Black Businesses Seeking Fair Share of $310 Billion COVID-19 Relief Funds Must Listen To This Podcast
One of the best podcasts for black businesses seeking to access funds from the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans for small companies to keep workers on payrolls in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been recently released by retired Harvard Business School professor Steven S. Rogers.
Hosted by his daughter, Ariel, a regional vice president for the fintech company nCino, the engaging, accessible program, “How Black Business Can Survive COVID-19,” was produced by the nationally renowned expert on entrepreneurial finance who owned and managed two manufacturing firms and a retail operation. Rogers is deeply concerned that the African American business community “will be left out” of getting its fair share of billions in COVID-19 relief dollars.
It’s not too late for black-owned firms to apply for emergency small business loans. Many entrepreneurs missed out on the first round of financing when the $350 billion allocated for PPP under the CARES Act was depleted in less than two weeks after its April 3rd launch.
Moreover, major publicly traded restaurant companies like Shake Shake, Sweetgreen, and Ruth’s Hospitality Group, which operates the 100-restaurant Ruth’s Chris Steak House chain, used the program to secure $10 million loans for their subsidiaries—an act Rogers describes as “a display of despicability on their part … I hope that the negative publicity will also result in banks being a little more dedicated to the spirit of the program.” (Those companies had recently announced that they have given back PPP funds.)
“Black firms should have received 5% of the funding in the first tranche because 5% of black firms received SBA financing in 2019. Therefore, $17 billion should have gone to black companies at this point. I would not be surprised if black-owned firms have only gained $1 billion,” Rogers says, citing that 1.6 million loans have been distributed to small businesses with an average financing of $300,000.
The House and Senate this week approved a $484 billion supplemental relief package—$310 billion of which will be applied to replenish the SBA loan program. Rogers maintains that House Democrats “rightfully held up” the legislation to adopt new provisions that include financial institutions “that have a stronger history of being friends to black business owners.”
For instance, the new measure sets aside $60 billion for small and mid-sized community-based lenders like some found on Black Enterprise’s BE 100s Banks list; credit unions; and CDFIs (community financial development institutions). Among the 2,500 or so entities within the CDFI category, he suggests that black entrepreneurs reach out to those organizations that target investment within black communities: the 35-member Alliance of African American CDFI CEOs and the seven-member Expanding Black Business Credit Initiative.
He also believes African American entrepreneurs face a heavier burden in the filing process due to the fact that 95% of the roughly 2 million black-owned businesses are sole proprietorships.
“In the PPP program, the requirements for sole proprietorships are not the same as those for companies with employees. For companies with employees, the payroll calculations include health insurance payments as well as pension and 401(K) contributions. Those items are not allowed for sole proprietors,” he explains.
He also cites that sole proprietors must submit a 2019 tax return with a completed Schedule C Form, or the profit and loss statement. Those applicants will determine the loan amount in which they qualify by dividing the profit or loss figure on line 31 of Schedule C by 12 to calculate the average monthly compensation figure and then multiply that figure by 2.5.
Rogers maintains that black entrepreneurs should not be intimidated by the application process. As such, he believes there must be a movement to encourage and assist black entrepreneurs in aggressively pursuing PPP loans. “This is an extraordinary action by our government to provide small business financing that are actually grants. We must get churches, civil rights organizations, fraternities, sororities, and groups like the Harvard Business School African American Alumni to help entrepreneurs submit applications,” he says.
“It is not enough to announce the availability of the money. We have to actually help people submit applications for this money. We have to micromanage the process.”
On the podcast, Rogers takes business owners through each step of the process.
Trump Suggests Light, Bleach Can Help Coronavirus Patients But Medical Experts Say No
President Donald Trump suggested scientists should investigate whether they could inject coronavirus patients with light or bleach as a treatment.
According to Forbes, Trump began throwing out hypothetical ideas of “bringing the light inside the body” or using disinfectants “by injection inside or almost a cleaning.” However, Dr. Deborah Birx, one of the health experts on the task force, said she’s never heard of applying light or heat to a patient.
