• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 16, 2023

Florida Bill Attacks DEI Programs, Puts Black Fraternities and Sororities At Risk

---

A bill in Florida has its eyes set on Black fraternities and sororities.

The Hill reports that HB 999 would ban any program promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at the college level throughout the state. Language in the bill claims colleges will lose financial support for “any program or campus activities that espouse diversity, equity, or inclusion or Critical Race Theory rhetoric.”

The bill was passed by the Florida House earlier this week and the state Senate debated the proposed legislation on Wednesday.

Organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi are concerned that chapters may disappear due to this bill. State representatives who are Greek letter members, like Sen. Shevrin Jones (D-FL.), who called the bill “vague” on Instagram Live.

“HBCUs or other institutions period who have Black fraternities and sororities on their campuses can practically say we will no longer be supporting you on our campuses based off of this law,” she said. 

As news circulated about the bill, it went viral on Twitter with a list of everything that could be affected.

what the hell??? pic.twitter.com/1P1VTGSdCU

— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) March 14, 2023

The legislation was introduced Rep. Alex Andrade (R-FL) who follows the conservative agenda led by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, that limits discussions on race, gender identity and sexuality in schools.

However, some leaders say Andrade didn’t think this through.

Rep. Yvonne Hinson (D-FL) claims cutting funding for these “activities” will affect the faculty as well, meaning there is another problem to face. “Frankly faculty that is paid by the university may not be able to be faculty advisers to these groups. They won’t be,” Hinson said, according to WPTV. “Even if they will, this is going to intimidate them and create a chilling effect.”

Andrade attempted to ease the concerns of Hinson, a Greek letter organization member, that Black fraternities and sororities won’t be affected, saying “those student groups can continue to operate how they see fit currently” and will be subjected only to the policies and procedures that are content “neutral.” Jones said members should watch their backs.

• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 16, 2023

Zeta Phi Beta Member Makes History as the First Black President of the Graphic Artists Guild

---

Yanique DaCosta, a Jamaican-born graphic designer and advocate for diversity and inclusivity in design, has made history as the first Black President of the Graphic Artists Guild and Vice President of the International Council of Design (ICoD).

DaCosta has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. since 2009, when she joined at Florida Atlantic University. She has been advocating for diversity in design long before joining the Graphic Artists Guild leadership in 2014. Her leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in design have earned her a reputation as a respected leader in the industry.

As the President of the Graphic Artists Guild, a professional organization that represents and advocates for graphic artists, illustrators, and designers in the United States, DaCosta is the first Black president in the Guild’s history. She has been on a mission to improve diversity in its leadership and membership and has made significant strides in achieving this goal.

In addition to her work with the Guild, DaCosta is also the Vice President of the International Council of Design (ICoD), an international non-governmental organization headquartered in Montreal, Canada. ICoD is the world’s largest representative of professional designer entities and has been advocating for the value of design and improving the situation of individual designers worldwide since its inception in 1963.

DaCosta’s commitment to promoting diversity and advocating for the rights of graphic artists, illustrators, and designers has made her a trailblazer in the industry. She is also the owner and Creative Director of YKMD, a reliable outsourced graphic design services company that provides a Monthly Graphic Design Subscription Service for Corporate Event Marketers & Trade Event Planners.

DaCosta’s achievements as the first Black President of the Graphic Artists Guild and Vice President of the International Council of Design have broken barriers and opened doors for underrepresented groups in the design industry. Her leadership and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in design continue to inspire and empower designers worldwide.

To learn more about the YKMD, the Graphic Artists Guild, the International Council of Design or Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and what these organizations have in the works, please visit their websites listed below.

Website:

YKMD – https://theykmd.com/

Graphic Artists Guild – https://graphicartistsguild.org/

International Council of Design – https://www.theicod.org/

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – https://zphib1920.org/

General Motors unveils a new marketing campaign spotlighting the brand’s sponsorship of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through an intentional, authentic, and culturally relevant storyline.

“We understand that representation matters as we strive to be the most inclusive company in the world,” said Tarshena Armstrong, GM director of Diversity Marketing and Development. “We wanted to show the stories that few get to witness: the lesser-known athletes, scientists, engineers, artists, musicians and makers who all help to write the next powerful chapter of the SWAC’s legacy, all while featuring our amazing Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.”

