Latest news with #MorganStateUniversity
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Morgan State University archivist explains the significance of Juneteenth
June 19, 1865, can be described as a day of freedom. It's the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. "It had to take physical people to travel nearly 2,000 miles from the east coast to almost the west coast to carry the word," said Dr. Ida Jones, the Morgan State University archivist. "It wasn't simply going to be done by fiat. You almost had to wrangle people into accepting the new law of the land." Dr. Jones said the day followed multiple African American liberation movements. "In 1808, there was the celebration of the international slave trade," Dr. Jones said. "In the 1830s, the abolition of enslavement in English-speaking territories in the Caribbean." Why is Juneteenth important? Dr. Jones said Juneteenth allowed enslaved people to celebrate their freedom and their identities, being African and American. By the 1870s, she said, Baltimore City held a parade in honor of the holiday. "Baltimore, being the largest free antebellum pre-civil war free population, it's going to have a double celebration because they were already helping to subvert the system by eh Underground Railroad," Dr. Jones said. How to celebrate Juneteenth Dr. Jones said as we celebrate, it's important to party with a purpose. "I'd encourage you to visit a museum to kind of understand the history and not be so academic and stiff, but to really kind of understand the lived experience of our freedom," she said. Dr. Jones said Juneteenth allows everyone to understand how we got here and recognize the sacrifices for our freedom. "We need to defend ourselves with proper intellectual nutrition, which is knowing the origin of these stories," Dr. Jones said. Dr. Jones said learning about the history behind Juneteenth helps us to understand collective ancestry, collective sacrifice, as well as being born in this time. "Unlike those generations prior to us, they did not have the latitude to do certain things, but they didn't see us coming," Dr. Jones said. They had generations coming who would live these wild and crazy dreams. As we party on tomorrow, or rest on tomorrow, or visit the Reginald Lewis on tomorrow... that we can actually appreciate those individuals who thought it's not robbery to think of the rest of us, to raise our consciousness to a level of being true Americans and true patriots."
Miami Herald
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU Greek Life celebrated in shoe campaign
Under Armour has launched a new HBCU-focused social media campaign, "Sisterhood in Style," to celebrate the Spring/Summer release of its latest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo. The campaign spotlights historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Greek life. Shot on the campuses of Bowie State University and Morgan State University, the series highlights the creative energy and cultural pride found at these Maryland-based institutions. Baltimore photographer Devin Allen led the visual production. His work captures members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-the first Black Greek-letter sorority for college women-styled in bold and expressive outfits. These looks honor deep traditions while showcasing individual flair. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded at Howard University in 1908. The UA Echo sneaker features a striking pink and green colorway, inspired by the signature colors of AKA. It is now available for purchase online at $150. According to a news release from Under Armour, "Sisterhood in Style" goes beyond a product showcase. The campaign underscores the company's broader commitment to innovation, culture, and community. "This campaign empowers the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes," Under Armour stated. Bowie State and Morgan State are long-standing HBCU partners with Under Armour. This initiative continues the brand's focus on inclusive design, cultural storytelling, and authentic campus engagement. Devin Allen is a Baltimore-based photographer and activist known for capturing powerful images that highlight Black life and social justice. He rose to national prominence in 2015 when his photo of the Baltimore protests after Freddie Gray's death appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Allen uses his lens to tell authentic stories of his community, blending art with activism. Committed to youth empowerment, Allen also founded "Through Their Eyes," a program teaching photography to Baltimore's inner-city youth. The post HBCU Greek Life celebrated in shoe campaign appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vivica A. Fox on 11 News to preview 25th Gospel Superfest
The 25th anniversary of Gospel Superfest takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State University. Vivica A. Fox hosts the national TV recording, and she previewed the event on 11 News at Noon on Friday. The lineup includes Jekalyn Carr, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ricky Dillard & New G, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Lisa Page-Brooks, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Maurette Brown-Clark, Kenny Lewis & With One Voice, Keyla Richardson and many more.
