Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: HBCU

  • Robert F. Smith Brings Generative AI to Morehouse & Spelman

    Billionaire investor Robert F. Smith is making a powerful move to ensure that students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are at the forefront of the generative AI revolution. Through his company, Stats Perform, Smith has launched new curricula focused on generative AI at Morehouse College and Spelman College, aiming to equip students with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

    Positioning HBCUs for the AI Era

    Generative AI, which creates original content like text, images, and code from user prompts, is rapidly transforming industries. Smith, founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, highlighted how his organization is already leveraging this technology to lead in various sectors. He emphasized his unique access to resources from tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, enabling his portfolio companies to be early adopters of AI-enabled products.

    However, Smith is keenly aware of the potential downsides. A McKinsey & Company study estimates that automation could displace around 132,000 jobs held by Black workers by 2030. To counteract this, Smith hopes the new curricula at Morehouse and Spelman will help mitigate the technology’s impact on the racial wealth gap, fostering opportunities rather than displacement.

    InternXL: Free AI Learning and Career Readiness

    Beyond the college curricula, Smith has also established InternXL, an AI-driven learning platform. This initiative, part of the Fund II Foundation where Smith serves as founding director, offers thousands of courses on technical skills, certifications, and career readiness – all completely free of charge. The platform aims to empower students to understand and embrace AI, build essential skill sets, and become more effective entrepreneurs.

    During the 2025 ForbesBLK Summit, Smith passionately discussed the importance of understanding and adopting new technologies. He expressed a strong desire for more individuals within the Black community to develop unique skills and deliver platforms that create opportunities, ensuring that the advancements in AI benefit everyone.

    What are your thoughts on Robert F. Smith’s initiative to bring generative AI education to HBCUs? How do you see AI impacting future job markets? Share your views in the comments below!

  • eHBCU Partners with MedCerts for Healthcare & IT Careers

    Exciting news for aspiring professionals looking to break into the booming fields of healthcare and information technology! The first-ever digital HBCU consortium, eHBCU, has just announced a significant partnership with MedCerts, an online career training provider. This collaboration is set to dramatically expand career pathways for students, making high-demand training more accessible than ever.

    Expanding Access to High-Demand Careers

    Launched in July, eHBCU was created with a clear mission: to ensure Black learners have robust access to degrees, certifications, mentorship, and crucial career pipelines. The consortium kicked off with a strong coalition of HBCUs, including Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, Delaware State University, and the Southern University System. They’ve already rolled out a diverse range of programs, from undergraduate and graduate degrees to numerous certification options, all developed with employer input to prepare students for the modern workforce.

    Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing the goal of empowering students to be more than just consumers – to become creators and business owners by leveraging relevant education. This new partnership with MedCerts marks one of eHBCU’s “first major expansions into workforce training.”

    Removing Barriers Through Online Training

    Through this collaboration, MedCerts’ specialized online certifications will be integrated into the eHBCU portal. MedCerts has a proven track record, having helped over 100,000 students launch careers in healthcare, IT, and other growing sectors. This partnership promises to remove significant barriers to education, offering students a clear, affordable, and online path to train for high-demand jobs.

    Terry Jeffries, executive director of eHBCU, stated that the partnership is all about “removing barriers to education.” He added that it allows students to gain valuable online training while still benefiting from the unique culture and community that HBCUs provide. Jennifer Kolb, vice president at MedCerts, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration addresses the gap for driven students who lack access, providing them with a direct route into today’s workforce.

    What are your thoughts on this eHBCU and MedCerts partnership? How important is accessible training for healthcare and IT careers? Share your insights in the comments below!

  • MacKenzie Scott Makes History with $63M Gift to Morgan State

    MacKenzie Scott is once again making waves in philanthropy, this time setting a new record for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The billionaire philanthropist has announced an astonishing $63 million unrestricted gift to Morgan State University, marking the largest donation in the institution’s history and her second significant contribution to the Baltimore-based HBCU in less than five years.

    A Historic and Unrestricted Gift

    This latest donation follows Scott’s previous historic $40 million gift in 2020, bringing her total contributions to Morgan State to an incredible sum. For Morgan State, which is now the third-largest HBCU in the nation, this gift is more than just a financial boost; it’s a powerful validation of its leadership, strategic growth, and innovative approach to Black higher education in the 21st century.

