HBCU Digest

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Q&A Archive

Tuesday

6

September 2011

0

COMMENTS

Paul Quinn Continues Advocacy for Adequate Food Resources, Waste Alternatives in South Dallas

Written by , Posted in Paul Quinn College

Paul Quinn College remains in the throes of a very public debate with city legislators in Dallas about a proposed increase in waste dumping just miles from its campus. In the months since the proposal was introduced, PQC has engaged city, state and national coverage in its efforts to solve the waste question, while also advocating for better food resources to locate in the area. Using student advocacy and grassroots mobilization for its cause, Paul Quinn has emerged as formidable opponent for social development on behalf of South Dallas’ communities of color.

Here’s an update on the effort from Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell.

(more…)

Thursday

10

March 2011

1

COMMENTS

Q&A with Virginia State, College Hill Alum Ray Cunningham

Written by , Posted in Headlines

Ray Cunningham

Since his days as a cast member on the popular B.E.T. reality series College Hill, Ray Cunningham has continued his run of fame as an actor, advocate and pop culture critic. Cunningham recently provided insight on his College Hill experience, its impact on his life, and why the show ended.

Let’s begin at the end. You have alluded publicly that College Hill ended for reasons unrelated to money or ratings. What are some of those reasons, and how did you become privy to the programming decision to end?

In so many words, BET cancelled College Hill to my knowledge due to the network’s change in direction of programming. It is understandable that with new vision comes new programming but I feel the show could have recieved a proper send-off being it was the first African-American reality show and had excellent ratings as the show progressed. I’ve spoken with Tracey Edmonds about the shows future but its pretty much safe to say College Hill ran its course for six semesters. The episodes are available on iTunes and some seasons on DVD, mine being one of them.

Your time on College Hill; how has it impacted your life for better or worse since taping?

The show and college ended for me five years ago. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to time stamp that period in my life, for that I am thankful and will always remember the experience. Since the show, I’ve lived in Los Angeles, CA for several years and made some amazing connections and friendships with people based off my participation on the show. I can say I’ve partied with everyone from Tyler Perry to Quincy Jones at one time or another. Would I do it again? Honestly no at this point in my life. I didn’t let the show run my life. I ran with it and made it work for me.

What is your impression of the way College Hill as a series depicted student life at an HBCU?

The previous two seasons is what made me want to be apart of College Hill because it showed the actual campus and student life. After participating on the show, viewing it as a former cast member and now as a HBCU graduate – I was entertained that the show had evolved into the similar format of MTV’s Real World but I also felt the later seasons didn’t necessarily represent what the show was intially created for. My favorite season after ours was the Virgin Islands season because it focused on cultural diversity amongst blacks but I feel the dramatic gimmicks as the series went on overshadowed the actual purpose of the show.

What was the most valuable part of your individual experience on the show? What, if anything, is your biggest regret about participating?

Though it was forced, I finally accepted my sexuality as same-gender loving person on national TV. Saying it and knowing it are two different things. It was a shock to some of my relatives but as all black families do, we made the best of what could have been a mockery had I acted out of character and been sterotypical. That was the only thing I honestly regretted at first, but as time went on, I became a gay advocate of sorts for being “the first openly gay talent” on BET in their then 25-year history. I accepted it and made the most of the opportunity and got to travel the country and meet many different people.

What are your plans going forward, and how do you think College Hill will assist those plans?

Through my participation with College Hill, I was able to actually intern for the Corporate Communications depeartment in the LA office of BET the summer my show aired and there I got hands-on training in media relations which allowed me to relocate to Atlanta, GA and work for a new media company as their communications specialist. I went into the show with a ultimate goal and that was to work in corporate entertainment and that’s what I’m doing, four years later.

Thursday

10

February 2011

2

COMMENTS

Q&A with Former Tuskegee Student, Entertainment Blogger Whitley Farland

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The choice between professional dreams and personal realities are difficult to navigate, and former Tuskegee University student and Mississippi native Whitley Farland knows the choice well. The burgeoning entertainment media mogul and proprietor of thelexmonroe.blogspot.com talks about her departure from TU, her most meaningful career moment, and her future plans.

Describe the moment when you became certain that you would not return to Tuskegee. How long had you considered it, and how difficult was it to make?

Around November of 2010, which was my 3rd semester at Tuskegee, I decided that I would not be returning for the Spring semster of 2011. I had been considering it since January of the same year but once the summer came, I decided I would give it one more try because I knew I would be cut off by my family . It was arguably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made . It was the battle between what I wanted to do and what I knew everyone else wanted of me . So I decided to go with what would make me happy .

