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magazine

SpiritThe f o Howard

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Volume 19, Number 2

PRESIDENT Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Thef Spirit o Howard Judi Moore Latta, Ph.D.

EDITOR Raven Padgett

Founders Library, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, is such PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST an iconic structure. While the clock tower that sits atop the library is one of the most LaShandra N. Gary recognizable physical symbols of Howard, the collection of history housed within CONTRIBUTING WRITERS the building may best represent the spirit of the University. Erin Evans, Sholnn Freeman, Damien T. The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center preserves centuries of African and Frierson, M.S.W., Fern Gillespie, African-American history. Snapshots of history archived in the center include docu- Kerry-Ann Hamilton, Ph.D., Ron Harris, ments, photographs and objects that help piece together an often fragmented story. Shayla Hart, Melanie Holmes, Otesa Middleton Miles, Andre Nicholson, Ashley FImagine reading firsthand the words of Olaudah Equiano, a former slave whose 1789 Travers, Grace I. Virtue, Ph.D. narrative is one of the earliest known examples of published writings by an African writer. Moorland-Spingarn holds at least one copy of the eight editions, including CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS a signed version. Other relics include 17th-century maps, 18th- and 19th-century Ceasar, Kerry-Ann Hamilton, Ph.D., masks, hundreds of periodicals and 30,000 bound volumes on the African Diaspora. Marvin T. Jones, Justin D. Knight This jewel on the yard is a unique structure that attracts scholars from all over the world, providing access to treasures that educate and enlighten. The center’s collection is that much more significant given Howard’s long-standing commitment to embrace Howard Magazine is published three and encourage the study of the Diaspora. Howard professors have led study abroad times a year by the Office of University programs, medical missions, and research and service learning trips to Africa for Communications. Please send address changes and letters to: many years. They have also focused on social issues and diseases that disproportion- 2225 Georgia Ave., NW ately affect people of African descent. Suite 603 In this issue of the magazine, we examine the foresight Washington, DC 20059 that Howard has demonstrated for decades in preserving Phone: 202-238-2330 To access this and honoring this history. In the lead article, President Fax: 202-986-0409 issue and past E-mail: [email protected] issues of Howard Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D., explains how there is an even howardmagazine.idigitaledition.com Magazine, visit greater commitment to deepen Africana Studies at howard Howard through the academic renewal process that is magazine. currently under way, including a proposed national think Cover: Clifford L. Muse, Ph.D., interim idigitaledition. director of the Moorland-Spingarn com. tank that would focus on policy issues. Also featured in this issue is a look at how a new gen- Research Center, holds one of the center’s rare treasures, a mask with a sacred eration is carrying on the mantle of activism in the fight crocodile crest from Mali. against injustice in the African Diaspora. The first student chapter of TransAfrica Forum was established on campus last fall, allowing Howard Front cover photo: Ceasar students an opportunity to help give a voice to the voiceless, most immediately those Back cover photo: Justin D. Knight impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. And with the publication of her book about the Stay up-to-date with events Great Migration, alumna Isabel Wilkerson has added a new document to the canon of and news at Howard. Visit history that is being preserved at Howard. www.howard.edu/newsroom and We hope you enjoy this issue, and, as always, we welcome your feedback and www.howard.edu/Capstone. encourage you to send us an e-mail at [email protected]. Design and Project Management

Raven Padgett, Editor

Howard Magazine Winter 2011

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features 18 Visionary Leadership for the African Diaspora The University strengthens its resolve in the study of the African Diaspora. 24 Howard’s Activism Reflected in a New Generation Student chapter of TransAfrica tackles injustices in the Caribbean and Africa. 26 A Jewel on the Yard Moorland-Spingarn Research Center’s African collection chronicles centuries of history and research in the Diaspora. 28 Robtel Neajai Pailey On a mission to lift Liberia. 29 Atia Byll-Cataria Promoting economic and social development in Africa.

Footsteps: Hilltop News and Events

2 President’s Perspective 00

3 Spotlight On: Footprints: Alumni Profiles and Updates W. Sherman 30 Notable Alumni Rogers 32 Profiles in Leadership 4 On Campus: 34 Milestones: Alumni Achievements News and Events 39 In Memoriam 40 Bison Bookshelf

001 C2-01 Ltr-TOC.indd 1 2/8/11 5:27 PM President’s Perspective Preserving the History of the African Diaspora By Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D.

Every time I walk across the campus of our great University, I am struck by the history I see rep- resented in its buildings. When I walk past Douglass Hall and Freedmen’s Square, or when I go to my office in the building named for my eminent predecessor and Howard’s first Black president, Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, I am reminded of the vital role Howard University has played—and will continue to play—in researching, preserving and honoring the history of African Americans and people of the African Diaspora. My vision for Howard rests on the rich foundation built by our distinguished alumni and W Ethe generations of presidents, faculty, students and staff who shaped and framed the University through their struggles for justice, equality and an enriched human condition. During those struggles, Howard evolved to meet new challenges and grew stronger and better prepared to meet the needs of its times. Howard is again actively progressing in ways that will make it stronger and better able to meet the needs of the coming generations of students. The University’s academic renewal process does not abandon its historic legacy; rather, it builds upon it to create a secure and sustainable future for the University. Howard will draw upon the best features of its legacy, reemphasizing research in service to humanity in general, and communities of the African Diaspora in particular. The goals and objectives of academic renewal are defined by the University’s mission and legacy. As in the past, Howard will continue to play a special role in the cultural, political and economic renaissance that must occur in the African-American community and the African Diaspora. It must have focused and interdisciplinary programs in the social sciences, African and African-American Studies, international affairs and languages that support this strategic objective. As a result of the academic renewal process, we have recently endorsed a plan to develop programs in Africana Studies at the master’s and doctoral levels. Our goal is to make these new graduate programs the leader in Africana Studies in the nation. Interdisciplinary programs are a key component of academic renewal. To be more competitive, we must remove the barriers and encourage joint degree programs. By doing this, each discipline will be able to benefit from these collaborations. I have outlined a strategic vision for the University that embraces not only interdisciplinary work, but also research and service within focused areas; new models of teaching and learning; streamlined academic offer- ings; significantly improved administrative operations and services; and University advancement that includes effective engagement with alumni and the wider community. The refocusing and realignment of academic offerings is a cornerstone of this strategic vision. Howard has a special mission in higher education to address the edu- cational needs of our nation, the African-American community and underserved populations. To remain true to our mission, informed by our legacy and tradition, we must complete a process of strategic change and align our resources with focused academic priorities in a sustainable operational, fiscal and physical environment. Our academic renewal process honors our legacy by ensuring that this great institution is positioned to continue its vital leadership role in the life of

our nation and in the global community in this new century. CEASAR

2 Winter 2011

02-03 President-Spotlight Alts.indd 2 2/15/11 2:35 PM Spotlight On W. Sherman Rogers By Otesa Middleton Miles (B.A. ’94)

W. Sherman Rogers (J.D. ’76), professor at the Howard University businesses. The problem, according to Rogers, is that Black busi- School of Law, believes the key to economic success for African nesses are underrepresented. The Small Business Administration Americans is entrepreneurship, which equals independence. estimates that 7.1 percent of entrepreneurs are African Americans, “I’ve always believed that Black people should do more to rely while African Americans make up more than 13 percent of the upon their own efforts as opposed to expecting good things to U.S. population. Creating new companies, Rogers says, will combat happen and develop at the hands of other people,” says Rogers. poverty and reduce unemployment in certain communities. “If you can’t find a job, create a job and employ yourself.” The School of Law’s Professor of the Year in 2009, Rogers W.Rogers focuses much of his teaching and writings on encour- was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Huntsville, Ala., aging self-sufficiency through self-employment. He created the where his father taught at the historically Black college now course “Entrepreneurship Law & Policy” at the School of Law in known as Oakwood University. Although the civil rights move- 2008 to educate his students on how to form successful businesses. ment had just gotten under way while Rogers was in elementary “Entrepreneurship as an academic study hasn’t historically been school, he felt somewhat protected despite being in the Deep taught in law schools. It has mostly been taught in busi- ness schools, even though lawyers are involved in every part of entrepreneurship,” says Rogers, a licensed stock- broker, licensed insurance agent and legal consultant. “I let my students know how involved we are to help launch new businesses, create forms, handle tax issues, protect intellectual property and deal with copyright matters.” Rogers has taken his expertise and wrapped it in the book, The African American Entrepreneur: Then and Now, released in 2010. The book grew from his knowl- edge that Americans who achieve wealth are more likely to do so independently than by working for oth- ers. “The self-employed are typically the wealthy class in America,” he says. The book traces the history of Black entrepreneurship in America, beginning in the 1600s. Rogers addresses the impact of slavery, the Civil War and Jim Crow laws and provides insight from African-American leaders, includ- ing President Barack Obama. The book also serves as a textbook South. “I grew up in that era, but I grew up in a Black profes- for those seeking to start a business, and includes chapters on idea sional family cloistered in the protective walls of an HBCU,” he development, legal issues, business plans and estate planning. says. “I was sheltered from some of the harsh realities.” Rogers says one of the major challenges for aspiring entre- With a mother who was also an educator, he found himself preneurs is a lack of follow-through. “The definition of entre- drawn to teaching others. He has been a full-time professor at his preneurship is to pursue an opportunity without regard for alma mater since 1986. Licensed to practice law in state and federal whether you have all of the resources in place,” he explains. “A courts, he is highly regarded in legal circles as a consultant for lot of people never get beyond the dreaming stage. I call that attorneys hoping to be heard before the U.S. Supreme Court. analysis paralysis. It is necessary to get a design down on paper Rogers says he will maintain his focus on economic indepen- and imperative that you pick up the proverbial hammer and not dence in a book he is currently writing, A Primer for Understand- just dream about the house you want to build.” ing the American Economic System: Winners and Losers Under the The pursuit of independent endeavors, he adds, helps indi- American Style of Capitalism. He will also continue to encourage

KNIGHT viduals and communities, as well as the country as a whole: his students to become the entrepreneurs of the future. D. “Entrepreneurship is good for the economy.”