“As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines,” said a statement issued by Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Lysol.
The National Library of Medicine says injecting bleach can cause acute kidney damage and blood clots. Clinical Toxicology published a paper detailing what happened when a teenager intentionally drank bleach.
“She experienced chest pain and fever after several vomiting episodes and esophagoscopy,” the paper said. “The patient received intensive care and underwent delayed esophageal repair and colonic transplant. She was discharged 12 weeks after admission.”
Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and NBC News medical analyst, told the network Thursday “This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible and it’s dangerous … It’s a common method that people utilize when they want to kill themselves.”
Trump also challenged Dr. Anthony Fauci, also part of the coronavirus task force Thursday. When asked about Dr. Fauci’s statement that the country needs to “ramp up not only the number of tests but the capacity to actually perform them,” Trump responded, saying “I don’t agree with him.”
As the press conference went on, Trump also denied a claim he stopped promoting hydroxychloroquine as a coronavirus treatment. Dr. Fauci and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said a study with military veterans using the drug showed no benefits. However, Trump claimed he had “not seen” the study.
Atlanta Mayor Receives Racist Text Calling her the N-Word Because She Opposes Georgia Businesses Reopening
Feelings are very strong in Georgia because of the reopening of certain businesses during the coronavirus pandemic with many people opposing the decision. In the midst of speaking out against it, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has received a racist text message that simply stated, “N—, just shut up and RE-OPEN ATLANTA!” according to The Grio.
The Atlanta mayor posted the text on her Twitter account for all the world to see.
With my daughter looking over my shoulder, I received this message on my phone. I pray for you.
“Conscientious stupidity or sincere ignorance.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr. pic.twitter.com/dOimv9sdN3
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to allow beauty salons, barbershops, and tattoo parlors, and other businesses to reopen has caused serious health concerns from Lance Bottoms. Even President Donald Trump weighed in on Kemp reopening earlier than needed.
“I told Georgia’s Governor Kemp that I strongly disagree with his decision to open certain facilitates which are in violation of phase one of the guidelines … but at the same time he has to do what he thinks is right,” Trump said.
“I feel that we are still empowered to use our voices and to use our common sense, and that’s what I will continue to do as mayor,” Lance Bottoms said to Atlanta’s 11Alive.
“And I have a good working relationship with the governor and I know that that will continue, but on this, we disagree,” the mayor shared. “And his authority as governor is what it is, and it certainly supersedes my authority as mayor on paper — but it doesn’t supersede my voice, and I will continue to use my voice to urge our communities, our business owners, and our residents to stay in.”
Two of Atlanta’s hip-hop elite have also voiced their concern for black people heading out to these businesses in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jermaine Dupri took to Instagram to say, “I know everybody tired of being cooped in the house, but on some real sh*t man don’t die cause you’re bored,” he said. “All I’m saying is people don’t fall for the okie doke.”
While Killer Mike tells TMZ Live, “At this time, as a business, we aren’t comfortable opening,” he continued. “So, we’re gonna wait a while before we reopen because, in our community … there are more of us who are dying, unfortunately.“
Stimulus Check Scams Are on the Rise Amid COVID-19
There’s always someone looking to get over on others. And it appears that the $2 trillion bill put in place for the economic relief of those impacted by COVID-19 set off a nationwide alarm for stimulus check scams. Since April, the Federal Trade Commission has reported that the number of fraud claims has quadrupled since April.
To date, more than 80 million Americans have received funds from the stimulus plan through direct deposits into their bank accounts. Millions more are waiting for a check in the mail. And then there are those who have had their money stolen by cybercriminals who have digitally intercepted their funds on the internet.
A recent article by The New York Times shares the stories of people who have fallen victim to unemployment benefit fraud and those who have had their stimulus funds stolen online. And unfortunately, they are horror stories of how working-class Americans who are in desperate need of financial assistance had their Social Security and other personal data stolen and sold on dark web stores. With the government creating online portals for people to input their personal information to check the status of when they will receive their funds, cybercriminals have compromised the sites by hacking them.
