Campus News - Page 226

Partnering to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Michigan Technological University, University of the District of Columbia Pursue New MOU

Courtesy of The University of the District of Columbia Michigan Technological University (MTU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging (DEIS) that empowers both universities to tap into each other’s strengths and expertise. With a shared understanding that DEIS contributes to a thriving and innovative workforce and society, MTU and UDC held a collaborative session on UDC’s Van Ness Campus on February 3 that culminated in a ceremonial signing of the MOU. During the session, members of MTU’s

Tennessee State University’s AOB Becomes First Marching Band To Win Grammy

By Alexis Clark Tennessee State University’s marching band is now known as the Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands! The AOB made history as the first collegiate marching band to win the music industry’s highest honor for Best Roots Gospel Album, The Urban Hymnal, at the 65th annual ceremony. AOB is also featured on Spoken Word Artist and Poet, J. Ivy’s album The Poet Who Sat By The Door, that won a Grammy as well. “We congratulate our students, Dr. Reginald McDonald, Professor Larry Jenkins, and the band staff for this amazing accomplishment as we continue to write history and prove why the Aristocrat of Bands is the

Howard University Announces Historic Miner Building’s Rebirth, Jumpstarts $785M Campus Master Plan

By Misha Cornelius Inspiration and idealism joined forces on Wednesday, February 1, when Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA announced the beginning of extensive renovations during a groundbreaking ceremony and “hard hat” tour at its Myrtilla Miner Building, a 109-year-old landmark for Black educators. The Miner Building restoration kicks off a series of projects in the University’s largest campus development project in its history. Preservation and sustainability are at the heart of the University’s real estate development initiatives. The Miner Building’s planned rebirth as a revitalized academic space fits neatly into both. Once renovations are completed, the Miner Building will serve as a

JSU School of Public Health breaks ground with new Public Health Workforce Program to elevate underserved communities

By Kyle Kidd In close collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Health, the Jackson State University School of Public Health recently announced the launch of the Public Health Informatics and Technology Workforce Development Program. Girmay Berhie, Ph.D., a professor in the CEPH-accredited School of Public Health, received a $10 million cooperative grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. Berhie anticipates the program will provide students with hands-on, theoretical and practical training necessary for sustaining industry impact and remaining adept in a rapidly transforming digital environment. “JSU is

FAMU Hosts Awarding Winning Journalist Soledad O’brien for Black History Month Conversation

By Andrew Slerritt Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., will hold a Black History Month Conversation with awarding-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, executive producer of “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.” During the 6 p.m. Thursday, February  9 event at Lee Hall Auditorium, O’Brien will share and discuss clips from the documentary film currently streaming on Peacock. “We’re delighted to welcome Soledad O’Brien to our campus for this timely conversation about Rosa Parks, an American icon. Soledad’s career is a testament to her unstinting passion and commitment to tell important, often overlooked stories. We look forward to hearing the conversation

AOB Game Changing Album Brings Back History Month Full Circe, Adds Mystic to Music City and Beyond

By Alexis Clark Gospel music has the power to inspire change, unite communities, and serve as a voice for the marginalized. Oftentimes, the concept behind a soul stirring song or project can be just as profound. As the case for Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands Grammy-nominated album. It all stated from an idea written on a napkin. In February 2022, Professor Larry Jenkins, assistant band director for the Aristocrat of Bands, met with Sir The Baptist to brainstorm ideas about what’s next for the world-renowned AOB. The two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist liked everything Jenkins shared during their meal. In this musical meeting of

Roderick Little, JSU Band Director, named HBCU Band Director of the Year

By Anthony Howard Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South (SBOTS) Band Director Roderick Little, Ph.D., has been named 2022 HBCU band director of the year by Best American Craftsman (B.A.C.) Musical Instruments. The manufacturing company held its inaugural Greatest of All Times (G.O.A.T.) Awards Ceremony in December at a Chicago venue, making Little the first band director to win the award. The G.O.A.T Awards highlighted nine HBCU band directors across several categories, including showmanship and arranger of the year. “This recognition is unique because it’s an opportunity and a platform to recognize HBCU band directors,” said Little. “PWI band directors

TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands makes Grammy history with gospel album nomination, win

By Aaron Cantrell Tennessee State University’s marching band was hoping to follow in the steps of their sister HBCU Fisk University and take home a win in the same category at the 65th annual Grammy Awards. On Sunday, they successfully accomplished that goal. TSU Aristocrat of Bands was nominated in the Best Roots Gospel Album category for the album “The Urban Hymnal.” They are the first college marching band to receive a nomination in this category in Grammy history. This means they are also the first to win it. “Aristocratic Bands has a rich legacy. We want to continue to

Students and faculty at Morgan State celebrate the passing of the HBCU RISE Act

By Jeff Hager Students and faculty at Morgan State celebrate the passing of the HBCU RISE Act Five million dollars may not seem like much when it comes to our nation’s defense budget, but devoting that much for research at Morgan State University could be priceless. “We deserve just as much access to resources as other institutions,” said Tamera Trimuel, president of the sophomore class. With that in mind, the Maryland congressional delegation lobbied successfully for legislation requiring the Department of Defense to provide more federal grants to historically black colleges and universities. “We know that we have others around

Historic Pride Night at Howard University Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion

By Derek Bryant Rainbow-colored streamers and decorations greeted visitors as they passed through the Burr Gymnasium lobby, where a sea of informational tables greeted them from various offices on Howard University’s campus. Smiling students cherished their free black t-shirts that read “Howard Lives With Pride.” Hyped fans waved mini rainbow flags. All this swirl of activity and important awareness occurred on Howard’s Pride Night contest during its basketball doubleheader against South Carolina State on Monday, Jan. 30. “We pride ourselves on being the first, the leaders, the pioneers of tomorrow and that’s how I led this to become such a great, great

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