Talk a little bit about your background. Growing up, how valued was education in your household, and how much did it mean to you when you got into Tuskegee?

Education was always very important in my household. I was always a star student, from the time I attended montessori school to being enrolled an academic and performing arts elementary school (Power APAC in Jackson, Mississippi) . Once I finally got to high school, I continue to excel in my classes and even managed to get a 25 on my ACT in Math and a 27 in English . My freshmen year at Tuskegee, I began to realize that although the work was very simple, college was not where I was meant to be at that time in my life.

How would you describe your time at Tuskegee, and how does the feeling of living and learning on campus compare to fulfilling your dream on a daily basis?

My time at Tuskegee was both good and bad. The school aspect of it was fine but I had a lot going on with my family back home so my focus was often thrown off. I never really lived on campus as a freshman. I had found someone whom I thought had my best interest in heart and moved off campus with him . That was another lesson learned . I wish I could have that time back on campus to bond with my peers and fully experience every aspect of ‘college life.’

What have been some of your most exciting or meaningful moments as an entertainment journalist thus far?

The most meaningful moment of my life thusfar was my interview with Big K.R.I.T, who is a hip hop artist and also from Mississippi. I was introduced to his music at a time in my life where I was at a crossroads and his music helped me decide which way to go. Originally, getting an interview from him for my blog was one of those far fetched dreams that you don’t really expect to happen but hope for anyway. When I reached out to him via Twitter, he immediately sent me a DM with his contact info and was so very willing to help me. That will be one moment in my life that I will likely never forget.

What are your plans for the short and long term?

My short term goals include expanding my blog into a website, directed towards those who have an honest love for music and aren’t getting the proper ammount of exposure. Hopefully, it will lead to me hosting my own radio show and being able to broadcast their music nationally. In the long run, I would really like to write a book. I feel like I have a really good story to tell and I would love to inspire others who are dealing with the same everyday battles of life that I am.

Monday

7

February 2011

1

COMMENTS

Virginia State Alumnus Kimberley L. Martin Gives Back Through Scholarship Foundation

Written by , Posted in Headlines, Virginia State University

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Kimberley  L. Martin is the founder of the KLM Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization created to assist Virginia college students with book scholarships. Her story, and KLM’s mission are synonymous with stories told by successful HBCU alumni around the world.

Martin spoke with the Digest recently to discuss her background, what HBCUs can do to receive more public support, and the future goals of the KLM Foundation.

What motivated you to start this kind of program, not just for HBCU students, but for students throughout the state?

I was motivated to start a book scholarship program for several reasons:

The first reason is I whole-heartedly believe in the value of higher education and the intrinsic rewards that accompany it.  My belief is higher education exposes one to new concepts, serves as the preparatory bridge for any given profession, and has the potential to increases one’s earning potential.

The second reason I started the program is because of the rising cost of a college education.  Escalating cost make it virtually impossible for most students to pay all the required fees out-of-pocket.  The cost of textbooks alone for a year of college can easily surpass $1,000.00 depending upon the school and the curriculum.

The third reason for starting the program is directly tied to the philanthropic legacy passed along by my maternal great-grandmother, Florence Brickhouse Bowser.  She spent tireless hours spearheading various fundraisers to secure monies that were matched by the state of Virginia and the Rosenwald Rural School Building Program.  The funds were used to build the Florence Graded School, the first Virginia-based Rosenwald School specifically built for African-Americans in Suffolk, Virginia (then Nansemond County) during 1920.  The City of Suffolk erected a new building during 1963.  That building bears her name to this day and is called the Florence Bowser Elementary School.

Last, but not least, when I was considering how I would give back to my undergraduate alma mater and the community, there weren’t any other programs within the Commonwealth of Virginia that focused solely on awarding book scholarships.  I saw this gap as an exciting way to lend a hand to my home state.

Talk about your experience as a college student, and how, if at all, scholarship assistance made your process easier to navigate.

I obtained my undergraduate degree from Virginia State University (VSU).  An educational legacy passed along by my maternal great-grandmother, grandmother, grandfather and great-aunt.  During my tenure at VSU, I depended heavily upon student loans and the generosity of my family to pay for my college education.  At times, the mounting debt was very discouraging and could have served as a deterrent for completing my degree.  By the grace of God I persevered and decided very early on that I would do my part to assist VSU students to pay for their education by providing scholarships.  We’ve awarded book scholarships for VSU students since 2003.  Three students were awarded a total of $3,000.00 ($1,000.00 each) this school year alone.

