Spelman, Samuel jackson, latonya Richardson,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 30, 2024

Spelman College Celebrates LaTanya and Samuel L. Jackson’s Renovated Performing Arts Center

The Hollywood couple donated $5 million toward the renovation efforts of the Rockefeller Fine Arts building.

Spelman College celebrated its homecoming with the opening of the newly renovated LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center. The “SpelHouse” couple were also present to see the upgraded space alongside a mural unveiling dedicated to their achievement.

The star-studded event took place on Spelman’s campus on Oct. 24. The talented duo met while attending Spelman and Morehouse. Since graduating, they have been long-time supporters of their alma maters as they found success in the entertainment industry. Richardson Jackson wrote a statement about her “beginnings” in the center now in her name.

” [Samuel] and I are continually invested in the success of Spelman College because Spelman first invested so much in us,” said Richardson Jackson. “Everything I know, all of my beginnings were in this building. It is an honor for us to help support the school’s vital mission, and to ensure that it continues to serve as a space of inspiration and training for the next generation of leaders. May the unveiling of this glorious mural be an inspiration to the beautiful artists past, present and future who walk these halls.”

The Hollywood couple donated $5 million toward the renovation efforts of the Rockefeller Fine Arts building. Beyond their own contribution, they also raised over $10 million more, bringing its total to $17.3 million. Now, the theater, lobby, and other areas are forever commemorating their legacy at the Atlanta-based schools.

A mural, created by local artist Quintin Jackson, also takes a trip down memory lane. Primarily, it showcases the Jacksons’ undergraduate days as members of the Morehouse Spelman Players theatrical group. The vast mural shows 135 images, sourced through archivist consultations, playbills, interviews with the original photographers, and assistance from a former Spelman professors and team members.

Attendees included fellow Black Hollywood elite, including Morehouse alum Spike Lee and Spelman alum Danielle Deadwyler. While at the unveiling, Spelman’s interim president spoke of the “vibrant new era” for the all-women’s college. She also added how this building is a “lasting tribute” to the Jacksons and their love for their HBCUs.

“Tonight’s celebration heralds a vibrant new era for the arts at Spelman, where performances and presentations will now flourish in a cutting-edge facility designed to inspire creativity and excellence,” said Interim President Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to alumna LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson for their unwavering commitment and passionate support of the arts at Spelman. LaTanya and Samuel’s love story began on stage at Spelman, and their remarkable careers serve as a beacon of inspiration. It is only fitting that their journey is honored with a lasting tribute in the very place where it all began.”

Shanquella Robinson’s Mother ‘Fed Up’: Family Lawyer Files Lawsuit Against ‘Cabo Six’

by Stacy Jackson

October 30, 2024

Shanquella Robinson’s Mother ‘Fed Up’: Family Lawyer Files Lawsuit Against ‘Cabo Six’

The incident has caused "emotional and financial" distress for the family

On the second anniversary of Shanquella Robinson’s death, the lawyer representing the 25-year-old’s family has filed a lawsuit against the six individuals known as “The Cabo Six,” who vacationed with her in Mexico.

According to ABC affiliate WSOC, the Robinson family is suing for compensatory and punitive damages. Attorney Sue-Ann Robinson stated in a press release that the lawsuit addresses “the profound emotional and financial toll this incident has caused.” The suit, which names the six vacation companions, the U.S. Department of State, and the FBI as defendants, alleges “wrongful death, battery, negligence, conspiracy and emotional distress.” It also alleges the anxiety, depression, and mental affect the incident has had on Shanquella’s mother, Sallamondra Robinson.

“This lawsuit is not just about seeking justice for Shanquella Robinson; it’s about holding accountable those who were entrusted with the duty to investigate, act, and protect the interests of U.S. citizens abroad,” the family’s attorney stated. “The heartbreaking details of Shanquella’s death and the subsequent mishandling by federal authorities only add to the family’s grief, and they deserve both full transparency and justice.”

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Robinson was reportedly beaten to death in October 2022 after she and several friends arrived at their villa in Cabo San Lucas. Her six companions claimed her death was due to alcohol poisoning, however, an autopsy reported severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation. In November 2022, a video began circulating that showed the unclothed woman being beaten by another woman, who was later identified as Daejhanae Jackson, while others watched the incident take place. In April, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office refrained from filing criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.