JUSTIN In fact, half of all employees in the United States work for small Middleton Miles is a writer based in Virginia.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 3

02-03 President-Spotlight Alts.indd 3 2/8/11 5:29 PM On Campus News Students From Oprah Winfrey Academy Visit Howard

In late September, Howard hosted students from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. The students kicked off their tour of Northeastern colleges at Howard before visiting other schools that included Spelman College, Emory University and New York University. IWhile Howard welcomes thousands of prospective students every year, there was something unique about the pilgrimage of these 26 young women who traveled approximately 8,000 miles for a college tour across the United States. The visit began with greetings from Paula Whetsel- Ribeau, Ph.D., first lady of Howard; Gregory Carr, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Afro- American Studies; and student ambassadors in the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library. The excitement was palpable as the girls toured the

Winter 2011

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 4 2/8/11 5:29 PM campus. Adorned in their green and white academy. The thrust of giving back and uniforms, they were embraced and engaged helping others resonated with the girls Annual as they made their way up Fourth Street as they nodded their heads to examples past the Harriet Tubman Quadrangle of Howard’s global impact in the area of freshman residence hall to the main yard. service. Food Drive Joy Moore, deputy head of the acad- The group concluded its tour with a emy, said the visit to the Capstone was luncheon hosted by the African Student Supports included on the itinerary “because of Association. Takalani Magidi, a 17-year- Howard’s strong academic reputation.” old junior at the academy, and her friends She added, “Our girls have been on the were thrilled when a Howard student D.C. Area trajectory of excellence, and to be able to from Soweto greeted them in their native look at a university where, number one, language, Sotho. there are people that look like them who “It was an amazing experience,” said Residents are also on that same journey of excel- Magidi. “I will be considering Howard lence, is so important.” University because it is diverse, inclusive WHUR 96.3 FM, WHUR-WORLD The students and staff also shared that, and it empowers African Americans and HD2 and Howard University, in part- like at Howard, service is a pillar of their Africans all over the world.” nership with the Capital Area Food Bank, sponsored the 2010 Food2Feed. The 12-hour radiothon was the culmination of a six-week campaign to educate listeners about hunger in the Washington region and abroad. Other sponsors included Verizon, Giant Food and SunTrust Bank. The drive raised more than $90,000 and 20,000 pounds of food, including a $25,000 donation from SunTrust Bank. The donations were used to pur- chase $50 Giant Food gift cards to dis- tribute to needy families in the region. After the Food2Feed drive, the WHUR 96.3 family, with the help of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foun- dation, expanded its “Season of Giv- ing” to reach out to even more families in need. The radio station, along with FedEx and Shabach Ministries in

Maryland, delivered 500 turkeys and knight food baskets to needy families in the d.

Washington region. justin

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 5

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 5 2/8/11 5:29 PM On Campus Faculty Awards

& Appointments M. F. Mahmood (Ph.D. ’88), professor, Department of Mathematics, was awarded a $122,430 research grant in con- tinuation of his earlier award on energetic materials from the Army Research Office for 2010–2011. Mahmood collaborates with scientists at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. (left)

Quentin Cantlo was appointed the University’s new chief information officer and will lead the ISAS unit, which will transition to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He previously served as vice president for Global Information Systems, Global Business Solutions, for Whirlpool Corp. (below)

Louis “Skip” Perkins Jr. was named director of inter- collegiate athletics and is responsible for Howard’s 19 varsity athletic programs. He previously served as the athletics director at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. During his tenure there, the athletics department steadily improved, winning five championships and building a $5 million field house and football practice field. (below left) knight d. ustin j s ne jO

knight . t

d. arvin M justin

6 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 6 2/15/11 2:37 PM New Partnership Focuses on STEM fields The College of Engineering, Architec- ture and Computer Sciences entered into a partnership with the Naval Sur- face Warfare Center-Carderock Divi- sion (NSWCCD), the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State and the Of- fice of Naval Research. NSWCCD will provide academic and career advice to students, make its personnel available to teach science courses or assist in the development of courses, involve Howard in defense laboratory research projects and des- TEACH One, Reach One ignate a senior scientist or engineer to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan the number, quality and diversity of structure the partnership program. was joined by John Legend, a Grammy teacher candidates, particularly in high- “This partnership can have several Award-winning artist; Kaya Henderson, need schools, fields and subjects. While different positive effects that will change interim chancellor of D.C. Public Schools; African Americans and Latinos com- the way we do business and the im- and Angela Benjamin, a D.C. public prise 17 percent and 21 percent, respec- pact Howard University will have in the school teacher, during a town hall meeting tively, of the student body in the United future,” said James H. Wyche, Ph.D., on ways to increase the number of Afri- States, they make up only 7 percent of provost and chief academic officer. “By can Americans and Latinos, particularly teachers. creating strategic partnerships like this males, being prepared as PK–12 classroom Panelists offered varied perspectives one we can strengthen our research in teachers. Leslie Fenwick, Ph.D., dean of on why teaching is one of the best profes- the applied research areas, provide our the School of Education, moderated the sional fields to enter. They stressed, how- students with a variety of opportunities discussion. ever, that many minority children lack and give back to our nation.” The event was part of the U.S. Depart- teachers and administrators who look The agreement is the first part- ment of Education’s TEACH campaign, like them. nership of its kind with a Historically a national recruitment effort to boost “We need them to come back to edu- Black College and cation,” said Benjamin, discussing the University, but, more fact that so many African Americans shy important, it will be a away from teaching after college. mentoring opportunity The TEACH campaign is also working for students who have to change perceptions about teaching, an interest in research emphasizing that while starting pay is and technology. How- sometimes lower than in other profes-

T ard students will have sions, the payoff of becoming a teacher is H g i the opportunity to work priceless. N k . with and learn from ex- “Being a teacher may not be your only D

N i perts at these partner- Provost James H. Wyche, Ph.D., and Capt. Chris job,” said Legend. “But it will be the most

JUST ing organizations. Meyer, commander for NSWCCD. important job you will do.”

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 7

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 7 2/15/11 2:37 PM On Campus Events

2010Convocation

Pioneering neurosurgeon Benjamin S. Carson Sr., M.D., delivered the 143rd Opening Convocation keynote address on Sept. 24. He kept the au- dience rapt by his personal message of overcoming barriers and a direc- tive to stay humble and grounded, no matter the level of success one Pachieves. “You have to take the talents that God has given you to elevate other people,” Carson said. “No matter how many letters you have behind your name, don’t start rearranging them to spell G-O-D.” CEASAR

8 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

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04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 9 2/8/11 5:30 PM On Campus

talent and blessings that the Lord has brought into my life to inspire other people, elevate them and help them to realize the potential that is within them. That is far more important than the house, car or honorary degrees.

HM: Who or what has been the biggest influ- ence in your life? Carson: God—and my mother. My mom had an extremely difficult life, but she never became a victim, and she never allowed us to think of ourselves An Extraordinary Life as victims, either. She never allowed us to feel sorry for ourselves, and she made us believe that it was much more about what Grace Virtue (M.A. ’97; Ph.D. ’01), senior People don’t think that anymore—about we can do rather than what we cannot do. writer and executive communications me or about anybody, because there has Mom is Dr. Carson now, too. She has an C manager in the Office of University been enough change so that people do honorary degree from Spalding University Communications, spoke with Ben Carson not automatically assume that. in Kentucky. for Howard Magazine in advance of his keynote address during Convocation. HM: Is there still a need for more minor- HM: How do you give back? GHe shared his early upbringing in a ity physicians? Carson: In 1994, my wife and I established tough Detroit neighborhood and his Carson: There is a need for more physi- the Carson Scholars Fund, which supports childhood dreams of becoming a physi- cians, period. The shortage is certainly two main initiatives: Carson Scholarships cian. His single mother, who had a third- accentuated within the African- and Ben Carson Reading Projects. The grade education, challenged him and his American community. Carson Scholars Fund program awards brother to pursue a better way of life and students who embrace high levels of aca- insisted he settle for nothing less. Today, HM: What does the community need to demic excellence and community service Carson is a full professor of neurosurgery, do? with $1,000 college scholarships. The Ben oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics Carson: The key thing is to concentrate Carson Reading Project initiative creates at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, on early education. If you look at cities like reading rooms for students designed to where he has directed pediatric neuro- Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, help them discover the joy of independent

surgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Detroit, you will find that there are tremen- reading. CEASAR Center for more than 25 years. In May dous dropout rates, particularly among 2008, he became the inaugural recipient Black males. We need to concentrate on of a professorship dedicated in his name. making reading fun and interesting from That same year, he was awarded the Presi- early on so that they become literate. That dential Medal of Freedom. way, they don’t become discouraged early on and drop out. We need to concentrate Howard Magazine: When you began on basic education—forget about some your career nearly three decades ago, of the fancy social stuff and just get them there weren’t that many Black surgeons. reading. Has that changed over the years? Carson: There have been fairly substan- HM: When you reflect on your successes, tial changes. At that time, whenever I what are some of the things that come to would come on the ward with scrubs on, mind? someone would think I was an orderly. Carson: How important it is to take the

10 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 10 2/15/11 2:40 PM First Lady Encourages Students to Join KNIGHT D.

the Global JUSTIN

way they are and how different and how America that is projected to the rest of Community similar we are to each other.” the world,” she said. “So when you study The first lady highlighted the Obama abroad, you are helping to make America Coinciding with Chinese President Hu administration’s “100,000 Strong Initia- stronger.” Jintao’s state visit to Washington, D.C., tive,” a program focused on increasing “Howard takes pride in our historic First Lady Michelle Obama visited How- the number and diversity of American preparation of students for involvement ard, urging students to take advantage of students who travel to and study in in the world community,” said President study-abroad opportunities and join the China by 2014. She also noted that $2.25 Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D. “We are work- global community. Her visit was part of a million had already been pledged from ing vigorously to ensure that we expand Cstudent panel discussion on study-abroad the private sector to support the initia- our international footprint so that every programs in China. She was joined by tive. “The fact is, with every friendship Howard student has an international Madame Chen Naiqing, the wife of you make and every bond of trust you experience. This is one of our institutional China’s ambassador to the U.S., and establish, you are shaping the image of priorities and one that we will fulfill.” Mary Kaye Huntsman, wife of the U.S. ambassador to China. Speaking to a filled-to-capacity audito- rium, the first lady encouraged students Howard Named to Global to view studying abroad not simply as a way to expand their own education, but as an opportunity to broaden their Citizens Project perspective of the world outside the United States. “Getting ahead in today’s workplace isn’t just about the skills you The American Council on Education (ACE) named Howard University as one bring from the classroom,” she said. “It’s of seven institutions to participate in a new project, “Creating Global Citizens: also about the experiences you have with Exploring Internationalization at HBCUs,” partially supported by the U.S. De- the world beyond our borders—with partment of Education. As part of the project, Howard will develop a strategic people, languages and cultures that are plan to advance its internationalization efforts. very different from our own.” James Wyche, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer, will lead this effort. As a recipient of a Department of State “Howard University has a strong legacy of commitment to international affairs and Critical Language Scholarship, panelist producing leaders for America and the global community,” he said. “Under Presi- Nicole Baden, a senior in the School of dent Sidney A. Ribeau’s leadership, Howard seeks to expand our international Communications, is studying Chinese, footprint and role in world affairs.” Arabic and Spanish. Baden reflected on The project will be overseen by an advisory group of representatives from the her initial reasons for studying abroad Council for Opportunity in Education, National Association for Equal Opportunity in China. “My professor, Julie Chang in Education, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund Andrist, would always tell me that it is (UNCF), UNCF-Special Programs and leaders from within the HBCU community. good that you are mastering the lan- “We look forward to the outcomes of ACE’s work and hope the results will serve guage, but you need to get to the country as a model for other HBCUs and schools that serve students who are under-rep- to put it to use,” said Baden. “Once I went resented in international education,” said Eduardo Ochoa, assistant secretary for abroad, I understood why things are the postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 11

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 11 2/8/11 5:31 PM On Campus 2010Homecoming Members of the Howard family welcomed each other through­ out Homecoming week, held Oct. 24–30. With “Dynasty” as its theme, the 2010 Homecoming included the traditional step show and R&B concert, but also featured new events like HOWARDwood, a panel discussion of alumni who are Holly­ wood insiders. The Yardfest offered an international flair, with performances by Rick Ross and veteran rappers Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. Singer/actor Tyrese was the Ambassador and Grand Marshal of the parade. Everyone showed their Bison pride at the football game against Norfolk State, although the game ended in a victory for the Spartans with a final score of

Ceasar 10­9.