HBCU alumni are aware that we need to give back to ensure that students can attend school, but its often lost that enrollment is much more than just paying tuition. How can corporations and individuals best be targeted to understand the need for giving beyond a student having the ability to enroll?

HBCUs should clearly communicate their support needs and consistently establish partnerships with for-profit organizations that directly and indirectly benefit from HBCU-centric spending habits.  If possible, they should obtain concrete data that outlines the spending power of their student body and how those dollars are being spent before negotiating a win-win corporate partnership.

As far as obtaining general public support is concerned, the same rule applies, HBCUs should communicate, communicate, communicate their vision and support needs.  They should consistently establish partnerships with non-profit organizations with the same or similar objectives, as well as religious and alumni Greek organizations to reach their support goals.

In order to gain the needed support, the first and most critical step for HBCUs is to share their vision and specific needs with their target audience.  At the end of the day, HBCU development efforts should continually drive home the point that in order to thrive, not just survive, the school will need support from alumni, corporations, and the community-at-large.

Everyone will need to do their part to ensure HBCUs remain open, productive and competitive in the higher education world.  The good news is there are so many ways to show support.  Giving options include outright gifts, in-kind gifts, endowments, securities gifts, legacy gifts, and real estate gifts just to name a few.  There are many other avenues; so potential donors should contact their school of choice to obtain a giving options listing.

Approximately how many students has your foundation been able to assist, and what has been their feedback or feedback from their institutions?

Since its inception, The KLM Scholarship Foundation has awarded forty (40) book scholarships.  Currently, we are averaging five (5) scholarship awards per school year.  Fifteen (15) scholarship winners were chosen for 2010-2011. Awards ranged from $625.00 to $1,000.00 per student.  Each student displayed remarkable academic achievement, extra-curricular participation and community service, as well as unmatched leadership abilities.  The selected students are as follows:

  1. Alicia Austin, Old Dominion University
  2. Alexcia Cleveland, William & Mary College
  3. Christina Garland, Virginia Commonwealth University
  4. Reshawn Garnett, Virginia State University
  5. Terrawn Garnett, Virginia State University
  6. Kendrick Goode, Old Dominion University
  7. Brian Henry, University of Richmond
  8. Jonneisha Jacobs, Old Dominion University
  9. Chelsea Jackson, Virginia State University
  10. Raquel Jefferson, Old Dominion University
  11. Sara Stone, Virginia Commonwealth University
  12. Shannon Stone, Virginia Commonwealth University
  13. Mikala Weston, University of Virginia
  14. Brittney Whitehead, Old Dominion University
  15. Bryan Williams, Richard Bland College

Feedback from scholarship recipients and parents has been overwhelmingly positive.  They are extremely appreciative and grateful for the financial support we provide.  Over and over I’ve heard about the financial challenges they’ve faced and how more programs like ours is needed.  The feedback is what continually motivates me and other committed volunteers to do our part to raise funds.  Parents believe in our program so much that they volunteer to assist with our fundraising efforts and we are thankful for their help.

Because our program has been so well received, we take our fundraising efforts seriously.  Since 2009 we’ve hosted a scholarship fundraiser entitled The Black & White Affair Charity Benefit.  Our event will be held Saturday, April 2nd this year at the Children’s Museum of Richmond.  Proceeds from the event, as well as general donations, will fund book scholarships for 2011-2012.

What are some of the short and long-term objectives for your foundation?

In the short-term we will continue to promote the value of higher education and provide substantial book scholarships for students attending Virginia-based colleges and universities.  Virginia is a great state with great educational choices and there is a grand opportunity to provide financial assistance to students seeking a quality education.

Over time I see the organization continuing to partner with corporations, other non-profits and the community-at-large reinforcing our motto, “Together, we make education affordable.”  I predict that we will continue to provide book scholarships as well as college prep seminars and career counseling services in the future.  Those programs will be run by volunteers and paid staff.  Today, our program is facilitated entirely by a core group of dedicated volunteers who spend days, nights and weekends making things happen.  The level of devotion among our volunteers is unmatched. Their enthusiasm motivates me daily.  My prayer is that those same volunteers will be around to guide foundation activities in the long-term.

Wednesday

12

January 2011

3

COMMENTS

Q&A with Johnson C. Smith Alum, ESPN.com Editor Shannon Cross

Written by , Posted in Headlines, Washington DC

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If you are one of the billions of sports fans around the world regularly visiting ESPN.com for your scores and features fix, chances are good that you’ve read the work of Shannon Cross, associate editor for the world’s most popular sports website.

