Salk Institute for Biological Studies uses patients' own cells to cure sickle cell

{EAV:4a1c49de6a02e08e} LA JOLLA, CA—Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have developed a way to use patients' own cells to potentially cure sickle cell disease and many other disorders caused by mutations in a gene that helps produce blood hemoglobin.

The technique uses cells from a patient's skin to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are capable of developing into various types of mature tissues—including blood. The scientists say their method, which repairs the beta-globin gene (HBB), avoids gene therapy techniques that can introduce potentially harmful genes into cells.

The new technique, which will soon be tested as a therapy in animals, also appears to be much more efficient than other methods tested to date, the researchers say.

"Our findings set the stage for the development of iPSC-based therapies for devastating genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease," says the study's principle investigator, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, a Salk professor in the Gene Expression Laboratory.

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders caused by genetic mutations in the HBB gene, resulting in abnormal hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein that normally allows blood cells to carry oxygen. This causes red blood cells to become hard and sticky and resemble a curved farm tool called a "sickle." In the two leading disorders caused by HBB mutations, sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia, red blood cells can't effectively carry oxygen.

Salk researchers reprogrammed skins cells taken from a sickle cell disease patient into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), immature cells capable of developing into any type of bodily tissue. To assure that the skin cells were in fact reprogrammed into stem cells, the researchers coaxed them into becoming muscle cells, indicated by the presence of muscle-specific protiens (red) in this image. The cell nuclei—the central compartments that contain the DNA—are seen in blue. Image: Courtesy of Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Symptoms of sickle cell disease include swelling of the hands and feet, pain due to clogging of blood vessels, anemia and stroke. The disorders are most common among people of African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern decent. One in every 500 African Americans and one in every 30,000 Hispanic Americans are born with sickle cell disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease can be cured with stem cell or bone marrow transplants, but there is a high risk that recipients of transplants will reject the donated marrow or cells, which can result in serious side effects and even death. The Salk researchers, which include co-first authors Mo Li and Keiichiro Suzuki, both research associates in Belmonte's laboratory, set out to devise a safe method to use iPSCs to correct the HBB gene in patients who have defective copies of the gene. Because the iPSCs come from a patient's own body, they should carry less risk for transplant rejection. Also, about 500 other disease-causing mutations have been identified in the HBB gene, so correcting the gene could potentially cure a multitude of HBB-related diseases worldwide. However, traditional iPSC generation and gene therapy techniques have proven to be potentially unsafe, according to the researchers.

Many have used viruses to convert adult cells to stem cells and to carry a normal HBB gene to infect and repair hematopoietic stem cells—stem cells that give rise to all blood cells.

But when these repaired stem cells are given back to patients, they can include transgenes—unwanted genes that have become inserted into the host genome and disrupt the normal function of DNA. The technique is also inefficient, correcting only a small percentage of gene mutations, and transplantation success has proven rare in clinical trials testing gene therapy to treat beta thalassemia.

"We wanted to fix the mutation in such a way that it does not leave any unwanted traces in a patient's genome," Suzuki says.

To do that, the researchers used a two-step approach. First, they took adult skin cells from a patient with an HBB mutation that causes sickle cell disease. They used six genes to coax these cells to revert to iPSCs, which could then be developed into blood cells. The genes were introduced into the cells using a technique that avoids the use of viruses and insertion of transgenes into the cells' genome.

Their next step was to repair the HBB gene mutation in the stem cells. To swap the defective gene with a normal copy in the iPSCs, the investigators used a modified adenovirus (common cold virus) that, unlike viruses used in other methods, does not replicate itself in the body and does not alter the host cells' DNA. The viral genes were deleted and replaced with a DNA sequence that contained a normal HBB gene.

The modified virus then delivered the new genetic material inside the iPSCs, where the DNA region containing the broken gene was replaced with the sequence containing the normal gene. "It happens naturally, working like a zipper," Li says. "The good gene just zips in perfectly, pushing the bad one out."

By replacing a relatively large region of DNA, the technique allows the scientists to fix many gene mutations at once, which suggests the method might provide a way to treat hundreds of types of HBB-related diseases. The correction of the mutant HBB gene was also highly efficient and the research team conducted multiple tests to ensure no errant genes were integrated into the genome.