Shanquella’s family announced the lawsuit during an Oct. 29 press conference in North Carolina. Inside Little Rock African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Sallamondra addressed reporters and stated that she’s “fed up.” After two years, the family believes the FBI should’ve already made some arrests. “We should have been had justice,” she said. “Even if they couldn’t arrest the whole Cabo Six, some of these people should’ve been already in jail, long time ago. Long time ago.”

She added that her daughter was a kind-hearted person and believes every individual of the Cabo Six played a part in her death. The lawsuit calls for the “arrest and extradition of Jackson, who is wanted in Mexico for femicide,” according to the attorney. The family asks for anyone with information to step in and help with justice for Robinson.

by Sharelle Burt

October 30, 2024

VP Kamala Harris’ ‘Closing Argument’ Paints A Clear Difference From Donald Trump

This is what Presidential looks like!

Vice President Kamala Harris stood in the Ellipse in Washington, DC to give a touching “closing argument” and lay out the dangers of another Donald Trump presidency, CNN reports.

While standing in the same spot where Trump gave a speech on Jan. 6, 2021, Harris vowed to fight for American freedoms and highlight how she is an example of the American dream and promises it gives its citizens.

“I love our country with all my heart. And I believe in its promise because I’ve lived it. I grew up as a child of the Civil Rights movement. My parents would take me to marches in a stroller where crowds of people, of all races, faith and walks of life, came together to fight for the ideas of freedoms and opportunity,” she said.

“I’ve lived the promises of America.”

I love this country with all my heart.

And I believe in its promise—because I’ve lived it. pic.twitter.com/xd5zdFQWvv
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 30, 2024

In her 30-minute speech, she spoke to hundreds of supporters and laid out her plan for a Harris-Walz presidency versus one under MAGA reign, including respect for our Armed Forces and restoring reproductive rights.

“As Commander In Chief, I will make sure America has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world. Donald Trump, on the other hand, has shown his contempt for our nation’s heroes,” Harris said.

“Calls them suckers and losers.” Called a four-star Marine general a quote, ‘lowlife.’ I will always honor, never denigrate the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families.”

I will always honor—and never denigrate—the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families. And as president, I will fulfill our sacred obligation to care for them. pic.twitter.com/W9dLLMCxaV
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 30, 2024

She continued to label herself as a President who will expand Medicare to cover home healthcare, in comparison to Trump trying to cut the program and a leader who is all about compromise over the four-time indicted businessman’s penchant for conflict.

On X, Harris issued a statement to wrap up her speech, saying that it’s time to “imagine a future of possibilities.”

“America is the greatest idea humanity ever devised. A nation big enough to encompass all our dreams, strong enough to withstand any fracture or fissure between us, and fearless enough to imagine a future of possibilities,” she wrote.

“Let us fight for this beautiful country we love.”

America is the greatest idea humanity ever devised. A nation big enough to encompass all our dreams, strong enough to withstand any fracture or fissure between us, and fearless enough to imagine a future of possibilities.

Let us fight for this beautiful country we love. pic.twitter.com/jDbZfVFPVS
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 30, 2024

According to WUSA 9, supporters could feel the energy that Harris brought before she even arrived. People traveled from all over the country, from Brooklyn all the way to Florida, to feel it in person. After viewing Trump’s controversial NYC rally, supporters Lola Scott and Michelle Coleman said Harris provides a state of love and feels that’s what the country needs. “We’ve lost the civility in this country. We’re not kind to each other, and the hatred needs to stop,” Scott said.

“If nothing else, it’s more encouraging,” Coleman added. “You have to show support and keep going. I think the momentum is still there.”

Pastor Troy, Ballots & BBQ, Harris-Waltz

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 30, 2024

Harris-Walz Campaign Taps Pastor Troy For ‘Ballots & BBQ’ Event In Atlanta

Kamala Harris holds campaign events in the battleground state of Georgia.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz got creative for their campaign event in Atlanta, Georgia with rapper Pastor Troy.

Dubbed “Ballots & BBQ,” the event united community members, local leaders, and featured Pastor Troy as a special guest, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and voter participation. Attendees enjoyed delicious BBQ, music, and motivational speeches to rally support for the upcoming election. Pastor Troy gave an energizing performance, followed by an impassioned speech on each person’s vital role in shaping their community through voting.

As part of the initiative, participants had the chance to check their voting status, ensuring everyone was ready for the upcoming election. The event encouraged early voting and provided information on where to vote early.

