13 black american council news - cuyahoga community college · i am proud to report that 47 bac...

16
1 Issue 13 Dec. 2018 BLACK SCHOLARS ACADEMY 2nd -ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE The Cuyahoga Community College Black American Council (BAC) and members of our Black Scholars Academy, would like to thank you for supporting our 2 nd Annual Holiday Food Drive benefitting the Metropolitan Campus Student Food Pantry. Your overwhelming support and donations of food and toiletry items made this our largest Food Drive. We collected a total of 1,165 items! Thanks to your generosity, our highly visited Metro Campus Student Food Pantry is stocked just in time for someone who may be in need. Our success in helping others is fully dependent upon the support you provide. We truly appreciate you and wish you a wonderful Holiday season. Thank you again! The Black American Council/Black Scholars Academy Black American Council News Black American Council Officers 2018-2019 President: Dr. Lemuel Stewart III Vice President: Dr. Terry A. Webb Secretary: Dr. Muriel Robinson Program Manager: Jacques O. Smith, Sr. Administrative Assistants: Mary Wade, Chimene Jones Representatives-At-Large Metro: Dr. Sonja Siler East: Tiffany Murrell West: Dr. Felisa Eafford Westshore: Johnie Reed Brunswick: Laquodra Simmons District: Dr. JaNice Marshall Mentoring Program Coordinators: Dr. Terry A. Webb, Collegewide Dr. Christopher Hawkins—East Toni Pickens—West Lori Williams—Metro Frances M. Franklin Scholarship and Protégé Luncheon: Dr. Cynthia Martin, Cicely Campbell Marketing and Membership: Barbara Winston Newsletter: Dr. Terry A. Webb, Tisha Hardy Scholarship Award: Ralonda Ellis-Hill Enrollment Management: Dr. Muriel Robinson Diversity: Shari Brazile International Education and Study Abroad: Vincent Briley Fundraising: Jeanette Bell, Nichelle Knox Social: Mikki Hardwick-Lett Sunshine: Victoria Clark Alumni: John Wilkes

Upload: others

Post on 18-Oct-2020

8 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

1 Issue

13 Dec. 2018

BLACK SCHOLARS ACADEMY

2nd -ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE

The Cuyahoga Community College Black American Council (BAC) and members

of our Black Scholars Academy, would like to thank you for supporting our 2nd

Annual Holiday Food Drive benefitting the Metropolitan Campus Student Food

Pantry.

Your overwhelming support and donations of food and toiletry items made this

our largest Food Drive. We collected a total of 1,165 items! Thanks to your

generosity, our highly visited Metro Campus Student Food Pantry is stocked just

in time for someone who may be in need.

Our success in helping others is fully dependent upon the support you provide. We

truly appreciate you and wish you a wonderful Holiday season.

Thank you again!

The Black American Council/Black Scholars Academy

Black American Council News

Black American Council Officers

2018-2019

President:

Dr. Lemuel Stewart III

Vice President:

Dr. Terry A. Webb

Secretary:

Dr. Muriel Robinson

Program Manager:

Jacques O. Smith, Sr.

Administrative Assistants:

Mary Wade, Chimene Jones

Representatives-At-Large

Metro: Dr. Sonja Siler

East: Tiffany Murrell

West: Dr. Felisa Eafford

Westshore: Johnie Reed

Brunswick: Laquodra Simmons

District: Dr. JaNice Marshall

Mentoring Program Coordinators:

Dr. Terry A. Webb, Collegewide

Dr. Christopher Hawkins—East

Toni Pickens—West

Lori Williams—Metro

Frances M. Franklin Scholarship and Protégé Luncheon:

Dr. Cynthia Martin, Cicely Campbell

Marketing and Membership:

Barbara Winston

Newsletter:

Dr. Terry A. Webb, Tisha Hardy

Scholarship Award:

Ralonda Ellis-Hill

Enrollment Management:

