16-year-old HBCU graduate becomes youngest full-time teacher
By Sheyla Fairley
Shania Muhammad, a graduate of Langston University, Langston, OK, has become the youngest full-time teacher at 16 years old.
According to an article, Muhammad earned her “Bachelor’s degree with honors two years ago” from Oklahoma Community College, Oklahoma City, OK, and Langston University and “continued her academic pursuits to obtain two more degrees in specialties such as child development,” which led her to “pursue her already groundbreaking career in teaching.”
“My dad was my coach, supporter, teacher, guide, and everything else he needed to be to ensure my success. I am grateful for everything that has gotten me where I am today. This shows it’s very much possible, and the only limits you have are the ones you set for yourself,” said Muhammad, crediting the support of her family to where she is now.
For more details, read the full article here.
Music mogul Diddy makes $1M contribution to Jackson State University
By Sheyla Fairley
Over the weekend, rapper and mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, an HBCU alum, donated $1 million to Jackson State University’s, Jackson, MS, football team.
Combs first made the announcement of his donation to Jackson State while accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 BET Awards.
“As someone who went to Howard University and understands the invaluable experience of attending historically Black colleges and universities, it’s important that we all do our part to protect and preserve their legacy,” said Combs in a release. “This contribution to Jackson State isn’t just about making a financial donation, it’s about giving back to a part of our culture that has changed countless lives and assuring HBCUs receive the support they deserve.”
NIL platform created for HBCU student athletes
By Sheyla Fairley
According to an article, the Icon 1901 Collective has launched the HBCU Icon Exchange, “a web platform exclusively designed for all HBCU student-athletes to field and book name, image, and likeness (NIL) income opportunities” and where “HBCU fans, alums, and supporters can book players or entire teams” for services like “one-on-one live video chats, personalized video shout-outs, and autographed memorabilia purchases, to more elaborate branded content endorsement campaigns and unique on-campus experiences.”
“Our primary goal is to level the playing field and promote equity in college sports by supporting the growth, development, and brand awareness of HBCU student-athletes,” said Marc Smith, CEO of the Icon 1901 Collective.”
Read the full article, here.
Limited edition HBCU-themed debit card launched by Wells Fargo
By Sheyla Fairley
From September 1 and to the end of 2023, Wells Fargo will be distributing a limited-edition Orange Blossom Classic HBCU Legends debit card. As stated in a release, the card is “a nod to the beloved annual college football game where two HBCU teams go head to head.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Wells Fargo back as the Official Bank Sponsor of the Orange Blossom Classic,” said Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic Committee said in a statement. “Their dedication to financial empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission to uplift and celebrate HBCUs, and the introduction of their unique limited edition LEGENDS debit card adds an exciting and impactful dimension to this partnership.”
Howard University works on restoring home of civil rights activist
By Sheyla Fairley
With an African American Civil Rights (AACR) grant from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), Howard University, Washington, DC, will be restoring the home of civil rights activist, suffragist, and co-founder of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) Mary Church Terrell.
According to an article, the Terrell home was designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, “recognizing Terrell’s contributions to civil rights, voting rights, educational, and humanitarian contributions that altered the sociopolitical landscape of the nation’s capital and the country.”
“As an anchor in DC’s African American community and site of one of the nation’s leading preservers of African American history, Howard University is well positioned to spearhead the process of preserving Mary Church Terrell’s legacy and the broader legacy of the vibrant African American community that is central to LeDroit Park’s history. We are immensely grateful to the National Park Service, Department of the Interior for providing the resources to make this transformation possible,” said Derrek Niec-Williams, executive director of campus planning, architecture and development in Howard University’s Office of Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management.
For more details, read the full article here.
