Mielle Organics, Founder, Products, Hair loss — (Photo: Kampus Production/Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2024

Mielle Organics Founder Shuts Down Rumors That Products Cause Hair loss

Monique Rodriguez affirmed that the product formulas have not changed despite the company was sold to Procter & Gamble in 2023.

The founder of Mielle Organics is speaking out against allegations that her products cause hair loss.

Monique Rodriguez took to social media to address the viral backlash against her haircare line. In the video, Rodriguez affirmed that the formulas have not changed despite it being sold to Procter & Gamble in 2023. The Shade Room reshared footage of her statement.

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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

“From the very beginning, authenticity and transparency have been at the core of what I do,” said the CEO. “Over the years we have had the privilege of serving millions of customers who have experienced wonderful results using our products…So when I made the decision to partner with P&G it was driven by my vision to take Mielle to new heights and become a global beauty brand. That vision remains as strong as ever today.”

She also emphasized that she is still at the helm of operations for Mielle, attempting to soothe wary customers fears about the once-beloved brand.

“So I want to be crystal clear that my involvement in Mielle, still as a CEO, is a personal choice,” Rodriguez said. “I am deeply committed, staying actively involved in every aspect of the brand…I poured my heart into every detail because this is my passion. Our products are created with healthy ingredients and they are formulated to deliver safe and effective results…If you have any doubts, I encourage you to explore our labels. From 2019 to 2024, you will see that there has been no formula changes.”

The response came out after beauty expert and influencer Danesha Mo’nek alleged that the brand’s rosemary and mint hair strengthening oil induced hair loss. Another influencer filmed her own response to the viral critique, claiming Mielle changed the ingredients due to the acquisition.

@laura_beautycoach @Danesha Mo'Nék I am so sorry this has happened to you. When we know better, we do better! #boycottmielleorganics #mielleorganics #mielleorganicshairproducts #hairloss #hairbreakage ♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound

“The amount of people who have reached out to me personally, either in DMs or in the comment sections that said that they use Mielle products, and […] experience scalp irritations, or massive hair loss, or hair breakage, it’s insane,” explained Laura, a self-identifying beauty coach, in the video. “There is no other reason for this, except that when she sold out to Procter & Gamble, they changed the formula.”

Others swiftly chimed in across multiple social platforms that they had faced similar issues recently. The collective “cancellation” called for a boycott of Mielle’s product lines.

However, Rodriguez shut down the rumors that her products have changed for the worse. Supporters also called out those who are quick to boycott Black-owned companies for selling to bigger corporations.

“Why do yall only do this to Black business owners?,” questioned one commenter under the tabloid’s post. “The minute they make a money move and sell their business, yall immediately accuse them of ‘changing their formula’ without an ounce of proof and start making accusations! Shea Moisture, Carol’s Daughter, Mane Choice, Honey Pot and I am sure there are more! Meanwhile those same ‘white’ companies that bought them out own several other products that yall use but those are just fine?”

unemployment, AI, jobs, prompt injection, résumés — Photo by cottonbro studio/Pexels

by Daniel Johnson

September 9, 2024

Employers Pause Hiring Amid Recession Fears

Part of the reason for the trepidation of employers hinges on which presidential candidate will win the election in November.

Even though employers are eager to hire more workers, concerns about a potential recession and possible layoffs are causing them to pause their hiring plans.

According to CNN, August’s unemployment numbers went down to 4.2%, and in July, the number of job openings was at the lowest level since 2021. Part of the reason for the trepidation of employers hinges on which presidential candidate will win the election in November, as former president Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have wildly different approaches to the economy.

As it relates to Black workers, unemployment dipped to 6.1%, down slightly from July’s 6.3% rate. According to CNBC, Black men’s unemployment rates dropped sharply from 6.6% in July to 5.9% while Black women’s numbers remained static at 5.5%

According to Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, the employment to population ratio, particularly for women workers, shows that the labor market is in a good place, despite the hiring freeze.

“The employment-to-population ratio for women’s prime-age workers remains at a quarter-century high,” Gould told CNBC. “This remains very strong, even if there is still a little bit of softening in other measures. It makes sense we’ll see some weakness now that we’re approaching full employment.”