“This is a very important election. Probably the most important election I’ve seen in my lifetime,” Pastor Troy said ahead of the event. “So I just want to encourage everybody to support.”

With Georgia as a key battleground swing state with significant influence over the election outcome, Pastor Troy recognizes the importance of using his platform to encourage Atlanta residents to make their voices heard.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see our state become so pivotal in the scope of things” Troy said of Georgia’s power as a battleground swing state. “I just want all of us to get out there and let our voices be heard.

The event took place the same week Vice President Harris held a rally in metro Atlanta as part of the “When We Vote We Win” concert series, where she underscored the importance of the current election and warned that the stakes are higher than in previous years. Former President Barack Obama joined Vice President Harris at the campaign stop, urging Georgia voters to use their power by voting early.

The stars came out to support Harris at Halliford Stadium in Clarkston in the battleground state including Director Spike Lee, actor Samuel L. Jackson, filmmaker Tyler Perry, DJ Mix Master David, and a performance from award-winning musician Bruce Springsteen.

“So, listen, so much is on the line in this election. And this is not 2016 or 2020. The stakes are even higher,” Harris told the crowd. “Over the last two years and in particular the last eight years, Donald Trump has become more confused. More unstable. And more angry.”

“Last time at least, there were people around him who could control him. But do notice in this election, they’re not with him this time.”

The Vice President is returning to Atlanta this weekend to hold one final rally in the state that could decide who occupies the Oval Office for the next four years. Harris’ return to Atlanta comes after former President Donald Trump held a rally Monday night on the campus of Georgia Tech, following a sold-out rally Saturday night at Madison Square Garden rally in his home state of New York.

This election is poised to be historic: if Harris wins, she would become the first woman president, while a Trump victory would make him the first former president to reclaim the White House after a reelection loss since Democrat Grover Cleveland in the 19th century.

by Keka Araújo

October 30, 2024

JPMorgan Chase Sues Customers For Exploiting Viral ATM ‘Infinite Money Glitch’

These civil cases mark the beginning of the bank's broader legal campaign against those it accuses of fraudulently obtaining funds through the ATM loophole.

JPMorgan Chase, the largest U.S. bank by assets, has filed lawsuits against customers who allegedly exploited a technical glitch to withdraw substantial funds from ATMs before their deposited checks bounced.

The lawsuits, filed in at least three federal courts on Oct. 28, target individuals who allegedly withdrew the most significant amounts in the so-called “infinite money glitch,” a scheme that gained viral popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok in late August.

The most significant case filed involves a Houston man who, according to JPMorgan, owes $290,939.47 after an unidentified accomplice deposited a counterfeit check totaling $335,000 at an ATM.

“On Aug. 29, 2024, a masked man deposited a check in [the] defendant’s Chase bank account in the amount of $335,000,” JPMorgan stated in the Texas filing. “After the check was deposited, the defendant began withdrawing most of the ill-gotten funds.”

In the wake of the viral glitch, JPMorgan reportedly investigated thousands of cases involving varying sums. While the bank has not disclosed the total financial impact, its investigation has highlighted an ongoing challenge with check fraud—a global issue resulting in losses of $26.6 billion last year alone, according to Nasdaq’s Global Financial Crime Report. Although the use of paper checks has declined, JPMorgan’s “infinite money glitch” episode underscores how social media can amplify vulnerabilities within financial institutions.

The glitch was reportedly corrected a few days after discovery, allowing customers to bypass the usual waiting period banks impose for checks to clear. Under normal conditions, only a portion of a check’s value is available for immediate withdrawal, with the remainder accessible only after the check clears, which can take several days.

Beyond the Texas case, JPMorgan has filed additional lawsuits in Miami and California involving customers accused of withdrawing amounts ranging from $80,000 to $141,000. According to individuals familiar with the bank’s internal investigation, most cases involve smaller sums, though JPMorgan prioritized cases with higher amounts and those with potential connections to organized criminal groups.

According to court documents, JPMorgan’s security team contacted those suspected of committing fraud, seeking repayment for the phony checks under the terms of the bank’s deposit agreement. The bank’s lawsuits demand restitution of the funds, interest, overdraft fees, and, in some instances, punitive damages. The financial institution is also seeking compensation for legal costs associated with the recovery efforts.

