More than $100K in scholarship funds available for eligible HBCU upperclassmen—applications now open at TMCF.org

CHICAGO — McDonald’s USA and Roland S. Martin, a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., are awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships to rising juniors and seniors attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). The effort, in honor of the fraternity’s 115 years of scholarship and Black excellence, is to help address the often-insurmountable financial challenges faced by HBCU students attempting to fund a four-year college education.

Data shows that on average, scholarships and grants only cover 25% of the total cost of college per year and often scholarships for HBCU students are centered on transitioning them from high school to college. For upperclassmen, the rising costs of tuition and growing loan debt paired with the limited scholarship funds offered for this group can make it financially difficult to graduate.

“HBCUs and their students are vital to the fabric of our nation and I will always champion for their success,” said Roland S. Martin. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the financial struggle that impacts Black college students, especially those in their final semesters. So, I’m pleased to partner with McDonald’s and TMCF to celebrate my beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and provide a resource that will help Black students graduate.”

With the help of Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), seven rising juniors and seniors will be awarded $15,000 scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year. In alignment with Alpha Phi Alpha’s century-long commitment to scholarship, McDonald’s continues its longstanding support of community, education and feeding and fostering community with this scholarship, which is additive to its existing Black & Positively Golden Scholarship program that awarded $500,000 to HBCU students last year.

“We know the outstanding work being done at HBCUs, which is why our team is devoted to use our scale and resources to expand educational opportunities for Black students,” said Reginald J. Miller, Vice President and Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at McDonald’s. “Our hope is that this scholarship effort helps build and support the pipeline of diverse talent that will go on to be changemakers in our society for decades to come.”

Applications are now available on the Thurgood Marshall College Fund website at TMCF.org. Award winners will be announced prior to the start of the Fall 2022 semester. Students interested in applying must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be enrolled as a junior or senior at a TMCF member institution and private HBCUs in Fall 2022
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher
• Submit a brief essay on how they demonstrate Black excellence and leadership within their campus community
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551

In addition to the scholarship funds, recipients will also have the unique opportunity to engage one-on-one with McDonald’s executives currently working in their respective fields of study. This real-world learning opportunity will provide additional benefit to students as they plan for the next step into their professional careers.

“For more than two decades, we’ve worked with McDonald’s to provide critical resources to students when they need it most. Matriculating through college can be tough, and funds to support navigating that journey is a crucial part of ensuring graduation is attainable,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “And we’re excited to extend our partnership with this scholarship to offer even more funds to HBCU students next year.”

This scholarship is just one of the many ways that McDonald’s continues to support its commitment to the Black community, building on brand initiatives that provide skills training, mentorship and education resources to support people who are building a path forward and achieving their goals. Since 2020, through strategic initiatives like the partnership with TMCF, the company and its owner/operators have awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to deserving HBCU students who are positioned to be the next generation of transformational leaders across business, STEM, politics, law, the arts, and a multitude of other careers.

For more information on the scholarship or to apply, visit www.TMCF.org. For more information on McDonald’s commitment to uplifting the communities it serves, visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com and @wearegolden.

About McDonald’s Education Efforts
HBCU scholarships are just one of many McDonald’s initiatives created to serve up bright futures and provide opportunity for education and skills in the communities we serve. These efforts also include additional scholarship opportunities through the Black & Positively Golden HBCU Scholarship Fund and the  Black & Positively Golden Mentors Program which provides up-and-coming talent with one-on-one coaching from esteemed industry leaders;  the HACER® Education Tour, which provides information to help navigate the college application process; support of the Boys & Girls Club of America’s diplomas2Degrees program which familiarizes teens with post-secondary education opportunities; and the Archways to Opportunity program, which provides educational resources to eligible crew at participating U.S. restaurants. Together, with our Owner/Operators, we are committed to feeding and fostering our communities.

About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the Black & Positively Golden initiative, visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com.