Cross, an alumnus of Johnson C. Smith University and Social Media Correspondent who will be featured on this Friday’s ESPN National Town Hall: “The Image of the Black Athlete” (6-8pm on ESPN), recently shared her take on opportunities for women of color in sports, race relations, and how HBCUs can find a place in the sports discussion.

In front of the camera, we’ve seen an increase of exposure and opportunity for black women in sports. Is this trend present in sports writing, production, web content at ESPN?

There is certainly a demand for a diverse group of TV personalities and sportswriters. People like Robin Roberts, the first African-American woman to anchor an ESPN broadcast, have paved the way for women like SportsCenter anchor Sage Steele, ESPN reporter Lisa Salters and even ESPN.com’s Jemele Hill. The more the demand increases for women of color on-camera, the more the demand will increase online.

Talk about your time at Johnson C. Smith University. How did it shape your career ambitions and drive for success?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in when I first arrived at JCSU, but I had an unrelenting passion to write. And thanks to my dad, I also became extremely passionate about sports. It wasn’t until I took a sports broadcasting course with Professor Herman Howard that I realized I may have a future in sports media. Professor Howard always challenged me to be great and to exceed expectations. In my pursuit of finding my dream job, I held four different internships between 2000-2004 in radio and TV production. I was the Vice President of my class for three years straight, a member of the JCSU Women’s tennis team and a member of the Gamma Lambda chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Moving from Seattle to Charlotte was a big step for me, but JCSU had a home-away-from-home feel and it groomed me into the poised professional I am today. My mother instilled a strong work ethic in me at a young age and my college experience was just the first chapter in my drive towards achieving success.

We know that sports has been a great catalyst for social shifts in race relations. In 2011, do you think that this impact is as prevalent as it was 50 years ago? Why or why not?

No matter what race, gender or creed, one common dominator we all share is sports. If you’re a Lakers fan, like me, the only enemy on game day is a Boston Celtics fan. The great thing about sports is that it’s a chance for everyone to enjoy their favorite team compete. Sports is, and always will be a catalyst for social shifts in race relations and it’s up to the next generation of athletes to continue to bridge the gap that we may have otherwise never conquered.

On the flipside it’s interesting to see how fans receive athletes like Michael Vick, Ben Roethlisberger, Brett Favre and Tiger Woods after they experienced image damaging situations. The impact of these athletes’ decisions off the field have certainly impacted the way we perceive them and in some cases made us question our allegiance.

As a producer of sports content, what can HBCUs do to have a more prominent role in popular sports culture?

It’s no secret that Division I schools get favoritism when it comes to national coverage. But the best way for HBCU’s to gain exposure is to utilize social networking outlets like Facebook and Twitter. It’s also important that HBCU’s develop a better relationship with local and national media. In addition, I encourage HBCU students to write, write, write! Start a blog about how Howard University will always be the real HU, or how the CIAA Basketball Tournament is one of the most-anticipated events of the year. If we can’t create a buzz amongst ourselves, how can we expect the masses to?

What are your plans for the future?

I would love to win a Sports Emmy. In my first few months with ESPN.com I was nominated for a Sports Emmy in 2008 for Best Original Web Series for Mayne Street (www.maynestreet.net). Recently, I accepted a special pin from Disney recognizing my fifth year with the company. In the next five years I look forward to discovering new ways to serve sports fans everywhere. I’m also really looking forward to my first TV appearance with ESPN this Friday. Oh, and somewhere along the way I might pinch myself and realize what was once my dream job is actually reality.

*Photo Courtesy of Jessie Adore, Make Up by Jessica Guzman*

Wednesday

8

December 2010

0

COMMENTS

Q&A with Bethune-Cookman Student, Breast Cancer Awareness Advocate Kristen Anderson

Written by , Posted in Bethune-Cookman University, Florida, Headlines

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Kristen Anderson is a senior at Bethune-Cookman University, but unlike most undergraduates, she is a 26-year-old breast cancer survivor and advocate for awareness of the disease.

Anderson recently answered a few questions about her journey through survival, her thoughts on how the HBCU community can help in the fight, and her plans for the future.

1. Talk about your personal breast cancer journey. Can you talk about the emotions and reactions from family and friends?