Created by the award-winning creative agency Majority, directed by Grammy-winning directorAlan Ferguson and featuring a soundtrack called “Stay On It” by legendary Black composer Julius Eastman, diverse talent cumulated to produce the “Make History” campaign. Filmed on Southern University and Prairie View A&M University campuses, the campaign shows students and alumni displaying their HBCU pride while voiceover of southern hip-hop legend Scarface poetically conveys the SWAC experience: “We are past, present and future, all in one. Because the best way to honor our history is to make history.”

“We wanted to push beyond the expected in order to honor the full legacy and contributions of the SWAC, as well as the continuing legacy being written today,” said Asmirh Davis, Founding Partner and Chief Strategy Officer, Majority. “This commercial also honors the proud tradition of marching bands and major athletics that typically come to mind when you think about SWAC, including Hall of Fame quarterback and Grambling State legend Doug Williams.”

The 30-second “Make History” commercial will air nationally during SWAC sporting broadcasts starting March 11 on ESPN+ and ESPNU running throughout 2023. The integrated campaign also includes digital, social and print.

GM selected Majority as its creative agency of record for diversity marketing initiatives in 2022 as it laid out its vision for an all-electric future with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com/.

Majority is the award-winning creative agency co-founded in 2021 by Shaquille O’Neal and Omid Farhang. Majority combines a multicultural talent model with general market capabilities, on the belief that diversity is the ultimate competitive advantage for ideas that land in culture. To learn more about Majority, visit https://majorityagency.com.

Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac houses, proudly unveils the latest chapter in its “Soar Beyond the Expected” campaign, centered around the remarkable story of prolific artist and pioneer in Black, women’s and art history, Loïs Mailou Jones. In a new spot narrated by Martell partner and world-renowned musician, actor and artist, Janelle Monáe, Martell sheds light on Jones’ legacy and artwork. While widely celebrated today, in post-war Paris, Jones only entered and received praise by American exhibitions under the guise of a white woman. Nearly 100 years later, Jones’ story and life work serves as the inspiration for Martell’s latest commitment to empower and uplift the next generation of creatives.

Loïs Mailou Jones was the longest-surviving artist of the Harlem Renaissance who attained fame while living in Paris during the 1930s and 1940s. Influenced by the movement, Jones’ established a Parisian-style salon upon her stateside return, dubbed ‘The Little Paris Group’, where local Black artists and students could thrive creatively, hone their skills and exchange critiques. Often surrounded by influential identities such as presidents, world leaders and prominent figures like Langston Hughes, Josephine Baker and Carter G. Woodson, Jones was a multi-hyphenate talent who championed African American art and the Black Diaspora throughout her decades-long career as a pioneer painter and educator.

On March 23^rd at The Bishop Gallery, a Black-owned art gallery in Brooklyn, Martell’s Little Paris Group will deliver on the mission of Jones’ historic salon and resurrect the original Little Paris Group in 2023. The space will follow the same principles that Jones established years ago, alongside mentors of both traditional and modern art disciplines to produce a creative hub that uplifts artists and provides them with a sense of community and artistic advancement.

Featuring workshops by leading artists spanning traditional and modern art disciplines, Emonee Larussa, Blue the Great and Sophia Victor, the space is designed to allow up and coming artists to evolve artistically and personally as Jones intended. An archival selection of Loïs Mailou Jones’ artworks and artifacts, featuring pieces from throughout her career and historic items from the original Little Paris Group, licensed from The Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noel Trust, will also be on display for artists to draw inspiration.

“As an artist myself, I am honored to join Martell in the revival of The Little Paris Group,” said Monáe. Pioneers like Jones have paved the way for many women and artists who walk in similar shoes today. It is important that we shine a spotlight on her experiences and mission to build spaces, like her historic salon, that are designed to uplift and create a dialogue to inspire the future of creativity.”

Since the founding of Martell, the cognac producer has been pushing the boundaries of possibility, as embodied by a category first: Martell Blue Swift. As the first cognac house to ship its barrels to America in 1793, Martell is committed to driving positive change and celebrating those – like Jones – who boldly redefine convention to benefit the many instead of conforming to codes that favor the few. In this spirit, the brand is investing in Janelle Monáe’s Fem the Future platform, as well as the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, to fund projects that continue to advance opportunities and education for BIPOC women.

“Like the ‘Swift’ that adorns each bottle and flies more than 350 miles per day, Martell Blue Swift is crafted for those who soar higher, those who – like Loïs Mailou Jones – have redefined convention and cultivated their own way forward in the face of adversity,” says Charlotte Raux, Senior Brand Manager, Martell Cognac at Pernod Ricard USA. “The impact of Jones uniquely reminds us that Black History is an important part of Women’s History. In honoring and understanding this truth, Martell stands as a brand that celebrates Black History and uplifts all women to soar beyond the expected.”