About Roland S. Martin 
Roland S. Martin is the host/managing editor of the daily digital show #RolandMartinUnfiltered, which attracts 20 million views a month across multiple platforms. A 4-time NAACP Image Award winner and a 2021 inductee into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall Of Fame, Martin is the CEO of Black Star Network, a hybrid over-the-top (OTT) media network that produces and delivers streaming content to global consumers engaged by the political, business and cultural insights and perspectives of Black thought leaders, influencers and opinion makers. For more information, go to BlackStarNetwork.com

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (“TMCF”) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit www.tmcf.org.

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D, NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor

The nation is mourning the passing of Cheryl Hickmon, national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the nation’s largest African-American sorority. Hickmon was elected president of the organization dedicated to sisterhood, scholarship and service  November 21, 2021 at the 55th national convention held in Atlanta, GA.

Hickmon, a beloved and celebrated member, served the organization for 39 years. The Connecticut native was initiated into the Alpha Xi Chapter at South Carolina State University in 1982 and was an active member of the Hartford (Conn.) Alumnae Chapter. The national office of the sorority released a statement announcing Hickmon’s  death which reads as follows:

“It is with great sorrow that Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. shares the passing of our beloved National President and Chair of the National Board of Directors, Cheryl A. Hickmon. President Hickmon transitioned peacefully on January 20, 2022 after a recent illness.

President Hickmon was a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta since 1982 and served in various capacities at the chapter, region, and national level before being elected National President. She is remembered not only for her role as a leader but for being a colleague, friend, and most of all, sister.

The entire sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated mourns the loss of President Hickmon. During this difficult time, we ask that you respect her family’s privacy and keep them in your prayers.”

By Glenda Glover, Ph.D., JD, CPA, is President of Tennessee State University, and International President and CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have changed the college landscape and have provided a significant return on investment. Our country cannot reach its goals without strong, viable, sustainable HBCUs – goals necessary to close the education gap, health, wealth and economic gaps. HBCUs were founded to educate the newly freed slaves, and have fulfilled this mission with limited resources, discrimination in funding, and inadequate facilities.

At HBCUs we see Black excellence at its best. HBCUs have made enormous contributions, and in spite of finding a way to survive, the lack of funding has prevented many HBCUs from excelling at an even higher level. As president of Tennessee State University, I see first-hand the difficulties that HBCUs experience and the continuing, looming disparity in the educational gap.

The Build Back Better Act is significant legislation that proposes to invest in HBCUs, and reflects this Administration’s understanding of how important these investments are in helping HBCUs continue their central role in resolving many of the challenges that threaten the general welfare and prosperity of our country. The President and Vice President have provided historic support for HBCUs and invested in HBCUs at unprecedented levels. We must now work with Congress to pass the legislation that will more sustainably support HBCUs. These investments as detailed from the White House are described below:

Historic Investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan provided over $4 billion in relief funding to HBCUs, including approximately $1.6 billion in debt relief to 45 HBCUs (13 public institutions and 32 private institutions) earlier this year.
• FY 21 Grant Funding. In FY21, the Department of Education awarded a total of $1 billion to build the capacity of institutions that serve large numbers of students of color and low-income students. $500 million of this funding went directly to HBCUs.
• FY 22 Budget Request. The President’s FY22 budget requests a total of $887 million for HBCU-specific funding in Higher Education Act (HEA) Title III funds—an increase of $247 million over last year’s level. This would triple the mandatory Title III funding at the Department of Education— for a total of $252 million. Title III mandatory funds provide formula grants to all HBCUs to invest in capacity-building initiatives and student success programs. The President’s budget request includes funding for research opportunities at HBCUs, labs, IT infrastructure, workforce development programs in STEM, and DOJ funding for Violence Against Women Act programs at HBCUs, among other priorities.
• Teacher Quality Funding. Through the FY22 budget request and the Build Back Better plan, President Biden has proposed $60 million for the Augustus Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support teacher preparation programs at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