As it relates to the election, Trump has essentially promised to be an economic isolationist, and has floated the idea of proposing a 60% tariff increase on imports from China as well as a 10% tariff on goods imported from other countries.

According to Vox, Trump’s economic plans would be a disaster for the recovery of the American economy from inflation and would likely make things much worse for the average consumer than what they are experiencing currently. In his crusade against imports, Trump’s reported desire to lower the strength of the dollar will have the effect of making prices more expensive for everyday Americans.

As Eric Levitz warns in his conclusion, “Unfortunately, Trump’s proposals and their economic consequences appear to be largely lost on the American electorate, possibly because neither have attracted much media attention. If that does not change between now and November, the country could pay a heavy price.”

Vice President Harris’ plans for the economy, by contrast, have been praised by Goldman Sachs in a note they released to Reuters on Sept. 3. Like Levitz, Goldman Sachs believes a Trump win or a Republican-controlled Legislative branch would be a disaster for the economy.

A campaign spokesperson for Vice President Harris released a statement to Salon following the release of the note, emphasizing the importance of a Harris win for Americans.

“Vice President Harris has a positive vision to strengthen the economy by building up the middle class, cutting taxes and lowering costs for working families and small businesses, and creating opportunities for all Americans to get ahead,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “On the economy, the choice could not be any more clear this November.”

Ferlanda Fox Nixon/Image via Newark Regional Business Partnership

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2024

Black Woman Appointed CEO In Historic Newark Business Group Move

The Syracuse and Georgetown alum will begin her new role on Sept. 16.

The Newark Regional Business Partnership has marked the historic appointment of a Black woman as its president and CEO.

Ferlanda Fox Nixon will take over the position from Chip Hallock, who served as CEO for 25 years. According to Mosaic, Hallock spoke of his successor’s aptitude for the role in a statement released on Sept. 3.

“It is a pleasure to have Ferlanda take the reins,” expressed Hallock, who announced his retirement in April. “She is the consummate professional, and I am confident that she will successfully execute and expand on NRBP’s mission and vision. Her leadership will help continue to grow NRBP’s impact on and in the greater Newark business community.”

Prior to accepting the position, Nixon’s work background includes a career as a corporate attorney and an executive role within the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. In her own statement, she also recognized the historic nature of this appointment as the first Black person and woman. However, she emphasized that she was selected of her own merit and not race.

“I am excited and honored to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership team as president and CEO,” Nixon said. “Newark is a terrific regional business community with unlimited potential.”

She continued, “I believe the NRBP selected the person it deemed most qualified to lead and further the mission of the organization and that person happened to be an African-American woman.”

As head of the partnership, Nixon will lead the group that includes over 300 organizations, ranging from small business to nonprofits and educational institutions. Their mission aims to connect these businesses in New Jersey’s largest city. The partnership also promotes economic activity through policy and collaborative projects.

The Syracuse and Georgetown alum will begin her new role on Sept. 16. In the meantime, she will work alongside Hallock to transition into the CEO position.

Vice President Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, white dudes for Kamala, ad — (Photos from left: The White House/flickr; Public Domain)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2024

Kamala Harris And Tim Walz To Kick Off ‘New Way Forward’ Tour After Debate

The tour will see Harris and Walz appear in key swing states, as well as a new advertisement.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are officially hitting the road. The Democratic Presidential ticket will kick off their “New Way Forward” tour after the presidential debate on Sept. 10.

Harris and her running mate will begin traveling to multiple battleground states a few days after the highly-anticipated debate. According to The Hill, the vice president will take off following her address, on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“This election is about two very different visions for our country,” Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler said in a statement. “Donald Trump and JD Vance want to take us backward with their dangerous and extreme Project 2025 agenda. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are fighting for a New Way Forward that protects our fundamental freedoms, strengthens our democracy, and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead.”

However, the politicians seek to cover more ground as the tight race heats up, by heading to different areas separately. While Harris starts with appearances in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, Walz will venture to Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

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A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris)

Moreover, the first gentleman and second lady-hopefuls will also be part of the campaign trail. The current second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, has plans to tour additional swing states, as does Gwen Walz. The states include Arizona, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Maine.

To accompany their travels, a new advertisement marking a “New Way Forward,” will also hit screens in these states. The commercial emphasizes Harris’ plans to ban price-gouging and increase housing options.