Today, despite the odds, Jones is historically recognized as the longest-surviving artist of the Harlem Renaissance and her works have been acquired by several U.S. museums. Jones’ teachings have lived on as she remains an important role model for other African American artists.

Aspiring artists aged 21+ in the tri-state area interested in the one-day-only workshops can learn more about how to apply for one of the limited seats by clicking here: www.MartellLittleParisGroup.com. To learn more about Martell or the Little Paris Group, visit https://www.martell.com/en-us or follow at @martellusa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Sonia Coleman has been named Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of The Walt Disney Company, effective April 8, it was announced by Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer. Coleman, who most recently has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, succeeds Paul Richardson, who is leaving the company after more than 15 years at Disney.

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Coleman will report directly to Iger and will be responsible for leading Disney’s human resources strategy, global talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, and global security.

“Sonia is widely respected across the company as a gifted leader and strong advocate for our employees,” Iger said. “Her proven expertise leading the human resources function for our general entertainment businesses and ESPN during a period of unprecedented transformation makes her the perfect choice to lead this function company-wide as we implement our new operating structure and position Disney to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. I also want to extend my thanks to Paul Richardson for his many years of service to the company and his contributions to numerous ongoing initiatives, including our Heroes Work Here veterans hiring program.”

“It is truly an honor to be named to this role, and I am grateful for the confidence that Bob has placed in me,” Coleman said. “Disney is unrivaled because of the talent, dedication, and enthusiasm of our cast members and employees. They are the key to our success, and I look forward to being their greatest champion, in partnership with our exceptional HR teams around the world, as we move forward through the important company-wide transformation underway that will truly empower the people behind the magic of Disney.”

In her most recent role, Coleman has been responsible for employee development and engagement, recruitment and compensation, organizational development, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for both ESPN and the general entertainment portfolio of businesses at Disney Entertainment, which include ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Televisions Stations, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios (20th Television, ABC Signature, 20th Television Animation and Walt Disney Television Alternative), Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content, and Onyx Collective.

Prior to that, Coleman served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Disney General Entertainment from 2017. She also served as Vice President, Human Resources for the company from May 2016 and in that capacity oversaw HR strategy, change management initiatives, organizational development and engagement strategies for Disney’s Corporate, enterprise and cross-functional employees, and served as the lead HR business partner to the company’s senior corporate executives. She was also responsible for employee relations for the company.

Coleman joined Disney in 2008 as Vice President, Human Resources, Disney Consumer Products, a role she held for eight years. Before Disney, Coleman worked at The Children’s Place from 2004 to 2008, where she held several strategic HR roles; and The Home Depot from 1992 to 2004, where she served as the strategic HR leader during a period of large-scale change and complex organizational transformation.

Coleman has a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership from Chapman University and a Master of Science degree in human resource management from Florida International University.

In honor of the 3rd annual National Curl Crush Day on March 16, Carol’s Daughter is inviting everyone to join the #CurlCrushChallenge and post a selfie (old or new) of your gorgeous curls, kinks, and coils, to celebrate  how far we’ve come in the journey of loving and embracing our natural hair. Tag @carolsdaughter and use the hashtags #NationalCurlCrushDay #CurlCrushChallenge for a chance to win a year supply of your favorite Carol’s Daughter products and The Lip Bar‘s best-selling products which include the Gloss Up Sheer Gloss in “Goddess,” a Beauty Bundle, and the Double Duty Brush Kit.

Carol’s Daughter, the pioneer, natural hair care brand, established Curl Crush Day in 2021 to empower everyone to embrace their curls and be their OWN #curlcrush after a  survey found that 82% of Black women experience “curl envy” or wishing their hair looked like someone else’s.

“I learned from my mom that I would not ever be happy with what is beautiful and wonderful about me if I was always comparing myself to others. That is one of the reasons why this day is so important to me. We must love ourselves as we are. Celebrate who and what we are today. Without that foundation, we will not get stronger or better,” said Carol’s Daughter Founder, Lisa Price.

Get those crush-worthy curls with Carol’s Daughter’s best-selling Goddess Strength Collection, made to help you showcase your inner goddess. To help you reach even greater heights and lengths in your hair care journey, the line is expanding with its newest addition, True Stretch Cream. This elongation cream, blended with Castor Oil, Black Cumin Seed, and Ginger, stretches, and defines hair for up to 48 hours!

The Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Collection, including the new True Stretch Cream, is available now at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

Today, industry veteran and former president of Tyler Perry Studios Michelle Sneed, announces the launch of A Few Good Women Productions. As a full-service content studio combining the attributes of a traditional film studio with that of a production company, A Few Good Women Productions embraces projects driven by complex and dynamic characters who represent diverse people, places, cultures and concepts with the belief “that as long as there’s a great story and vision, we can make it come to life.” Led by an all-women team, A Few Good Women Productions is a first-of-its kind model with the ability to green light and maintain project autonomy through every phase of acquisition, development, financing, production, licensing and distribution.

“We’re building the space that we’ve always wanted to be a part of, where the most authentic, innovative, and diverse talents – both in front of and behind the camera – can shine and we, as a highly experienced all-women executive team can level the playing field by provisioning the deserved compensation, equity and credit currency for those who look like us and beyond,” said Michelle Sneed, Founder and CEO of A Few Good Women Productions. “The power to greenlight and underwrite diverse projects through a premium lens with high integrity deal making starts at the top and is mission critical to the future and standing of multicultural executives, creatives, producers and storytellers.”

ounder and CEO Michelle Sneed is a seasoned industry executive with over 17 years of experience in television and film production. As the first woman president of Tyler Perry Studios, Sneed oversaw production for all film, television and new media projects. During her tenure in this role, she led the launches of and executive produced several new series resulting in over 450 episodes of television as well as three feature films including the top-rated BET and BET+ series “Sistas, “The Oval,” “Ruthless,” “Bruh” and “All The Queen’s Men”; the Nickelodeon series “Young Dylan”; Netflix films “A Fall From Grace,” “A Madea Homecoming” and “A Jazzman’s Blues.” Prior to this, Sneed served as director of physical production for BET Networks where she oversaw and executed multiple scripted, docufilms and live shows including the coveted BET Awards and the critically acclaimed late night talk show, “The Rundown With Robin Thede.”

A graduate of Michigan State University, Sneed is a member of the Producers Guild of America and serves on the Board of Governors for the Paley Center as well as the Dream Chasers Foundation.  She is also the recipient of the 2022 Girls With Gifts “Givers Award” and has been recognized multiple times by The Hollywood Reporter on their Women In Entertainment Power 100 list as well as Essence Magazine’s Black Women In Hollywood.

For more information on A Few Good Women Productions visit https://afewgoodwomen.com

Black Brilliance Research (BBR) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded an Internet for All Grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. BBR won the grant in partnership with the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) for the Connect Across Tacoma project. The funding, part of the administration’s commitment to expanding internet access in underserved communities, will provide Black Brilliance Research with nearly $3 million to support its efforts to promote digital equity and inclusion.

The Connect Across Tacoma project distributes laptops to in-need students and members of the Tacoma community through the Black Brilliance Research Project, enrolls households with Internet subscriptions, and provides Digital Stewards to train digital literacy in the community. These digital equity initiatives align with the vision of Governor Jay Inslee, who has been aggressively working to ensure all Washingtonians have digital access.

The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All Initiative to connect everyone in the United States with affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service. This program directs $268 million from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 for expanding high-speed Internet access and connectivity to eligible HBCUs, Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and other Minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The BBR and UWT team was awarded $2.9 million from this fund.

“We are honored to receive this grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program and to be recognized for our work promoting digital equity and inclusion,” said Shaun Glaze, Lead Researcher and Director of Black Brilliance Research. “This funding will allow us to continue our efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age.”

Black Brilliance Research intentionally amplifies the power of lived experience to create a world where everyone can thrive. The team is a Black-led collaboration of community members and organizations in Seattle, Washington, and surrounding areas. BBR assembled during the George Floyd uprisings to center the Black community in conversations about Black liberation. This grant will feature the work of teams in Tacoma and Pierce County in Washington.

“We believe that access to the internet is a basic human right and that everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in the digital economy,” said Chris Webb, M.S.I. “This grant will help us to expand our reach and empower us to continue our work training community members to create their own digital and economic futures.”

The Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All Grants program is part of the American Rescue Plan, which includes more than $175 million in funding to expand internet access and digital equity initiatives in underserved communities nationwide.

“We are inspired by the Detroit Community Technology Project, a Black-led national leader and originator in community-based technology and digital equity. We’re excited to collaborate with them and other core partners like The Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, Harriet Tubman Foundation for Safe  Passage, Local Connectivity Lab, and the University of Washington Tacoma in this work.”

