposed some gaps in our infrastructures,” said

student-centered universities in the country;

Hudson. “Things were moving towards an online

becoming a Top 10 U.S. News & World Report

environment, but were the students we served

ranked HBCU; raise the level of research

prepared for that movement?”

prominence by increasing research capabilities; become one of the premier NCAA FCS sports

Hudson said it forced him to think about how to

programs in the country; retain and grow its

move the university forward. What came out of it

status as one of the most beautiful and attractive

was a new strategic plan.

urban campuses in the country; and Jackson State will become nationally known for quality

Jackson State University has been in the news

customer service.

for the past few years, in part because of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders as the head coach of their

Jackson hopes that his two daughters, 10 and 8,

football team. They are 11-1 overall and were

will continue the Jackson State tradition.

undefeated in the SWAC conference. Jackson State is one of only four HBCUs with an accredited

“We are a university on the rise,” he says.

art program. They rank #5 among the top STEM HBCU. Jackson State is one of two HBCUs with a clinical doctoral program, among many other accomplishments. They are home to prestigious 41

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COUNTERING CONSTITUTIONAL CRISES: LESSONS FROM THURGOOD MARSHALL

BY SEAN PERRYMAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DR. N. JOYCE PAYNE CENTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

A

lmost one year ago, an unprecedented

make it harder for people to vote. Texas’ new ban

election brought our nation to the

on almost all abortions is paving the way for a

brink of a constitutional crisis. Former

new wave of restrictions to reproductive freedom

President Trump refused to concede and pushed

across the country. We are witnessing the slow

false claims of election fraud. Many members of

erosion of many civil rights—law-by-law and state-

Congress announced that they would not certify

by-state.

the legitimate results of the election. This rhetoric and posturing led to an insurrectionary, violent

These attacks on civil rights seek to undo

mob storming our nation’s capital in an attempt

enduring precedent in landmark cases like

to overturn the Electoral College results.

Roe v Wade. When Dr. N. Joyce Payne founded the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, she was

Violent threats to our Constitution are shocking

acutely aware of Justice Thurgood Marshall’s

and immediately capture our attention. Nearly

legacy and role in Roe and other decisions that

a year later; however, even though the mob has

granted previously restricted rights to swaths

long since cleared from our streets, the truth is

of Americans. Justice Marshall was one of the

that our nation is facing ongoing attacks on the

key justices in the Court’s history on issues like

hallmarks of our democracy. Lawmakers in 18

access to the ballot, reproductive care, and the

states have passed legislation this year that will

death penalty. As a civil rights lawyer and the first

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WHEN WE THINK ABOUT HOW WE ARE GOING TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS , IT ’S CLEAR THAT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS AND LEADERS FROM THE C O M M U N I T I E S M O S T M AT E R I A L LY I M PA C T E D B Y T H E S E DRAMATIC CHANGES TO OUR POLICY AND L AW.

Black Supreme Court Justice, he understood that

our Constitution could not simply spontaneously

threats to our constitutional rights anywhere are

materialize within the marbled walls of a

threats to racial justice everywhere. The progress

courtroom or on the floors of Congress.

that he helped facilitate as a lawyer and jurist to make our nation more equitable and just is at risk,

That’s why the N. Joyce Payne Center for Social

amid a coordinated, national push to weaponize

Justice is working to defend Justice Marshall’s

the courts and strip constitutional rights at the

legacy against these threats to our Constitution

state level.

through action. We’re putting forward a bottomup approach that bridges policy research,

The brunt of these state-level laws falls squarely

scholarship, advocacy, and the power of

on people of color. Evidence shows that people of

Historically Black College and Universities and the

color and low-income people are the first to lose

activists and academics they produce across the

access to safe abortions when new restrictions are

country. We don’t need to rely solely on the courts

put in place. The same pattern holds for voting

and Congress to defend our democracy and make

rights; Black communities specifically will face the

new strides in the fight for racial justice.

most barriers to ballot access as a result of new state-level voter suppression laws. Similar anti-

Justice Marshall once said, “We must dissent

democratic policies like gerrymandering and felon

from the indifference. We must dissent from the

disenfranchisement target people of color and

apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred

preclude fair representation.

and the mistrust...We must dissent because America can do better, because America has