My name is Kristen Anderson, I am 26 and I am a breast cancer survivor. Shocking statement, isn’t it? November 4, 2004 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was 20 years old. I was an athletic female, no history of health issues like such and was in overall good condition. At the time, I was living in California, had never done a self breast exam, but was getting a physical and the Dr. asked if she could perform one on me. I agreed. Walking into the appointment, I never thought I would leave with an appointment to get a biopsy done the next day, nor did imagine I was living with cancer in my left breast. Within a week after the positive biopsy I began 12 weeks of intensive chemotherapy, which drained every bit of energy out of me, yet did not work.

Though it was suggested I remove both breasts and my ovaries, I opted to have a lumpectomy performed, which only removes the cancerous cells, rather than the entire breast. January 5, 2007 I was placed into remission which just means the cancer is no longer present, yet the cells are and can still become cancerous again. During the process I went from having hair down my back, to no hair at all. My weight dropped and I lost the confidence my father instilled in me from childhood within a matter of months.

2. How did your roots at Bethune-Cookman help or hinder your survival journey?

By August 2007, I entered college at Bethune-Cookman University, in Daytona Beach, FL as an undergraduate. I chose Bethune-Cookman for many reasons, the main one being history. As a female I felt empowered by Dr. Bethune. Her courage to face any battle, related to me because of the battle I had with my breast cancer. This school was the only school I’ve wanted to attend, so I took the opportunity to do so with pride and began my freshman year at 23 years old. To my surprise there was no campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness, though the disease is 65% more likely to cause death in African-Americans than in our white counterparts. It was a shock to me. None of the students at that time knew my story, so I began to tell it while passing out pink bracelets I made in my dorm room.

When diagnosed at 20, I didn’t know that women my age had to worry about breast cancer. As women we’re taught to get a mammogram at 40, and it was a disease that doesn’t hit young women. Coming to a college campus, I felt compelled to tell my story because it’s one thing for someone to hear about the disease and it’s another thing to see someone who has lived through it. Bethune-Cookman University has not hindered any of my efforts to speak on my survival story; I’ve just realized many students are naive to believe it could happen to them. One thing I have learned over the years is the arrogance of youth can kill you quicker than any disease will, as it almost killed me.

During the summer of 2009, while doing my self-breast exam I noticed a lump in my left breast. Though I hoped for the best, I was taken out of remission and placed back into chemotherapy. I hid the cancer from the school, the majority of my friends, teachers and classmates for 6 months. While attending school I was going through chemotherapy once more. I made a schedule so I had no class Tuesdays and Thursdays, maintained a smile on my face and went to class the rest of the days as if nothing was wrong. My second battle came, and pride almost killed me. I didn’t want people to constantly ask if I was ok, I didn’t need the reminder of what I was going through, so as a defense I left it alone and didn’t discuss anything. Spring came as did the need to talk about what I was going through. In doing so I was able to fight the battle with the strength of friends, classmates, teachers and strangers using their prayers and strength to overcome.

3. Talk about your efforts to raise breast cancer awareness. What can we all stand to learn more of?

This journey of life has not been the easiest life for me, but I am thankful I have lived it and fought each battle that has come. I now speak nationally about my battle and my survival in hopes that the younger generations of students will understand the importance of knowing about health issues; especially those that are affecting their community, family and friends the most. According to the American Cancer Society, 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women will occur by the end of 2010. One in three women will face breast cancer in her lifetime. These are all statistics that need to be embedded in the back of minds as a reminder why we do self-breast exams and why I speak about my battle. Nearly 40,000 women die of breast cancer a year, not to mention the 450 men who also pass. Each year I participate in a few different events to raise money for cancer research and raise awareness.

There are walks you can participate in or simple fundraisers which help raise money for patient care, community outreach and research. The best thing to do is to get involved. If you have never had breast cancer, I am sure you know someone who has therefore I encourage you to help fight the battle for those you know. As I said before, breast cancer is not a disease only affecting women it is killing men as well. I stress the importance of self-breast exams because early detection saves lives; my battle with breast cancer the first time would not have been as rough had I caught the cancer early from doing a self breast exam.

4. How can the national HBCU community be a catalyst for awareness, prevention and support?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have huge alumni bases across the United States. Being that breast cancer has such a large effect on the black community I think it is important for our colleges and universities to educate our students on such health issues as breast cancer, prostate cancer, AIDS and other diseases attacking African Americans. As students we are the voice of the future, it’s important for all of us to get involved with issues like these as well. We are future business owners, corporate heads, doctors, teachers and politicians.