From the NY Times:
Over the last month, 4,305 malicious website domains were set up to take advantage of people looking for new forms of government support, according to the security firm Check Point. The fake sites, with names like whereismystimulus and 2020reliefprogram, generally ask people to input their personal data with the promise that they can get information about their checks. But hackers then use the data against those who fall for the trick.
Many Americans have received emails, phone calls, and have seen countless phony informational posts on social media from fraudsters. The Times also reported that fraudsters, “distribute malware and get people to divulge their bank information and other data, which can then be used to defraud the same people.” And Google said it intercepted 18 million such emails last week.
As Americans wait anxiously to receive funds, the Secret Service and the Treasury Department are now warning people about counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks. Americans applying for unemployment are also being cautioned to be attentive about the information that they share online when applying as fraudsters are intercepting data from unemployment benefit sites.
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Announces $6 Million COVID-19 Relief Initiative
Since the start of the COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, pandemic, celebrities and the wealthy elite have been coming together with nonprofit partnerships and their own organizations to help those impacted by the public health crisis. Beyoncé is one of the many known names who has stepped up her charitable efforts to offer relief during a difficult time.
It was announced this week that Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is working with her nonprofit organization, BeyGOOD, for a new initiative aimed at lending a helping hand to those on the front lines to make sure they receive the essentials while saving our nation’s most vulnerable communities during the public health crisis.
“Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” a rep for the singer said in a statement. “In our major cities, African Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis.”
Beyoncé’s organization has also partnered with Twitter founder Jack Dorsey’s Start Small effort and UCLA to provide $6 million to fund organizations offering physical and mental health services along with food assistance. The initiative will also be collaborating with the National Alliance in Mental Illness to provide help in cities with large black populations that are being affected by the coronavirus, such as Houston, New York City, New Orleans, and Detroit.
In addition to her own initiative, Beyoncé participated in ABC’s The Disney Family Singalong, where she surprised fans by singing “When You Wish Upon a Star” from the 1940 animated film Pinocchio. She dedicated her performance “to all of the healthcare workers who’ve been working tirelessly to keep us healthy and safe.”
She recently shared a new video discussing the virus’ effects on the African American community with Global Citizen.
Black Women Are Taking the Lead at Pfizer to Improve Health Disparities in Our Communities
Despite the scenic beauty of Dominica, the women who reside on this Eastern Caribbean island nation are among those who have the highest risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. In fact, the women of Dominica who reach the age of 52 are twice as likely to get the disease as women in the United States.
Ann-Marie La Ronde-Richard, Ph.D., however, has made it her mission to help address the risk that has impacted her native island. Working as the Patient Engagement Lead in the Internal Medicine Research Unit at Pfizer’s Cambridge, Massachusetts, research and development site, she is highly attuned to what is required to connect the perspectives and needs of diverse patients with scientists charged with exploring novel breakthrough therapies that have the potential to change patients’ lives.
By partnering with patients, La Ronde-Richard helps research teams better understand the unmet needs and research priorities, and optimize clinical study design and endpoint selection. Marrying her occupational focus with her passion for service has led to the creation of the Dominican Health and Education Initiative, a nonprofit organization to aid her island. As La Ronde-Richard has unequivocally stated, she’s determined to “improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities,” including those in her homeland.
Dedicated professionals like La Ronde-Richard represent the type of diverse employee that Pfizer covets in its talent recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts. By doing so, Pfizer has the opportunity to gain rich, unique perspectives and experiences necessary for the biopharmaceutical giant to engage in more innovative research of the array of pernicious, life-threatening diseases, develop new, revolutionary therapies and effectively communicate to a range of patients, including people of color.
Pfizer needs individuals like La Ronde-Richard and other women of color who will ensure its commitment to the advancement of the health status of communities of color across the globe.
There are black women like La Ronde-Richard who are valuable assets to Pfizer—we will share the stories of three other dynamic professionals—making significant contributions to the company’s innovation and community-connectedness. It begins with how Pfizer’s leadership team designs a corporate culture that fosters diversity, inclusion, belonging, and authenticity.