    “To receive one historic gift from Ms. Scott was an incredible honor; to receive two speaks volumes about the confidence she and her team have in our institution’s stewardship, leadership, and trajectory,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, in a press release. “This is more than philanthropy—it’s a partnership in progress.”

    Empowering Growth and Innovation

    What makes Scott’s donations particularly impactful is their unrestricted nature. This means Morgan State has the complete autonomy to allocate the funds where they are most needed. The university plans to use this transformative contribution to significantly bolster its endowment, expand vital student support programs, and launch new research initiatives focused on critical real-world issues such as climate change, urban health, and educational equity.

    This level of financial flexibility is a rarity, especially for public HBCUs that have historically faced underfunding compared to predominantly white institutions. However, under President Wilson’s leadership, Morgan State has demonstrated a remarkable ability to leverage philanthropic investments into tangible progress. Following Scott’s 2020 gift, the university initiated several impactful programs, including the Center for Urban Health Equity and the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities, alongside establishing new endowed faculty chairs in cutting-edge fields.

    A Legacy of Trust and Advancement

    Endia DeCordova, Morgan’s vice president for institutional advancement, highlighted the significance of Scott’s continued trust: “Our thoughtful stewardship of her initial gift has strengthened Morgan’s capacity to grow our endowment and create meaningful opportunities for our students. This new transformative contribution—and her continued trust in Morgan—affirm that we are not only rising but leading.”

    This historic donation arrives as Morgan State is making strides in other areas, including plans to open the nation’s first public, nonprofit medical school at an HBCU, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This initiative aims to increase access to healthcare education and address persistent racial disparities in medicine. It aligns with Morgan’s broader ambition to become a leading public research university while remaining true to its core mission of uplifting Black communities.

    President Wilson emphasized that this investment will accelerate the university’s momentum, enabling them to “break barriers, advance equity, and fulfill our vision to become one of the top public research universities in the country—without losing our soul.” MacKenzie Scott’s latest gift is a powerful endorsement of the enduring impact and potential of Black institutions to shape a better future.

    What are your thoughts on MacKenzie Scott’s historic donation to Morgan State? How important are unrestricted gifts for HBCUs? Share your insights in the comments below!

  • Morehouse & Spelman Trademark ‘SpelHouse’

    In a significant move to protect their rich traditions and shared legacy, two prominent Atlanta-based HBCUs, Morehouse College and Spelman College, have jointly secured the trademark for “SpelHouse.” This strategic decision comes just in time for their combined homecoming festivities, which run from October 12th to 19th.

    Celebrating Community and Protecting Legacy

    The “SpelHouse” community signifies more than just geographical proximity; it represents a deep connection built on shared history, traditions, and a powerful legacy between these two renowned historically Black colleges and universities. By trademarking the term, both institutions are asserting ownership over their names, images, and likenesses.

    This protection is crucial for preventing dilution and misuse of their brands by external entities, ensuring that the “SpelHouse” identity remains authentic and controlled by the colleges themselves. It’s a business decision that underscores the value and significance of their combined heritage.

    Capsule Collection and Design Competition

    To celebrate this milestone, Morehouse and Spelman are launching a limited-edition capsule collection in collaboration with Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and ProStandard. This collection will allow students, alumni, and fans to proudly display their “SpelHouse” pride.

    Looking further ahead, the institutions are also hosting a design competition to create the official “SpelHouse” logo artwork. This initiative invites students, alumni, and employees to contribute to defining the visual identity of “SpelHouse,” encouraging them to consider its rich history while envisioning its future.

    Building on Financial Support

    This trademark announcement follows another significant development for both colleges. As previously reported by AFROTECH™, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has committed $50 million to support gap scholarships for HBCUs in Atlanta, including Morehouse and Spelman. This investment aims to ensure that students can access world-class education without financial hardship hindering their academic journey and graduation.

    Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer of Spelman College and President Dr. F. DuBois Bowman of Morehouse College both expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support, highlighting its role in empowering students to focus on their studies and allowing talent and ambition, rather than financial struggles, to shape their futures.