These civil cases mark the beginning of the bank’s broader legal campaign against those it accuses of fraudulently obtaining funds through the ATM loophole. Alongside its civil suits, JPMorgan has reportedly referred cases to law enforcement agencies nationwide, paving the way for potential criminal charges. According to sources familiar with the bank’s approach, this strategy signals that JPMorgan will actively pursue offenders, focusing on cases indicating possible links to organized fraud groups.

“Fraud is a crime that impacts everyone and undermines trust in the banking system,” said Drew Pusateri, a JPMorgan spokesperson, in a statement to CNBC. “We’re pursuing these cases and actively cooperating with law enforcement to make sure if someone is committing fraud against Chase and its customers, they’re held accountable.”

The lawsuits represent JPMorgan’s commitment to recovering funds lost through ATM fraud and serve as a warning to discourage similar schemes. The bank’s proactive stance also reflects a growing awareness of how social media can facilitate the rapid exploitation of financial vulnerabilities, underscoring the evolving landscape of bank security.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 30, 2024

Fox News Guest Called Out For Shading Beyoncé’s Appearance At Harris Houston Rally Despite Past Praise

A Fox News guest who shaded Beyoncé’s appearance at Vice President Kamala Harris’s rally in Houston is being called out for his past tweets publicly praising the music superstar.

Xaviaer DuRousseau came under fire on social media on Tuesday after he took to Fox News to bash Beyoncé’s appearance at Harris’ Houston rally last week, where she publicly endorsed the Vice President. According to DuRousseau, Harris is “absolutely desperate” as we move closer to Election Day and is “bringing every celebrity she can to try to get any kind of endorsement because she knows that she doesn’t have any substance herself.”

“She brought Beyoncé out tonight, and it’s like Beyoncé doesn’t need to be doing that. Beyoncé needs to be focused on trying to keep her album on the charts because it’s already gone,” DuRousseau quipped in a clip captured by The Shade Room.

He then took to Twitter to double down on his Beyoncé shade, citing the remarks as “the bravest thing I’ve ever done in my career” and calling the Beyoncé’s BeyHive fan club “domestic terrorists.”

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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

It didn’t take long for social media to unearth DuRousseau’s past tweets praising Beyoncé and her recent album, Cowboy Carter — the same album he mocked on Fox News. Seeing evidence of the analyst’s previous support for Beyoncé before criticizing her for supporting Harris, many voiced their opinions on DuRousseau’s change in stance.

“The biggest hater is a man who used to love you,” one person wrote.

“Proof that anyone can be bought….even if they were singing a different tunes 2.5 business days ago,” added someone else.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Elsewhere, Fox News analysts criticized Beyoncé for attending Harris’ Houston rally without performing. Maira Bartiromo claimed Beyoncé “outraged” attendees by not singing and accused Harris of using a potential Beyoncé performance to boost support for the event.

“More than 30,000 people attended the rally and then what did they get? They didn’t get Beyoncé singing. She didn’t sing,” Bartiromo said.

She further alleged that this was the second time Harris had falsely promoted a Beyoncé performance, referencing rumors that the “Cuff It” singer would perform on the final night of the Democratic National Convention — which never happened. It seems some conservatives believe Beyoncé should express her endorsement of VP Harris through song rather than through spoken support, as she did.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 30, 2024

Pharrell Williams LEGO Biopic Headed For Streaming After Just Two Weeks In Box Office

Pharrell Williams' LEGO biopic is getting an early digital release after a seemingly dismal box office start.

After just two weeks in theaters, Pharrell Williams’ innovative LEGO biopic Piece By Piece is headed to digital platforms.

On Oct. 29, the cartoon-styled LEGO documentary about Pharrell’s life and career will debut on digital streaming via premium video-on-demand, Forbes reported. Since opening in North American theaters on Oct. 11, the film has grossed $8 million domestically on a $16 million budget.

The swift shift to digital is likely a response to the film’s ongoing box office decline. The film aims to boost revenue after earning $3.8 million in its opening weekend and around $752,000 this past weekend.

Piece by Piece will be available for digital purchase at $24.99. Digital rentals are typically $5 less than the purchase price, so viewers can expect a 48-hour film rental for $19.99.

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, Piece by Piece offers a first-of-its-kind exploration of Williams’s life, creatively told through LEGO animation. Highlights showcase the mega-producers humble beginnings in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where his natural passion and talent for music-making led him to build early friendships with fellow Virginia natives Pusha T, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, and his longtime friend and N.E.R.D. and Neptunes collaborator Chad Hugo.