Tyler added, “With early voting about to begin and less than 60 days until Election Day, our campaign will take the vice president’s message directly to the voters wherever they are – on the airwaves, on the doors, and online. With so much at stake in this election, we are blitzing the battlegrounds and leaving it all out on the field.”

Harris’ plans may build momentum off her first debate with Trump in the ABC News event. However, there is no confirmation if another one will take place before the November election. Despite this, the “New Way Forward” Tour hopes to reach crucial voters as both parties battle to secure the presidency.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Trump, National GUard — (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

by Daniel Johnson

September 8, 2024

Jackson, Mississippi, And Memphis Mayors Meet To Outline Strategies For Economic Growth In Majority Black Cities

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Memphis Mayor Paul Young discussed different ways they have worked to effect change in their majority Black cities in a conversation hosted by the Change Collective

In a conversation hosted by nonprofit community organization Change Collective, Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Memphis Mayor Paul Young discussed different ways they have worked to effect change in their majority Black cities.

According to the Clarion Ledger, the pair discussed the commonalities they share as mayors of their respective cities. While Jackson and Memphis both deal with poverty, infrastructure problems, and crime, the mayors of both cities are determined to create change.

The two-day event took place Sept. 6-7 at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi.

“What I see in Memphis is that gritty spirit where despite the odds that are against us… in the South there are systematic structures that inhibit progress,” Young said. “But, still we continue pushing.”

The pair agrees that it takes the wisdom of older generations and the energy of younger people to push forward positive changes in their respective cities.

“They are here and now,” Lumumba said of the younger generation. “They contribute to the view or the quality of life that people enjoy in spaces like Jackson… there’s a spirit that I think exists among young people where they’re no longer satisfied with the status quo.”

Lumumba continued, saying that retaining the youth of Jackson is critical in combating the loss of that demographic of the city’s residents.

“The demographic that we’re losing at the most rapid pace are our younger residents, our young professionals. We have to start asking the question and engage them in the process to see why that is happening. Being a college town where we have more than five institutions in the city of Jackson, our greatest exports are our talent and our money,” Lumumba said. “We’re trying to figure out how we reverse that.”

When the topic turned to crime, Young talked about how to change the narrative around public safety.

“In Memphis, the conversation is all about crime and how scared people are,” Young said. “Everybody is talking about the fears they have around public safety. My goal was to figure out how can we change the narrative where we’re not just captives of this negativity, but we are actually proactively trying to address public safety in our communities.”

Young also discussed his meeting with Memphis gang members about how to bring crime in the city down.

“I came to the table and I said, ‘Look. I want to see what it takes for us to get seven days of a ceasefire in our community. No shooting,'” Young said. “And, they said a couple of very simple things. Number one, you got to go tell the other folks not to come shoot at us. Number two, they said, ‘Well, our kids need things to do because the reason that our young guys go out and are breaking in these cars is because they’re bored.”

Young continued, “To be sitting in Jackson, Mississippi with the mayor, with all these great people, these are things that are unimaginable to some of the kids in our communities,” Young said. “I know it’s not just Memphis. This is all across this country. That means that all of us have a responsibility not just to talk about them but to talk to them, to hear from them.”

Lumumba also discussed how the prevailing wisdom of funding the police to address public safety concerns is not necessarily the right answer.

“What we often do when we talk about public safety is we act like a carpenter with one tool: a hammer,” Lumumba said. “So, everything looks like a nail, right? We come up with the same solution: police, police, police, police.”

Lumumba continued, “The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and look for a different result,” Lumumba said. “We have to dive into that and understand, well, what are the unique challenges and what are other nations doing? What are the other investments that we should be making in order to create safer conditions?”

According to Mayor Young, the pair will also continue to collaborate, just as they have for the entirety of their careers in politics, to effect more positive changes in their communities.

National Baptist Convention, New President, Black Baptists — Photo by Domingos Henriques: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-from-the-audience-speaking-to-the-microphone-16856088/

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 8, 2024

National Baptist Convention Elects New President Despite Controversy

The result marked an end to the controversial leadership election.

The National Baptist Convention USA (NBCUSA) has elected a new president of the largest Black Protestant denomination in the United States.