Strengthening the White House Initiative on HBCUs

• In September, President Biden signed an Executive Order to re-establish the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and issued a proclamation recognizing National HBCU Week.
• The President’s Executive Order calls for a whole of government approach to support HBCUs in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and bolster HBCUs in a number of ways, including by breaking down barriers and improving access to Federal funding and other programs, particularly in areas of research and development.
• The Order specifically directs senior officials in the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President to consult and collaborate with the Initiative on policy priorities for HBCUs.
• Federal agencies must submit plans by February 1st of each year to describe how they are increasing HBCU access to Federal programs and improving Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to build pathways to Federal employment.
• During HBCU week, President Biden also named Dr.Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University, as Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs. The Board, originally established by the Carter Administration, is meant to engage key stakeholders in fields such as education, business, and philanthropy to advance the goals of the HBCU Initiative.

Ensuring Continued Support for HBCUs through the Build Back Better Plan

• The President’s Build Back Better plan would provide tuition subsidies to students who attend HBCUs with a family income below $125,000. It would also provide free community college to students who attend one of the 11 HBCUs that are also community colleges.
• Build Back Better also includes a $5 billion increase in funding for HEA Title III and Title V, which can be used by HBCUs, Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and MSIs to strengthen their academic, administrative, and fiscal capabilities, including by creating or expanding educational programs in high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, computer sciences, nursing, and allied health). Build Back Better would direct an additional $2 billion toward building a pipeline of skilled health care workers with graduate degrees from HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs.
• Recognizing the historic underfunding of HBCUs and other institutions that serve large numbers of students of color, the President’s plan also would invest $40 billion in upgrading research infrastructure, half which would be reserved for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs.
• The President also proposed creating a new national lab focused on climate that would be affiliated with an HBCU.

In summary, the Build Back Better legislation is a game changer for HBCUs. We all must continue to work with Congress to pass this legislation as it would indeed Build Back Better HBCUs. We must ask Congress to reinforce the agenda of the President and Vice President to include the proper research funding to strengthen HBCUs, support the students they serve, address historic discrimination, and put HBCUs on equal footing with majority institutions.

Glenda Glover, Ph.D., JD, CPA, is President of Tennessee State University, and International President and CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., an international collegiate and nonprofit community service organization, plans to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®. This commitment comes just as the organization approaches its 100^th anniversary in 2022 with the focus on celebrating this centennial milestone by reflecting on a long history of philanthropy, love for community and making a positive impact on the kids and families at St. Jude.

For nearly four decades, Sigma Gamma Rho has supported the St. Jude mission: Finding cures. Saving children.^®  Since 2008, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which is comprised of the Divine Nine Greek organizations – including Sigma Gamma Rho – has collectively raised more than $3 million in support of the St. Jude mission. Sigma Gamma Rho has raised nearly $500,000 for St. Jude prior to announcing this $1 million commitment.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., was founded on the principles of uplifting the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service. The Sorority’s slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress,” underscores this commitment. Because of generous donors and partners like Sigma Gamma Rho, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

This pledge includes a three-year sponsorship for the St. Jude Walk/Run during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. This year’s virtual event took place on Saturday, Sept. 25. Participants in the virtual event from across the country used the St. Jude Walk/Run mobile app from the Apple app store and Google Play to enhance their experience.

“Members and affiliates of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. are purpose-driven, compassionate leaders who find St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to be an incredibly meaningful cause because its mission is lifesaving and impacts the world,” said Rasheeda S. Liberty, International Grand Basileus & Board Chair, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. “This year’s virtual St Jude Walk/Run was representative of our commitment to the wellness of youth for the past 100 years. Sustainable impact and long-term community engagement are the basis for our $1 million Centennial gift to support patients and their families seeking treatment from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

In 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, which remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 14. The annual St. Jude Walk/Run celebrates the strides St. Jude is making to better understand, treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, including sickle cell disease.