The Salk scientists now plan to make blood cells from the repaired stem cells and test their effectiveness in animals. If successful, this may lead to therapies for humans in which a patient's stem cells will be reverted into iPSCs, then genetically repaired and transplanted back into the bone marrow of the same patient. If successful, the bone marrow will then produce all new blood cells, including normal hemoglobin.

If the technique proves effective, the researchers say, it might be used for treating other types of diseases caused by single gene mutations.

The study was funded by grants from the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundations, Sanofi-Aventis, Ellison Medical Foundation, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, MICINN and Fundacion Cellex (JCIB). The study appears in the December 2011 issue of Cell Research.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world's preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.

For more information: Cell Research, Authors: Mo Li, Keiichiro Suzuki, Jing Qu, Preeti Saini, Ilir Dubova, Fei Yi, Jungmin Lee, Ignacio Sancho-Martinez, Guang-Hui Liu and Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte

TEXT CREDIT: Salk Institute for Biological Studies. 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 | 858.453.4100

NYU’s Women of Color Finds Black and Latino Voters Intend to Turn Out for Obama in Large Numbers

Poll by NYU’s Women of Color Policy Network Finds Black and Latino Voters in 11 Battleground States Intend to Turn Out for President Obama in Large Numbers in 2012 Election

A new poll from the Women of Color Policy Network (WOCPN) at New York University finds that Latinos and African-American voters in 11 battleground states key to the outcome of the 2012 presidential election support President Barack Obama’s re-election overwhelmingly, and are motivated strongly to go to the polls.

The WOCPN telephone survey of 800 registered minority voters in Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, and Missouri shows that getting the economy back on track and education are the top issues of the campaign for these voters, putting them on a course to vote in large numbers in the presidential race. Those surveyed (the poll was conducted during the first two weeks of November) expressed some disillusionment with progress on a number of major public issues, but principally blame Republicans in Congress.

The Women of Color Policy Network is a nationally known research center at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate Center of Public Service. To obtain a copy of the poll, contact public affairs officer Robert Polner at 212.998.2337, or via email at robert.polner(at)nyu.edu.

The poll will be part of discussions about minority voting and the 2012 race at a WOCPN-convened conference of national civil rights leaders on Thursday, Dec. 8. The conference, “Engage 2012,” will take place from 6 p.m.-to-8 p.m., at The Kimmel Center for University Life, 60 Washington Square South (at the corner of LaGuardia Place), New York, N.Y. To RSVP, go to wagner.nyu.edu/events/wocpn-12-08-2011. Media coverage is invited.

About the Women of Color Policy Network, NYU Wagner:

Founded in 2000 by the late Walter Stafford as part of the Roundtable of Institutions of Color, the Women of Color Policy Network at New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service is the nation's only research and policy institute focused on women of color,

their families, and communities at a top ranked school of public affairs. The Network conducts original research and policy analysis at the intersections of race, class and gender that is used to inform public policy outcomes at the local, state and federal levels. The Network also serves as a hub for women of color scholars, thought leaders, and practitioners.

Press Contact: Robert Polner || (212) 998-2337

Indiana University's African American Dance Company will present its annual studio concert

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University's African American Dance Company will present its annual studio concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Willkie Auditorium, 150 N. Rose St., in Bloomington. General admission is $5.

The African American Dance Company will be presenting new choreographic projects with the theme "Collaborations 2012: Finding Freedom." The students design, develop and construct choreography that illustrates various concepts of the theme, such as "individuality," "the warrior within" and "silent complacency," inspired by "P.O.W. (Prisoner of Words)," a poem by Alicia Keys.

The company will also perform selected pieces from "The Circle Will Not Be Broken," highlighting circular configurations and movements, African dance characteristics that have been carried over to the New World.

Dancers from the course "Dance in the African Diaspora" will perform pieces that represent the cultural, social and political expression and aesthetics of selected black diasporic dances. In the first excerpt, "Lamba," dancers illustrate the journey of Mansa Musa across the desert on a pilgrimage to Mecca by using arm movements that represent aspects of the journey such as welcoming gestures and carrying heavy loads.