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04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 13 2/8/11 5:32 PM On Campus

A Goal Line Stand for Health

“How do we promote mental health and prevent mental illness?” This was one of the main questions addressed during a health forum held on campus this past fall. Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered Hwith former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., and former and current NFL and WNBA players and rep- resentatives to discuss depression, suicide and sports-related concussions. “NFL Community Huddle: Taking a JONES

Goal Line Stand for Your Mind & Body” T. is a collaborative effort between How- Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher

ard’s Health Sciences Enterprise, the MARVIN Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse College School of Medicine Former WNBA star Chamique educating the community on mental and the NFL. Holdsclaw shared how she was able to health. “We are very concerned about trau- manage depression while maintaining The forum ended with a challenge matic brain injuries,” said Satcher, who her role as an influential athlete. She has to attendees to continue the discussion noted that these injuries can lead to since become a spokesperson in hopes about mental health and preventable early-onset dementia. of battling the stigma of depression and issues, such as traumatic brain injuries. Maintaining a Competitive Edge in Science and Engineering

Howard ranks second among Historically Black College and University (HBCU) baccalaureate institutions that awarded African Americans doctoral degrees in natural sciences and engineering from 2002 to 2006, according to a report by the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine. The report, titled “U.S. Must Involve Underrepresented Minorities in Science and Engineering to Maintain Competi- tive Edge,” also lists Howard among the top 25 baccalaureate institutions—HBCU or non-HBCU—that awarded African Americans doctoral degrees in natural sciences and engineering.

14 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 14 2/8/11 5:32 PM Providing Medical Services to Bermuda

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences entered a landmark agreement to provide medical services to Bermuda. Under the agreement, which was signed by President Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D., and former Premier of Bermuda Ewart F. Brown (B.S. ’68; M.D. ’72), Howard will provide regular consultation services in psychiatry, includ- ing telepsychiatry and faculty visits to the island. William B. Lawson, M.D., chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will oversee the partnership.

President Ribeau and former Premier Brown sign the agreement. Looking on (l-r) are Bernard Richardson, Ph.D. (B.A. ’75), dean of Rankin Chapel; Eve Higginbotham, M.D., senior vice president and executive dean of Health Sciences; Robert Taylor, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the College of Medicine; KNIGHT D. and William B. Lawson, M.D., chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. JUSTIN Initiative Takes Aim at Increasing Number of Black Males at HBCUs

The Howard University Alumni Association (HUAA) partnered Said Dunlap: “The Black Male Initiative discussion is very with the Howard University Student Association (HUSA) this important to me and our organization. In order for the Black com- past fall for a panel discussion about the importance of aug- munity to survive, grow and be productive, we must fulfill that menting the number of Black males at HBCUs. The discussion appropriate African proverb that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’” was part of HUAA’s overall Black Male Initiative, designed to encourage young Black men to not only enroll in college, but be successful while attending. Larry Dunlap, committee T chair for the Black Male “We have an obligation as graduates of HBCUs to give back Initiative and take responsibility for making our country and the world better,” said Kimberly Singleton (B.S.E.E. ’83), president of HUAA. “In this regard, we selected the Black Male Initiative as our signature community outreach project for 2010 and beyond in hopes of turning around the plight of young Black males.” The panelists included Kenneth A. Anderson, Ph.D., profes- sor, School of Education; Akil Kamau (B.A. ’92), HUAA; Larry Dunlap (B.A. ’73; J.D. ’81), HUAA; Alvin Thornton (Ph.D. ’79); and Paul Cotton (B.S. ’83; M.S. ’88; Ph.D. ’00), member of the board of trustees. “When we talk about Black males, you don’t have to go much further than the people that graced this space so many years ago,” said Thornton. “We must remind the young Black males of today, because it is from that memory that they will gain strength in order to be the intellectual and purposeful people they must be.”

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 15 2/15/11 2:44 PM Cudore L. Snell, dean of the School of On Campus Social Work, has laid out an ambitious agenda for the school over the next several years.

The school is in the midst of celebrating its legacy, while charting a new and innovative path in the profession and the international community. “The needs are great for us to trans- form oppressive structures as both lead- ers and researchers,” says Cudore L. Snell (D.S.W. ’89), dean of the school. The Early Days Social work was established at Howard in 1935 through the early support of Lucy Diggs Slowe (B.A. 1908), the first dean of women, and E. Franklin Frazier, chair of the sociology department. Under the leadership of Inabel Burns Lindsay, Ph.D. (B.A. ’20), the program moved from a division of the graduate school to an autonomous professional school award- ing a master’s degree in social work in 1945. Lindsay eventually became the first dean of the school and the first female academic dean at the University. Social Change for Believing it was necessary for social workers to consider the impact of race, culture and social issues in the lives of Diverse Families and those they served, Lindsay ensured that this perspective was encapsulated within the school’s early mission. Communities “Our school has been at the fore- front of issues that the profession has most recently embraced,” says Tricia B. Bent-Goodley, Ph.D., professor of social work. “We had a pioneering dean that NIGHT

K emphasized health and wellness for clini- D cal, community and policy practice. She

JUSTIN . believed in the vitality of cultural con- text, and so do we.” For 75 years, Howard University has In addition to faculty research, the By Damien T. Frierson, M.S.W. been a training ground for social workers school continues to infuse this emphasis dedicated to social change and commu- on culture into almost every facet of nity upliftment. Established as a series its curriculum. “We have developed a of courses offered within the sociology brand of social work that is focused on Fdepartment, social work education at strengthening diverse families and com- Howard has evolved into what is now a munities,” says Sandra Edmonds Crewe nationally ranked school. While main- (Ph.D. ’97), professor of social work and taining its reputation for academic rigor, associate dean of academic and student the School of Social Work has continued advancement. “Inabel Lindsay made cer- to focus on one of its earliest principles: tain that we would provide a curriculum producing culturally competent prac- that allows the student to work with all titioners, educators and researchers. populations, no matter the difference.”

16 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 16 2/15/11 2:45 PM “Everything that I have accomplished in my professional career in social work is due to my education and my gifted Tradition of Leadership want to highlight that not simply as part mentors from the School of Social In addition to holding positions within of our past, but within our present and Work! I am so proud of bringing to life state legislatures, service agencies and future.” the legacy of the school—that is, to university faculties, alumni hold national With “Advocating for Social Change: carry the torch of social and economic leadership positions in two of the profes- Our Legacy, Our Future” as its theme, justice for all in our global society.” sion’s most influential organizations. the school will hold a two-day event, —Mildred C. “Mit” Joyner Mildred C. “Mit” Joyner (M.S.W. ’74), March 25–26. “While this is a time for (M.S.W. ’74) professor and chair of undergraduate celebration, we want to make sure that president, Council on Social Work social work at Westchester State Uni- people understand what we are doing to Education versity, is president of the Council on address some of the most pressing social Social Work Education, while Darrell P. issues of today,” says Gourdine. “Social work and Howard University Wheeler, Ph.D. (M.S.W. ’88), associate As the school prepares for the next are synonymous in my thinking. As I professor and associate dean of research 25 years, it continues to make strides. reflect on my social work career thus and community partnership at Hunter “Given our demographic imperatives, far, it is clear now that my professional College, is vice president of the National our faculty, students and alumni will compass was set during my time at Association of Social Workers. be 21st-century leaders in policy and Howard. The school offered me an “We never expect that anyone who practice both nationally and globally,” environment in which my intellectual is coming through this school will not says Snell, who has laid out an ambi- curiosities and personal passions came assume some leadership position,” says tious agenda for the school over the next together.” Ruby M. Gourdine (B.S. ’69; D.S.W. several years. —Darrell P. Wheeler, Ph.D. ’84), professor of social work and chair Some of the efforts include continu- (M.S.W. ’88) of the 75th Anniversary Celebration ing an ongoing partnership with the vice president, National Association Committee. “Howard has always had University of the Western Cape in Cape of Social Workers a legacy of producing leaders, and we Town, South Africa; enhancing research capacities at both “I felt supported and encouraged in my the E. Franklin Fra- learning by professors that challenged zier Center and the me to become the social worker I am Multidisciplinary today. I think I bring that same level of Gerontology Center; openness to my work with children and and creating a social other professional social workers that work journal that need my assistance.” focuses on the well- —Rachel Bradley Williams being of diverse fami- (M.S.W. ’98) lies and communities. program specialist, Social Work “We are commit- Supervision, D.C. Public Schools ted to renewing the legacy that many of “Learning about the lives of HU our founders, former vanguards, such as Lucy Diggs Slowe faculty and alumni and E. Franklin Frazier—and the have contributed lives of my professors—taught me to: maintaining our the necessity of having high personal position as a center standards, demanding excellence of excellence,” says from students and advocating for Snell. oneself and others through civic engagement. I call this the ‘HU Frierson is a gradu- imprint.’ When my students see the

ingarn ate assistant in the p imprint, I hope they are inspired to s Office of University leave a legacy of their own in the Communications. world, just as one was left for me.”

oorland- —Kesslyn A. Brade Stennis M f (M.Div. ’06; Ph.D. ’09) o Inabel Burns Lindsay was the first dean of assistant professor, Department of the School of Social Social Work, Bowie State University

Courtesy Work.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 17

04-17_on_campus_alt2.indd 17 2/15/11 2:45 PM Visionary Leadershipdership Howard strengthens its resolve in the study of the African Diaspora, which for the remains a central part of the University’s framework. AfricanA Diaspora By Grace Virtue (M.A. ’97; Ph.D. ’01)

Clifford. L Muse (M.A. ’76; Ph.D. ’90), interim director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, holds one of the center’s rare treasures, an ancient wood mask with a sacred crocodile crest from Mali. CEASAR

18 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

18-23 Feat-Virtue.indd 18 2/17/11 10:02 AM y p e n a

18-23 Feat-Virtue.indd 19 2/15/11 2:46 PM In 2008, students made a sojourn to Egypt as part of the College of Arts and Sciences annual Summer Study Abroad program.

ore than 400 years since the a fact of life, with African Americans facility dedicated to archiving the diverse transatlantic slave trade began lagging significantly behind other ethnic experiences of people of the African Mand 150 years since it ended, groups on most indicators of progress. Diaspora. In addition, giants like Alain its effect, including the displacement and This defining experience, the great LeRoy Locke, who relentlessly promoted death of nearly 12 million people, con- maafa for Africans, has straddled old Black art and culture as the equal of tinues to be felt throughout the African disciplines and yielded new ones. At the other aesthetics, and William Leo Hans- Diaspora. basic levels, scholars struggle with how berry, the father of African Studies who In Africa, poverty and underdevelop- to frame the experiences and how best started the African Civilization section ment remain. Although many reasons to create structures that allow for effec- of the Department of History at Howard, can be attributed, few can argue effec- tive study in an environment dominated paved the way for the country’s foresight tively that the slave trade, the ensuing by Eurocentric and Western modes and into the study of the people of the Afri- exploitation of the continent’s human values. can Diaspora. and natural resources and the ethnic For decades, Howard University has Two of Hansberry’s students also division fueled by competing European led conversations about how to frame emerged as important international powers did not have a deleterious effect these experiences and ensure their place leaders: Ghanaian revolutionary Kwame on its long-term development. In the in broad discussions on human history Nkrumah became the first prime minis- Caribbean, meanwhile, the social, eco- and development. Howard was the first ter and president of Ghana, and Nnamdi

knight nomic and political realities continue to university in the United States to offer a Azikiwe became the first president of d. reflect the effects of plantation slavery. Ph.D. in African Studies. The Moorland- Nigeria. In addition, Pan-Africanist and

justin And in the United States, racism remains Spingarn Research Center is a premier historian Rayford Logan, who served as a

