Black Ivy League

Nation's first Black Honors College launching at Sacramento State

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sacramento State President Luke Wood has announced formation of the nation's first Black Honors College, set to launch at the University in fall 2024.

Key Points: 
  • SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sacramento State President Luke Wood has announced formation of the nation's first Black Honors College , set to launch at the University in fall 2024.
  • Students in the Black Honors College will have their own specialized coursework, with smaller classes and faculty members who have a demonstrated record of success in teaching and serving Black students.
  • "Unlike anything else in the state, the Black Honors College is specifically designed to meet the needs and aspirations of Black students.
  • Prospective students who are interested in learning more about Sacramento State's Black Honors College can email [email protected] .

The Duke Endowment Celebrates a Century of Philanthropy to the Carolinas and Announces $175 Million in Higher Education Grants

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

Today, the Endowment also announces centennial gifts totaling $175 million to the four higher education institutions named in Mr. Duke’s Indenture of Trust – Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University.

Key Points: 
  • Today, the Endowment also announces centennial gifts totaling $175 million to the four higher education institutions named in Mr. Duke’s Indenture of Trust – Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University.
  • These gifts include individual $25 million grants to Davidson, Furman and Johnson C. Smith University.
  • An announcement of a centennial gift of $100 million to Duke was shared on November 30, 2023.
  • “We are excited to launch our centennial year and celebrate the lasting legacy of James B. Duke and the Duke family.

FICO Brings Analytics Challenge to Delaware State University to Empower the Next Generation of Data Scientists

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 11, 2024

Global analytics software leader FICO is expanding its FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge to students at Delaware State University, the third Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to adopt the program.

Key Points: 
  • Global analytics software leader FICO is expanding its FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge to students at Delaware State University, the third Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to adopt the program.
  • This semester’s Analytics Challenge at Delaware State focuses on identifying and mitigating bias in data and decision models using a historical lending data.
  • The FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge was created to amplify diversity, equity and inclusion in data science.
  • “The Analytics Challenge is a passion program of mine, and I am looking forward to meeting and working with the Delaware State students this semester.

Meritage Homes Gives $3.3 Million In 2023 To Build Stronger Communities Nationwide

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 19, 2023

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Homes , the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the U.S., delivered on its brand promise of a Life.Built.Better.® in 2023 by contributing $3.3 million and through volunteerism.

Key Points: 
  • SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Homes , the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the U.S., delivered on its brand promise of a Life.Built.Better.® in 2023 by contributing $3.3 million and through volunteerism.
  • Further, Meritage contributed $1.8 million to fund educational opportunities in Arizona and Florida.
  • “One of Meritage’s core values is ‘Start with Heart.’ We recognize our commitment extends beyond delivering quality, affordable homes, to building stronger communities in our markets,” said Phillippe Lord, CEO of Meritage Homes.
  • We look forward to continuing to support efforts that help communities thrive.”
    Meritage’s 2023 philanthropic efforts include:
    Contributed over $175,000 to No Child Hungry .

MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation Reaches $31 Million in Grant Funding Following Successful 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 19, 2023

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF) announced its full roster of 2023 grant recipients, benefitting 36 communities, in 24 states with over $3.6 million in funding. Recipients ranged from the NYC Police Foundation to the Parkwood Community Club in Nashville and Snug Harbor Little League, all who received the funding and support of impact-driving programs that contribute to the growth and development of youth baseball and softball across the country.

Key Points: 
  • Recipients ranged from the NYC Police Foundation to the Parkwood Community Club in Nashville and Snug Harbor Little League, all who received the funding and support of impact-driving programs that contribute to the growth and development of youth baseball and softball across the country.
  • In 2023, grants presented by YDF ranged from as large as $1 million to $3,000, showcasing the foundation's ability to scale and cater to communities, municipalities, and youth leagues of all sizes and needs.
  • "Impacting local communities is at the heart of what YDF strives to do," YDF Executive Director Jean Lee Batrus said.
  • Powered by YDF through a $1 million grant, the HBCU Swingman Classic is an All-Star experience for baseball student-athletes from Division-I programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).

The HBCU Esports League Partners with Discover Financial Services to Empower HBCU Entrepreneurs with Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson for 3rd Annual Discover Bowl

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 14, 2023

ATLANTA, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 17th, Discover Financial Services is teaming up with Cxmmunity Media for the 3rd Annual Discover Bowl.