Dr. Muriel Robinson

Diversity:

Shari Brazile

International Education and Study Abroad:

Vincent Briley

Fundraising:

Jeanette Bell, Nichelle Knox

Social:

Mikki Hardwick-Lett

Sunshine:

Victoria Clark

Alumni:

John Wilkes

Page 2: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

2

Message from the President

As one of my first acts as the new President of Black American Council (BAC), I want to wish everyone a

Happy Holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

The academic year has started in full swing with several activities and events during the fall semester,

sponsored by or supported by the BAC. We held a food drive, Barbershop conversations for male students,

Polished and Poised events and CHOICES speaker series and workshops for female students and college-

wide Meet & Greet events to engage students with mentors and recruit students to join the BAC, and of

course the annual holiday celebration. The staff and officers of the BAC have been very active working on

many college initiatives and growing the membership. To date, the BAC reports over 400 mentees and 163

mentors. The BAC is looking for more faculty, staff and administrators to serve as mentors to continue to

meet the needs of our students. I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with

many receiving multiple degrees and certificates. The average GPA of the graduates is above a 3.0 GPA.

We have been intentional in growing our presence at the Eastern and Western campuses and are actively

recruiting new members at these campuses with Metro remaining the hub of operations.

The BAC is now a fully operational department within the college with three employees, two full-time and

one part-time. The BAC utilizes college resources such as: accounting, marketing, and human resources to

enhance our programs within the college and in advocating for our members. BAC members are being

asked to be involved in college initiatives and participate on SAC committees for administrative positions

and is represented on the diversity and inclusion committee. If you have not been asked to participate on a

committee, don’t worry opportunities are forthcoming.

As we look forward to the spring semester, the BAC has several activities that are currently in progress.

The Minority Male Leadership Academy (MMLA) will attend and present at the “Black, Brown and

College Bound Conference” in Tampa Florida and attend the Black Male Summit at the University of

Akon. The Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative is planning a theater outing at Karamu House. The

Francis M. Franklin Scholarship Luncheon planning is underway and the theme is “We Remember our

Legacy”. This is an appropriate theme for the luncheon in that the Black American Council will celebrate

50 years of service this year. The Black Caucus was founded in 1969 and within 50 years that legacy has

grown into the Black American Council and an integral part of Cuyahoga Community College.

I want to thank each and every one of you personally for your commitment and support of the Black

American Council. Without our members, we would not be able to do this important work for students,

faculty and staff. I want to thank our staff who go above and beyond daily to make the BAC successful.

Thank you to the administration for their support both financially and in service. I want to extend a special

thank you to Dr. Phyllis Dukes-Hopson for her leadership of the BAC for the past six years, I have very

big shoes to fill.

The Black American Council is strong and will continue to get stronger. There is a focus on Equity and

Inclusive Excellence and the Black American Council will be a part of leading this charge.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lemuel E. Stewart III

President, Black American Council

Page 3: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

3

Commitment and Community Outreach

On Friday, November 9, 2018, Mr. Kenneth Hale, director, Access and Community Engagement, within

the College’s Office of Youth, Adult, and Community Connections, and Dr. Christopher Hawkins,

associate professor, Counseling Department, and Mr. Cameron Redden, program manager, Student

Support Services, representing the College’s Black American Council (BAC), collaborated on a new Tri-C

recruitment and mentoring initiative at Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s New Tech East High

School, the Monthly Men’s Mentoring Program (M3P).

The new M3P initiative was established by Mr. Hale as an innovative recruitment and mentoring model

designed to: expose male high school students with male professionals from Tri-C; build connections,

relationships, and social capital; equip Cleveland high school students with increased knowledge,

expanded perspectives, advice and success strategies; and position Tri-C as a preferred post-secondary

higher education destination (designed to increase College enrollment), while having lunch with high

school students.