    What do you think of Morehouse and Spelman trademarking ‘SpelHouse’? How important are these traditions and legacies to HBCUs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Morgan State Receives Historic $63M from MacKenzie Scott

    Morgan State University is celebrating a monumental achievement in its history with a staggering $63 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This incredible contribution is the largest single gift the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has ever received, surpassing even Scott’s previous generous donation.

    A Historic Second Investment

    This isn’t the first time Scott has invested in Morgan State. In 2020, she gifted the university $40 million. Her renewed commitment with this record-breaking $63 million, described as an unrestricted contribution, underscores her confidence in the university’s mission and leadership. This marks the second significant donation from Scott to the institution.

    The announcement comes at a time when Morgan State is experiencing remarkable growth and success. The university has achieved record enrollment numbers, launched new degree and certificate programs, and recently secured a $1.75 million grant to establish a medical school. Scott’s latest donation will further bolster these efforts, supporting student success initiatives, scaling the university’s endowment, and advancing programs that position Morgan State as a “Public Impact Very High Research University.”

    Partnership in Progress

    David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, expressed profound gratitude for Scott’s renewed investment. “MacKenzie Scott’s renewed investment in Morgan is a resounding testament to the work we’ve done to drive transformation, not only within our campus but throughout the communities we serve,” he stated in a news release. “To receive one historic gift from Ms. Scott was an incredible honor; to receive two speaks volumes about the confidence she and her team have in our institution’s stewardship, leadership, and trajectory. This is more than philanthropy — it’s a partnership in progress.”

    Endia DeCordova, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the Morgan State University Foundation, echoed this sentiment. “We are grateful for donors like MacKenzie Scott, whose groundbreaking vision through philanthropy has created sustained, generational impact at Morgan,” she commented. “Our thoughtful stewardship of her initial gift has strengthened Morgan’s capacity to grow our endowment and create meaningful opportunities for our students while strategically investing in the University’s future.”

    DeCordova added that Scott’s continued trust affirms Morgan’s position as a leader. “This new transformative contribution — and her continued trust in Morgan — affirm that we are not only rising but leading, charting a bold path forward for our students and our institution.”

    What are your thoughts on MacKenzie Scott’s historic donation to Morgan State University? How important are these large gifts for HBCUs? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Tuskegee Alums Launch Vintage Campus Fashion Line

    Tuskegee University alumni are celebrating their alma mater’s rich heritage by launching a new clothing collection that pays homage to the university’s timeless campus fashion. Three alumni, deeply connected to the Tuskegee community, have founded Taliaferro Union Apparel Company, aiming to bring a contemporary feel to vintage HBCU styles.

    The ‘Archive Revival Collection’

    The company’s debut offering, the ‘Archive Revival Collection,’ draws inspiration from historical photographs of Tuskegee students. The collection features elevated yet classic pieces like sweaters, sweatpants, and cardigans, all designed with an emphasis on “Golden Tiger heritage.” These garments are intended to symbolize the legacy of past students and are being released just in time for homecoming festivities.

    The collection’s description highlights the meticulous process: “Each piece in the Archive Revival was inspired by photographs of students from different eras of Tuskegee University’s past. Pieces that spoke to us. Garments that deserved to be resurrected and given the dignity they’re due. We made sure to honor them by diligently pouring over every detail.” This dedication ensures authenticity and respect for the university’s history.

    Honoring Heritage and Craftsmanship

    One standout piece is the Archive Cardigan, which prominently features Tuskegee’s signature colors – crimson and old gold. It also includes the school’s founding year, 1881, and the renowned “T Club” insignia. The “T Club,” dating back to the 1920s and 30s, represented scholars and athletes within the Tuskegee community, adding historical depth to the design.

    The brand itself, Taliaferro Union, is deeply rooted in Tuskegee Pride. Its name honors Booker Taliaferro Washington, the university’s founder and first president. The founders, who were born and raised in this historic Black community, use the name to represent their commitment to expert craftsmanship and skill in every item they create. Their core values unite “Heritage, hard work, craftsmanship, and the pride of American labor and trade unions of days past, united with the proud heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

    Celebrating Homecoming with a Sale

    In celebration of the ongoing homecoming festivities, Taliaferro Union is currently hosting a site-wide sale. The company aims to encourage Tuskegee alumni and supporters to reconnect with their fashion-forward past and pass that legacy on to future generations. This initiative not only celebrates HBCU culture but also supports alumni entrepreneurship.