The biopic, which is still in theaters, features a star-studded lineup of LEGO versions of music icons like Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg, and more.

Pharrell shared his inspiration to create Piece by Piece as an animated LEGO documentary after falling in love with the classic plastic building blocks during childhood.

“My earliest memories were the LEGO sets that my parents would get me when I was really, really, really young,” Pharrell told NPR. “Whether you actually really build what the set is all about or you’re just putting pieces together … it’s just magical.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 30, 2024

Europeans Ditching Traditional Working Hours To Work Evenings In Higher Paying US-Based Roles

UK-based remote workers are opting for late-night US-based roles to receive higher pay.

With Americans earning, on average, 20% to 40% more than their European counterparts, an increasing number of UK residents are choosing to work night shifts to take on U.S.-based roles.

A new report highlights the rise in European remote workers taking on full- to part-time jobs in America to gain greater work flexibility and higher pay. Market research indicates that software engineers in the U.S. typically earn around $115,000, while the average in Europe varies by region and is about $75,000. A similar disparity exists for marketing managers, with U.S. salaries averaging $107,000 compared to Europe’s average of $70,000.

While it isn’t rare for Europeans to work American jobs, the shift to remote work following the pandemic has opened the floodgates, allowing Europeans to secure positions traditionally reserved for American workers.

“I’ve been working remotely for over a decade, but during the pandemic, many companies finally seemed to acknowledge time zone differences and adjusted accordingly,” Irish marketing executive Laura Mundow tells Fortune.

European workers have found what works for them when it comes to scheduling their day. Some break up the day to complete their initial tasks during the European morning when coworkers are less likely to interrupt with calls, emails, or instant messages and reserve the afternoon for video conference calls.

“I don’t need to be at my desk for eight hours straight,” says Romanian video and audio editor Otinel Mezin. “I can stay nearby and return to my computer if any urgent editing requests come in.”

Cultural differences also play a significant role in UK staffers’ working with US companies. American companies tend to operate at a faster pace, with a more assertive approach to sales and more open conversations about salaries than European companies. However, despite these contrasts, many Europeans say they have come to appreciate innovation and optimism.

“I really love working with Americans,” Mundow says. “There’s an openness there that you might not get in Europe. The stereotype of work being a massive focus for Americans is true. That might not suit everybody. It suits me, but I can see how it could be jarring if work weren’t a central part of your life.”

“I find clients to be more polite in the way they request work and not haggling over prices,” Mezin adds.

European workers encourage other UK-based remote workers to know their worth and avoid undervaluing their work due to location. Once a competitive salary is secured, Mudow recommends living in a country where your earnings stretch further than the U.S. or UK would.

“If you’re earning American money, you can live very well somewhere that is not America,” she says.

by Stacy Jackson

October 30, 2024

Radiologist Dr. Nicole Saphier Warns Women Of Overlooked Signs Of Breast Cancer

Dr. Nicole Saphier said hidden signs of breast cancer include abnormal nipple discharge, itchy or inflamed skin and swollen lymph nodes.

Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and medical contributor for Fox News, says women should be aware that there are less obvious signs of breast cancer they should look out for to avoid later complications.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Black women, according to a report by Verywell Health, and has become the most fatal cancer in Black women over the past several years. “One of the biggest goals when it comes to breast cancer detection is to try and discover those cancers before they cause any problems,” Saphier told Fox News Digital. “Until you do that biopsy … you won’t necessarily know that it’s an inflammatory cancer that’s causing these issues…And unfortunately, this can lead to a later diagnosis.”

According to the American Cancer Society, the most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but Dr. Saphier noted, “It’s not just about feeling a lump,” and women should pay attention to their bodies and look out for the following hidden symptoms that may prompt examination from a medical professional.

Nipple discharge, or fluid leakage from one breast or both, is normal, but studies found the symptom accounts for 3% to 9% of breast cancer patients. Discharge that leaks milky, yellow, or green following breastfeeding may not be problematic, according to Health.com. However, bloody discharge is abnormal and should be examined by a healthcare professional as it can be a warning sign of breast cancer.

“Some women … see a little bit of blood in their bra,” Dr. Saphier said. “This can be a sign of cancer cells in the duct.”

Dr. Saphier said women should also pay attention to the itchiness of the skin on their breasts or the nipple itself. “This could be an indicator of an inflammatory process inside the breast,” she said.