Pfizer’s focus on embedding these characteristics as part of its DNA comes at a time when corporate America still has much work to do ensuring that African Americans have equal access to opportunities for mobility as other groups.
Recently, Pfizer co-sponsored a groundbreaking study by the Center for Talent Innovation entitled Being Black in Corporate America, which found that black professionals are more likely to encounter prejudice and microaggressions than any other racial or ethnic group. Moreover, they are less likely than their white counterparts to have access to senior leaders and support from their managers. And the report revealed that white colleagues are oblivious to such struggles: 65% of black professionals say that black employees have to work harder in order to advance, but only 16% of their white colleagues agree with that statement.
With a culture that emphasizes “the values of courage, excellence, equity and joy,” Pfizer seeks to change such realities and perceptions. According to corporate officials, its D&I team focuses on the development and implementation of programs that:
Assist colleagues in appreciating the value of diversity and experiencing Pfizer as a fair and supportive environment in which to pursue a meaningful career
Hold managers and leaders accountable for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces
Allow patients, shareholders, and other stakeholders to realize the value of diversity through innovative product development and sound company stewardship.
As a result, Pfizer aims to strengthen its hive of innovation and vitality through divergent perspectives and experiences that result in fresh solutions and life-changing breakthroughs that fuel progression within the healthcare sector.
For African Americans within and outside Pfizer, such an ecosystem is vital to achieving one’s professional best while influencing the health status of communities of color.
In fact, the Harvard University School of Public Health reported in 2019 that health disparities between African Americans and whites continue to widen as blacks suffer from alarmingly higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease than other groups, and black children have a 500% greater mortality rate from asthma compared with their white counterparts.
Equally important is encouraging African Americans to participate in preventive health and wellness programs as well as enrolling in clinical trials which are evaluating the efficacy of drugs to treat these health conditions.
La Ronde-Richard and the other three black female professionals we feature must be a part of that ecosystem and are unmatched in their areas when it comes to professional prowess, brilliance, and excellence. For one, all are members of Pfizer’s Global Black Community (GBC), a colleague resource group (CRG) designed to connect employees across the company and offer the support, developmental opportunities, mentoring, and intentional networking necessary to bolster skills and advance careers.
In fact, La Ronde-Richard currently serves as chair of the Massachusetts chapter of the GBC. Through her leadership, the group partners with other greater Boston CRGs in Pharma/Biotech to create a community for professionals of color—known as The Color of Biotech Massachusetts—that promotes further collaboration, networking, innovation, and support of a multicultural professional talent pool.
Niesha Foster (Image: Courtesy of Pfizer)
Niesha Foster, Vice President of Product Access within Pfizer’s Global Health & Patient Access team, is another professional who shares a commitment to the health outcomes of African Americans. Her team addresses the patient affordability challenge—an area critical to multitudes of African Americans. This 16-plus year veteran oversees Pfizer’s U.S. Patient Assistance Programs, administered through Pfizer RxPathways; manages signature international product donation programs such as the International Trachoma Initiative; and co-leads Pfizer’s Multicultural Center of Excellence, which seeks to drive the progression of health equity in diverse communities.
Building trust is critical in dealing with diverse communities. Foster’s experience as a Corporate Affairs Lead focused on shaping the environment for the Rare Disease and Inflammation & Immunology business groups came in handy to perform her duties as well as advance Pfizer’s connection with a constituency dealing with a disease that only afflicts individuals of African descent. In fact, she designed unique partnerships with community leadership, which included the National Newspapers Publishers Association, the trade association of black-owned newspapers and websites, as a means of communicating the needs of patients suffering from sickle cell disease.
Michelle Blackman (Image: Courtesy of Pfizer)
Michelle Blackman, Senior Director, Global Commercial Development for Pfizer’s Rare Disease Business Unit, has applied such communication to drive business results as well as advocate for underserved patients of color.
She is responsible for leading the cross-functional commercial integration team that collaborates with the Research Unit, Corporate Business Development and Global Product Development teams for an investigational cardiology asset. Perfectly suited for her current role, the 16-year career veteran has held a diverse set of commercial leadership positions spanning sales, marketing, strategy and operations on a global, regional, and local scale.