Dr. Hawkins and Mr. Redden joined Mr. Hale during the first M3P lunch session at New Tech East,

located inside East Technical High School, and each presented empowering messages to the thirty 9th

through 12th grade students. The 30 students were attentive, inquisitive, and respectful, and, were receptive

and welcoming of the knowledge, wisdom and caring that the three College mentors provided. Feedback

from the students, and the school’s leadership, was that the launch of the new M3P mentoring initiative

was a huge “success”!

The second M3P luncheon was held at New Tech East on Friday, December 7, 2018. For more

information about M3P activities, contact Mr. Kenneth Hale at 216-987-4251.

Page 4: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

4

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Dr. Alex Johnson, President of Cuyahoga Community College. Congratulations on

publishing your first book, “Change the Lapel Pin”.

Dr. Johnson visited all four campuses in late October and early November and met with over

300 faculty, staff and students. Book sales totaled in the hundreds with all proceeds going to

the Foundation Scholarship Fund. There will be additional book signings in the new year with

students beginning this spring.

Dr. Clara Jean Mosley Hall, Professor, Amer ican Sign Language, Western Campus.

Congratulations on your new book, “Paris in America: A Deaf Nanticoke Shoemaker and His

Daughter.”

Page 5: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

5

The Second Annual Black Diamonds conference created to empower young women of color was held on

October 12-13, 2018. More than 600 individuals in attendance, including 46 presenters and nine committee

members comprised of Tri-C faculty and staff.

In addition to workshops, attendees were able to participate in a Resource Fair and received information from:

Cuyahoga Community College programs: Women in Transition, Health Careers, Public Safety,

Reach Scholars, Bridges to Success, Women in Transition, Black American Council, Minority

Women Leadership Initiative, and Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Scholars Academy.

Colleges and Universities: University of Akron, Kent State University, College of Wooster, Hiram,

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise, Ohio University, University of Toledo, and Case

Western Reserve.

High schools and colleges in attendance were: Beachwood, Glenville, Shaw, Theodore Roosevelt, Butchel,

Jane Addams, John Marshall, High Tech Academy, Cleveland Central Catholic, Euclid, Design Lab, Ravenna,

Shaker Heights, Richmond Heights, Cleveland Heights, Wooster, University of Akron Upward Bound, and

Educational Talent Search, Mott Community College Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and

Cuyahoga Community College.

The Black Diamonds committee members would like to thank its sponsors. The generous support of

sponsors helped to make the conference a great success!

Thank you to our external sponsors: Spear, Third Federal Bank, Jump Start, St. Luke's Foundation, Jennings

Foundation and Healing Place. As well as our Tri-C sponsors: Office of the President, Office of the Provost,

Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Scholars Academy, Office of Diversity, Dr. Imhoff, Sigma Gamma Rho

(Akron Chapter), Wooster School District, Theodore Roosevelt School, St. Luke's, YWCA, University of

Akron - Women in Engineering, Metropolitan Campus Office of Student Affairs, and Black Diamonds

committee fundraising.

Page 6: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

6

OUTSTANDING MENTEE

Divine Nine Panel Discussion

Joshua Otis Mentor: Terry A. Webb, Ed.D., LPC, NCC

Joshua has evolved into a great student leader. He has significantly improved in a

number of ways as a student. He has grown intellectually, socially and personally

since his entrance into the BAC. He is the Vice President of the Black Scholars

Academy (BSA) and a very active member of BAC. He provides the younger African

American men of the Metropolitan campus with an energetic role model.

Mr. Otis is a Criminal Justice major and intends to one day be a defense attorney. He has the dedication and

ambition to be a successful attorney. Joshua is constantly working to advance the position of the BSA. He was

instrumental in assisting with the initiation of the annual food drive to benefit the campus's food bank. This

year he and the other BSA board members saw that the food pantry was empty and went to work to assist the

students of the Metropolitan campus. He recruits for the BSA and helps out wherever he can. He is a role

model and a mentor for incoming freshman. Joshua is very civic minded and dedicated to assisting students to

have the information needed to be successful.