So when we think about how we are going to

no choice but to do better.” The lesson of the

protect our rights, it’s clear that we need to focus

dangerous days following the 2020 election is

on solutions and leaders from the communities

that indifference in our democracy can slide us

most materially impacted by these dramatic

towards peril at a moment’s notice. In this time

changes to our policy and law. Unfortunately,

of great crisis, America has no choice but to do

Congress has proven incapable of reaching

better and to live up to our promises of equality of

consensus on protecting these fundamental

opportunity and justice for all.

rights in states seeking to roll them back. Justice Marshall fundamentally understood that the full realization of the founding principles enshrined in

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A CAU MAN AND THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH SUCCESS

BY NICHOLAS JACKSON

I N A D AY F U L L O F F I LT E R S , D I S T O R T E D AND UNREALISTIC VIEWS OF BODY IMAGE, AND IN CONTEMPLATING THE “SOCIAL DILEMMA,” ACTOR JASON MIMMS HAS A LOT TO SAY ABOUT LIVING THE #CANDIDLIFE.

Drums beating. Young men chanting and marching. Pride beaming. Bittersweet “see-youlater’s” uttered from the lips of onlooking family members. Actor Jason Mimms remembers the unforgettable euphoria of an HBCU freshman induction ceremony and weekend. While in this case his experience was indirect, as he was bearing witness to his brother being etched into the annals of history at Morehouse College, there are just some experiences that engulf the whole of you- spirit, soul, and body. This is the HBCU

“The relationship with failure has to be an honest one,” Jason says. “A lot of us want to fail in a vacuum; we want to fail where no one can see it. We want our success out in front but fail in private.”

experience personified. Being 2 years younger than his brother, Jason at once felt the weight of legacy on his shoulders, as he knew that he would be following in the footsteps of greats such as Atlanta University’s founder and world-renowned scholar, W.E.B. Du Bois.

Jason began his career in the entertainment industry in Atlanta on B.E.T.’s “Hell Date” Season 2 while still a college student.

The Atlanta University Center holds a special place in Jason’s heart. He experienced and enjoyed

Unpopular opinion: the right relationship with

the fullness of his HBCU experience. “’I’ll find a

failure is the key to success. In a day where

way or make one.’ If I had to say I have lived up to

society, especially younger members, seem to

anything past college, it is that mantra; that credo

put an unprecedented value on the filtered, actor Jason Mimms holds that true vulnerabilitythe willingness to fail out front, learn from your failures, and try again- is the key to realizing one’s full potential and crafting a fulfilling career.

that stuck with you,” Jason shares. Jason is a 2008 graduate of Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA and an initiate of the Gamma Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “As a student, we had to embody this but especially beyond that as an actor.” As a creative in the performing arts

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and eventually the entertainment industry, Jason

role from that moment forward.

knows all too well the struggle of discovering

Jason would fully launch his acting career while

and remaining dedicated to one’s difference; of

still a student at Clark Atlanta on B.E.T.’s “Hell

cultivating one’s uniqueness; of fully tapping into

Date” Season 2. After graduating college and

the “it” factor that allows one to take flight and

riding the wave of his newfound success, he

soar in every area of life and endeavor.

moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue new heights in his career.

Just a cool kid from the south side of Chicago, Jason knew from the age of 10 that acting would be his future. Ironically, being a Black kid from Chicago that wanted to pursue acting, or drama and theater, as it would have been called, was NOT cool. “I didn’t even tell most of my classmates around me that I was acting.” Always a creative, active kid, his mother, Gloria Mimms, and aunt, affectionately known as “Nanny,” took note. They recommended that young Jason take acting classes and despite his hesitancy, they pushed him forward and continued to support him as he further unpacked and cultivated his potential.

If “taking advantage of opportunity” and “staying ready so you don’t have to get ready” was a person, it would most certainly be Jason. While Jason’s first role was playing Walter Lee Younger from A Raisin in the Sun with the Chicago Theatre Company in a youth acting class with Peter

craft, because it embodies the many successes and failures- the ups and downs- that come with

Chatman. Jason’s first major role was his first professional play, which he landed at the age of 14.

This would be the young star’s first paid role in the play, Morning Noon and Night.

building a career in the entertainment industry.