If we don’t begin to speak up and speak out raising awareness on these issues, who will hear us? Who will fight these battles for our children? If ½ the time we spend on Facebook and Twitter was spent on the Internet educating ourselves on these health issues, I think we would be winning these battles, rather than increasing the number of patients and death we see from them. I encourage everyone to spend a little time educating themselves on these issues, and spread the word to family and friends raising awareness and creating prevention.

5. What are your future plans?

Currently, I am a senior Majoring in Business Administration and Public Relations at Bethune-Cookman. I am in the process of getting a nonprofit organization up for breast cancer patients, families and survivors. Upon graduating, I plan on attending graduate school and entering into a JDMBA program while working with political officials in Tallahassee, FL on raising concerns about health issues.

Wednesday

1

December 2010

0

COMMENTS

Q&A with Paul Quinn Alumnus Gary Bond

Written by , Posted in Uncategorized

Via Paul Quinn Tiger II Tiger Blog

Wooed onto Paul Quinn College’s campus in Waco, Texas as a teen through a summer sports program, Gary Bond, ’90 credits his successful career to two experiences—a trip to Africa during his senior year and studying at the Quinnite Nation.

Talking to Bond is like blowing the dust off of PQC history books and flipping through its transitional years of the early 90s, during which the college migrated for the second time in its history, first Austin to Waco, and then from Waco to Dallas.

When he transferred from the University of Texas-Austin, he was an eager and bright collegiate, who took a liking for then president, Dr. Lee Monroe’s tenacious vision for the college and his open-door policy. The mentorship allowed Bond to become the only HBCU student to travel to Africa with Rev. Jesse Jackson during a service learning excursion and various corporate internships. Four years after graduating from SMU’s law school and studying at University of Oxford, Bond’s career as a hard-working attorney, moving along the partnership track and one year from making took a sharp turn.

One night while sitting at a R. Kelly’s concert, Bond’s evening was interrupted by Texas State Senator Royce West.  West was determined to convince Bond to forego the life of an associate at a downtown law firm for the bright lights of the Tom Joyner Foundation. Five years later, Bond begins most mornings swatting FCC threats over something said during that day’s Tom Joyner Morning Show or drawing up contracts for recording artists.

Fresh from the Tom Joyner’s Family Reunion Tour in Orlando, Florida and rubbing shoulders with Eric Benet, El DeBarge, Robin Thicke and Fantasia, Bond stopped by to talk about his life, his career and the Quinnite Nation:

What has it been like working with top recording artists and radio personalities?

Honestly, it doesn’t really affect me. When I am with the artists, I’m making sure they sign contracts, we close deals and they appear for whatever they’ve been signed to do for the Tom Joyner Foundation. I’ve been doing this for so long that it may sound glamorous, but I just want to get the job done.

What was your HBCU experience like in the early 90’s?

I remember a lot of my professors. One professor really challenged me. I remember I’d scored a 98% on a test and was really feeling myself. So, I decided I wasn’t going to come to class for the rest of the week. Well, that professor made me pay for it. He told me that I was wasting my potential, if I was only going to give the least amount of effort. I learned from that day onward to strive for more than my minimum effort.

Your degree from PQC is in Accounting. What made you have a change of heart and enroll in law school?

I always wanted to be a lawyer. Growing up, a lot of men that I looked up to become lawyers, so it was always something that I wanted to do. Dr. Monroe also encouraged me and mentored me in that direction.

It’s evident how much you valued and benefitted from your mentorship with Dr Monroe. What did you admire most about his leadership?

Mr. Monroe allowed the college to raise its level of excellence and expectations. Once he told me, “As long as we have an opportunity, we’ll make good on it.” From that I learned that while we did not always have the best resources, as long as people at PQC cared about the students, we could accomplish anything.

My passion now is to help young people find out what they innately do well and start them on a career path that builds on those gifts.  I would love to teach a practical class that teaches students how to develop corporate connections and network to land jobs before graduation.

Do you see any similarities in Dr. Monroe and President Michael Sorrell’s vision for the college?

Dr. Monroe would anguish over his students. I remember he had a chair; he would sit in the back of the Adams building in the evenings and waved at us as we passed by. He would sit there to fight all the negativity and keep focused on the vision he had to make the college better for us. He really cared.

The power of Mike is not in his Duke Law degree or the work he did for racial equality—all of that is not important. I think he truly cares and it’s the caring that nurtures students to do better. That’s what motivated me.

What does it mean to be a Quinnite?