The convention took place in Baltimore from Sept. 2 to 5. According to the Daily Journal, the controversial election only had Rev. Boise Kimber on the ballot. With a vote of 1,744 to 794, the senior pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut, has become the congregation’s 19th president.

However, the beginnings of Kimber’s tenure will seek to soothe tensions within the congregation. Before his appointment, potential candidates could not run due to not qualifying, leading to confusion about the NBCUSA’s future leadership.

Despite the high stakes, his confirmed win marked a fragile end to the issue. In his speech, Kimber announced that he would embark on a “listening tour” to hear all members’ concerns in light of the controversy.

Outgoing president Rev. Jerry Young also addressed fellow members in a farewell speech on the last day of the convention. Young held the position for 10 years. Moreover, the convention featured prominent public figures, such as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to speak to attendees.

The congregation has remained vocal on political issues throughout the decades, such as civil and voting rights. However, despite its work advancing justice and outreach, its growth for the next generation remains at risk. Although still boasting between 5.2 and 7.5 million members, its inability to attract younger attendees draws its relevance into question.

“Our biggest challenge is not Boise Kimber. And at this point, it’s not even the shenanigans of the board,” said Chicago pastor Rev. Alvin Love ahead of the convention, per USA Today. “Our challenge now is building up enough excitement among our people to even want to come to Baltimore.”

While they hope to sustain and elevate their influence within the Black community, this new era of leadership must rid of the stains the controversy set in.

Vikings.Rondale Moore, Die,25 — (Photo: Tetra Images/Getty Images)

by Daniel Johnson

September 8, 2024

High School Football Player Dies After Collapsing During Game

Gainer was pronounced dead after he was taken to a local hospital.

The latest in a string of athlete deaths of young athletes, ranging from middle school-aged athletes to high school athletes, occurred on Sept. 6 at a high school football game in Bristol, Florida.

According to NPR, Chance Gainer, a senior at Port St. Joe High School, died after he collapsed shortly before halftime during the school’s game against Liberty County High School.

Gainer was pronounced dead after he was taken to a local hospital, according to Port St. Joe Principal Sissy Godwin. Godwin told the outlet that Gainer had just turned 18 in August.

Godwin said that Gainer left an impression, even though he was a quiet kid.

“You may not have heard Chance in the crowd, but you could see his smile from across the room,” she said.

Likewise, Gulf District Schools Superintendent Jim Norton described Gainer’s death as a “tragic loss” before saying that he was an exceptional young man.

“He was a remarkable athlete, a beloved teammate, and an overall exceptional young man who loved Jesus,” Norton said. He said Gainer was quiet, “but exuded captivating warmth and genuineness that drew people to him.”

According to Liberty County Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Tim Davis, Gainer suddenly collapsed on the field.

“He just went to the ground suddenly,” Davis told the Tallahassee Democrat. “Coaches attended to him and after a few minutes, they called for EMS. After they got to the field they took him off to an ambulance behind the visitors bench. One of our school resource officers drove the ambulance to Blountstown while the medics worked on him.”

Davis also said that Gainer’s death affected his teammates greatly.

“Many were crying and hugging each other. It puts everything in perspective for sure.”

Spoke to @NewsHour on football safety. Recent tragic deaths are a reminder that it can be made much safer to better serve its mission of building better young people.
But we have to try much harder, & it starts with respecting brain injuries & #CTE. https://t.co/0Lc3GMvmFm pic.twitter.com/OdwC3qFZ4G
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 7, 2024

The player lost was high school senior Chance Gainer in Florida. "One of the best young men ever to walk the halls at Port St. Joe High School.” 4.0+ GPA. https://t.co/GsyR8sQSba
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 7, 2024

Following the game, school staff, friends, and clergy from the Florida Gulf Coast community gathered to support Gainer’s family, who later joined them.

According to PBS Newshour, seven deaths that have been linked to football have raised questions about how safe the sport is for young people.

Chris Nowinski, a former football player and professional wrestler, now the co-founder and CEO of Concussion Legacy Foundation, told the outlet that fundamentally, the game is violent and kids will die each year.