Students of Bernard Woma's Ghanaian music, dance and drum course will perform specific Ghanaian dance and music such as Kpanlogo, referred to as "the dance to the youth," as it was born in the wake of Ghana's independence.

African American Dance Company Courtesy of Indiana University

Guest artists will include Evelyn Yaa Bekyore, a professional dancer with the Saakumu Dance Company from Ghana, West Africa, and Woma, a master of Ghanaian xylophone who has shared the stage with Yo Yo Ma and Maya Angelou, who were performing for international dignitaries such as President Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela. The concert is the end-of-the-semester performance for A221, F301/F609 and A100, courses offered in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies. The performance is constructed to give the audience insight into what students learn in these courses by explaining the process of the dance discipline.

The African American Arts Institute is committed to promoting and preserving African American culture through performance, education, creative activity research and outreach. For more information and a calendar of AAAI events, visit the African American Arts Institute website at www.indiana.edu/~aaai or call 812-855-5427. The institute's executive director is Charles E. Sykes. The African American Arts Institute is a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs. The ensembles are credit-bearing courses offered through the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 5, 2011 Media Contacts: Krista Wilhelmsen, African American Arts Institute kriwilhe@umail.iu.edu 812-855-5427

Perceived racism may cause mental health symptoms similar to trauma

Perceived Racism May Impact Black Americans' Mental Health. Psychological responses to racism similar to trauma symptoms, study finds

WASHINGTON—For black American adults, perceived racism may cause mental health symptoms similar to trauma and could lead to some physical health disparities between blacks and other populations in the United States, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association.

While previous studies have found links between racism and mental health, this is the first meta-analysis on the subject focusing exclusively on black American adults, according to the study published online in APA’s Journal of Counseling Psychology®.

“We focused on black American adults because this is a population that has reported, on average, more incidents of racism than other racial minority groups and because of the potential links between racism and not only mental health, but physical health as well,” said lead author Alex Pieterse, PhD, of the University at Albany, State University of New York.

Researchers examined 66 studies comprising 18,140 black adults in the United States. To be included in the analysis, a study must have been published in a peer-reviewed journal or dissertation between 1996 and 2011; include a specific analysis of mental health indicators associated with racism; and focus specifically on black American adults in the United States.

Alex Pieterse

Black Americans’ psychological responses to racism are very similar to common responses to trauma, such as somatization, which is psychological distress expressed as physical pain; interpersonal sensitivity; and anxiety, according to the study. Individuals who said they experienced more and very stressful racism were more likely to report mental distress, the authors said. While the researchers did not collect data on the impacts on physical health, they cite other studies to point out that perceived racism may also affect black Americans’ physical health. “The relationship between perceived racism and self-reported depression and anxiety is quite robust, providing a reminder that experiences of racism may play an important role in the health disparities phenomenon,” Pieterse said.

“For example, African-Americans have higher rates of hypertension, a serious condition that has been associated with stress and depression.”

The authors recommended that therapists assess racism experiences as part of standard procedure when treating black Americans, and that future studies focus on how discrimination is perceived in specific settings, such as work, online or in school.

Article: “Perceived Racism and Mental Health Among Black American Adults: A Meta-Analytic Review,” Alex L. Pieterse, PhD, University at Albany, State University of New York; Nathan R. Todd, PhD, DePaul University; Helen A. Neville, PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and Robert T. Carter, PhD, Teachers College, Columbia University; Journal of Counseling Psychology, online.

Alex L. Pieterse can be contacted by email or at (518) 437-4423.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 154,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting health, education and human welfare.

Contact: Lisa Bowen (202) 336-5707

American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Telephone: 800-374-2721; 202-336-5500. TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123.

Cleveland State University will honor the African American experience in the U.S. Military with a Kuumba Arts Festival

Cleveland State University will honor the African American experience in the U.S. Military with a Kuumba Arts Festival -- a creative celebration with singing, acting, dancing, film and recitations. Free and open to the public.

Featured artists invited to perform include vocalists The Hue People, SweetEven, Rob and Andrea Coleman, and Bertha Lee Pickett; poets Frederick Smith and Jacqueline Smith; and actors including CSU students and community members with choreography by Olivia Knox.
Hosted by Harry Boomer of 19 Action News

Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm
Main Classroom Auditorium, 1899 East 22nd Street

Each branch of the U.S. Military will be honored through film scenes -- the legacy of the Coast Guard through the work of Alex Haley, the U.S. Air Force through The Tuskegee Airmen, the U.S. Navy through the Antwone Fisher Story, the U.S. Army through A Soldier’s Story and Glory, and the U.S. Marines through This Christmas.