In a word- GRIT. According to the American Psychology Association’s Dictionary of Psychology, grit is defined as “a personality trait characterized

Even though Jason was an understudy, he was excited for the opportunity to be paid and be exposed to several talented actors. However, he truly felt that he could do the lead role- even begin with. He had no idea that he would get an opportunity sooner rather than later.

difference-maker for Jason along his journey.

to fail out in front. Jason recalls trying out for a part in the show, “Fame.” “I could have been a lead but I wasn’t a singer. So when it came down to

all young Jason needed. Jason would get

casting, someone else got the role.” This made

the opportunity to perform on Press Night- a

Jason dig deeper.

performance that earned him a full column write-up in the Chicago Sun-Times as well as the opportunity to land half the shows from the lead

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long-term goals.” Developing grit has been a key

role, but I was afraid to sing. I could hold a note,

One night, the lead could not show. That was

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by perseverance and passion for achieving

However, there was a time when Jason was afraid

better than the person who landed the role to

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Career. Jason likes this word in the context of his

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One of the many benefits of the HBCU experience Jason enjoyed while at Clark Atlanta University

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(CAU) was the opportunity to “fail among friends.”

The safety to fail is one of many inherent qualities that the HBCU experience has offered to students over the years. The opportunity to make mistakes in an environment filled with people who look like you, have common ground with you, and can often identify with your story without judgment is invaluable- especially in a day and time where everyone vehemently avoids failure.

“It was divine for me to end up at Clark Atlanta,” Jason explained. “Out of the two schools I applied to, Clark was the only one that offered a theater department.” Jason recounts the many teachers and professors that had a profound impact on him both personally and professionally as he worked to earn his B.A. of Theatre Arts from the university. One such individual was Carol Leon, actor and wife of well-known stage director Kenny Leon. “There are no small roles. There are only small actors,” she told young Jason and his peers.

“YOU CAN GO TO SCHOOL AND LEARN ACTING AS YOU WOULD A SKILL LIKE WELDING, BUT YOU COULD JUST GET A JOB . CREATING A CAREER FOR YOURSELF IS TAKING ALL THE EXPERIENCES OF THE ‘GOOD JOBS’ AND DEADEND JOBS AND MAKING THEM INTO SOMETHING YOU CAN CALL A CAREER. IT TAKES INTEGRITY AND THE GUMPTION F O R Y O U T O T R U LY ‘ F I N D A WAY OR MAKE ONE .’ YOU ARE GIVEN BROKEN PIECES FOR YOU TO ASSEMBLE AND MAKE SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF. THERE’S NO BETTER PLACE FOR YOU TO DO THAT THAN AT AN HBCU.”

These words would stick with him as he worked to build his career.

Pursuing acting and other careers in the creative

What’s interesting to note, especially at a place in time where conversations regarding mental health are at an all-time high, is the role that psychology plays in the art of acting. “Acting is psychology,” Jason says. “It reflects real life. We dig into how a character thinks. The goal is not to judge the character but to look at the person and try to portray them as real as possible. This is why you can see a cold-hearted criminal in a movie and fall in love with them.”

arts is pursuing a career of rejection. “You go through this business being punched in the face with no after no,” Jason went on to say. “You are going after rejection just to get one yes that could launch your career.”

Critical to growth is vulnerability. As Jason sees it, “If you are not willing to be vulnerable around people, then you do not grow. In order to be in this business, you have to grow. You have to go after it like you do air and water.”

As his career has grown, Jason has had the opportunity to witness much, including people’s perceptions of success and failure. Perfection,

It’s growing, Jason says, that puts you in place to create your career. “The person who wants to be perfect and only wants to look good is only

as Jason sees it, is a trap- one that creates a

going to stay in that place of understanding and

“box” from which many people never escape.

Ultimately, Jason wants those seeking to live their dream- whatever that looks like- to understand that “it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

Progress is growth, and that is what I am clawing after.”

experience, and that’s so limited. In my mind, being ugly and finding fears is me going to the next level of growth, which becomes translated as experience.”

Jason says he cannot overstate the importance,

It’s growing that puts one in place to craft a true career in whatever field or industry of pursuit.

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necessity, and value of being your true and vulnerable self. “It’s the people who were vulnerable- the most vulnerable- who fell and

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picked themselves back up through the criticism,

and committed to bringing such conversation

the laughter, and the fear- who had the biggest

to college students who are looking to take their

impact in our lives.”