“Children, unfortunately, will die in these activities. Some have died randomly from heart disorders and other things. So the deaths don’t really tell us what to do. The way I advise parents on youth sports is, we absolutely want our kids playing sports and team sports. They do wonderful things for their physical and neurological and mental development. But what we don’t need and what we have, what we should get rid of is our children getting hit (in the) head hundreds of times a year.”

Kendrick Lamar, top earner, Forbes Drake — (Photo: Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 8, 2024

Kendrick Lamar Announced As Super Bowl LIX Headliner

Lamar will headline the halftime show during the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Super Bowl LIX gon’ be alright. Kendrick Lamar announced he will headline the Apple Music Halftime Show during football’s biggest night.

Lamar posted the news to his social media on Sept. 8. In typical fashion for the elusive rapper, he kept the post’s caption short and sweet with “Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans.”

Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans.https://t.co/RwqVLDGdgf
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) September 8, 2024

He marked the celebratory announcement with a teaser video that showed him on a football field ahead of his Super Bowl debut. Lamar’s media company pgLang produced the video, with longtime collaborator Dave Free directing. In the video, Lamar plays with football equipment against the backdrop of a massive American flag.

“What’s the deal everybody,” he started in the video. “My name[‘s] Kendrick Lamar and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl 59. Will you be pulling up? I hope so.”

He continued, “You know there’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos. Let’s get it…I don’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans, Feb. 9 2025. Wear your best dress too, even if you are watching from home.”

Lamar dominated the year as one of hip-hop’s biggest superstars. His high-profile beef with Drake fueled the success of his diss track “Not Like Us,” which became a worldwide hit and spent multiple weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, released in July, has already racked up over 127 million views.

His Juneteenth festival, deemed “The Pop Out-Ken & Friends,” brought out fellow prominent West Coast artists such as Tyler, the Creator, DJ Mustard, YG, and Dr. Dre at Inglewood’s Kia Forum. During the over-three-hour show, Lamar performed the popular diss track five consecutive times.

Moreover, the Grammy winner seemingly united several of Los Angeles’ notorious gangs on stage. The event was also heralded as a moment of unity and celebration of West Coast rap.

Fans of the Pulitzer Prize recipient can potentially see the rapper perform his latest hit and more acclaimed songs from his discography at Super Bowl LIX. The NFL championship game will take place at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9.

Angel Reese, Women’s Sports, Togethxr — (Photo: John Mac, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Daniel Johnson

September 8, 2024

Wrist Injury Brings Early Close To Angel Reese’s Rookie Year

Reese recorded another double double before she sustained the injury, bringing her total on the season to 26, just shy of Alyssa Thomas’ record of 28.

Chicago Sky rookie and double-double machine, Angel Reese, had her rookie season end after she sustained a wrist injury in the Sept. 6 game against the Sparks.

According to CBS News, before she sustained the injury, Reese recorded another double-double, bringing her total on the season to 26, just shy of Alyssa Thomas’ record of 28.

The Sky confirmed that the injury was severe enough to keep Reese out of the lineup for the remainder of the season, saying in a statement, “Reese has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season with a wrist injury.”

For her part, Reese maintained a positive outlook about the injury, according to her posts on X.

Reese wrote a series of posts discussing her thoughts on what is to come in her next season and thanking fans for their support through a rookie season which saw her receive criticism from fans as she sometimes struggled with making shots around the rim through contact.

https://twitter.com/Reese10Angel/status/1832586256003559577?t=5uP9L-DcAp_MT9HI2gmZVA&s=19

https://twitter.com/Reese10Angel/status/1832624035747844490?t=tYz8JpqIM3IGSIwtxV3PrA&s=19

“What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol. Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season-ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. ’God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.’”

Reese concluded the post, “You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon!”

In her next post, she thanked her fans and supporters, “I love you guys & appreciate all the thoughts and prayers! I know you guys would cut your wrist off to give it to me in a heart beat but we not done yet! SKYTOWN LET’S GO!”

Reese broke the WNBA’s single-season rebounding record previously held by future Hall of Fame forward Sylvia Fowles. Reese’s rebounding mark currently sits at 446 after her season ended. The rebounding record Reese holds is a centerpiece of her candidacy for WNBA Rookie of the Year, an award she is competing for against Fever rookie point guard Caitlin Clark.