    What are your favorite vintage fashion trends from HBCUs? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!

  • Violence Mars HBCU Homecomings; Two Women Killed

    Homecoming weekends at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are typically vibrant celebrations of community and tradition. However, recent events have cast a dark shadow over these festivities, with unconnected shootings at Jackson State University, Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and South Carolina State University in South Carolina resulting in tragic violence over the past two weekends.

    Tragedy Strikes Mississippi Universities

    At Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, unconnected shootings left one woman dead and multiple people injured, including at least one child. The shooting near the tailgating section at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, where the homecoming football game against Alabama State University was held, resulted in injuries to a child who was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. No suspect information has been released yet.

    In Alcorn, Mississippi, a shooting occurred on campus near the Industrial Technology Building around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Brekyra Fisher, a 29-year-old resident of Vicksburg, Mississippi, tragically lost her life in this incident. Two other individuals sustained injuries, and authorities have yet to make any arrests related to this shooting.

    Violence at South Carolina State University Homecoming

    These incidents in Mississippi follow a violent homecoming weekend at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C. On the night of October 4th, one woman was killed and another man was shot on campus. Neither of the victims were students; they were visiting friends. The woman who died has been identified as 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler, who was killed in a residence hall on campus.

    Similar to the Mississippi incidents, no arrests have been made in connection with the shootings that claimed Jaliyah Butler’s life. However, an arrest was made concerning a separate incident on campus where an individual presented and pointed a gun into a crowd during a homecoming activity that same Saturday night.

    Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected by this violence. What steps can be taken to ensure the safety of students and attendees at future HBCU homecoming events? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Nike Celebrates HBCUs with Yardrunners 6.0 Collection

    Nike is honoring the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with its latest Yardrunners initiative. Now in its sixth year, the Yardrunners program spotlights four esteemed institutions—Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Norfolk State University—through a new collection of Air Max 95 sneakers. Each design is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the unique colors, culture, and legacy of these influential schools.

    Celebrating Creativity, Community, and Culture

    Launched in 2020 by Nike employees who are HBCU alumni, the Yardrunners initiative aims to celebrate the creativity, community, and cultural power thriving on HBCU campuses. This year’s collection focuses on the individuals who embody the spirit of these institutions: the students, alumni, and faculty who carry their schools’ legacies forward both inside and outside the classroom. Nike collaborates with these “trailblazers and community creatives” to produce inspirational products and compelling storytelling that resonates with the community.

    The Florida A&M Air Max 95 features a bold design in orange and green leather with snake print accents, a subtle nod to the Rattler mascot. The phrase “Strike, strike, and strike again,” a familiar FAMU chant, is stitched across the upper. The campaign highlights FAMU figures like DungeonFord founder David Castro, Director of Bands Dr. Shelby Chipman, SGA President Zayla Bryant, and track star Arayana Ladson.

    Designs Reflecting Legacy and Elegance

    For Spelman College, the Air Max 95 design emphasizes elegance and legacy, featuring layered leather and suede with jaguar print accents honoring the school’s mascot. “Thy Name We Praise,” a line from the Spelman Hymn, is stitched onto the upper, adding a meaningful touch. Featured Spelmanites include flag football captain Olivia Brown, music professor Dr. Joyce Johnson, Women in Hip Hop Collective founder Eboni Ellis, and the youngest Black female pilot in the country, Kamora Freeland (Class of 2028).

    The Morehouse iteration blends black and maroon tones across leather and suede layers, incorporating a tiger-inspired print and the school’s Latin motto “Et Facta Est Lux” (“And There Was Light”). Nike’s campaign for Morehouse highlights Dean of Students Dr. Brock Mayers, Entrepreneur of the Year Keshawn Wiley III, javelin thrower Rodney Gross, and Charles & Charles Jr. Moody, representing two generations of Morehouse men.