People judge HBCUs by you. So, to be a Quinnite means to really understand that the way people view Paul Quinn College will be determined by their relationship with you. We must understand and be willing to take up the challenge to change how others view the school—that’s the true essence of being a Quinnite.

Friday

29

October 2010

3

COMMENTS

Q&A with Atlanta University Alum, International Consultant Jerry Henderson

Written by , Posted in Headlines

Jerry Henderson has traveled the globe educating business leaders and diplomats on global business building and peacekeeping. The Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta University) alumnus has made a career in war zones and presidential palaces as a consult to the United Nations and other governmental agencies, but attributes all of his success to deep roots in Troy, AL and his revered HBCU education.

Mr. Henderson recently shared his insight with the HBCU Digest on international diplomacy and global economics, the value of an HBCU education and his future plans.

1. With a career in international consulting and business, talk about the impact that your HBCU had on your personal and profesional life.

I wish to thank my friend Jarrett Carter and the HBCU Digest Family for the invitation and opportunity to share information and thoughts with the HBCU Digest readership and all others!!  It is with particular pride that I submit this article on this day, my grand daughter Raelyn Amariah’s first birthday (October 19th).

Without any doubt or question, my academic exposure at Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta University), Department of Political Science, had a tremendous impact on me, my political development and awareness.  My academic and thesis advisor was Dr. Mack Henry Jones, a nationally and internationally recognized scholar (theory and methods, international relations).  Three things in particular positively impacted my personal and professional life:

  • Some of the best academic minds – faculty and students – were assembled for intense theoretical and practical academic exercises and challenges;
  • “Government and Politics of Modern Africa” was one of the four sub-fields of academic studies I sought to engage; and
  • In addition to classroom study, academic challenges, debates and discussions, the Political Science Department’s Reading Room was known as the place where students from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East would start gathering daily at 10 PM, 11 PM and onwards and debate, discuss, critique and ‘solve 90% of the political, social and economic challenges of the world – then and there.’  These exercises would often last until daylight.  Some of us – students/activist/scholars were also engaged in grassroots struggles in Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina in particular.

2. We know the social and cultural benefits that HBCUs have provided to African-Americans students through the years, but in a tight economy and globally competitive marketplace, what are the contemporaruy benefits that HBCUs provide to their constituents?

HBCU’s have played a very positive and productive role with respect to social and cultural benefits and impact relative to Black America in particular and America in general.  In the context of the tight economic and global competitive marketplace – HBCUs should step up, be much more aggressive and lead the way in creating opportunities for the constituents of these institutions who provide support: parents, guardians, students and the community at large.

3. From a business perspective, are HBCUs doing enough to to sustain their viability? Why or why not?
From a business perspective, there is a rich history and track record that HBCU’s can easily claim – a history and track record that has been of much value to HBCUs very existence.  Over the past several years in particular, efforts have been made to close and/or consolidate HBCUs – in particular in Georgia, Mississippi and Texas.  In order to reverse this trend, HBCUs, working in close collaboration with each other, the Black community, and friends in the general population – an aggressive and spirited struggle (push back) for survival and sustainability must be waged.  There is no better time than the present to do so.

4. Talk a little bit, if possible, about your upcoming trip to Africa. What can students who might be interested in this kind of work do to get on this career path?

Several months ago, I was invited by the United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) to serve as a Team Leader/Operations Office with its Peace Keeping Mission, Electoral Assistance Division with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).  This Mission is authorized by a United Nations Security Council Resolution.  The UN is called upon to provide technical, managerial, administrative, logistical and other types of support relative to the upcoming referendum which is scheduled for January 9, 2011.  It is indeed an honour and privilege be recognized, have an opportunity to work with the UN, the people of Sudan and individuals from many other countries, and make a difference in the lives of people.

  1. Be aware of the benefits and risks involved working the international community (risks increased after 9/11);
  2. Be aware of the risk of infectious diseases in certain countries and regions
  3. Be sensitive;
  4. Develop particular/specific skills and knowledge;
  5. Study and understand languages, geography, information technology, logistics, political science, economics, foreign affairs, etc.;
  6. Respect all others – religions, customs, cultures, etc;
  7. Be prepared for being away for your family for weeks, months and/or years at a time; and
  8. Be prepared to live in rugged living conditions.