Key Points: 
  • ATLANTA, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 17th, Discover Financial Services is teaming up with Cxmmunity Media for the 3rd Annual Discover Bowl.
  • The HBCU Esports League's Discover Bowl is an annual entitlement event for Discover where students from the HBCU Esports League will compete head-to-head for a total prize pool of $60,000.
  • This year's Discover Bowl is set to have a special guest appearance by NFL Legend, and HBCU advocate - Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.
  • For the past three seasons, Discover has played a pivotal role as a strategic partner in the HBCU Esports League.

HBCU FIRST LOOK FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF ITS INAUGURAL YEAR AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY WITH NETFLIX AND HIGHER GROUND'S RUSTIN, DIRECTED BY GEORGE C. WOLFE, AS OPENING NIGHT FILM

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 12, 2023

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) kicks off its inaugural year at Howard University also known as 'the Mecca.' The festival will take place the weekend of November 10 – 12, 2023 and showcase a stellar group of leading HBCU alumni joining the (HBCUFLF) initiative with film challenges, internships, college tours and additional festival programming. 

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) kicks off its inaugural year at Howard University also known as 'the Mecca.'
  • Kicking off "Opening Night at the Movies" on Friday, November 10 is Netflix and Higher Ground's 'Rustin'.
  • Produced by Academy Award winner Bruce Cohen, Higher Ground's Tonia Davis and George C. Wolfe, the film features an all-star cast.
  • Presenting sponsors and media partners include AARP, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Café Mocha Network, Howard University Television + Film.

BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP COLLABORATES WITH NOTED PRODUCER-DIRECTOR KENYA BARRIS IN HIS FIRST SERIES OF TV COMMERCIALS FOR TOYOTA'S FIRST EVER 'GRAND HIGHLANDER'

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 4, 2023

The agency created two broadcast TV spots for Life's Grander: "Back There" and "HBCU Tour," along with a series of short digital commercials.

Key Points: 
  • The agency created two broadcast TV spots for Life's Grander: "Back There" and "HBCU Tour," along with a series of short digital commercials.
  • moment when a mom interrupts the backseat bedlam and tells her kids, "Don't make me come back there!"
  • Burrell sought out award-winning writer, producer and director Kenya Barris, the king of the Black sitcom, to authentically bring the scripts to life.
  • Burrell Communications Group was established by renowned ad man Tom Burrell in 1971, who led the company for 33 years.

Jackson T. Stephens Cup Announces Special Invitations and Introduces Jack’s Day to Promote Youth Golf

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 12, 2023

The Jackson T. Stephens Cup (“JTSC”), a premiere collegiate golf tournament, announced today special invitations to eleven players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and United States Service Academies.

Key Points: 
  • The Jackson T. Stephens Cup (“JTSC”), a premiere collegiate golf tournament, announced today special invitations to eleven players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and United States Service Academies.
  • Named in honor of the late Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, the former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, The Jackson T. Stephens Cup annually hosts one the strongest competitions in NCAA Division I golf.
  • This is the third year the Jackson T. Stephens Cup tournament committee has extended special invitations to the competition as a part of its commitment to increasing representation in the game of golf and providing elevated playing opportunities for all golfers.
  • “It’s our pleasure to continue to extend invitations to the athletes from the United States Service Academies, and Historically Black Colleges & Universities to compete in the Jackson T. Stephens Cup.

N.C. A&T State University wins 5th annual Moguls in the Making entrepreneurial pitch competition

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 11, 2023

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The team from North Carolina A&T State University took top honors in the fifth annual Moguls in the Making entrepreneurial pitch competition, where 60 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) developed innovative and impactful solutions to address economic mobility challenges using vital business skills.

Key Points: 
  • "Moguls in the Making is an investment Ally makes to provide career-launching business experience," said Ally Financial CEO Jeffrey J.
  • "We're intentional about how we show up as an ally, focusing on efforts that support economic mobility and inspire social change.
  • They then were asked to develop a concept to support economic mobility in Charlotte and create a business plan to put those ideas into action.
  • To date, Ally has awarded more than $900,000 in scholarships and prizes through Moguls in the Making.