On Thursday, December 20th, 2018 The Black American Council in collaboration with The Men of the Divine Nine Black

Greek Letter Fraternities (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,

Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.) hosted an impactful and informative panel

discussion to shed light on the domestic violence epidemic, and provide information and resources to victim-survivors,

their families and supporters of those who may struggle with mental health and anger management issues.

The event was very well attended and featured an in depth question and

answer period in which audience members had the opportunity to write

questions down which the panelists directly answered and discussed.

The Panel included:

The Honorable Judge Michael Ryan, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge/ Child Survivor, member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

The Honorable C. Ellen Connally, Retired Judge, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Minister John Twymon, Associate Minister, Blessed Hope Baptist Church, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Michelle Kenney, Family Survivor and Advocate, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Nicky Miller, Breakthrough Coach/Advocate, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Kathy Fellows, Former Police Officer and Director of Victim Advocates, City of Willoughby Police Department.

Carrie Joseph, Domestic Violence Child Advocacy Center, Advocate and Professional in the realm of Domestic Violence.

Lisa Husamadeen, LPC, LSC, Cuyahoga Community College, Disability Advisor

The Honorable Ben Holbert, Mayor of Woodmere Village and Journalist, member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Ms. Betty Halliburton, Journalist & Survivor, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were the panel moderators.

Page 7: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

7

First Name Last Name Degree/Certificate

Sean Andalcio AS

Epiphany Baker AAS

Cassandra Campbell AAS

Cynthia Cannon AA

Tomeka Carter AAS

Kenath Copeland AA

Moneeke Davis AAS

Omecca Deane AA

Michael Dorsey AAS

Jessica Eweroke AA, AAS, AS

Nia Forbes AAS

Autumeize Gardner AA

Sharon Gill Certificate (2)

Chaka Gningue AA

Ilesha Hedrington AA

Raziya Hernton AA

Isaiah Inman AS, AA

Aman Jemal Certificate (2)

Johansson Mathe AA

Kayla Millender Certificate

LaTasha Moore AAS

Karelys Ortiz Santiago AA

Jordan Otis AS, Short-term Certificate

Justin Otis AS

Marie Pagarigan Short-term Certificate

Oluwatosin Popoola AS, AAS

Sasha Proctor AA

Tyrone Rand Certificate

Kelsie Rodriguez AAS

Kebin Sam-Yellowe AAS

Hezekiah Sherman Certificate

Unique Smith AAS

Ariyon Sweet Certificate

Siera Thomas AS

Calvin Thomas, Jr. Certificate

Stephanie Tisder AA

Rashe’d Whatley, Sr. AA

Chelsea Williams AAS, Short-term Certificate

Andre Wilson AA, AS

Fall 2018 Graduates

Page 8: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

8

CHOICES

Attendees at a recent Black American Council CHOICES workshop discussed

“Loving Who You Are”, and knowing your purpose and your plan. CHOICES

workshops provide a positive environment for women to express feelings about life

situations and ways to overcome challenges. Students are encouraged to open up and

speak honestly about confronting barriers and obstacles.

The CHOICES workshop included an ice breaker which focused on admitting if you

were “happy” “somewhat happy” or “sad?” Being asked this question at a recent

women’s awareness workshop that I attended made me personally reflect on why we

tend to be unhappy or sad. This question challenges women to look honestly at

themselves, and identify situations that may seem difficult to handle and hinder their

happiness.

As the dialogue continued, the ladies were encouraged by the feedback from other

students and committee members. I’m delighted to say that all were appreciative of

the opportunity to share and learn. One student stated, she had never been around

women that were “invested in her life”.

The women of CHOICES learned that they can create their own success story, and

through affirmation, they will have something special to offer to the world.

Personal accomplishments and academic achievements are rewarding, but knowing

your purpose and having a plan can make you successful.