“St. Jude and Sigma Gamma Rho are united in supporting children facing catastrophic diseases and saving lives across the globe,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We’re honored to celebrate the selflessness and generosity of Sigma Gamma Rho. Their commitment supports St. Jude’s new six-year, $11.5 billion strategic expansion plan to accelerate groundbreaking research and treatment happening at St. Jude every day.”

Community support remains critical today for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because unlike any other hospital, the majority of its funding comes from individual contributions. Visit stjude.org/together to make a donation and learn more about how St. Jude is treating and defeating childhood cancer. For information about the virtual St. Jude Walk/Run, visit stjude.org/walkrun.

Incorporated in 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho has served as a home for thousands of collegiate and professional women looking for a place to share inspiring life experiences, learn new things, conquer life challenges, thrive in society, and uplift the community through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. There are more than 500 chapters in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, and in 2022, the Sorority will celebrate its centennial year.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.^® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Makes History with Film Production and Distribution

CHICAGO, IL (March 30, 2021) — Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® announces the North American release of TWENTY PEARLS, the official documentary film which chronicles the organization’s history. Narrated by Phylicia Rashād, TWENTY PEARLS journeys through 113 provocative years. Only 40 years past the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, nine Black college women enrolled at Howard University where they organized and built a sisterhood in 1908. The organization has now grown to more than 300,000 members internationally and has been pivotal in watershed moments that have impacted American history. Through narration, interviews, and archival assets, viewers will see how Alpha Kappa Alpha impacted the Harlem Renaissance, World War II, NASA, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) all culminating in the election of the first woman, African American and Asian American Vice President of the United States of America. Interviews include Alpha Kappa Alpha International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover, Vice President Kamala Harris, Miss Universe Ireland 2019 Fionnghuala O’Reilly, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt and many more.

“Telling our own story is essential to preserving our history and uplifting the culture,” said Dr. Glover. “Alpha Kappa Alpha’s remarkable 113-year journey is punctuated by stories of history makers, ceiling breakers, public servants and ordinary women who have changed the course of American history. Through this beautifully written and narrated odyssey, this film highlights, in undeniable ways, the vision, courage, tenacity, determination and power of Black women while dispelling any age-old questions about the relevance of HBCUs and the Divine 9.”

The film production marks another first for AKA. The sorority is the first African American Greek-letter organization to distribute a full-length, feature documentary film. TWENTY PEARLS premiered on Friday, March 26, 2021 on Comcast Xfinity Black Experience and Comcast Xfinity platforms, xfinity.com, XfinityFlex internet and Xfinity Mobile. The documentary will now be distributed across North America through On Demand to Atlantic Telephone Cable, Bardstown Cable, Cass Cable TV Inc., Charter Communications, Citizen’s Cable, Comcast, Cox, Fidelity Cable, Golden West Cablevision, Grande Communications, Great Lakes DSB, Hiawatha Broadband Comm., Homestead on Demand, Hotwire Communications, Kuhn Communications, Mid-Continent, OTELCO, Paul Bunyan Communications, Pencor Services, Phonoscope Cable, Plantation Cable, RCN, Service Electric Cable TV, Service Electric Cablevision, Troy Cablevision, Wyandotte Municipal Services and more. Check your cable guide for availability.

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women dedicated to elevating the stature of African Americans, particularly girls and women. Through a robust international program of service, Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to institute groundbreaking social initiatives and social service programs that transform communities for the better. Today, these include Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call To Action; Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness; Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy; Target 4: The Arts!; Target 5: Global Impact; and The Signature Program #CAP. The sorority is comprised of over 300,000 members in more than 1000 undergraduate and graduate chapters in the United States and internationally. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is a 501 (c)(7) organization. As a tax-exempt organization, AKA does not directly or indirectly participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.

To learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its programs, visit www.aka1908.com.