20 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

18-23 Feat-Virtue.indd 20 2/15/11 2:46 PM “Today, the University is expanding its scope and broadening its research to ensure that the study of the African Diaspora remains a central part of the framework of Howard’s overall academics.”

history professor at Howard, advocated a Part of the Fabric firm commitment to the struggles of the As to what constitutes Africana Studies, African Diaspora. Diaspora Studies or Africology, Sulay- Today, the University is expanding man Nyang, Ph.D., professor and former its scope and broadening its research chair of the Department of African Stud- to ensure that the study of the Afri- ies, sees the concept as “the purposeful can Diaspora remains a central part attempt to draw upon the rich literature Former Howard professor of the framework of Howard’s overall of African and American Studies to map William Leo Hansberry (shown here academics. the African historical conditions and in Egypt with his family in 1956) was a “I have always argued that African contexts through the telling of the stories pioneer in the study of African history. Studies/Africana Studies is a niche area in which Howard enjoys a competitive advan- tage in many respects, and the University needs to consolidate, solidify, maintain and enhance this,” says Mbye Cham, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Depart- ment of African Studies. “In terms of institutional development of African Stud- ies as a discipline and area of scholarship and research in the U.S., Howard’s role is foundational, pioneering and visionary and, more than many other institutions, has committed resources to this area most consistently over many decades.” Says Greg Carr, Ph.D., associate pro- fessor and chair of the Department of Afro-American Studies: “Howard has positioned itself to offer something unique in the American academy—Afri- cana Studies—centered in one of the country’s oldest and most-established departments, that works in collaboration with departments across all academic

oorland-spingarn and professional fields to advance disci- m

f plinary assumptions in Africana Studies o and at once open up the other disciplines to interdisciplinary collaboration and

courtesy knowledge production.”

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 21

18-23 Feat-Virtue.indd 21 2/15/11 2:46 PM Howard’s impact in the African Diaspora includes the work being completed by the University’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, which is working to provide running water to residents in Choimim Village, Kenya.

of Black people on the continent as well intellectual thought throughout its cur- as in the Diaspora; and the effective inte- riculum. The study and concentration on gration of the narratives on the continent the Diaspora extends to every discipline on the one hand, and the Afro-American at Howard, including medicine, law, experiences on the other.” engineering, social work, the arts and the Alem Hailu, Ph.D., a professor in the humanities. In essence, it is part of the Department of African Studies, believes fabric. In the College of Medicine, for it also means drawing on the rich heri- example, there is a deliberate concentra- tages and achievements of African people tion on the diseases and conditions that around the world, with disciplines and disproportionately impact people of Afri- milton scientific advances of modern academia. can descent, among them prostate cancer, A H What continues to make Howard so diabetes, sickle cell, hypertension, HIV/ unique in the study of the Diaspora is AIDS and asthma. And physicians have

the intricate interweaving of African volunteered for missions in several Afri- Kerry-Ann

22 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

18-23 Feat-Virtue.indd 22 2/15/11 2:46 PM “We must renew our academic programs to align them in social sciences, humanities, arts, education, communications and others through the lens of the African Diaspora in preparing our students to be effective leaders in a multicultural world.”

are taking place in that country,” says including a national think tank to focus Ziyad Motala, professor of law and direc- on policy issues impacting African Ameri- tor of the program. And the School of cans and the Diaspora; a greater focus Social Work has established a partnership on international education to broaden with the University of the Western Cape and deepen the University’s footprints on allowing for students to travel to Cape communities of color all over the world; Town, South Africa, for service learning and a structured Africana focus that projects. emphasizes interdisciplinary studies. There are also multiple programs in “The African Diaspora must remain at the humanities, administered by the Col- the core,” says Ribeau. “This unique per- lege of Arts and Sciences and the Gradu- spective on the world must be built into ate School, with a significant focus on the the fabric and system of the University African Diaspora. and must not be a function of individual “Since the student-led movement to personalities or professors or individual incorporate an ‘African-American clus- course offerings; it must be part of the ter’ requirement in the general education foundation for the academic approach.” curriculum in the 1980s, Africana Studies The approach, he says, must be “inten- has occupied a central role in providing tional—not incidental or accidental.” the disciplinary lens through which to “We must renew our academic pro- coordinate the examination of African grams to align them in social sciences, can nations to aid those who need medi- life and history,” says Carr. “Our students humanities, arts, education, communi- cal treatment. have had the tremendous advantage of cations and others through the lens of The College of Engineering, through having this conversation at Howard since the African Diaspora in preparing our programs such as Engineers Without the late 1960s, and in having a Depart- students to be effective leaders in a multi- Borders, works to bring new innovation ment of Afro-American Studies orga- cultural world,” says Ribeau. in areas like water and sanitation to com- nized around this principle, allowing for Howard continues to be a trailblazer munities in Africa, South America and a situation unique in the American and in the study of the African Diaspora. In the Caribbean. Students from the School global academy.” today’s global environment, defining of Law participate in the annual South and situating the discipline remains an Africa Summer Abroad program, which Presidential Vision imperative for the University. provides students with the opportunity President Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D., says “to interact with the new South Africa there is a plan to deepen Africana Studies Virtue is the executive communications and to participate and witness, in a very even further through multiple plans under manager and senior writer in the Office of direct fashion, the historic changes which the University’s academic renewal process, University Communications.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 23

18-23 Feat-Virtue.indd 23 2/15/11 2:46 PM I

24 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

24-25 Feat-Freeman.indd 24 2/8/11 5:36 PM Howard’s Activism

Howard, he says, has long played a role Reflected in pushing African issues to the forefront of U.S. public policy. “For generations, Howard has not only educated African students and people coming out of the African Diaspora,” in a New Johnson says, “the University has also had scholars who sought to engage com- munities in Africa and in the African Diaspora as a way of educating and learning and helping to uplift when Generatıon necessary.” Among the major issues the student Student chapter of TransAfrica tackles association hopes to highlight is the plight of displaced Colombian residents injustices in the Caribbean and Africa. of African descent. According to Pertet, Afro-Colombians represent the second- largest displaced population outside By Sholnn Freeman Sudan. The association also wants to bring attention to human rights issues in Zimbabwe and eastern Congo. For now, Haiti remains central to the group’s work. In May, Pertet In late October, a group of activists met go where the people of Haiti can’t go.” visited the country with other stu- in the offices of the Inter-American Formed in 1977, TransAfrica is dedi- dents. She describes the experience as Commission on Human Rights to discuss cated to influencing U.S. foreign policy overwhelming. the housing crisis in earthquake-affected in the Caribbean and Africa. Under the “We are trying to get support for hous- Haiti. A group of Howard students took leadership of former executive director ing and drinking water and trying to their seats alongside filmmakers, attor- Randall Robinson, TransAfrica took the ensure the resources that are being sent Ineys and other progressively minded lead in lobbying the U.S. government to to Haiti are actually getting through,” participants. impose economic sanctions on South she says. They represented a new campus group: Africa. In 1986, the U.S. Congress voted Pertet says many people were living in TransAfrica Forum Howard University to apply sanctions, overriding a presiden- tents in camps when she visited. But now Student Association. The student group tial veto. Since 2006, the Washington, they are being evicted from the land and has a direct link to TransAfrica Forum, D.C.-based organization has been led by have nowhere to go. The situation, she the legendary foreign policy activist orga- Nicole C. Lee. says, violates Haiti’s constitution, which nization that sparked the U.S. campaign Over the years, TransAfrica has has protections that guarantee housing— to end apartheid in South Africa. Today, maintained strong ties to Howard, says an issue brought up in the meeting of the the improvement of living conditions in Charles D. Johnson, Ph.D., professor of Inter-American Commission on Human Haiti tops TransAfrica’s agenda. history. In the 1980s, the campus served Rights. “Our role is to raise consciousness with as a rallying point for the anti-apartheid “We want to be there to engage in these IMAGES the American public about what is tak- movement, holding conferences and conversations and be in the room,” she ing place,” says Laisa Pertet, the Howard fundraisers related to the struggle. Addi- says. junior who leads the campus chapter. tionally, Moorland-Spingarn Research TAMA/GETTY “We can go to Congress, go to the Senate Center serves as the repository for the Freeman is a graduate assistant in the

MARIO and go to the State Department. We can organization’s papers. Office of University Communications.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 25

24-25 Feat-Freeman.indd 25 2/15/11 2:47 PM JewelA on the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center’s African collection chronicles centuries of history and research in the Diaspora. YardBy Damien T. Frierson, M.S.W. 26 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

26-27 Feat-Frierson.indd 26 2/16/11 4:18 PM shanti gold weights, probably come to Moorland-Spingarn Ethiopian crosses and to see if we have materials related to that West African masks particular topic, and we probably will.” and sculptures line the In addition to interviews with notable vault in the Moorland- African Americans discussing Africa Spingarn Research (housed within the Ralph Bunche Oral l ACenter (MSRC). These artifacts are part History collection) and the records of the of the center’s African collection and rep- American Society of African Culture and resent decades of history in the African the Southern African Support Project, Diaspora. the collection also illuminates Howard’s “These rare and valuable items are scholarship in relation to Africa. The housed in a vault for safekeeping—only archives include records and publications brought out occasionally for loans to other chronicling the University’s interactions institutions or for exhibits,” says Clifford with Africa, as well as more than 150 dis- L. Muse Jr., (M.A. ’76; Ph.D. ’90), interim sertations and theses produced on Africa director of MSRC. “Howard, through at Howard since 1960. Moorland-Spingarn, is one of the great The ceremonial Oba Mask, Nigeria, With such a diverse and ever-growing world centers for the study of Africa and 18th–19th century (opposite page) collection spanning hundreds of years, the African Diaspora.” and this Kuduo Urn, Ghana, 18th–19th shrinking storage space has increasingly century, are some of the rare treasures The many holdings within MSRC have in the African collection. become an issue for the MSRC’s holdings. positioned Howard as a crown jewel “We are filled to capacity and we have among institutions dedicated to docu- had to use commercial storage as well menting the history of people of African as a location on campus, which is also descent. In addition to the works and tion was eventually expanded to include filled to capacity,” says Muse. “However, manuscripts of notable African Ameri- additional works in 12 African languages, we have a new commitment from the cans such as Frederick Douglass, Anna including Swahili and Hausa. administration to improve Moorland- Julia Cooper and Alain LeRoy Locke, Throughout the years, MSRC has Spingarn’s staff and storage capability.” MSRC’s collection of artifacts, periodi- acquired a number of collections that Muse expects there will be an increase cals, personal papers and other works have bolstered its reputation as a major in the digitization of MSRC’s hold- on Africa places it at the forefront of resource for scholars and students. The ings—making them more accessible to research on the African Diaspora. center includes more than 1,000 books researchers and the general public. He The volume and rarity of these works and artifacts across several collections encourages faculty, students and alumni have drawn the attention of archivists featuring African artwork and photog- to support the center by utilizing the from the Library of Congress and New raphy. It also counts among its treasures collections within their research and York’s Schomburg Center for Research 30,000 bound volumes on Africans and courses. in Black Culture. Given the uniqueness the African Diaspora and numerous “A significant part of the curriculum of these collections, MSRC, along with African periodicals and newspapers at Howard’s colleges and schools is con- the Schomburg Center and Tulane Uni- within its Library Division. The Manu- cerned with the problems and evolution versity’s Amistad Research Center, repre- script Division contains 23 individual of race and racism, and the historical, cul- sents an elite group of repositories on the collections, including the papers of soci- tural, social and economic life of Blacks African Diasporic experience. ologist J.E.K. Aggrey and former prime throughout the world,” says Muse. “In all Through the acquisition of alumnus minister and president of Ghana Kwame of these areas, the Moorland-Spingarn and trustee Jesse E. Moorland’s (M.A. Nkrumah. Research Center’s holdings are a resource