As such, Blackman has gained a stellar, well-deserved reputation for driving customer value and business results over the life cycle of a pharmaceutical product. She has met the most important test: impact. In her prior role as Global Commercial Development Lead for Sickle Cell Disease, she led international launch preparedness efforts and facilitated cross-functional collaborations.
Debbie Walters-Francique (Image: Courtesy of Pfizer)
Such effort is required at all managerial levels, including senior management. Take Debbie Walters-Francique, Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Legal Lead for the Commercial Solutions Legal Platform.
As part of CSP Legal, Walters-Francique’s team contends with an array of activities that are critical to the business and to patients. This includes the negotiation of multibillion-dollar contracts to help secure access of Pfizer medicines to patients globally. She and her team help Pfizer navigate through some of the most complex and high-risk challenges facing the company and the industry including evolving healthcare dynamics in access and reimbursement, drug pricing transparency, and defending the value of their medicines.
Recently, Walters-Francique received her second General Counsel Award—the highest honor awarded to a legal division colleague—for leading a group of colleagues to launch a significant project to assess emerging enforcement risks in the industry and to determine whether similar risks exist internally.
In their distinctive roles, these four women of power are vital to not only Pfizer’s global competitiveness but also its leadership in customer service and health equity.
8 Things to Consider Before Your Next Video Conference Call
Are you all “zoomed out?” You know, fatigued from having to get ready for your next video conference call? Let’s face it, we’re all there. And if you’re not, you will be sooner or later.
Nevertheless, it’s actually a good problem to have as many Americans have experienced job loss due to the coronavirus crisis. As millions of people are being forced to go digital for work and to support their side hustles, it’s important to put your best self forward. Even if that means business on top and sweats below the waist!
It also means being personable, showing up fully present, and being a good virtual team player. Remember, you just might have to return to the office once the pandemic is over…
With that being said, here are 8 things to consider before your next video conference call.
Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready
Check-in with yourself before your call. – Ask yourself questions like, How am I feeling? What energy am I giving off? What do I have the capacity for?
Prepare for your call. – Think about what you’d like to contribute to the conversation.
Look presentable. – While no one is expecting you to look like a professional YouTuber, you should at least be presentable to others.
Body language is everything. – People can read your body language from behind their screen
Be kind to yourself and others. – Yes, people can be long-winded but that does not give you permission to be short or rude when listening or responding to others.
Mute yourself when you aren’t speaking. – Background noise is a total distraction to those speaking and everyone on the call.
Be mindful of your surroundings. – Believe it or not, people are checking out the area in which you are seated. Only show people what you want them to see.
Take Deep Breathes. – If you become overwhelmed with information or someone during your meeting, turn off your camera and microphone and take a deep breath and gather yourself.
This list could go on and on, but hopefully, these 8 tips are helpful as you get ready for your next meeting.
Atlanta Rapper Killer Mike: ‘We’re Gonna Wait a While Before We Reopen’
The prospect of Georgia reopening businesses when the coronavirus is still a major threat has caused objections from many people. One of them just happens to be rapper and businessman Michael Santiago Render, also known as Killer Mike, of the hip-hop group Run the Jewels. He has stated he will not reopen his barbershop when the restrictions are lifted according to BET.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an executive order that will allow certain businesses to reopen after being under a stay-at-home order. Last night, he posted this message on his Twitter account.
This evening, I signed an Executive Order for Reviving a Healthy Georgia with our plan for the safe reopening of specific sectors of Georgia’s economy with limited operations. Read the order here: https://t.co/UA9bDXistu#gapol
Killer Mike, who owns several barbershops in Atlanta named The Swag Shop with his wife, Shay Render, will not risk opening their shops due to the fear of contributing to spreading the coronavirus and not protecting his workers and customers.
Gov. Kemp has been widely criticized, even by President Trump, as he rushes to lift the lockdown restrictions on Georgia barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, and gyms, among other businesses.