Thank you to Mikki Hardwick-Lett and Lori Williams for assisting me in keeping the

vision of CHOICES alive!

Beverly Owens, M.B.A. Founder of CHOICES

“You make your CHOICES in life, your CHOICES do not make you.” - Beverly Owens

Page 9: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

9

Ladies of Excellence

The Ladies of Excellence (LOE) held their inaugural meeting on November 29, 2018. The meet and greet

provided the opportunity for the ladies to network and learn about each other, and discuss next steps for this

new women’s group under the Black American Council Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative (MWLI).

Introductions were shared and topics discussed included: naming the new group, and events, workshops and

activities the group would like to pursue. The ladies shared consensus about community engagement projects

specific to financial literacy and self-care workshops, as well as offering or participating in initiatives that

support the community.

Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative

On October 17th, the BAC Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative presented “Polished and Poised: A

Workshop Reviewing Professional Etiquette.”

Western campus Career Specialist, Maria Selos joined us as our guest speaker and covered professional dress,

interviewing tips, and business luncheon protocol. The attendees were very engaged and had plenty of

valuable questions to ask.

Enrollment Center specialist, Elizabeth Horton from the MTC joined the group to help lead a dialogue titled

“America’s Journey: “Ethnic Hair” in the workplace.” This powerful discussion led to heartfelt tears and

warm hugs shared among the group.

BAC President, Dr. Lemuel Stewart, shared a few words of encouragement and also provided professional

portfolios as tokens of support and appreciation for the students. We would like to thank our students, faculty,

and staff who contributed to the success of this event! Your participation is invaluable. The students

requested an additional event as a “part II,” to continue the dialogue.

Toni L. Pickens, M.Ed.

Counselor/Assistant Professor

Minority Women’s Leadership Initiative Coordinator

Page 10: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

10

Midas Touch Mentor

Our Black American Council (BAC) Midas Touch Mentor is Mrs. Linda

Lanier, Assistant Professor, Counseling at the Metropolitan Campus.

Linda is compassionate, out spoken and focused on student success. She

gives her time, talent and resources to increasing the likelihood that her

mentees and all students she encounters can achieve their life goals and

become successful.

Linda, on behalf of the entire Black American Council of Cuyahoga

Community College, we would like to thank you for serving as a Mentor and

for all you do on behalf of your mentees and our students. Your time and

dedication is recognized and truly appreciated.

Jacques O. Smith, Sr. , MBA BAC Program Manager

Page 11: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

11

Promotions and Accomplishments

Barbara Winston, M.Ed., LPC, Counselor/Associate Professor.

The Black American Council would like to congratulate Barbara Winston on 30

years of service to the College and dedication to Tri-C students. Throughout her

tenure at the College, Barbara has counseled and taught students of all ages at the

Metropolitan, Eastern, and Western campuses. She has mentored many students

and has served on various committees. She is currently the chair of the

membership and marketing committee for the Black American Council. Barbara

is truly dedicated to fulfilling the mission of the College and believes that

“Cuyahoga Community College is where futures begin”.

Laquodra Simmons, MS.

Academic and Student

Services Supervisor,

Brunswick University Center.

Congratulations on

completing your Master of

Science in Human Behavior

from Capella University.

Tisha Hardy

Congratulations on your

promotion to Project

Manager of Enrollment

Management at the

District office.

Dr. Phyllis Dukes-Hopson

Professor/Counselor,

Metropolitan Campus.

Congratulations on your

Diversity and Inclusion

Award

Dr. Desmond Rose

Assistant Professor,

Information Technology,

Eastern Campus.

Congratulations on

receiving full-time,

tenure-track Assistant

Professor.

Dr. Lemuel E. Stewart, III

Received rank advancement to Associate Professor and was selected for the

Faculty Cohort for the 2017-2018 Mandel Leadership Program. Dr. Stewart

is also currently serving as the interim Assistant Dean of Counseling &

Psychological services at the Western Campus.