AND-SPINGARN 1891) private library on Black culture “We have researchers that come from for research and teaching. This has been in 1914, and attorney and NAACP chair all over the world,” says Muse. “If you Moorland’s contribution in the past and

MOORL Arthur B. Spingarn’s collection of Black are doing research on people in the will be in the future.” OF authors in 1946, Howard had already Diaspora—Africa, or people of African amassed an extensive amount of material descent within the United States and Friersons i a graduate assistant in the

COURTESY on African cultures. The Spingarn collec- Latin and Central America—you will Office of University Communications.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 27

26-27 Feat-Frierson.indd 27 2/15/11 2:47 PM Robtel NeajaiNeajN

different dynamic to power in Liberia. I Pailey think that a result of her being in office has also shown a lot of young girls and women By Fern Gillespie (B.A. ’79) that they can aspire to great things.” Aspiring to do great things is guiding Pailey’s commitment to Liberia. When Robtel Neajai Pailey (B.A. ’04) is on a “The president is a dynamic, complex, she was 6 years old, her family moved to mission to lift Liberia. iron lady,” explains Pailey at the elegant Washington, D.C. As the civil wars raged, The Liberian-born summa cum laude, Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C. some of Pailey’s relatives remained in Phi Beta Kappa alumna has spent almost “She’s the kind of person who will have Liberia, either disappearing without a four years in the administration of Libe- town hall meetings with every single con- trace or dying. “There was always an air ria’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the stituent you can possibly think of and not of mourning in my household growing first woman to hold a presidential post in get tired of listening to their woes, aspira- up,” she recalls. Africa. After Pailey earned her master’s tions and concerns.” Her father yearned to return to Liberia degree in African history and politics Sirleaf is a political survivor of President and contribute, and Pailey was impacted from Oxford University, she joined William Tolbert’s 1980 assassination and by her father’s love for the country. She Sirleaf’s administration on a two-year Liberia’s violent, turbulent civil wars that held a double major in African Studies fellowship. She has evolved from special polarized the nation from 1989 to 1996 and English literature at Howard and assistant for communications to the and from 1999 to 2003. became an accomplished scholar, writer president to her current post as special “There were these patriarchs of the and activist. While a student, she taught assistant to Sirleaf’s chief of staff/minis- nation who held on to power with a very, at a Liberian refugee camp, devised cur-

ter of state for presidential affairs. very tight fist,” says Pailey. “She brings a riculum material for a school on South CEASAR

28 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

28-29 Feat-Gillespie.indd 28 2/15/11 2:48 PM Atia Africa’s Robben Island and tutored at a youth program in D.C. She interned at TransAfrica Forum, the Leader- ship Conference on Civil Rights and Byll- Amnesty International (as a Patrick Stewart Human Rights Scholar) and Cataria participated in an applied peace stud- ies course in Switzerland. She also By Erin Evans (B.A. ’08) worked as an associate producer of WPFW’s “Africa Meets Africa” and issue of marginalization of women, but as a writer for Mano Vision Magazine For Atia Byll-Cataria (Ph.D. ’08), there is no an issue of the inequalities that exist and District Chronicles. place called home. She considers herself an between the two sexes that make it unfa- After graduation, Pailey traveled to “Afropolitan”—a young, vibrant member of vorable for women,” she says. Senegal on a United Nations Develop- a global population, not committed to any Byll-Cataria took that passion with her ment Programme youth program, specific place for any specific time. She’s lived to Spelman College, where she gradu- worked with the Ford Foundation in Africa, Europe and the United States. ated in 2000. Then, she worked for the in Egypt and returned to the United “I am comfortable walking the streets of Global Fund for Women, a nonprofit that States to write on African affairs. FNew York City, just like I am comfortable raises money for women’s human rights. Accepting a scholarship to Oxford, taking a cab in Accra, Ghana,” she says. “This In 2003, she received her master’s degree her thesis examined “The Impact of allows me to play my role as an African citi- from George Washington University. Diaspora Resettlement on the Post zen of the world while focusing my energy in Before graduating from Howard, she was Conflict Resolution of Liberia.” Then, enhancing the socioeconomic development inducted into the Edward A. Bouchet Grad- she fulfilled her father’s desire and opportunities of the African continent.” uate Honor Society in 2008, recognized by returned to her homeland. Now, she is Since earning her Ph.D. in African Studies the Graduate School as a 50th anniversary trying to persuade Liberians living in and Research with a specialization in develop- fellow for stellar progress toward comple- other nations to do the same. ment and public policy, Byll-Cataria has been tion of a Ph.D. and served as a teaching Liberia’s development motto, “Lift living in Tunis, Tunisia, where she works as assistant for Professor Alem Hailu, Ph.D., in Liberia,” was chosen after Pailey imple- a social development specialist for the Social the Department of African Studies. mented a nationwide naming competi- Protection and Poverty Reduction division at “Being at Howard gives you so many tion to create a title for Liberia’s pov- the African Development Bank (AfDB). The opportunities, because you will for- erty reduction strategy. “Lift Liberia” AfDB promotes sustainable economic and ever be known as a piece of thread in was selected among 300 entries, with social development for its 53 member coun- the famous Howard tapestry known to the creator eventually meeting Sirleaf tries in Africa. produce the largest community of Black and her cabinet officials, all of which Tunisia is just the current stop on her life’s intellectuals,” she says. was facilitated by Pailey. passport. As a world traveler and child of two At the Liberian executive mansion, African parents—her mother is from Cam- Evans is a writer based in New York. her duties include hosting a radio eroon, her father is from Togo—Byll-Cataria program about the implementation of counts her parents as two of her greatest influ- “Lift Liberia”; editing the president’s ences. While growing up, she always ques- quarterly magazine; chairing the tioned why Africa and its residents were not Inter-ministerial Scholarships Com- benefiting from the rapid changes in the world. mittee; and formalizing the Liberian They encouraged her to seek answers through government’s engagement with the education, and she says she always knew she’d country’s Diaspora. return to Africa to be a part of the solution. The Liberian government has enabled “The reason to wake up every day is that I Pailey to use her Oxford thesis to make know that I work for the pulse-point organiza- policy decisions about how it will har- tion that strives to ensure that Africa continues ness the resources of its citizens abroad. to innovate and reach its goal of managing She’s thrilled, because “very few aca- conflicts, enhancing the capacity of its human demics get to see their research actual- force to meet any challenges and opportuni- ized,” she explains. As she continues on ties,” she says. this trajectory, she remains committed Byll-Cataria is most passionate about to helping others to join in the cause to promoting gender equality, which she’s been lift Liberia. interested in since she was a high school stu- dent in Accra.

CEASAR Gillespie is a writer based in New Jersey. “[Gender inequality] is not merely an

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 29

28-29 Feat-Gillespie.indd 29 2/15/11 2:48 PM Notable Alumni

By Melanie R. Holmes (B.A. ’06)

Isabel Wilkerson Pulitizer Prize-winning Alumna Keeps the Story of the Great Migration Alive

Isabel Wilkerson (B.A. ’84) has chron- icled what some now call “the greatest untold story of the 21st century.” The 622-page account of African Americans who journeyed to Northern cities from Ithe South is documented in her first book, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, which has climbed The New York Times best-seller list since its September 2010 release. In a culmination of research that spanned more than a decade, Wilkerson documents the stories of ’84 three African Americans, each from a different decade and destination within the Great Migration. “My goal was to tell the story from their perspectives,” Wilkerson says. “These people that had made the deci-

30 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

30-31 Notable Alumni.indd 30 2/8/11 5:39 PM “I never set the goal of winning a Pulitzer. That’s like an actress saying, ‘I’m going to win an Oscar.’ There are too many variables to factor in. I’ve just always made sure I am doing the best writing that I possibly can.”

sion of their lives would ultimately But unless you lived it, no one would tionn i context with what made this change the cities as we know them. They know, because no one really talks about country what it is.” deserve this attention.” it, she says, including her own family. Although she is a Washington, D.C., Winning the Top Prize The Untold Story native, both of her parents have South- A journalism major at Howard, Wilker- From 1915 through the 1970s, 6 million ern roots. son spent many late nights in The Hilltop African Americans escaped the Jim “[My parents] never talked about it,” office as the editor-in chief. Her first job Crow South in desperate hope of better she says. “They felt shame about what offer was with the Detroit Free Press, and treatment and equal opportunities in they had gone through. It’s too painful; she later became the Chicago bureau Northern and Midwestern cities like it’s in the past; they put it behind them.” chief of The New York Times. Her cover- New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Wilkerson took about 16 years to com- age of the 1993 Midwestern floods and Looking beyond familiar examples of plete the book. Feeling that the Great profile of a 10-year-old boy caring for segregated restaurants and restrooms, Migration has not received the same his four siblings won the Pulitzer Prize, Wilkerson discusses lesser-known idio- intellectual attention as other human making her the first African-American syncrasies of the post-slavery South, such migration experiences, she says her book woman to win the award in journalism. as laws that forbade Blacks and Whites is an attempt to make the experience “I never set the goal of winning a from playing checkers together or swear- more acceptable to talk about and to pass Pulitzer,” she says. “That’s like an actress ing on the same Bible in court and pro- on the legacy of those who participated. saying, ‘I’m going to win an Oscar.’ hibited Black drivers from passing White “There was very little time to tell the There are too many variables to factor drivers on the road. story of the people who had lived it, in. I’ve just always made sure I am doing “That is unbelievable that someone because they have been getting up there the best writing that I possibly can.” would sit down and write that as a law,” in age,” she says. “The goal is to put the Wilkerson has been a professor of she says. “There is not a day that would reader in that circumstance so they can journalism at Emory and Princeton, but go by when you’re not reminded that imagine what they might have done.” currently teaches at Boston University you’re at the bottom of the caste system.” Wilkerson says the book has impacted for half the year when she is not living in Prior to beginning her research—con- people of all backgrounds and is Atlanta. At the moment, however, she is sisting of more than 1,000 interviews— intended for anyone interested in under- busy with book tours and talk shows. Wilkerson says she had the same general standing U.S. history. She recalls the Wilkerson hopes her work—named understanding of the Great Migration passionate response her book had on one one of the top five books of 2010 by that most people do: A large number of reader she met on tour: “The first person Amazon and hailed as a “landmark” people left the South, particularly during in line was a grandmotherly woman who book by critics—will restore the Great the Civil War years. was all teared up. She says, ‘I can’t talk Migration’s “rightful place” in U.S. “You think you know more about it about the book, because if I talk about history. than you do,” she says. “But the great the book I’m going to cry for sure. I get “It hasn’t been elevated to its place in impact, the danger and heartbreak—I so emotional about the book because I American history, because people don’t had no idea. I had no idea what it took am an immigrant from Greece.’ It was talk about it,” she says. “It was just too for people to leave or what they were very emotional to see how it had moved big to let it disappear in that way.” up against for leaving. I had no idea the her. That really is the goal of the book, obstacles they had to overcome.” and to put the story of this Great Migra- Holmess i a writer based in Maryland.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 31