    Celebrating Spartan Pride and Resilience

    The Norfolk State University Air Max 95 pops with green and gold leather and suede layers, accompanied by the phrase “Behold the Green and Gold,” capturing the vibrant spirit of Spartan pride. Nike’s campaign for NSU shines a light on former athletic director Marty Miller, Mister NSU Demetrius Pernell, first female drum major Quiara Jackson, and alumna Indya Richards, showcasing the passion and perseverance that define the NSU community.

    These sneakers are more than just stylish footwear; they encapsulate the stories and magic at the heart of these HBCUs. The collection dropped at select retailers on October 11th, with the Yardrunner 6.0 Air Max 95s also releasing on the SNKRS app on October 14th.

    Which Nike Yardrunners 6.0 sneaker is your favorite? What do these designs mean to you as a celebration of HBCU culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Ketanji Brown Jackson: America’s ‘Lovely One’

    Imagine a night where history, inspiration, and personal stories converge. That’s exactly what happened in Charlotte when Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, took the stage. A sold-out crowd gathered at the newly revamped Carolina Theatre, buzzing with anticipation to hear from the woman whose memoir, “Lovely One,” has already captured hearts.

    The Meaning Behind ‘Lovely One’

    The energy in the room was palpable as Justice Jackson graced the stage. She began by reading an excerpt from her best-selling book, beautifully explaining the meaning behind her first and middle names – Ketanji Onyika – which translate to ‘Lovely One.’ This personal touch immediately connected with the audience, many of whom were already deeply moved by her book.

    Her journey, as shared in the memoir, highlights the honor of being raised by two parents educated at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Born just five years after the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Justice Jackson spoke about her early passions for theater and debating, even admitting a childhood dream of being the first Supreme Court Justice to perform on Broadway!

    A Conversation with a History Maker

    The event, thoughtfully put together by the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in collaboration with The Gambrell Soundation and the Arts + Science Council, featured an engaging conversation moderated by Harvey B. Gantt himself. Gantt, a pioneer as the first African-American student at Clemson University and Charlotte’s first Black mayor, shared the stage with Justice Jackson, discussing her groundbreaking path to the Supreme Court.

    Justice Jackson reflected on her extensive legal career, serving on every level of the federal court before her historic appointment. She spoke about her time at Harvard University, meeting her husband Patrick, and the challenges of finding her place during her undergraduate years. These personal anecdotes added depth to her remarkable professional achievements.

    Finding Strength in Adversity

    One particularly poignant moment came when Justice Jackson recounted an experience on her 18th birthday. Feeling a bit down while away from her native Florida, a Black woman approached her on the Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus and whispered “persevere” before disappearing. Justice Jackson interpreted this as a powerful sign, reinforcing the words of her aunts about angels being present.

    She also drew inspiration from the words of the renowned author Toni Morrison, who stated, “The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work…” These powerful insights helped Justice Jackson realize not only that she had earned her seat on the Supreme Court but that she truly deserved it. As she told the audience, “I have a seat at the table now and I’m ready to work.”

    Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s story is incredibly inspiring. What part of her journey resonates most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Atlanta HBCUs Lift Shelter-In-Place After Threats

    Students at several prominent Atlanta Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can breathe a sigh of relief. Shelter-in-place orders, enacted out of an abundance of caution following threats, have now been lifted. The situation caused a brief period of concern on September 11, 2025.

    A Precautionary Measure

    The advisory began when Clark Atlanta University issued a shelter-in-place order just before noon after receiving unspecified threats. Officials described the move as a “precautionary measure to address a situation on campus,” urging everyone to stay indoors while law enforcement assessed the campus for any active threats. The safety of students, faculty, and staff was the top priority.

    Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Morehouse School of Medicine, all part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) consortium, also enacted similar advisories. While Spelman stated it didn’t receive direct threats, it acted out of concern due to its proximity and shared spaces with Clark Atlanta University. Security was visibly increased at Spelman’s entrances.

    Orders Lifted, Investigations Continue

    Fortunately, by approximately 2 p.m. on the same day, the shelter-in-place orders and advisories were withdrawn across all affected institutions. Spelman College confirmed the alert was rescinded, while reminding its community to remain vigilant. No physical incidents or emergencies were reported during the scare.

    Investigations into the credibility and origin of the threats are currently underway. The institutions have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety for their campus communities as authorities continue their assessment.

    What are your thoughts on campus safety measures in response to threats? Share your perspective in the comments below.