Page 12: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

12

BAC—Vice President

Greetings Mentors,

I would personally like to thank all of you who have taken on the task of mentoring. Mentoring a person is

rewarding and at times can be a challenging endeavor. It takes dedication, and personal ethics to be a good

mentor. Nonetheless, as mentors we have an issue that at times is potentially causing our mentees to

disengage from education. This issue is mathematics anxiety. Collectively, as a mentoring group it would be

unconscionable if we do not tap into the great mind trust that exists between us. Our mentees need to be

encouraged and driven towards the resources available to assist them to overcome this challenge.

This is not a time for pointing fingers or assigning blame. It is time for action. The action could be one that

has proven to date to be ineffective, that would be, to do nothing. I would encourage you to be more intrusive

in your approach to assisting our mentees to perform better in mathematics. The intrusive activity could be

checking in with and interacting with students of greatest need for the development of self-efficacy, primarily

because it is inevitable that all degree-seeking students will have to take and pass at least one college-level

mathematics course. W. E. B. Du Bois captures in the following quote our need to prepare our mentees to

cope with the world, and your service is still needed.

A system of education is not one thing, nor does it have a single definite object, nor is it a mere matter of schools. Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school

house walls, which molds and develops men. W. E. B. Du Bois

Self-efficacy can be increased by giving mentees focused feedback, and by encouraging mentees to try even

when it is not the desired thing to do. Encourage interaction with achieving peers, and share stories of your

academic struggles and how you overcame them with mentees. You can also assign the mentees tasks to build

confidence. The ultimate goal of intrusive mentoring is to foster attitude of achievement.

“Failing is a crucial part of success. Every time you fail and get back up. You practice perseverance, which is the key to life. Your strength comes in your ability to recover.”

Michelle Obama

Therefore, as mentors, we are to inspire, invigorate and be innovative in how we instill hope in our mentees.

It is an honor for us to be a potential oasis in the lives of our mentees. Accordingly, we must work

collaboratively to help them overcome self-imposed limitations. Equally, we are to help them identify,

challenge and eradicate the societal limitation imposed that can be fixed.

“I must feel the fire of my soul so my intellectual blues can set others on fire.”

Cornel West

A stretch goal is for 60% of all our mentees to pass the MATH-0910 or MATH-0955 course the first time.

Please be sure to check with your campus mentoring coordinator and share ideas for the spring 2019 semester.

We can and will empower our mentees to graduate! Keep up the great work!

Dr. Terry A. Webb, LPC, NCC

Assistant Dean

Counseling, Psychological & Student Accessibility Services

Page 13: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

13

BLACK SCHOLARS ACADEMY—FALL FESTIVAL

Page 14: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

14

BAC President Emeritus - Thank You

After 8 years of serving as your President for the BAC, I would like to thank each and every one

of our members, mentors, mentees, and well-wishers for your support and participation throughout

my tenure. Your hard work, and volunteer services to our students is amazing, and it has been a

joy to work with each of you. The BAC has accomplished many firsts during my time serving as

your President which include:

Establishing the 1st annual newsletter in April 2011, which is now celebrating its 12th edition.

Distributing yearly calendars to our supporters with words of encouragement and an

appreciation for their support during the year.

Presenting two yearly fund raisers - annual holiday celebration and the annual Frances M.

Franklin Scholarship Luncheon.

Transitioning in 2014, from a volunteer Caucus consisting of one part-time administrative

assistant and the President, supported by a volunteer group of faculty and staff responsible for

the day-to-day activities of the council to a department of the college, reporting to Angela

Johnson, VP, Institutional Research and Enrollment Management. The department now

consists of part-time and full-time administrative assistants located at the Metropolitan and

Eastern campuses, and coordinated by a full-time Program Manager.

Increasing our scholarship fund from $3,000 to $50,000 a year, allowing us to award

increasingly more scholarships to our minority student members.