Community leaders honored include Mayor Frank Jackson, Councilman Terrell Pruitt, former Congressman Louis Stokes, former Judge George Trumbo and the late Mayor Carl Stokes.

The Women’s Army Corps will be saluted with expressed appreciation to former Judge Sara Harper and Irene Oliver. A special salute will be given to historical African American regiments such as the Massachusetts 54th U.S. C.T., The Tuskegee Airmen, Triple Nickel Paratroopers, and the Buffalo Soldier Regiments from World War II.

Sponsored by CSU’s Black Studies Program and the Survivors Justification Partners, Incorporated, CSU Veterans Student Success Program and Department of Student Life.

Cleveland State University | 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 | 216.687.2000 November 30, 2011 | News Release #14957 | Contact: Joe Mosbrook, 216.523.7279, j.mosbrook@csuohio.edu

Black Caucus of the American Library Association selectes Derek Mosley for Emerging Leaders program

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association has selected Derek Mosley, archivist and assistant director of the Ernest J. Gaines Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Angiah Davis, reference librarian at the Robert W. Woodruff Library at the Atlanta University Center, for the 2012 ALA Emerging Leaders program.

As sponsor, BCALA provides a stipend of $1,000 to support their attendance and participation in the Emerging Leaders program at the 2012 ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference.

“ BCALA is particularly proud to contribute to the future of our profession by assisting newer librarians in honing quality leadership and networking skills,” said Jos N. Holman, 2010-2012 BCALA president. “The planned development of the next generation of librarians is pivotal to the next level of digital services and resources on an equal access basis for library users.”

Mosley graduated from the Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science in 2011. While at Simmons he interned at Tufts University Digital Collections and Archives and at the Harvard University Arnold Arboretum. As a newly practicing librarian, Mosley participated as a panelist in representing BCALA at ALA’s Annual Conference in New Orleans. He was a 2009 Association of Research Libraries Diversity Scholar. Mosley received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a minor in African-American Studies from Morehouse College.

Davis received a Master of Science in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University in 2008. As reference librarian at the Robert W. Woodruff Library at the Atlanta University Center, Davis contributes to the library’s information literacy program. Davis served as a library assistant at the Mechanicsville Branch Library of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a minor in English from the State University of West Georgia.

The Emerging Leaders program enables librarians and library staff from across the country to participate in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers.

For the complete list of the 2012 class of Emerging Leaders, please visit americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2012-class-emerging-leader-participants-announced

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association serves as an advocate for the development, promotion and improvement of library services and resources to the nation's African-American community and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African-American librarians. For more information about BCALA, visit www.bcala.org/.

Contact: Christine Payton NOV. 30, 2011 (337) 482-6397, payton@louisiana.edu

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Public Relations and News Services · Martin Hall Room 319 Post Office Box 41009, Lafayette LA 70504-1009, USA. 337/482-6397 · 337/482-5908 (fax) · prns@louisiana.edu

African American Employee Council of Delta College Sponsors “Chicken & Waffle” Fundraiser, Dec. 8

Don’t miss an evening of great food, entertainment, cultural expression…and help Delta College students while you’re at it!

The African American Employee Council (AAEC) of Delta College is hosting a "Chicken and Waffle" fundraiser at San Joaquin Delta College on Thursday, December 8, at 5:00 p.m. in Danner Hall.

AAEC is bringing this traditional southern classic (made famous by Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles) to Stockton to raise money for student scholarships and to support AAEC events. In addition to great food, the event will include a live Jazz/R&B band, a student performance, vendors, and more. Pre-sale tickets are $10.00.

Every year the AAEC provides four $250.00 scholarships to continuing students of African descent at Delta College. Providing student scholarships is central to the AAEC mission to promote education and academic achievement within the African American community. In addition to the student scholarships, AAEC host a Celebration of Black Graduates to recognize the academic achievements of students receiving an associate degree.