Chris Webb (he/him) leads the BBR Digital Equity Team and is a faculty member in the STEM+B Department of Seattle Central College. He leads the Digital Stewards training program and internships. He has 12 years of experience teaching digital and information literacy in community and university settings. His experience includes two NSF-funded projects, a PIT-UN grant, and local grants funded by the Marguerite Casey Foundation and the City of Seattle.

The UWT work will be directed by Emma Slager (they/them), assistant professor in the School of Urban Studies. Slager has partnered with BBR on previous projects on digital equity and worked with the Detroit Community Technology Project in Detroit, MI.

For more information about Black Brilliance Research and its work to promote digital equity and inclusion, visit https://www.blackbrillianceresearch.com/home.

SOURCE Black Brilliance Research

KISS Colors & Care, an award-winning textured hair brand, is thrilled to announce its partnership with the talented rapper and actor Bow Wow. Bow Wow will represent the brand’s men’s hair accessories collection for the second year.

After a successful partnership in 2022 that featured five exclusive men’s grooming products for textured hair, the brand has extended its contract with the rapper and has launched the new Twist King – Dense Twist Styler this year. Twist King-Dense is an extension of the brand’s coveted Twist King Twist Styler. The new hair tool features a dense curved shape specifically designed for shorter hair to define smaller twists, coils, and curls.

“It is an honor to be partnered with Kiss Colors and Care, a company that continues to be a driving force within the hair and personal care industry with innovative products that exceed all expectations. I look forward to another successful year of working to make 2023 even better than the last,” said Bow Wow (Shad Moss).

“Working with Bow Wow has been a privilege for us here at KISS. He has been a great partner and an integral part of the brand. We are looking forward to another amazing year for our Colors & Care men’s grooming line with Bow Wow as our spokesperson.” says Annette DeVita-Goldstein, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at KISS Products.

The new Twist King – Dense is available at Walmart.com ($11.97) and KISSColors.com ($13.69), as are the existing KISS Colors & Care X Bow Wow products.

SOURCE KISS Colors & Care

The University of Massachusetts announced the first residence hall at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) will be dedicated in honor of Chancellor Emeritus Dr. J. Keith Motley and former first lady Angela Motley. The Motleys were the driving force in expanding the university’s on-campus residential experience.

Dr. Motley, the first Black chancellor in the history of UMass Boston, presided over unprecedented growth and rebuilding of the campus between 2007 and 2017. Now serving as a distinguished professor in UMass Boston’s College of Management, he joined UMass Boston in 2003 as vice chancellor for student affairs, continuing to serve the university and its students in various capacities until his appointment to chancellor. As chancellor, he was a relentless champion for equity while leveraging his vast experience in educational leadership and administration to define and execute a strategic plan that prioritized elevating academic offerings and research initiatives, as well as overseeing a 25-year campus master plan. Angela Motley played a critical role during Dr. Motley’s tenure, supporting fundraising efforts and making service and student mentorship a hallmark of her time at the university.

University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan, who recommended this historic naming effort to the Board of Trustees, said, “The Motleys, Keith through his leadership and Angela through her dedicated volunteer work, left a lasting legacy at UMass Boston. The creation of UMass Boston’s first-ever student residence halls and dining complex had a special significance for Chancellor Motley, as this project, which was approved on his watch, brought together Keith’s commitment to students and student services, his belief that on-campus housing drives student success and his desire to see UMass Boston grow and bring together students from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe.”

“The Motleys have made a profound impact on our campus, building a legacy that is helping to propel us into the future,” said UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “It is perfectly fitting that the first on-campus residence will bear their names, for they were the leading advocates for creating the fullest possible student experience.”

Dr. Motley’s vision for the university included replacing and elevating much of the campus infrastructure and creating a two-building residential community for students on campus. That vision was realized when UMass Boston’s first residence/dining complex opened in 2018, a public-private partnership. The opening of the state-of-the-art facility, which houses more than 1,000 students, marked the first time in the university’s history that students would be able to live and learn on campus. The soon-to-be-named Dr. J Keith and Angela Motley Hall provides housing for first-year students, flexible living and learning spaces, and a venue for fostering a stronger on-campus educational experience.