30-31 Notable Alumni.indd 31 2/8/11 5:39 PM Profiles in Leadership

Depelsha Thomas McGruder’s (B.A. ’94) 10 internships while at Howard— along with her involvement in honors programs, The Hilltop and WHBC radio and a straight-A Q&A average—prompted her first journalism professor to label her a “superstar.” McGruder is now second-in-command at the BET with Depelsha Thomas McGruder, network Centric, where she is senior vice president of business operations. senior vice president of business When she speaks to young people interested in the entertain- operations for Centric ment industry, McGruder doesn’t hesitate to mention to them that attending Howard was the best decision she ever made. The Atlanta native credits the University with propelling her CEASAR

32 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

32-33 Profiles in Leadership.indd 32 2/8/11 5:39 PM along the path to success that led her to ies and current events. News was some- influencing what the public watches? report, anchor and produce television thing tangible that I could see every day. McGruder: Absolutely. I was attracted news in Albany, Ga., and Macon, Ga., So many young people choose careers to this industry because of the power of before earning an M.B.A. at Harvard Uni- based on what they see. That’s why it’s media to influence people’s thoughts and versity. She moved to New York and, after critical for us to expose them to a broader actions. I take this very seriously and am a couple of years as a media consultant, range of career options and experiences. I currently working on launching a pro- joined MTV in 2000 and swiftly ascended meet far too many young people who say social campaign on Centric that I believe to senior vice president there before mov- they want to be basketball players, rap- will make a difference in our community ing to BET Networks to launch Centric pers or models. by shedding light on an issue we don’t in 2009. She also married a fellow Bison, openly talk about enough. We strive to David McGruder (B.A. ’93), and had a HM: Why get an M.B.A.? strike a balance by showing the diversity son—now age 2—along the way. McGruder: Earning an M.B.A. was my of the African-American experience McGruder spoke with Otesa Middleton way of signaling that my intention was versus the same stereotypical slices of life Miles for Howard Magazine about the role to become a decision-maker behind we’re used to seeing. That said, we are an her Howard education played in her success the scenes. With this experience, I had entertainment entity and business first, and her strong sense of responsibility to her the best of both worlds—Howard and which means a hyperfocus on driving community. Harvard—which gives me access to two ratings and revenue. unparalleled global alumni networks Howard Magazine: What do you consider that can get me anywhere I can dream of HM: Who have been your major influ- to be important aspects of strong leader- going. ences in life? ship, and how did Howard prepare you to McGruder: My mom, who taught deaf be a leader in your field? HM: What made you want to work in the children, played a great role in my Depelsha McGruder: The most impor- business side of television? emphasis on always striving for excel- tant aspects of strong leadership are McGruder: My ultimate goal was to lence. Both of my parents also taught me vision, decisiveness, passion, expertise influence the images we see of people of the importance of remembering our his- and emotional intelligence. Howard color. Within the past four years, I have tory and never taking the progress we’ve prepared me in every way for leadership. had the rare privilege and opportunity made as a people for granted. I was in the inaugural class of the Annen- to launch two new television networks berg Honors Program in the School of targeting people of color—MTV Tr3s, a HM: Howard alumni continue to make Communications. The program appealed network targeting bicultural, bilingual remarkable strides in their fields, nation- to me because its stated mission was Latino youth, and Centric, a network ally and internationally. What do you “to create leaders in the field of com- targeting African-American adults. hope your legacy will be? munications.” My Howard experience McGruder: I think we all leave Howard not only prepared me academically and HM: Describe your duties at Centric. wanting to change the world, and I was no professionally, but it also prepared me McGruder: I run the day-to-day opera- different. At this point, I just hope to have psychologically and socially by giving me tions for the network. I am part architect a significant impact on my corner of it. I a strong sense of self and immersing me and part air traffic controller. My role am known for being a diplomat and hav- in an environment of highly motivated is like a COO in that I’m responsible ing a strong work ethic. Given these innate achievers from all over the world. for making sure things actually happen qualities, I hope that every place that I across departments and that we have the enter and leave will become more peaceful HM: What is the most important lesson resources and partnerships we need to be and humane and function more smoothly. you learned at Howard? successful. Decisions include everything I am also big on getting people to under- McGruder: The most important lesson from what content to put on our Web site stand the importance of not staking all that was solidified for me at Howard is to how to structure our organization. It of your life’s purpose and happiness on that there is no limit to my capabilities also includes weighing in on program- your career. I believe in building a “pas- and potential and that I have a responsi- ming and marketing decisions, such as sion portfolio” that includes professional, bility to make a difference in my commu- which shows to acquire, what celebrity physical, spiritual, emotional, social and nity and the world. talent to associate our brand with and community interests, all of which help how to best reach our target audience. I you to ultimately fulfill your life’s purpose HM: What prompted you to major in also partner with our distribution and and leave your unique imprint and legacy broadcast journalism? sales teams to grow reach and revenue. on the world. McGruder: I was always great at writing and loved being in and producing school HM: Do you feel a level of social respon- Middleton Miles is a writer based in

CEASAR plays, and also had a love for social stud- sibility, being in the driver’s seat and Virginia.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 33

32-33 Profiles in Leadership.indd 33 2/8/11 5:40 PM Milestones Alumni

Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, B.S.M.E. 1968, was named president of Jackson ’30s State University. She has more than 30 ’60s years of experience in higher education, Patricia Staunton Davis, B.S. serving most recently as president of 1966, published Mimi, Money and Me: Norfolk State University. Idella Ford, 101 Realities About Money Daddy Never Dip.N. 1934, Taught Me But Mama Always Knew. In Ulysses Weldon, B.S.E.E. 1968, cele brated fall 2010, she received the Golden Gate published The Park Memory Challenge: her 100th University Community Service Award for A Method to Stay Mentally Sharp, a birthday in her work in helping to provide financial workbook to help keep the brain sharp by November. literacy to underserved populations. She identifying plants while walking in the The was also appointed by the commissioner park. centenarian of the Internal Revenue Service as one of was joined two Maryland state representatives to the Mwalimu Sandra Brown, B.A. by numerous Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. 1969, immediate family members and friends for this past president joyous occasion. A nurse in the U.S. Victor F. Scott, M.D. 1966, was of the Howard Army from 1942 to 1945, Ford spent elected to the designation of mastership University Alumni 23 years as a nurse at Freedmen’s by the American College of Physicians’ Association, was Hospital. Board of Regents. Mastership is only con- honored by the ferred on a select group of candidates. College of Arts and s ’4 0 John M. Johnson, P.H.B.S.P. 1953 When , purchased Hamlin Drug Com- Walter Irving Ray Jr., B.S. 1949, pany in 1957 with his business partner, Clarence C. Coleman, he had no idea published Busy Doing Nothing, a collec- that it would be the inspirational success story that it is today. Originally opened tion of poems ranging from “The Miss- in 1907, the company remains a staple in the Raleigh, N.C., community. During ing Card” to “My Family Tree.” the 1940s and ’50s, it was one of more than 50 Black-owned businesses in the area. At 80 years old, Johnson is still the proud owner of what he says is the old- est Black-owned pharmacy in the nation, and he works alongside his daughters, Kimberly Scott and Mischelle Corbin. Being able to sustain and maintain over the years is what he considers his biggest accomplishment. ’50s “We pride ourselves the most on our longevity,” says Johnson. He recalls one of the main obstacles in the beginning was “the ability to Dr. Betty S. secure capital” because “banks were reluc- Williams, tant to give us credit.” B.S. 1950, was One of the few Black-owned banks at the named a living time loaned Johnson the money to buy his legend by the company, and with his enduring spirit he American Acad- has served his community for decades. emy of Nursing, “Howard gave me a basic foundation in the organization’s the sciences and liberal arts. I came away highest recognition. Williams is presi- with good self-confidence,” says Johnson. dent emerita of the National Coalition of “The profession has been good to me, and Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations and my education has been good to me.” co-founder of the National Black Nurses —Ashley Travers Association.

34 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

34-c4_milestones-bookshelf.indd 34 2/15/11 2:49 PM McKinley L. Price, D.D.S. 1976, was elected ’70s mayor of Newport News, Va. A native Sciences at its annual Alumni Apprecia- Dr. Gary C. Richter, B.S. 1971, was of Newport News, tion Reception during Homecoming inaugurated as the president of the Medi- he is the first Black 2010. She was the recipient of its Alumni cal Association of Georgia. mayor elected by popular vote in the Appreciation Award for meritorious city’s history. His four-year term began service to the college, specifically to its Dr. A. Eugene Washington, B.S. July 1, 2010. Department of World Languages and 1972, was appointed dean of the David Cultures and its Alumni Alliance. Geffen UCLA School of Medicine in Los Deborah A. Cowan, B.B.A. 1979, Angeles, Calif. His appointment was was named vice president of finance and effective Feb. 1, 2010. administration and chief financial Antoine M. Garibaldi, B.A. 1973, officer for National was named president of the University of Public Radio. She Detroit. His career previously served spans more than 35 as senior vice presi- years as a tenured dent of finance for professor, accom- Radio One, Inc. plished researcher and educational Rosalyn administrator. He Terborg-Penn, previously served Ph.D. 1978, was as Gannon University’s president since awarded the John 2001. Blassingame Prize Sarah Davidson, B.S. 1970; for Distinguished M.A. 1971, pictured with Con- Dr. Gwendolyn Flowers, B.S. 1974, Scholarship and gresman John Lewis (D-Ga.), received the College of Arts and Sciences Mentorship in African-American History participated in a plaque-unveiling Alumni Achieve- by the Southern Historical Association. ceremony in June in recognition ment Award from She is professor emerita at Morgan State of the contributions of enslaved Howard for her University in Baltimore. African Americans to the con- contributions struction of the U.S. Capitol. As and services in The Hon. Michele D. Hotten, J.D. a member of the Congressional government and 1979, was sworn onto the Court of Slave Labor Task Force, alongside academia. Special Appeals for the Fourth Appellate Bettye Gardner, B.A. 1962; Circuit (Prince George’s County, Md.). M.A. 1964, Davidson was a part Sydney Coleman, B.S. 1975, started She is the first African-American woman of this historic task force that Diversified Chemical Company, which to hold a position on any appellate court addressed the injustices to enslaved has four divisions—adhesives, coating, in Maryland. Prior to her appointment, Blacks. In 2007, Davidson testified recycled rubber and lubricants/cleaners. she served as an associate judge for 15 before Congress on the importance Prior to starting the company, he spent years on the Circuit Court for Prince of erecting the memorial. In her 23 years as a senior research chemist and George’s County. testimony, Davidson stated that tech service representative at Henkel “recognizing the involvement of Corporation in Madison Heights, Mich. We Want to Know! slaves helps to close important gaps Share the milestones in in history and informs this country James N. Austin your life with old friends about the roles of African Ameri- Jr., B.B.A. 1976, and classmates. Please cans during slavery and beyond. was selected send the information to [email protected] or Memorializing this contribution to serve on the mail to Howard Magazine, will create a better understanding Grand Boulé Audit 2225 Georgia Ave., NW of race relations, especially for the Committee for Suite 605 younger generation.” the 2010–2012 Washington, DC 20059 biennium.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 35