According to The Athletic, Reese now holds several WNBA records in addition to the total rebounds record: total offensive rebounds (172), rebound average for a single season (13.1), all-time rookie leader for consecutive games with 10 or more rebounds, consecutive double-doubles (15), consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds (3), and as a nod to Chicago’s draft night haul of Reese and South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso, the pair became the first rookie duo to record 15 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 65% or better in the same game.

Reese seems to be a lock for an all-rookie team selection, even if the voters don’t vote to select her as the rookie of the year given the season that Caitlin Clark is having. According to The Athletic, if Reese’s rebounding numbers continue along the trajectory of her rookie season, she is on track to shatter the WNBA career rebounding record. Reese would break the record by her eighth season in the league if nothing changes. Although her rookie season has come to a premature end, the future is bright for the Chicago Barbie.

Morgan State, HBCU, PBS, documentary — (Photo: Getty Images)

by Daniel Johnson

September 8, 2024

Morgan State Documentary Premieres On PBS, Celebrating 150 Years Of Legacy During HBCU Week

The documentary chronicles the founding and growth of Morgan State.

As part of its slate of HBCU Week NOW coverage, PBS will air History Of A National Treasure: Morgan State University, a documentary chronicling the founding and growth of Morgan State for over 150 years.

In addition to the documentary on Morgan State, aired PBS original programming dedicated to the other 100 HBCUs covered by its broadcasting system.

HBCU Week began Sept. 2 and ends Sept. 8.

According to Afro News, the film debuted in Maryland Public Television’s studio to a group of Morgan State University leaders on Aug. 27. The group included Morgan State University President Dr. David K. Wilson, Board of Regents Chair Congressman Kwesi Mfume, Regent Dr. Linda Gilliam, and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.

The audience members praised called the film powerful and necessary. The storied HBCU began as Centenary Biblical Institute after its formation in 1867 by a group of formerly enslaved people and the Methodist Episcopal Church.

According to the outlet, the genesis of the film lay in creating what could not be found, a fitting development for an HBCU. Wilson was searching the library on campus for a comprehensive history of Morgan State University and could not find it, but former Morgan State University Regent and Dean Emeritus Dr. Burney J. Hollis found the story of the founders of the university.

In that story, one of the university’s founders, Rev. Samuel Green Sr., received a 10-year sentence in the Baltimore City Penitentiary in 1857 for possessing a copy of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which had been deemed illegal abolitionist propaganda. (Maryland was a slave-owning state.)

Upon his release in 1862, Green promised to blaze a trail to educate the formerly enslaved population in Maryland. Along with Rev. Benjamin Brown, Rev. Elijah Grissom, Rev. James Harper, and Rev. James Peck, Green founded what is now known as Morgan State University.

According to Travis Mitchell, the senior vice president and chief content officer for Maryland Public Television, this story highlights the need to tell stories about the nation’s HBCUs.

“This is the reason why we must be tireless about telling and sharing the HBCU story,” Mitchell told Afro News. “When we tell our story, not only do we remember who we are, but we empower a new generation of young people with the knowledge of who they are called to become. We inspire and ignite history in the making. Morgan is only one of 107 HBCUs, and each school has thousands upon thousands of untold stories in its history, students, and alumni.”

The film’s writer and producer, Morgan State University’s Inaugural Dean Emeritus DeWayne Wickham, led a group of 37 students in Morgan State’s School of Global Journalism and Communication Center for New Media and Strategic Initiatives as they filmed the documentary, which runs 37 minutes. Wickham founded the National Association of Black Journalists and applauded the students who worked hard at creating the documentary ahead of the screening.

“This project that culminated in this film you are about to see is the work of not just my own effort, but the effort of others who have been working with me,” Wickham said. “I pushed these young people, and oftentimes they pushed back. We got a lot done, in a short period of time.”

Before the screening, Mfume recalled his time working at Maryland Public Television as a janitor and the impact Morgan State University had on his life.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to study or if I could afford to study anything,” Mfume said. “I was a teenage parent when I first heard about Morgan, so when I got there in my early twenties, it was like a dream come true. It did for me then what it continues to do for so many young people now. That is to meet them where they are, lift them up, and remind them that they are indeed somebody.”