“broken pieces” and build their careers. “If you are brave enough to go through the layers of growth,

One of the greatest ironies of acting, according to

you will find success. Courage is not the absence

Jason, is pursuing such a career in which one has

of fear. It is the mastery of it.”

to take on the persona of another and make it feel so real but then wearing a “mask” in real life. In

You can follow Jason on Instagram @Jason_

other words, the acting doesn’t stop on the stage,

Mimms as well as on Facebook. In the future,

but we continue to put on a persona for others in

you can expect to see him build on his success

real life.

and talents by adding writing and directing to his resume, so stay tuned, and even more, live the #candidlife!

In light of this, Jason’s words to the up-andcoming generations is “don’t cheat the process.”

Now there’s a cuss word: process. In the context of acting, he says, “If you can learn to be vulnerable in your real life as you are pursuing the role, failure will be the key to success. It’s not so much about the destination as it is about the journey. Be willing to go through all the steps.”

So what’s next for Jason? As he continues to work closely with the Robey Theatre Company in his

Nicholas Jackson is an Atlanta, GA-

current place of residence, Los Angeles, CA, the

born, Chattanooga, TN-raised, Bama-bred

rising star will be working with Ava Duvernay in

professional. He is a people-oriented business

the upcoming second season of Cherish the Day

builder, passion-driven innovator, conscious

with Joy Bryant and Henry Simmons. He will play

connector, creative and motivator. He has

in a recurring role as Joy’s boyfriend on the show,

been called a “Generational Strategist,” as

which is an OWN network original series.

he devotes much of his personal time and professional career to bridging gaps between generations. After graduating f rom the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences in 2009, he enrolled as a full-time student on a marching band scholarship at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English. While at Stillman, Nicholas was very involved on and off campus and in several student organizations, including the Blue Pride Marching Band, Stillman College Choir, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. He also served as a Residential Assistant, Student Ambassador, and Student Support Specialist. Post-undergrad, he has served as a

Spring 2022, you can look forward to Jason bringing these critical conversations to an HBCU campus near you. “I’m only 35, and I want to do more than just check things off my personal list.

I want to do more than I am doing, because just to do me is so small.” Jason is passionate about 47

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bridge between people and organizations as a recruiter, educator, volunteer and community partner. Today, Nicholas engages communities with creative thinking, problem solving, & programming and is currently pursuing his Executive MBA f rom the University of Alabama.

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TMCF PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL HBCU ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS

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he Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the National Historically Black Colleges & Universities Alumni Associations

Foundation (NHBCUAAF) have announced a new civic engagement initiative among the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to increase voter engagement among underrepresented groups.

BY CHEVONNE MANSFIELD

SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS OF THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND

The goal of this one-year initiative is to promote a more equitable and inclusive democracy, engage students in federal, state and local elections, and help overcome the ever-changing barriers to voting. At a time when students are facing the COVID-19 pandemic, social injustice, and challenges to the American democracy, HBCUs must find new and more effective ways to educate, engage, innovate, and invest in participatory governance.

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In 2020, the American Association of Colleges &

Tyrone Couey, NHBCUAAF President, added, “This

Universities reported that young adults have been

partnership will have an enormous impact on the

the least engaged members of the US electorate

lives of thousands of young men and women at

for more than four decades. In 2016, the political

HBCUs who too often face nearly insurmountable

dynamic changed with students driving GOTV

barriers to exercising their right to vote.”

(Get Out the Vote) campaigns across the nation.

Consequently, between 2016 and 2020, young

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund,

men and women increased their participation in

established in 1987, is the nation’s largest

the presidential elections by 5-10%.

organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member-schools

The civic engagement program will collaborate

include the publicly-supported Historically Black

initially with a select group of HBCUs in North

Colleges and Universities and Predominantly

Carolina with the goal of mobilizing 100 students

Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of

on each campus to serve as student ambassadors

all students attending Black colleges and

for the Voter Registration, Education, Mobilization

universities. Through scholarships, capacity

and Get Out the Vote (VREM GOTV) Project.

building and research initiatives, innovative

Participating schools include Elizabeth City

programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a

State University, Fayetteville State University,

vital resource in the K-12 and higher education

Livingstone College, North Carolina A&T State

space. The organization is also the source of top

University, North Carolina Central University

employers seeking top talent for competitive

and Shaw University. Integrated programming

internships and good jobs.

and activities will take place at each institution, including creating and disseminating information

TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable

on the importance of voting, hosting podcasts

organization. For more information about TMCF,

and fireside chats on voter suppression, and

visit: www.tmcf.org.

utilizing social media to educate, empower and encourage students to register to vote.