34-c4_milestones-bookshelf.indd 35 2/15/11 2:49 PM Milestones Alumni

’80s Joanne Dowdell, B.A. 1980, is the The Hon. Sheila R. Tillerson Award at the New York Women’s Agenda senior vice president of corporate respon- Adams, J.D. 1982, was named 2010 STAR Breakfast. She received the sibility for Sentinel Investments. Dowdell to two top award on behalf of her extensive work was sworn in as the fifth, and first Black, judicial posts in with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., delegate to the Democratic National Maryland: county Tau Omega Chapter, in New York City. Committee from New Hampshire. administrative judge in Prince Maghan A. Keita, Ph.D. 1988, was Rushern L. Baker III, B.A. 1981; George’s County elected vice chair of the board of trustees J.D. 1986, was inaugurated on Dec. Circuit Court and for the College Board. 6, 2010, as the seventh Prince George’s administrative county executive in Maryland. judge for the 7th Keith L. Taylor, B.A. 1988, a supervi- Circuit. As county administrative judge, sor in the NYPD Emergency Service Barbara El she will supervise all judges, officers and Unit’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Wilson, B.F.A. employees of the Prince George’s County Response Team, completed a master’s 1981, is the cre- Circuit Court. She will also oversee the degree in security studies at the Naval ator and owner of assigning of judges to cases in that county Postgraduate School Center for Home- Sugarfoots, which and the court’s budget. As administrative land Defense and Security. produces ethnic judge for the 7th Circuit, Adams will dolls. She also supervise judges in four counties. Mary E. C. Drew (Elain Venson), established a performing arts camp and C.A.S. 1989, published a book, Divine has written two children’s books. Reginald Bush, B.A. 1983, was named Will, Restless Heart: The Life and Works the executive director of Westchester of Dr. John Jefferson Smallwood, which Dr. Peter W. McCauley, B.S. 1982, Community Opportunity Program aims to illuminate Smallwood’s role as an was named the new market medical (WestCOP) in White Plains, N.Y. Previ- early civil rights advocate. executive for CIGNA HealthCare, Mid- ously, he was assistant director of the Mt. west Markets. Based in Chicago, he will Vernon Community Action Group. Michael Padgett, B.S.M.E. 1989, be responsible for customer health care and Raven services and CIGNA’s physician and Kim Singleton, Padgett, editor of hospital network across Illinois, Indiana, B.S.E.E. 1983, Howard Magazine, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Most recently, president of the are the proud McCauley provided clinical and executive Howard Univer- parents of David oversight for more than 200 specialists sity Alumni Asso- Joseph, born on and primary care physicians at Gottlieb/ ciation, received May 19, 2010. West Towns PHO in Melrose Park, Ill. the 2010 GALAXY Tony Young, B.A. 1989, was unani- mously voted president of the San Diego Kamala Harris, B.A. 1986, was elected City Council. First attorney general of California, making her the elected in 2005, first woman and the first minority to be elected he is currently the to the state’s top law-enforcement office. She council’s longest- previously served as San Francisco’s district tenured member. attorney. In 2006, Howard recognized her as a Young represents distinguished alumna for her contributions in communities in law and public service. In 2008, the New York District 4 of the Times listed her as one of 17 women most likely nation’s eighth to become the first female president of the U.S. largest city.

36 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

34-c4_milestones-bookshelf.indd 36 2/15/11 2:49 PM A 50th Anniversary Celebration.” He was Celeste Jones, featured in the Langston Hughes “Merry- B.S. 1994, was ’90 s Go-Round” verse. named vice presi- dent of human The Hon. Darrin Gayles, B.A. 1990, William A. Brown Jr., B.A. 1993, resources at Stark was appointed published The African American Guide State College in to the Circuit to Meditation, Affirmation and Prayer, Ohio. She is a Court for the 11th which provides readers with tools for self- member of the Judicial Circuit discovery to create, advance and multiply Society of Human Resources Manage- of Florida, on goodness and prosperity in their lives. ment, the National Black MBA Associa- Dec. 23, 2010. tion and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She In 2004, Gayles Pamela is also a former chair of Ford’s Cleveland was appointed to Jordan-Farr, manufacturing site diversity council. the County Court for the 11th Judicial B.S.E.E. 1993, Circuit of Florida. was promoted Rebecca Cooper Jackson, B.S. to senior direc- 1996, along with her husband, opened Teresa Sidewater, B.S. 1990; tor, product a Rita’s Water Ice in Philadelphia. Before M.S.W. 1992, is a charter member of development and opening Rita’s, Jackson honed her entre- the C. Delores Tucker Legacy Branch of management at preneurial skills as co-owner of Omega the Association for the Study of African Comcast Cable in Optical and was named one of the 40 American Life and History, Incorporated Philadelphia. Most Influential Women in Optometry. (ASALH). The new branch was chartered on Oct. 1, 2010, during the annual Lynae Trista Turner, B.B.A. 1993; Stephanie J. Jackson, B.A. 1996, ASALH convention in Raleigh, N.C. J.D. 1996, was sworn in as a master assistant director for undergraduate in chancery for the Division of Juvenile advising and professional development Melissa Muhammad, B.A. 1991, Causes in the Circuit Court for Baltimore at the Sam Nunn School of International a competent authority and tax treaty City, Md. Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Tech- analyst for the Internal Revenue Service, nology, received the 2010 Outstand- was awarded a Mike Mansfield Fellow- Bertral Washington, B.A. 1993, was ing Academic Advisor award from the ship, which provides for a year in Japan named fire chief for Clark County, Las school. working full time in a ministry or agency Vegas. He has worked for the city’s fire of the Japanese government. Muhammad department for 16 years and has been an JaNice L. Parks, B.B.A. 1996, began Japanese language and area studies assistant fire chief for the city since July published Kingdom Marriage: The Vow this past fall, which will be followed by a 2007. of Commitment, which delves into mar- year of experience in a Japanese govern- riage vows and provides the reader with ment agency or ministry. Leshell Hatley, B.S.C.S.E 1994; tools to help understand the covenant of M.C.S. 1998, is the executive director marriage. Nicole S. Mason, B.A. 1992; M.Div. of Uplift Inc., which won the MacArthur 2004, published her first book, Monday Foundation’s 2010 Digital Media and Nathaniel Morning Motivations: Encouraging Words Learning Competition. Her organiza- Johnson Isong, to Start Your Week, a collection of eight tion won for Youth APPLab, a project Ph.D. 1997, was meditations to help readers start their designed to teach Black and Latino high voted “Professor week on a positive note with a word of school students in Washington, D.C., of the Year” for encouragement. how to create mobile applications. The the 2009–2010 group also released the first mobile academic year at Theodore M. Snead, B.A. 1992, was learning application—Myles and Ayesha the Navy College one of seven Washington, D.C.-based Black Inventors Match Game—in the Center, National Naval Medical Center, actors to perform in “American Scrap- Apple Store. in Bethesda, Md. He recently published book: A Celebration of Verse” at the Ken- The Unpredictable Bride and I’ve Cried in nedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part My Life, But Now I Am Fine. of “The Presidency of John F. Kennedy:

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 37

34-c4_milestones-bookshelf.indd 37 2/15/11 2:50 PM Eric Roberson, B.F.A. 1997, per- where he will serve Estill High, she was a member of the Beta formed at the grand reopening of the a three-year term. Club, marching band, gospel chorus and Dell East in Philadelphia, alongside The He is a member of track team. She was also Miss Homecom- O’Jays. Roberson, a skilled singer/song- the inaugural class ing Queen during the 1995–1996 school writer, has penned hits for the likes of Jill of the National year. Scott, Musiq Soulchild and Vivian Green. Urban League/ He was the first independent artist to be American Express Krishanna nominated for a BET award in 2007, and Emerging Leaders Coleman- in 2010 was nominated for a Grammy for Fellowship Program and was appointed LeSane, B.A. his CD “Music Fan First” released on his to the Hempstead Boys and Girls Club 2007, service own label, Blue Erro Soul. Board of Directors. coordinator for Cenegenics Medi- Perita Carpenter, M.A. 2005, was cal Institute in part of the ABC news team that won an Washington, D.C., Emmy for “Outstanding Live Coverage married Mitchell LeSane in Lanham, ’00 s of a Current News Story—Long Form” Md., on April 3, 2010. at the National Television Academy 31st Sellano Simmons, B.A. 2001, annual news and documentary Emmys. Ree-Ann Augustin, B.F.A. 2008; received the Children’s Law Center Hero The award was for the “Inauguration M.F.A. 2010, was awarded a 2010 for Children award for his mentoring of 2009—Barack Obama” coverage. American Graphic Design Award from Minnesota youth and his overall dedica- Graphic Design, USA. Her entry was the tion to service. Simmons also serves on Omonn James-Davis, B.B.A. 2005; visuals for the Howard University Jazz the board for the North Community M.A.P.A. 2009, was selected for the Ensemble’s 2009 CD “Bright Moments.” YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Cen- class of 2012 Emerging Leaders Program. ter and serves as a resource for the firm’s As an Emerging Leader, James-Davis will Caryn Grant, B.A. 2009, was hired as mentors through the Cristo Rey Jesuit leverage his education and experience as a full-time reporter at The Telegraph in High School–Twin Cities program. a management and program analyst in Macon, Ga. an effort to enhance the human capital Donald Cureton, J.D. 2003, won a operations of district judge seat in Charlotte, N.C. the Health and Human Services. Brandi James, B.A. 2004, began her s Amber ’10 latest diplomatic assignment in October 2010 as the political/economic officer in Monique Elliott, Crystal Cranmore, B.A. 2010, was the Somali Unit at the U.S. Embassy in B.A. 2006, promoted to Web producer for the news Nairobi. She previously served as a U.S. graduated from site CBSPhilly.com. Her duties include diplomat to Nigeria and France and has the University of working with television reporters and provided temporary assistance in Chad, Michigan Law helping them post their stories. Senegal and the Republic of Benin. School on Dec. 18, 2009. She also welcomed her first child, Chazeman Jackson, Ph.D. 2010, was Brandon V. Ray, B.B.A. 2004, was daughter Addison Mackenzie Warren, on selected for the class of 2012 Emerging elected as a trustee of Hempstead Public Feb. 19, 2010. Leaders Program. As an Emerging Leader, Schools Board of Education in May 2010, Jackson will be working as a health scien- Ade B. Galloway, J.D. 2006, was tist within the Office of Innovation and installed as the treasurer of the Bar- Program Coordination and Office of the risters’ Association of Philadelphia at Director in the National Center on Minor- If you would like to the 60th Annual Installation of Officers ity Health and Health Disparities at the advertise in Ceremony. National Institutes of Health. Howard Magazine, please call Antoinette C. Wilson, D.D.S. 2006, Curtis McCloud, B.A. 2010, was or 202-238-2334 is one of nine graduates from Estill High named a full-time nightside reporter for e-mail [email protected]. School in South Carolina to be added to WTVM-ABC in Columbus, Ga. the school’s inaugural Wall of Fame. At

