Hampton University teams up with Amazon to create robotics program

By Sheyla Fairley

Hampton University, Hampton, VA, has partnered with Amazon Robotics to establish a new robotics program for HU students. As stated in an article, they will “create a new research laboratory, hire a faculty position to teach students about artificial intelligence and encourage other STEM learning opportunities.”

“We are very thankful Amazon Robotics has invested in Hampton University and its students for this project which will enable the growth and development of the next generation of diverse STEM scholars,” said William Harvey, Hampton University president.

He also adds that the company “recognizes the stellar talent that comprises Hampton University’s faculty, staff, and students to launch this program” and that he is looking forward to “seeing what innovations will blossom from this cutting-edge partnership.”

For more details, read the full article here.

 MC Sha-Rock to teach hip-hop courses at BSU

By Sheyla Fairley

Sharon Green, recognized as Queen MC Sha-Rock to the hip-hop community, has taken on the position as the Resident MC Hip-Hop Historian and adjunct professor for Bowie State University’s, Bowie, MD, Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) program in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

As stated in a release, Sha-Rock will “teach courses and work with students pursuing a minor degree in Hip Studies and Visual Culture.”

“It is critical that students understand the history of hip hop and how it became a music genre,” said Sha-Rock. “It has played a central role in the evolution of the music industry and popular culture with commercials, movies, plays, books, fashion, and other facets of everyday life impacted by hip hop. My goal is to help the students at the university know what hip hop is today, what it was, and what it is going to be.”

 STEM program for HBCU student-athletes

By Sheyla Fairley

To help student-athletes who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the NCAA leadership development department and athLEDA has developed a program called ARISE, which stands for Authentic Resilient Innovative in STEM Excellence.

According to an article, the e-learning program lasts for 13 weeks and “features interactive modules to help the athletes gain a better understanding about themselves, while also learning more about potential careers in the STEM industry.”

“ARISE is a unique strategy to provide HBCU student-athletes with an opportunity to learn more about STEM through industry mentors,” said Felicia Martin, interim senior vice president for NCAA inclusion, education and community engagement. “STEM is an industry that lacks a diverse workforce. Our HBCUs are equipping and graduating scholar-athletes in science, technology, engineering and math. The partnership with athLEDA is an excellent example of niche, solution-based leadership development programming.”

Read the full article, here.

 Agreement reached between N.C. A&T and NSA

By Sheyla Fairley

North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, and the National Security Agency (NSA) have signed an agreement that will allow NSA employees who complete coursework through the National Cryptologic University to earn a degree at N.C. A&T in an expedited time frame.

“Our relationship with the NSA over many years now has helped us to deepen our work and expertise in cybersecurity and other disciplines integral to the agency’s work,” said A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “This agreement expands that relationship by helping NSA’s National Cryptologic University students to progress toward the completion of university degrees. Like so many other dimensions of our partnership, we continue to find ways to be beneficial to each other and to the communities and students we serve.”

For more information, read the full article here.

Designer Brands invests $2 million into first Black-owned U.S. footwear factory

By Sheyla Fairley

Designer Brands Inc., parent of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, is investing $2 million in a partnership with Pensole and legendary footwear designer Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, president of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC). PLC, located in Detroit, MI, formerly known as the Lewis College of Business, is expected to reopen in May 2022.

According to an article, Designer Brands will “invest in the first Black-owned footwear factory in the United States – JEMS by Pensole – to produce shoes designed by PLC graduate students” through this partnership.

“We see the footwear industry lacking effective representation by people of color, specifically Blacks, and this $2 million investment will address root causes to remove barriers,” said Roger Rawlins, CEO of Designer Brands. “Blacks represent less than five percent of those across all design industries, thus lacking much-needed diversity. Designer Brands and DSW’s commitment with Pensole will create a U.S.-based shoe factory, with the goal of all work leading to the launch of Black designers’ brands inside of DSW.”