The event serves as a cultural transition ceremony where graduates experience a series of African rituals designed to prepare them along the next phase of their journey. Each student is conferred with a hand woven Kente strip from Ghana, West Africa, which symbolizes the historical and cultural tradition of striving for excellence. The ceremony is meant to remind students of their accomplishments, and reinforce their responsibility to continue “that which is good.” By supporting this event you will partner with AAEC to nurture academic achievement in the African American community through activities that promote cultural awareness.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact: AAEC President Solyn Laney at: 209-954-5151, x6258, or event coordinator Aja Butler, 209-954-5100. Media Advisory For More Information Contact: Aja Butler. Director of Student Activities/ASBG Advisor. (209) 954-5100. abutler@deltacollege.edu San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Ave Stockton, California 95207 (209) 954-5151

President Obama awards Winston Anderson of Howard University for STEM Mentorship

WASHINGTON (November 28, 2011) – President Barack Obama recently announced leading cell biologist Winston Anderson, Ph.D., a Howard University professor of Biology, as one of nine individuals awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.

The White House presents the award to individuals and organizations in recognition of the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science and engineering—particularly those who belong to groups that are underrepresented in these fields.

Anderson (B.S. ’62; M.S. ’63) has devoted the last 44 years of his academic life including 36 years on the Howard faculty to the intellectual enhancement and training of African Americans and other underrepresented groups from K-12 to postdoctoral students.

“Dr. Anderson’s award represents excellence at the highest level in scientific research, teaching, learning and mentorship,” said Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau. “We are proud of his contributions to the thousands of students he has shaped over the last four decades.”

Anderson learned best about the value of mentoring as a mentee.

“Mentorship played an essential role in my success as a scientist,” Anderson said. “As an undergraduate and graduate student at Howard, I received advice and encouragement in a nurturing environment from highly competent African-American scientists and educators. Going away to a majority institution, I discovered that my mentors did not have to look like me to be influential. At both institutions, my mentors showed their interest first by example, second through inclusion in laboratories and third through exposure and opportunity.”

Winston Anderson, Ph.D.

Howard is a leader in producing competitive graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In 2009, the National Science Foundation ranked Howard first as the producer of the highest number of African-American bachelor’s degree recipients who continued on with their studies and earned science and engineering doctoral degrees nationally. Under President Ribeau, the University has committed to further enhancing its strategic positioning as one of the top research universities in the nation. In 2007, Anderson was named among the 20 best scientists in academia by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), a nonprofit medical research organization that ranks as one of the nation’s largest philanthropies, plays a powerful role in advancing biomedical research and science education in the United States.

“Dr. Anderson epitomizes what an HHMI Professor should be—a person who has accomplished a great deal in his own scientific career now reaching out to help today's students develop into the next generation of top scientists,” said David J. Asai, director of precollege and undergraduate programs at HHMI.

Chinweike Okegbe was not surprised by the announcement. He is a 2011 Gilliam Fellowship scholar and has been mentored by Anderson since his freshman year in 2006. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from the Biological Sciences Department at Columbia University.

“He pushed us to constantly challenge the status quo in whatever we did; we could never be too comfortable at any particular step,” said Okegbe. “He always wanted us, his students, to be ready to face the challenges our careers would bring us.”

The White House emphasizes that mentors help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers while ensuring that tomorrow’s innovators reflect and benefit from the diverse talent of the United States.

Candidates for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring are nominated by colleagues, administrators, and students at their home institutions. In addition to being honored at the White House, recipients receive awards of $25,000 from the National Science Foundation to advance their mentoring efforts.

ABOUT HOWARD

Howard University is a private research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 24 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University’s Web site at www.howard.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Rachel Mann Communications Specialist Office of University Communications rachel.mann@howard.edu 202.238.2631 www.howard.edu/newsroom/

Pigford Settlement Claims Filing Period Opens for African American Farmers and Ranchers

Pigford Settlement Claims Filing Period Opens for African American Farmers and Ranchers.

Pigford Settlement Claims Filing Period Opens for African American Farmers and Ranchers
Those Eligible Must File Claims No Later Than May 11, 2012

WASHINGTON, November 28, 2011- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded African American farmers and ranchers that the period to file a claim in the Pigford II settlement has opened.