5. What does the future hold for you professionally and personally?

After being engaged in the international community for the past twenty plus years, it is time for meto adjust and makes changes personally and professionally.  In the next four years (2011 – 2014), I will:

  • a) Be more directly involved in and available for engagements with students, faculty and staff at HBCUs;
  • b) Promoting my two latest books:  Where Are The Peacemakers?  and Elections Around The World; and
  • c) Working more with Joe Simon Ministries, Bishop Joe Simon Community Crusade and Bishop Joe Simon Community Outreach.

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Tuesday

19

October 2010

2

COMMENTS

Q&A With Tennessee State Alum, PR Expert Aerial Ellis

Written by , Posted in Headlines, Tennessee State University

Aerial Ellis is a fast-rising personality in the public relations industry, having lent her marketing and publicity expertise to non-profit, entertainment and fashion entities around the nation. The alumnae of Tennessee State University and Chief PR Consultant for Urbane Imagery recently took time to discuss PR in a changing media society, tips to building business, and how her HBCU experience helped to shape her professional career.

1. With media rapidly changing, what is the new role of the PR practitioner?

The top priority for public relations professionals has always been to identify and influence a target audience’s perception of clients and their brands. That aspect is pretty constant. But as the importance of social media continues to rise, PR practitioners have had to take on a new identity. And, contrary to what is seen on reality TV or heard throughout certain industries, the role of a PR practitioner is not as simple as merely calling yourself a “publicist” for the purpose of getting media coverage and planning parties. There is a level of awareness and expertise that a practitioner must maintain, especially now with the urgency of media becoming more multi-dimensional.

We once tracked a client or company’s media coverage in a national magazine to determine their influence and and reputation. We now have to add blogs and online media to the mix, which in itself involves a completely different pitch element and more complex monitoring strategy, to the job of the practitioner. The changes in media have allowed us to re-image the PR practitioner’s approach to developing and delivering content that engages customers/consumers and ultimately puts a clients/companies at better positions as brands. Although media looked as if it was on the decline in some aspects, it is more of an evolution. It’s a very exciting time because never before have communicators (PR practitioners) had so many opportunities to create and deliver their messages in such a multitude of ways that can have an impact a variety of media and consumer groups.

2. Talk about your journey to becoming an entrepreneur. What advice to do you have for professional in college or recently graduating trying to make this step?

Being an entrepreneur is not an easy journey. It’s stressful and often lonely, however it’s very rewarding. I knew as a child that I wanted to become an entrepreneur and even went into business for myself as a teen. By college, I was convinced that I needed to seriously pursue my entrepreneur goals in order to fulfill those early desires. There is no right way to becoming an entrepreneur. I know that there are lots of books and blogs about how to start a business but sometimes it can all be intimidating.

Often times we discover our talents in a specific area then realize we are not quite ready to actually handle the day-to-day today operations of a business. That’s a knack that you have cultivate just as you would your craft. I advise students and young professionals to research the trade of their interest very deeply before making the leap into starting a business in that particular industry. It all starts with a passion. Your passion will keep you committed. Once you identify what you’re most passionate about, you can then determine that best way to make a profit from it.

3. How did Tennessee State prepare you for your career? What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned there?

Attending Tennessee State gave me the confidence and the creativity I needed to explore my career path.  The communications department fostered a very “entrepreneurial” environment in a sense in that most of students had independent projects going on outside of the classroom. I practically launched my company from a project I did in college. While I was a student, there were only two public relations courses available. Needless to say, I took both of them. I was hungry and wanted to learn as much as could. My professors saw my drive and encouraged me. That slight disadvantage of not having an abundance in resources or a wide network available to students interested in PR created the most valuable lesson for me in learning that sometimes you have to create your own lane, develop your own opportunities and support your own vision.

4. Describe the media and PR culture in Nashville. How rewarding is it, and as a practitioner working across many areas, is it a good training ground for individuals looking to break in?

Nashville is a mid-sized market for both media and PR so its a great place to begin a career in the field. Its also an awesome place for entrepreneurs and small business owners. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to have started my PR career because each opportunity I gained in my earlier years working in the field even as a student was filled with both nurturing and challenging experiences. The professional media and PR organizations are very active and supportive of fellow professionals. The networking opportunities are very engaging and people tend to truly value the relationships they build. I would advise young professionals to consider the city as a place to break into their careers and then perhaps set their sights on larger markets. Otherwise, you really have the chance to conquer the best of what Nashville has to offer – as with any other city.

5. What are some of your future plans?

Future business plans include expanding the current national client base into international projects and developing additional partnerships with brands and companies. I will also be co-producing a pilot for a television series and releasing a sports PR e-book aimed at helping to guide the careers of young professional athletes.

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