Killer Mike appeared on TMZ Live to explicitly state that he will not be reopening his businesses. “Our first concern is the safety of our employees and the safety of our customers. We have an incentive to open, we could use that incentive, and we definitely wanna make money. [But] at this time, as a business, we aren’t comfortable opening. We’re gonna wait a while before we reopen.”
“As a citizen in the community where people look like me, I’m choosing to stay closed because I don’t want to endanger [anybody],” he also stated. “And a lot of times, politicians have different views of things. I think governors and mayors should all get on the phone together because as your constituents, we need you to do that.”
“At this time, as a business, we aren’t comfortable opening,” he continued. “So, we’re gonna wait a while before we reopen because, in our community … there are more of us who are dying, unfortunately. And, it’s because of pre-existing conditions, which makes your immune system weaker, which includes things like diabetes, hypertension, things of that nature. So, we don’t want our customers or our barbers in danger and we wanna wait it out.”
Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, and Chris Rock to Perform for Feeding America Comedy Festival
It’s Byron Allen‘s turn to contribute to the coronavirus relief efforts. Entertainment Studios announced that it is producing a live-streaming comedy show called Feeding America Comedy Festival to support and raise money for America’s largest hunger-relief organization, Feeding America®.
“In partnership with Feeding America, my comedian friends and all of us at Allen Media Group are pleased to announce this global live-streaming comedy event on May 9th,” Byron Allen, founder, chair, and CEO of Entertainment Studios/Allen Media Group says in a written statement.
“Laughter is often the best medicine, and we are extremely motivated to bring attention to issues of food insecurity, and to assist in providing meals to families across the country who are financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Feeding America Comedy Festival will be co-produced by the Funny Or Die entertainment brand and comedy studio. It will live-stream on the Allen Media Group television networks Comedy.TV and The Weather Channel, and can be viewed through the free streaming service app Local Now from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm (ET) on Saturday, May 9.
“The coronavirus pandemic and the economic downturn it has created is shining a light on the fragile nature of people’s household budgets,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks.
“Millions more of our neighbors are turning to food banks for help and we cannot thank Byron Allen and Allen Media Group enough for their support to raise funds and awareness of our work.”
Dozens of today’s comedy icons will contribute pre-recorded comedy segments that will live-stream during the three-hour program. Some of the black comedians that have committed to participate in this comedy event include Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, Marlon Wayans, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Kenan Thompson, Tim Meadows, Sheryl Underwood, Chris Rock, and Allen himself.
Also scheduled to appear are Adam Sandler, Billy Crystal, Howie Mandel, Brad Garrett, Louie Anderson, Margaret Cho, Jon Lovitz, Caroline Rhea, Jamie Kennedy, Bill Engvall, Marc Maron, and Billy Gardell.
As we get closer to the date, many more comedy icons are expected to announce that they will also participate in the near future. All viewers tuning in to this live-streaming comedy event will be encouraged to volunteer or donate here: www.feedingamerica.org.
College Board Surprises High School Seniors with $40K Scholarships While Sheltering in Place
School closures are impacting the lives of students and families in more than one way. And COVID-19’s economic impact has many parents and guardians questioning whether or not they will be able to send their child to college. In efforts to support students and families across the nation, the College Board recently announced a new scholarship worth $40,000.
The College Board Complete Your Journey Scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who complete six simple college planning steps (Build a College List, Practice for the SAT, Complete the FAFSA, Improve your SAT score, Strengthen your College List, Apply to College) to earn scholarships from $500 to $2,000. Students who complete all six qualify for the $40K Complete Your Journey Scholarship.
As the class of 2020 faces the realities of finishing out their high school careers at home, the College Board was able to surprise 25 recipients with its first-ever $40K Complete Your Journey Scholarship and bring them some much-needed news to celebrate. To make the moment even more special, the College Board worked with parents to have its CEO, David Coleman, and the Head of College and Career Access, Steve Bumbaugh, to make surprise Skype calls to as many students as possible.