"With the opening of the claims process, African American farmers and ranchers who believe they are entitled to compensation under the Pigford II settlement must file a claim within 180 days in order to receive cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Secretary Vilsack. "The opening of this claims process marks another milestone in USDA's efforts to correct the wrongs of the past and ensure fair treatment to all current and future customers."

In February, USDA and Department of Justice announced an agreement with African American farmers to settle the Pigford II litigation for $1.25 billion. Congress passed the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 that funded the settlement in November 2010, and the bill was signed by President Obama in December 2010.

The settlement arises from a class action lawsuit against USDA that alleges the Department discriminated against African-Americans who applied for or attempted to apply for farm loans or other farm benefits between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996. The settlement applies only to African-American farmers who meet specific eligibility requirements, including the requirement that they previously submitted a request to file a late claim in the 1999 Pigford I class action Consent Decree.

Members of the National Black Grower’s Council met with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC, Tuesday, November 29, 2011. From left: Haywood Harrell, North Carolina, Dexter Gilbert, Harper Armstrong, Louisiana, J.D. Jacobs, Texas, Secretary Tom Vilsack, P.J. Hayne, Virginia, DeWayne Goldman, Arkansas, Bill Bridgefork, Alabama, Warren James, Georgia and Kim Davis, Alabama. Secretary Vilsack and the council discussed national and international agriculture topics. USDA Photo by Bob Nichols.

The filing period opened November 14, 2011, and continues for 180 days, until May 11, 2012. Claimant services representatives can also be reached through calling 1-877-810-8110 or 1-866-950-5547. Claimants must register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claims package will be mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend a meeting and contact the website or claims telephone number. The website is: www.blackfarmercase.com The call number is: 1-877-810-8110 or 1-866-950-5547 Claims period: November 14, 2011 to May 11, 2012 Under Secretary Vilsack's leadership, USDA is addressing civil rights complaints that go back decades, to usher in "a new era of civil rights" for the Department and to pave the way for new and stronger relationships with the farming and ranching community.

In October 2010, Secretary Vilsack announced the Keepseagle settlement with Native American farmers, in February 2011, he announced his intention to establish an alternative dispute resolution process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. Secretary Vilsack has made it a priority to resolve all of the civil rights cases facing the Department which were inherited by this Administration.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)

Release No. 0493.11 Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623. Media Contact, Phone: (202) 720-4623, Fax: (202) 720-5402

IMAGE CREDIT: usdagov

Dr. Uhuru Hotep receives a Men of Excellence award from the New Pittsburgh Courier

Dr. Uhuru Hotep, associate director of Duquesne University’s Michael P. Weber Learning Skills Center and the Robert and Patricia Gussin Spiritan Division of Academic Programs, has received a Men of Excellence award from the New Pittsburgh Courier.

Nominated by readers and screened by the newspaper’s editorial board, Hotep was selected as one of 50 outstanding men contributing to the community. He is a nationally recognized authority on student achievement and leadership-following development.

A co-founder of the Duquesne Project for Academic Coaching through Tutoring (PACT), Hotep is also a consultant to the Kwame Ture Leadership Institute. With the help of grants from the Alkebulan Foundation, he created The Johari Sita: The Six Jewels of African Centered Leadership, the nation’s first African centered leadership-fellowship training program. Hotep’s nationally acclaimed seminars include 75 Ways to Raise the Intelligence of Black Children and Teens, Preparing African Youth for the 21st Century Leadership and Service and Kilombo Reconstruction: Building Sovereign African Villages in Modern-Day America, Part I-III.

A Fulbright Fellowship recipient, Hotep serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Pan African Studies and lectures on African American affairs in Japan, Jamaica, Haiti, Canada, the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom. His published writings include poetry, plays, essays and scholarly research appearing in the Harvard Journal of African American Public Policy, the Journal of Pan African Studies and the Journal of Urban Education, among others.

He lives in Turtle Creek.

The Duquesne University chapel adjoins the "Old Main" administration building.

Duquesne University: Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic research universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. The University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review for its rich academic programs in 10 schools of study for 10,000-plus graduate and undergraduate students, and by the Washington Monthly for service and contributing to students’ social mobility. Duquesne is a member of the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its contributions to Pittsburgh and communities around the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges acknowledge Duquesne’s commitment to sustainability.