The National Historically Black Colleges & Universities Alumni Associations Foundation,

The American electorate is growing younger and

established in 2016, is a premier organization

more diverse as reported by Tufts University’s

comprised of alumni leaders and associates

Center for Information and Research on Civic

from HBCUs. We are experienced professionals

Learning and Engagement. Through dedicated

with the knowledge, skills and expertise to

programming to help students deepen their

provide technical assistance to HBCUs and other

electoral engagement, TMCF and NHBCUAAF are

institutions on a wide range of topics. We deliver

addressing some of the nation’s most difficult

our products, consultation and services with the

issues while creating both immediate and long-

highest degree of professionalism and integrity.

term impact with communities of color.

“We are extremely excited to join NHBCUAAF in

NHBCUAAF is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization.

bringing progressive voices together to promote

For more information about NHBCUAAF, visit:

and affirm the power of civic engagement,” said

www.nhbcuaa.org.

Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

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sTUDENT POWER FEATURE

MYA CYIBAR SCHOFIELD

M

ya Cyibar Schofield is a senior business administration major with a concentration in

management and a minor in marketing at Benedict College. Mya is a native of Atlanta, Georgia.

Mya’s hobbies include going shopping, watching sports and spending time reading and writing.

Mya is an active student on the campus of

Upon graduating from Benedict College in May

Benedict College. She currently serves as Thee

2022, she plans to earn an MBA degree and then

79th Miss Benedict College 2021-2022. She is a

attend law school. She plans on being a criminal

member of Communities in Schools: Atlanta

defense attorney, prosecutor and judge. Mya

Alumni Association. She’s the former Student

aspires to run for mayor in her beloved hometown,

Government Association President for the 2020-

Atlanta, Georgia.

2021 academic school year. Mya serves in the role of Vice President in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,

FAVORITE QUOTE

Inc., Psi Chapter and Fall 2019 initiate of Psi Chapter. She is also the New Students’ Orientation

“My mission in life is not merely to

leader, president of Benedict College’s Student

survive, but to thrive, and to do so

Ambassadors, and a member of Benedict

with some passion, some compassion,

College’s School of Honors. Mya was chosen to

some humor and some style.”

represent Benedict College in the 2020-2021

- Dr. Maya Angelou.

White House HBCU Initiative Competitiveness Scholar Program, the highest opportunity for an HBCU Scholar.

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Dr. Smith is the owner of Diversified Training

POWER ALUMNI FEATURE

Consultants Group, a geriatric care management organization, providing support for those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, cognitive impairment, intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and their families. She is also the author of “A Dementia Caregiver’s Guide to Care.”

Dr. Smith has appeared in several editions of Faculty Matters Magazine for her continued contributions in the academic areas of teaching, discovery, integration, and application. She conducts research, develops programs, conducts program evaluations, and facilitates professional development education and training opportunities. Because of Dr. Smith’s continued advocacy efforts, she was awarded the Post & Courier’s Golden Pen Award for her editorial on senior care in long-term care during the pandemic. Dr. Smith’s most notable work has been published in the Dementia: Sage Journals, In Our Community, Dementia Speaks: Pilot of a person-centered training targeting African-American caregivers of persons-living with

DR. MACIE P. SMITH

dementia (innovative practice). ​Dr. Smith is a regular contributor on OnPoint on WACH FOX 57 and a writer with the HBCU Times Magazine. She has been featured on WIS-TV, WLTX, ABC Columbia, WBTV

D

Charlotte, WFMV, WGCV, WWDM,

r. Macie P. Smith is a proud HBCU

and WURD radio. Her very popular Just Ask Dr.

alum of South Carolina State University

Macie segments are now featured on Saltbox TV;

receiving both her bachelor’s in social

streaming on Roku and Fire TV.

work and master’s in rehabilitation counseling; she earned her doctorate in higher education

Dr. Smith was elected to the Board of Trustees at

leadership from Nova Southeastern University

South Carolina State University in March 2021. She

in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Smith is a licensed

also serves on the advisory board of Leeza’s Care

gerontology social worker, an award-winning

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Alzheimer’s and dementia educator, elected official, TV personality, social media influencer,

Dr. Smith’s consistent and relevant content

and author with over 22 years of experience

creation on social media has garnered her over

working with aging and vulnerable populations.