Take a look at the heartwarming surprises
In a statement released by the College Board, Coleman said, “To those students who may have counted themselves out of scholarship opportunities, this program is for you. There is so much more talent out there than we can see,” said Coleman. “We want all students to see themselves as scholars, no matter where they began. College planning does not need to be daunting. These 25 students took one simple step, and then another, until they reached their goals. We encourage the class of 2021 to follow their lead.”
Claudia Gore of Newport News, Virginia, was excited and filled with gratitude and thanksgiving when College Board CEO David Coleman called to surprise her son Nyzaiah with news that he was a $40,000 recipient. Gore shared, “He’s not going to walk [at graduation], he can’t go to prom. All those special moments have been taken away. This is a moment to just see his face light up. He’s worked so hard, he deserves it.” Nyzaiah, who wants to study law and African American studies, says his father is especially proud of his passion for learning, because members of their family “do not usually go to college, much less finish high school.”
Meet Three of the Winners
Nyzaiah Gore — Newport News, VA, undecided but wants to attend UVA:
(Courtesy: Nyzaiah Gore)
Gore sits on his school’s leadership team and is the student representative on the district school board. He’s a member of the Warwick High Principal’s Advisory Committee, Model UN, and the Battle of the Brains academic team. The district asked him to be a student speaker at orientation for new teachers. He writes poetry and he’s known around school for surprising others. Eighty percent of students in Nyzaiah’s school are eligible for free/reduced lunch. Many students feel they won’t get to go to college because of the cost. His principal says this scholarship will be “life-changing.”
“My college career is important to me because as a lawyer, I want to be able to advocate for those that are misrepresented, while African Americans undergo racial discrimination and prejudice within the law, I believe that I would be able to help the misfortunate. Outside of that, college is another opportunity to learn— but not only that, college is another opportunity to shape my learning! My dad always told me that “this isn’t normal”— he was referencing the fact that people within my family do not usually go to college, much less, finish high school. My parents know who I am, the fact that I love to learn has only motivated them to push me harder.
Trinity Scott, Chicago, IL, undecided, wants to attend UNLV:
(Courtesy: Trinity Scott)
Growing up in a family of six, Scott shouldered a lot of responsibility as a caregiver to her younger siblings while her parents worked multiple jobs to support the family. Preparing after-school snacks while watching a lot of HGTV, Scott says she discovered two things she’s now passionate about, real estate and baking. “The Opportunity Scholarships helped me throughout my college application journey. The College Board gave me simple tasks to help with my college application while awarding me with scholarship raffle entries. The College Board Scholarships are a great opportunity that also keeps you on track for pursuing a higher education.”
Reflecting on the moment she found out about the $40,000, Scott said, “I was speechless. My mom made fun of me because I’m a talkative person, and for once I was speechless. I also happy because my hard work finally paid off. And the last thing I felt was pride because a lot of black youths don’t get the opportunity to reach where I’m at. So, you know I’m repping that Black Girl Magic!”
Angelique Hall – Beacon, NY, will attend SUNY Plattsburgh:
(Courtesy: Angelique Hall)
In her previous high school, Angelique was a member of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, the National Honor Society, and the School Band. She had a difficult time when she had to change schools during her high school career, but she quickly bounced back and has excelled academically and socially. As her school counselor put it, “Angelique has grit.” She is a member of the National Honor Society, a Class Advocate, and maintains a rigorous academic workload and is in the top 10% of her class. Angelique enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and narratives. At a recent poetry slam, Angelique’s principal was moved by her poem about identity and acceptance. She hopes to pursue a career as an author and entrepreneur. Her leadership recognitions include being named Class of 2020 Advocate, Outstanding Cadet, Cadet Captain, NYSSMA, Tuskegee Airman Inc. AFJROTC Cadet Award, Flight Commander of Alpha Flight, Flight Sergeant of Alpha Flight, Plight Physical Training NCO of Alpha Flight.
Apply Today
More than 500,000 students from all 50 states have joined the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program since it launched in December 2018. In addition to the 25 $40,000 Complete Your Journey winners, nearly 4,000 students from 48 states, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, earned $3.6 million in smaller scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,000.
Click here to learn more about the College Board’s scholarships.