Associated Press
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
HBCUs depend on federal funding. Their leaders are walking a tightrope on Trump's DEI attacks
Like many of his predecessors, President Donald Trump has affirmed the importance of historically Black colleges and universities, hailing them as a pathway to careers and a better life for students in the U.S. The schools have not faced cuts to federal grants of the kind that have rocked Ivy League schools Trump has blasted as hotbeds of 'wokeness' and antisemitism, and the president has said HBCUs' core federal funding is not at risk. But that is not to say it's a comfortable time for HBCUs' leaders. As the Trump administration cracks down elsewhere on programs to support underrepresented students, the colleges have been expressing gratitude for the administration's recognition while mostly keeping quiet on its sweeping attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion policies. 'HBCUs, in general, I don't believe are in a position to be adamantly and vociferously opposed to these attacks, but deep down we all know what's going on,' said Deron Snyder, an alumnus of and professor at Howard University. 'It's just how much can you actually say without fear of retribution.' An executive order signed by Trump in April recognizes HBCUs and pledges his administration's support. It calls for an annual White House summit, private sector partnerships, and an advisory board with the Education Department, but it does not guarantee any new federal funding. The order won praise from some Black universities, including Howard University and Morgan State University, as well as organizations that work with HBCUs. Harry Williams, president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, said the order should serve as a call-to-action for corporations, foundations and lawmakers to redouble support for HBCUs and their students. But the colleges' leaders have said little on other administration actions that are out of line with the mission of HBCUs, which were founded to educate formerly enslaved people. The administration's campaign against DEI has encouraged restrictions on classroom discussions around racism and led to cuts in federal research grants. As it threatens to cut federal funding from schools, some colleges have shuttered diversity offices and ended other programs to support students of color. For HBCUs, the moment is reminiscent of the era decades ago when Black colleges were compelled to argue that school segregation was wrong but also needed to maintain government support for their institutions, said Marybeth Gasman, a Rutgers University professor who has studied the history of HBCUs. Black college leaders 'don't want HBCUs to be under the umbrella of DEI, but I don't know any HBCU president who would agree with the way that Donald Trump is dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,' she said. The Trump administration has cut federal research grants for several universities, pressuring them to comply with his agenda. Since Harvard University refused the administration's demands for changes to its policies and leadership, the government has slashed $2.6 billion in funding, which the Ivy League school has described as retaliation. In an interview in April, Trump told NewsNation that Black colleges and universities should not be concerned about losing their funding. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama, vice chair of the House HBCU caucus, said there has long been bipartisan support for the colleges. But she said there will be new vigilance of their federal support in light of the administration's record on programs serving minorities. Sewell, a Democrat, said it is also alarming to see the administration move to dismantle the Education Department. 'We'll be pushing back fiercely against that and do all that we can to make sure that our HBCUs get the money that they deserve,' Sewell said. She said the Congressional Black Caucus has been paying close attention to the Republicans' funding plan for a program that supports 19 HBCUs through the Department of Agriculture. Williams, of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, said HBCUs have exceeded all expectations of the opportunities they have provided for for underrepresented students. He said he is grateful for the administration's support, but when asked about its actions toward diversity initiatives, he said the administration has challenges it is working through. 'Hard work pays off and education pays off. That's why these institutions are so critical to this country,' he said. 'The realities of those other challenges that we're grappling with right now in terms of what the administration is dealing with as it relates to their priorities, we were just pleased to know that they recognize the importance of what these institutions have done for the country will continue to do in a very deliberate way.' ___ AP journalists Collin Binkley and Matt Brown in Washington contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press' education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
News18
18-05-2025
- Health
- News18
World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: History, Significance, And Quotes
World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: The day is inspired by President Bill Clinton's 1997 speech. It honors researchers and raises awareness about HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: As the world continues its battle against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the urgent need for an effective vaccine, both preventive and therapeutic, remains vital. HIV gradually weakens the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to infections and life-threatening complications. To spread awareness about this critical issue, World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is observed annually on May 18. This significant day serves as a global platform to highlight the continuous fight against HIV/AIDS and highlight the vital importance of HIV vaccine research. It is also a day to recognise and honour the dedicated researchers, tireless volunteers, and healthcare professionals who are working relentlessly towards developing a safe and effective vaccine. The origin of World AIDS Vaccine Day can be traced back to a powerful speech delivered by the then United States President Bill Clinton. Recognising the devastating impact of AIDS, President Clinton, on May 18, 1997, called for a global effort to develop an HIV vaccine. As noted by the HIV Info website, he stated that 'only a truly effective, preventive HIV vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS," urging setting ambitious goals and creating such a vaccine within the next ten years. Following this landmark speech at Morgan State University in Maryland, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) took the initiative to formalise this call to action. The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was observed on May 18, 1998, commemorating the anniversary of Clinton's speech. This annual tradition of observing May 18 as World AIDS Vaccine Day or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day has continued globally ever since, serving as a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight. World AIDS Vaccine Day holds immense significance, as it provides a vital platform to raise public awareness about the critical and persistent need for HIV vaccine research. On this day, people worldwide come together to pay tribute to the millions of lives tragically lost to AIDS, emphasising the far-reaching impact of the disease on a global scale. Furthermore, HIV Vaccine Awareness Day offers a crucial opportunity for public education, helping to debunk prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS. The day also serves as an important occasion to express gratitude to the dedicated volunteers, the committed community members, the medical professionals, and the brilliant researchers who dedicate their careers to developing a secure and reliable HIV vaccine. World AIDS Vaccine Day 2025: Quotes First Published: May 18, 2025, 07:10 IST