Looking out for any swelling or lumps in the lymph nodes is also important; women should also pay attention to the armpit area. “People come in with a lump,” the radiologist said. “Sometimes it can be something benign, like a cyst, but it can also be a cancer.” This hidden sign can signal that “not only is there a cancer in the breast, but it has now traveled to the lymph nodes.”

One of the most common signs of inflammatory breast cancer is redness or inflamed skin. “This is a different cancer in the sense that it doesn’t present as a mass,” she said. Verywell Health reported that with inflammatory breast cancer, lumps may not always show up on a mammogram. Although inflammatory breast cancer only accounts for 1% to 3% of all breast cancers, Black women are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with this cancer type compared to white women.

Dr. Saphier stated that taking action and seeking medical guidance is crucial once a woman notices any changes; however, as previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed more disparities and delays with breast cancer treatments for Black women. Out of the more than 258,000 women with early-stage breast cancer aged 65 years and older, 18% of Black women lacked guideline-recommended care. Aside from age, other demographic categories like cancer stage, insurance, and income levels contributed to the 26% higher death risk for Black women compared to white women.

by Daniel Johnson

October 30, 2024

Howard University’s Calvin Hadley Pleads For Black Men To Enroll At HBCUs

The raw number of Black men attending HBCUs has fallen to its lowest number in nearly 50 years, and administrators at HBCUs are starting to take notice

The raw number of Black men attending HBCUs has fallen to its lowest number in nearly 50 years, and administrators at HBCUs are starting to take notice of this concerning trend.

According to NPR, currently, Black men make up only 26% of enrolled students at HBCUs, a significant drop from the 38% they comprised in 1976.

Per analysis from the American Institute for Boys and Men, the decline in Black male attendance at HBCUs is affected by a myriad of factors.

As their study states, “This decline in Black male students is influenced by factors such as inadequate K-12 preparation, a lack of Black male teachers, and financial barriers both individually and institutionally.”

NPR’s Joanna Summers talked to Calvin Hadley, an assistant provost for Academic Partnerships and Student Engagement at Howard University, about the university’s problems.

Hadley, a graduate of the university where he now works, told Summers that he noticed the disparities in male and female enrollment during his undergraduate education at Howard.

“I’m a Howard alum, and so I remember, as a student, the numbers were also pretty stark at that time. I think we were around 33-34% when I was a student between 2004 and 2008. Now, as you announced in your introduction, Howard University is around 25% male total,” Hadley said.

He continued, “And I think recent statistics said (Howard is) around 19% Black male. And so that is felt on campus, that is felt, I think, in our social clubs, it’s felt on the yard. And I think many of our male students have commented that in some of their classes, they’re the only male in their class.”

Hadley continued, indicating his concern. “At every educational institution, we want a diversity of experience. And so when you don’t have as many males in the classroom, that diversity of experience is significantly impacted. It gets even more scary when we trace it forward, right? I think we’re dealing with some really unique statistics right now. Black males are graduating at a much lower rate than Black females.”

Hadley also indicated that this problem is not limited to HBCUs.

“And so this drop in the past decade has been seen more drastically. But the reality is, this is not a Howard problem. This is not an HBCU problem. This is not a PWI problem. This is an American education problem.”

Hadley also pointed out that compared to the Black male applicants to Howard, the number of Black women who applied to the university far outstripped even the significant increase in applications that Black men filed in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Hadley closed the interview with a direct appeal to Black men to come to Howard after pointing out that Black men are being left behind in American society and are potentially negatively impacting their future families because of a lack of a college education.

“You attend an HBCU for an education and not a degree, and as an assistant provost, that’s not a popular thing to say. The education that you receive in an HBCU transcends the classroom experience. It transcends the relationship that you have with your professor. The education exists in between the lines of the pages. HBCUs inundate you with the sense of belief. We talked about the importance of that belief on the front end, the belief gap that exists in K through 12,” Hadley stated.

He concluded his case, “HBCUs are created to instill you with the belief that you can be even larger than you can dream. Howard University and the HBCU community has provided me — and many other people, like our vice president — with the sense that I am enough. I can be successful academically. But my world is not simply academics. I can be enough, and I can contribute to this society, in this space, in a way that allows me to feel whole and allows me to contribute to something much larger than myself. The HBCU community needs you. And so when I’m talking to that young man in 2024: Come, because we need you. Come because you’re important. Come because without you, our community is hurt.”