38 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

34-c4_milestones-bookshelf.indd 38 2/15/11 2:50 PM In Memoriam Alumni

’30s his fearless performance. He met his under Frank Lloyd Wright. He was also a Dr. Anna Mae Wagner Byrd wife of 62 years at Howard. He was prolific photographer and artist, and had Eastman Wheaton, Dip.N. 1935, also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha some of his oil paintings exhibited at the died Sept 3, 2010. Born in Bronx, N.Y., Fraternity. He was the first African- Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Art. and raised in Lynchburg, Va., she retired American electronic engineer with RCA, as a registered nurse in her 90s. The where he worked for more than 30 years. James H. Wilson Jr., B.S. 1959; Freedmen’s Hospital School of Nursing M.Div. 1983, died Dec. 15, 2010. Wilson Alumni Association recognized her in was the assistant pastor of New Bethel 1979 for “outstanding and dedicated Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., service.” s where he served for many years. Carolyn Lucas Dickson, M.D. 1939 ’50 , died Sept. 19, 2010. Dickson practiced medicine for more than 50 years in Samuel W. Jefferson, B.A. 1950; Indianapolis. She was 97 years old. M.Ed. 1974, died Sept. 19, 2010. For 40 ’60s years, he served the D.C. Public Schools as an attendance officer and the D.C. Martin “Martie” Gibbs Johnson, Fire Department as a firefighter. He was B.A. 1964, died Sept. 19, 2010. a lifetime member of Xi Chapter, Kappa Originally from Chicago, he was ’4 0 s Alpha Psi Fraternity and a member of a popular student and devoted alumnus. Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. He received the Star Patient Award from Lawrence Wilson, B.S. 1964, died Cambell Gonzalez, B.S.E.E. 1949, the College of Dentistry, Department of March 1, 2010. He retired from the Social died Sept. 6, 2010. He proudly served his Dental Hygiene, in 2003. He was 87 years Security Administration in 1999 as a country during World War II as one of its old. statistician. His interests included bridge, first African-American military officers. Latin music, volunteering and tutoring He was a platoon leader/infantry unit Donald H. Roberts, B.Arch. 1954, mathematics. commander with Company “C,” 370th died Nov. 28, 2010. A former associate Infantry, 92nd Division, in the Italian dean and professor in the School of Theater of Operations. He was honored Architecture and Engineering from the with two Bronze Service Stars, a Combat early ’70s until 1992, he was the first Infantry Badge and a Purple Heart for African American to study architecture ’90 s

Diane Williams Jackson Jones, Isham O. Baker, B.Arch. 1952, died March 1, 2010. He M.S.W. 1997, died Sept. 9, 2010. was president of Baker Cooper for 27 years; the firm’s work included several master plans for Howard and the plan and Yardley Wilson, B.S. 1999, died Aug. design of the Howard Law Library (in joint venture). He was 1, 2009. He was a mental health specialist a fellow of the AIA and former president of the Washington with the D.C. Department of Mental chapter of AIA. In 1999, he received the Centennial Award Health. He was 46 years old. from the Washington chapter of AIA. He was a member of the board of governors at Wesley Theological Seminary for 12 years, serving as board chair from 1990 to 1994; he joined the board at Sibley Hospital in 1977 and served until his death.

Winter 2011 Howard Magazine 39

34-c4_milestones-bookshelf.indd 39 2/8/11 5:44 PM

The 2011 HowardThe 2010 University Howard University Alumni AlumniTrustee Trustee Election Election will be held ONLINE will be held ONLINE.

REGISTERREGISTERO NOW TTO MAKE MAKE YOURYOUR VOTE CO VOTEUNT COUNT Bison Bookshelf

YOUR eligible to participate in this year’s Alumni Trustee Election. The Black History of the White House Tincture of B.L.O.G. (Breakthrough, Listen, & Obey (City Lights Books), by Clarence Time: Living God) to Marriage (Trafford Publishing), VOTE COUNTS TOWARDS Follow these simple steps to register to vote… Lusane (M.A. ’94; Ph.D. ’97), provides Through Grief by Thomas Claiborn IV (B.A. ’07) and A Legacy Renewed a comprehensive history of the White to Hope (Soteria Candace Claiborn, 1.. 1 Visit w ww.howard.edu and click on House from an African-American Press), by Judy chronicles the perspective. Juxtaposing significant Schreiber- courtship of the menu.e Onc you are directed to the events in White House history with the Mosher writers from dating ongoing struggle (M.S.W. ’80), to marriage. The please click on the ONLINE COMMUNITY for civil rights, follows the book features a link (located in the upper right STAY the author makes author on a compilation of the CONNECTED menu). clear that the journey from writers’ blog posts White House bereavement to as they deal with has always been a life of endless temptations and a prism through possibilities. Schreiber-Mosher, whose other struggles which to view the husband died, candidly recounts how she and offers tips social struggles made it through that difficult time of her and encouragements to help create a 2.. 2 You will be taken to the Online Community page, and asked to Register Now and progress of life and offers hope to those grieving the Christian marriage. (for first me visitors) or Sign-in. Black Americans. loss of a spouse. Since 1923, Howard University alumni

The Intersection of have par cipated in elec ng an alumni •• You will need to provide your unique which e can b Voices of C oncern: Nevisian Women’s African Americans in Georgia: A Beauty and Crime found on the mailing label of this copy of Howard Magazine. Issues at the Turn of the Twenty-First Reflection of Politics and Policy in the (CreateSpace), representa ve to the Board of Century (Calaloux), by Judith Rollins New South (Mercer University Press), by Jawanza Trustees. This annual elec on serves (B.A.’70), edited by Pearl K. Ford (Ph.D. ’03 ), is Phoenix (B.A. explores the a compilation ’91; J.D. ’99), is a as an opportunity for alumni to choose challenges women of essays that collection of poetry face on the examine the from an attorney an individual to convey the perspec ve

Caribbean island state of race who uses his of Howard’s 80,000 living alumni in the of Nevis. It also today. It details poems as a vehicle identifies recent the lingering to explore the delibera ons and decisions of the improvements influence of class criminal justice system and the lives of for women and and geography the people affected by it. Board which affect our beloved alma

demonstrates and identifies mater. how these education, The Frugalista Files: How One Woman • improvements health care, Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up Please Sign-in if you are already a registered user of the Online Community to

are connected to voter turnout, the Fabulous Life (Harlequin), by ensure your account is ac ve and that your contact informa on is correct. The undeniable importance of the economic changes on the island and to racial disparities in sentencing and Natalie P. McNeal (B.A. ’98), shares * the international women’s movement. gentrification as other issues that Georgia one woman’s quest to eliminate more Alumni Trustee’s role• is clear; however, 3. Once you are an Online Community registered user with a valid e-mail and residents contend with. than $20,000 your HU Alumni ID, you are registered to vote. of debt. The sadly only less than 10% of Howard Mountain Climbed (Signature Book award- alumni have par cipated in this cri cal 4. Prioro t the elec on opening, you will be contacted via the e-mail address To submit a book Printing), by Joseph B. Williams winning for consideration in you provided when registering through the Online Community. In this e-mail you (B.S. ’65), tells the story of the Dent author elec on over the last few years. Bison Bookshelf, will be provided a link to the secured vo ng website and your HU Alumni ID. family in Columbia County, Ga., from chronicles her please mail a copy to: Howard Magazine the early 1800s to the late 1900s. The first year of

2225 Georgia Ave., NW book includes living frugally At a me when the University is deeply Suite 605 pictures, wills, and inspires Washington, DC 20059 Your ois the key t casting your vote. newspaper others to fol- immersed in making cri cal decisions

articles and low her down that will affect genera onsf o stories that the road to chronicle the penny-wise Howardites to come, it is impera ve It is required to login and vote online . family’s history. living. that EVERY HOWARD ALUMNI VOTES in Please call the Department of Alumni Relations at the 2011 Alumni Trustee Elec on! (202) 238-2340 if you have any questions 40 Howard Magazine Winter 2011

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The 2011 HowardThe 2010 University Howard University Alumni AlumniTrustee Trustee Election Election will be held ONLINE will be held ONLINE.

REGISTERREGISTERO NOW TTO MAKE MAKE YOURYOUR VOTE CO VOTEUNT COUNT

eligible to participate in this year’s Alumni Trustee Election. YOUR VOTE COUNTS TOWARDS Follow these simple steps to register to vote… A Legacy Renewed 1.. 1 Visit w ww.howard.edu and click on

menu.e Onc you are directed to the

please click on the ONLINE COMMUNITY link (located in the upper right STAY CONNECTED menu).

2.. 2 You will be taken to the Online Community page, and asked to Register Now (for first me visitors) or Sign-in. Since 1923, Howard University alumni

have par cipated in elec ng an alumni •• You will need to provide your unique which e can b found on the mailing label of this copy of Howard Magazine. representa ve to the Board of Trustees. This annual elec on serves

as an opportunity for alumni to choose an individual to convey the perspec ve

of Howard’s 80,000 living alumni in the

delibera ons and decisions of the

Board which affect our beloved alma

mater.

• Please Sign-in if you are already a registered user of the Online Community to ensure your account is ac ve and that your contact informa on is correct. The undeniable importance of the * Alumni Trustee’s role• is clear; however, 3. Once you are an Online Community registered user with a valid e-mail and your HU Alumni ID, you are registered to vote. sadly only less than 10% of Howard alumni have par cipated in this cri cal 4. Prioro t the elec on opening, you will be contacted via the e-mail address you provided when registering through the Online Community. In this e-mail you elec on over the last few years. will be provided a link to the secured vo ng website and your HU Alumni ID.

At a me when the University is deeply

immersed in making cri cal decisions Your ois the key t casting your vote.

that will affect genera onsf o Howardites to come, it is impera ve It is required to login and vote online . that EVERY HOWARD ALUMNI VOTES in Please call the Department of Alumni Relations at the 2011 Alumni Trustee Elec on! (202) 238-2340 if you have any questions

34-c4_milestones-bookshelf.indd 3 2/8/11 5:44 PM Nonprofit U.S. Postage Paid Howard University Permit No. 6115 Office of University Communications Washington, DC 2225 Georgia Ave., NW, Sixth Fl. Washington, DC 20059

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