This release was posted on Monday, November 21st, 2011 at 4:19 pm and is filed under Appointments & Awards, Books & Publications, Community Involvement, Religion & Ethics.

Media Contacts: Karen Ferrick-Roman Media Relations Manager 412.396.1154 412.736.1877 (cell) ferrickromank@duq.edu Rose Ravasio Media Relations Manager 412.396.6051 412.818.0234 (cell) ravasio@duq.edu

IMAGE CREDIT: By Alekjds 22:25, 10 September 2007 (UTC) (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0-us (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/us/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons.

The centrality of health in the history of black Americans 2012 Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series

The centrality of health in the history of black Americans will be the focus of the 2012 Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series. New Jersey’s largest and most prestigious conference commemorating Black History Month celebrates its 32nd anniversary on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the Paul Robeson Campus Center on the Rutgers University’s Newark Campus, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

This year’s program entitled Taking Good Care: A History of Health and Wellness in the Black Community, will examine the intersection of health and race in American life. Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former Surgeon General of the United States under President Clinton, will deliver the Marion Thompson Wright Lecture, Health Disparities in Black America. Dr. William Owen, president of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, will comment on Dr. Elders' lecture.

The MTW afternoon session features three distinguished speakers who will further examine the theme of Health and Wellness. Dr. Sharla Fett, associate professor of History, Occidental College, Los Angeles, will explore the healing work of enslaved women on U.S. Antebellum plantations; Dr. Dorothy Roberts, Kirkland & Ellis Professor, Northwestern University School of Law, will look at the new Biopolitics of Race and Health; and Dr. Priscilla Wald, Professor of English, Duke University, will examine the intersections of literature, science and medicine.

At the time of the MTW conference, Generation Fit, a new exhibit on health and wellness, will be on display at The Newark Museum, located within the footprint of the Rutgers-Newark campus. Immediately following the MTW conference, the audience is invited to attend a free reception featuring live musical entertainment by The Bradford Hayes Trio at The Newark Museum as well as visit the Generation Fit exhibit.

Former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders

During a special presentation, Rutgers University President, Dr. Richard L. McCormick, will receive the third Marion Thompson Wright Award in recognition of the university’s steadfast support of the Lecture Series. Previous MTW awards were presented in 2007 to Lonnie Bunch, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution, and in 2011 to Dr. Marc Mappen, former executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. The lecture series was co-founded in 1981 by Dr. Clement Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History at Rutgers University, and the late Giles R. Wright, New Jersey Historical Commission.

Over the past 30 years, the conference has drawn thousands of people to the Rutgers-Newark campus, and has attracted some of the nation’s foremost scholars and humanists who are experts in the field of African and African American history and culture. It has become one of the nation's leading scholarly programs specifically devoted to enhancing the historical literacy of an intercultural community.

The annual conference was named for East Orange native Dr. Marion Thompson Wright, a pioneer in African American historiography and race relations in New Jersey, who was the first professionally trained woman historian in the United States.

The Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series is sponsored by the Rutgers Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience, the Federated Department of History, Rutgers-Newark and the New Jersey Institute of Technology; and the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State. The 2012 conference receives additional support from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, UMDNJ, and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

For additional information about the program, visit the Institute’s website at: http://ethnicity.rutgers.edu, or contact the Rutgers Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience, 973.353.3891.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Media Contact: Marisa Pierson 973/353-3896 Office of Media Relations, Alexander Johnston Hall, 101 Somerset St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1281, 732-932-7084

Jesse Jackson at UNL Black Leadership Symposium

Jesse Jackson speaking Nov. 30 at UNL Black Leadership Symposium. Released on 11/23/2011, at 2:00 AM, Office of University Communications, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 30, WHERE: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, Neb., November 23rd, 2011 —

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., president and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, will be the keynote speaker Nov. 30 for the Nebraska Black Leadership Symposium at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He will give a free public lecture at 11:30 a.m. at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St.

Free tickets for the lecture are available at the Lied Ticket Office, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Two tickets will be available per person as long as they last.

Jackson's speech, "There's Still More to Be Done," will be followed by a question-and-answer session with select audience members. No bags or backpacks will be allowed at the lecture at the Lied.