Developing very active student groups, i.e. the Black Scholars, the Minority Women’s

Leadership Initiative, Minority Male Leadership Academy, and our oldest group, CHOICES

for women. Our students are an integral part of the college experience offering their leadership

skills in many capacities.

I am extremely grateful to have worked with such talented and committed staff, faculty and

administrators over the years. Without your continued support, the BAC could not have achieved

so many accomplishments. This year, the BAC will celebrate 50 years of service to the college.

We will be honoring our legacy and our founders at our annual luncheon. As I vacate my position

as President of this great organization, I leave it in the capable hands of our newly elected

President, Dr. Lemuel Stewart, our Vice President, Dr. Terry Webb, our program manager Jacques

Smith, and talented and dedicated administrative assistants, Mary Wade and Chimene Jones.

There is no limit to what the BAC will do in the future. Thank you for supporting me, and I look

forward to working with you and our new officers in the future years to come.

With much love and respect,

Dr. Phyllis Dukes-Hopson, Immediate Past President

Page 15: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

15

On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, the Black American Council with the assistance of the

Eastern campus office of Access and Completion and Student Affairs, collaborated on a Tri-C

Student Engagement and Retention event entitled: “Victim or Victor”: Taking Advantage of

the Opportunities.

During the presentation, Dr. Christopher Hawkins spoke on the changes that have occurred in

Financial Aid over the years and on further changes that are being proposed. The presentation

was part of a series of pop-up learning and engagement opportunities that are offered in the

student lounge called “Corner Classes”. The presentation also focused on the resources

available to assist students in their academic journeys and on all of the advantages and

opportunities that are available to help students succeed.

Dr. Hawkins was joined by Richard Larkin from the Tutoring Center, as well as Zuleika West

and Kamille Madison who also spoke on their efforts in the Degree in Three program. The

Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Chris Green and the Assistant Dean of Access and

Completion, Shamuire Spivey both provided words of encouragement to welcome the

students and thank them for being a part of the program. The program was well attended and

received by the students, and the presenters as well!

Student Engagement

Page 16: 13 Black American Council News - Cuyahoga Community College · I am proud to report that 47 BAC students are graduating this fall with many receiving multiple degrees and certificates

16

Tisha Hardy, MBA

Project Manager, Enrollment Management

Terry A. Webb, Ed.D., LPC, NCC

Assistant Dean, Counseling and Psychological Services

NEWSLETTER

STAFF 2018-2019

January 2019

MLK Program, January 20, 2019

February 2019

BAC Success Week Mixer, February 12, 2019 @ CCW 102, 12 noon -1p.m.

African American Read In, February 14, 2019 @ East Campus Mandel Lobby, 11:00 a.m.

Black History Month Gospel Celebration, February 21, 2019 @ Metro Campus, 1130 a.m.

Frances M. Franklin Scholarship - Essay Writing Workshops (TBA)

Black in Latin America (Second Half of Documentary) Metro and East Campus (TBA)

March 2019

Black Brown & College Bound Summit (BBCB), March 7-9, Tampa, FL

Financial Literacy Workshop, March 19, @ Metro Campus (location TBA)

BAC/HC Joint Scholarship Workshop, week of March 25th (locations TBA)

Financial Literacy Workshop, March 26, @ East Campus (location TBA)

April 2019

Financial Literacy Workshop, April 2 @ West Campus (location TBA)

Financial Literacy Workshop, April 9 @ Westshore Campus (location TBA)

BAC College For a Day, April 18, 2019 @ Metro Campus

Black Scholars Think Tank (TBA)

May 2019

Frances M. Franklin Scholarship & Protégé Luncheon, May 10, 2019 @ CCE

Commencement—May 16, 2019

Spring Mentoring Trip (TBA)

Check our Black American Council website for calendar updates: www.tri-c.edu/bac

2900 Community College Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115