“My wife Angela and I are deeply honored by the recognition,” said Dr. Motley. “UMass Boston is a special university, a diverse and energetic hub for learning and opportunity, and the residence hall has added an important dimension to campus life while helping the university draw students from nearby and all over the globe. I’m grateful to President Meehan and the UMass Board of Trustees for emblazing Angela’s and my name on a building that symbolizes so much to me and means so much to the university.”

University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan, who recommended this historic naming effort to the Board of Trustees, said, “The Motleys, Keith through his leadership and Angela through her dedicated volunteer work, left a lasting legacy at UMass Boston. The creation of UMass Boston’s first-ever student residence halls and dining complex had a special significance for Chancellor Motley, as this project, which was approved on his watch, brought together Keith’s commitment to students and student services, his belief that on-campus housing drives student success and his desire to see UMass Boston grow and bring together students from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe.”

“The Motleys have made a profound impact on our campus, building a legacy that is helping to propel us into the future,” said UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “It is perfectly fitting that the first on-campus residence will bear their names, for they were the leading advocates for creating the fullest possible student experience.”

Dr. Motley’s vision for the university included replacing and elevating much of the campus infrastructure and creating a two-building residential community for students on campus. That vision was realized when UMass Boston’s first residence/dining complex opened in 2018, a public-private partnership. The opening of the state-of-the-art facility, which houses more than 1,000 students, marked the first time in the university’s history that students would be able to live and learn on campus. The soon-to-be-named Dr. J Keith and Angela Motley Hall provides housing for first-year students, flexible living and learning spaces, and a venue for fostering a stronger on-campus educational experience.

“My wife Angela and I are deeply honored by the recognition,” said Dr. Motley. “UMass Boston is a special university, a diverse and energetic hub for learning and opportunity, and the residence hall has added an important dimension to campus life while helping the university draw students from nearby and all over the globe. I’m grateful to President Meehan and the UMass Board of Trustees for emblazing Angela’s and my name on a building that symbolizes so much to me and means so much to the university.”

“For many years UMass Boston was our home away from home, and in interacting with thousands of students at events and activities large and small I saw firsthand the transformational power of the university,” said Angela Motley. “The residence hall has been a dream of ours realized, and to have it named after us is both deeply humbling and gratifying.”

Since the conclusion of Dr. Motley’s tenure as chancellor the Motleys have remained committed to UMass Boston and its students. In 2018, the Dr. J. Keith Motley Chair for Sports Leadership & Administration at UMass Boston was endowed with a $5 million pledge from New Balance, funding a new sports management and leadership bachelor of arts program. He continues to serve the university as a distinguished professor in UMass Boston’s College of Management.

Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey said, “It’s hard to think of anyone more deserving of this honor than the Motleys. They saw great potential in UMass Boston, and they went above and beyond to turn their dreams for the campus into reality. Generations of students and faculty, as well as our entire Commonwealth, will benefit from their efforts.”

Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said, “UMass Boston and its students have had no bigger champion than Keith Motley. The vision, persistence, and passion that he brought to the table — with the sole purpose of expanding opportunity for people — was unparalleled. His legacy can be seen in the both the physical transformation of the campus and in the dreams realized by thousands of UMass Boston graduates.”

“Bringing student housing to UMass Boston was a bold initiative built on Chancellor Motley’s belief that students at Boston’s only public research university, one of the most diverse universities in the nation, deserved the same campus life options as those at the city’s other major universities,” said UMass Board of Trustees Chair Stephen Karam. “It has been inspiring to see that vision become reality.”

“The construction of the residence hall and dining complex has been a game-changer for UMass Boston and an enduring reminder of the leadership of Chancellor Motley and the selfless dedication to student success of Angela Motley,” said UMass Trustee Mary Burns, who chairs the UMass Building Authority, which managed the financing and construction of the facilities. “The Building Authority is thrilled that this facility will bear the names of these two champions of UMass Boston and its students.”

“One need look no further for a definition of intentional, committed and moral service than the example set by Keith Motley and his spouse Angela during his more than two-decade tenure with the University,” said Dr. Marcellette G. Williams, Past Chancellor of UMass Amherst; and former UMass System Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and International Relations. “Keith and Angela not only understand service as an essential element in one’s lifelong learning but they also model with their lives the truth that serving bestows to our persons the full currency of the human phenomenon. Theirs is a powerful legacy that complements Keith’s oft-recited description of UMass Boston as a research university with a teaching soul.”

 Elected officials, dignitaries, and leaders from across Massachusetts will join the UMass community at the building dedication ceremony on Friday, April 28th at 11:00 A.M. on the UMass Boston campus.