61,000 followers.

She is a tenured-track assistant professor at

To connect with Dr. Smith: Socials: @drmaciep Email: info@bookdrmacie.com

Benedict College in the social work Department.

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LATISHA HOPE BONNETTE-SMALLS

pOWER ALUMNI FEATURE

“If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain!”

L

atisha Hope Bonnette-Smalls, a native

active in local and global organizations alike. She

of Saint Matthews, South Carolina, and a

is a member of New Mount Zion Baptist Church in

proud graduate of two local historically

Orangeburg, South Carolina.

black colleges and universities [HBCUs]. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of

She holds memberships in Jack and Jill of

Arts in English Education from Claflin University

America, Incorporated (Current Chapter President,

and a Master of Education, plus 30 hours in

Orangeburg (SC) Chapter, Past Corresponding

Counselor Education from South Carolina State

Secretary and Protocol Chair). She is also

University. Both of these prestigious HBCUs

a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,

are located in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Incorporated, Beta Zeta Omega Chapter (Life

Ms. Bonnette-Smalls is a Professional School

Member). Additionally, she is also a member of

Counselor (K-12) and a Global Career Development

The Links, Incorporated, Orangeburg (SC) Chapter

Facilitator (GCDF). She is also certified in Mental

where she serves as Hospitality Committee

Health First Aid, and is a Youth Mental Health

Chair, and on the Scholarship Committee, and

First Aid Instructor. She is employed by Bamberg

Services to Youth Facet. Ms. Bonnette-Smalls is

School District 1. She is a veteran educator with

a dedicated member of the National Association

23 years of experience and dedication to public

for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP]

education.

(Orangeburg Branch). In her spare time, Mrs. Bonnette-Smalls enjoys retail therapy, traveling,

Ms. Bonnette-Smalls currently resides in

and fine dining. Ms. Bonnette-Smalls’ personal

Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is the proud

and professional philosophies are one and the

mother of 15-year-old Lauren Mackenzie Smalls.

same. “If I can help somebody as I pass along,

In addition to being a devoted mother and

then my living shall not be in vain!”

professional educator, Ms. Bonnette-Smalls is very 53

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POWER ALUMNI FEATURE

Carlton is a former civil servant whose career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spanned 20 years. He was the first urban planner hired by the Office of Environmental Justice at EPA. Carlton distinguished himself as an accomplished expert on the topic of equitable development while working for the federal government. He managed national workshops; conducted community technical assistance;

CARLTON ELEY

and published multiple articles that explore the intersection of equity and community planning.

In 2017, Carlton published a Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Memo on the topic of equitable development for the American Planning

C

Association (APA). The memo was released to

of encouraging planning and policy solutions

Fellow for Taubman College of Architecture and

that are responsive to the needs of underserved

Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. In

communities and vulnerable populations. Prior

2003, Carlton participated in the Ian Axford (New

to joining Race Forward, Carlton worked at the

Zealand) Fellowship in Public Policy sponsored by

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission as

Fulbright New Zealand. Carlton has a master’s in

regional equity initiative manager. From 2016 to

urban and regional planning from the University

2019, Carlton completed multiple projects that

of Iowa as well as a bachelor’s in sociology/

served to re-energize the American Planning

social work curriculum from Elizabeth City State

Association’s focus on advancing equity, including

University (ECSU).

arlton Eley is senior director for federal

APA’s 40,000 members.

strategies for Race Forward. He joined Carlton was named the 2021 Sojourner Truth

Race Forward following a long career

chairing the Social Equity Task Force.

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HAS AN UNMATCHED COMMITMENT TO

Historically Black Colleges and Universities AKA Endowments Established at over 96 HBCUs! Dr. Glenda Glover International President and CEO

Over $6 Million raised!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Corporate Office 5656 S. Stony Island Avenue Chicago, IL 60637 www.aka1908.com 55

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At the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, we believe anyone striving to be someone should be championed by everyone.

That’s why we provide access to opportunity and economic mobility for HBCU students through scholarships and DEI programs.

Seek your next scholarship and career opportunity at WHOSNEXT.TMCF.ORG

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