Jackson is one of America's foremost civil rights, religious and political figures. Over the past 40 years, he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic and social justice. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. President and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Jackson has been called the "conscience of the nation" and "the great unifier," challenging America to establish just and humane priorities. He is known for bringing people together on common ground across lines of race, class, gender and belief.

The lecture is part of the university's annual Diversity Leadership Symposia. UNL's Gaughan Multicultural Center and Office of Admissions partnered on the symposia for the first time to develop the event into a student retention and public engagement opportunity. Two other keynote speakers, Andres Lara and Jai Steadman, addressed prospective students and a broader audience from the campus community at separate events on Nov. 7 and Nov. 10 at the Nebraska Latino Leadership Symposium and the Nebraska American Indian Leadership Symposium.

News Release Contacts: Writer: Kelly Bartling University Communications, 402-472-2059

• Andre Fortune, Director of Gaughan Multicultural Center, OASIS
  phone: 402 472 6151
• Amber Hunter, Director, Admissions
  phone: 402 472 0671

IMAGE CREDIT: By Eric Guo; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 03:54, 18 May 2010 (UTC) [CC-BY-2.0], || via Wikimedia Commons

Iowa and Invisible Man: Making Blackness Visible

A series of events beginning Tuesday, Nov. 29, and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 3, will examine the black experience at the University of Iowa. The project, "Iowa and Invisible Man: Making Blackness Visible," will include first-hand memories of a panel of "Black Hawkeyes" and culminate in the first-ever staged reading of a theatrical version of Ralph Ellison's seminal and best-selling novel.

All of the events are free and open to the public.

The project includes a week-long residency at the UI by Oren Jacoby, who is adapting the novel to the stage, and producer/director Christopher McElroen. Their theater production of Invisible Man will premier at the Court Theatre in Chicago in mid-January, marking the first time the novel has been presented on stage.

This is the schedule of events for the week:

--Tuesday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m., Shambaugh Auditorium, UI Main Library: "Black Hawkeyes: Midcentury Memories of the University of Iowa."

What was it like to be a black individual on the UI campus in the 1950s? UI alumni will offer first-hand memories of that period. The panel will be moderated by Richard Breaux, assistant professor in Ethnic Studies at Colorado State University and author of Maintaining a Home for Girls: The Iowa Federation of Colored Women's Clubs at the University of Iowa, 1919-1950 and To the Uplift and Protection of Young Womanhood: African American Women at Iowa Private Colleges and the University of Iowa, 1878-1928.

Ansa Akyea reads for director Christopher McElroen during auditions for a staged reading of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man in Shambaugh Auditorium.. by UI News Services, on Flickr

—A Roundtable on the Literary Past and Theatrical Future of a Great American Novel.

In this roundtable, panelists will reflect on Ellison, the literary landscape at mid-century, the power of the novel, and the challenge of bringing it to the stage. McElroen and Jacoby will be joined by Horace Porter, UI Wendell Miller Professor of English and American Studies; Lena Hill, UI assistant professor of English and African American Studies; and Michael Hill, UI assistant professor of English and African American Studies.

--Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m., African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave. Southeast, Cedar Rapids: "Visions in Process: Orations from the University of Iowa's Invisible Man Residency."

This public dialogue will examine about the 21st century implications of Ellison's ideas about race and democracy and will present scenes from the theatrical script. Panelists include McElroen, James Randall, retired professor of English at Coe College in Cedar Rapids; Shanna Benjamin, professor of English at Grinnell College in Grinnell; and Chad Simmons, interim director of Diversity Focus of Cedar Rapids, a nonprofit organization devoted to enhancing diversity in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area.

--Thursday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m., Iowa Memorial Union, Illinois Room (Room 348): "For My People: Elizabeth Catlett at Iowa and Beyond."

UI Museum of Art chief curator Kathleen Edwards will discuss the work of UI alumna Elizabeth Catlett (MFA '40), including her sculpture Invisible Man: A Memorial to Ralph Ellison, 2003. Edwards visited with Catlett in Mexico in 2006. Subsequently, the UIMA purchased 26 of Catlett's prints. After the lecture, the audience may view prints by Catlett in the UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom.

--Thursday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Shambaugh Auditorium, UI Main Library: "Now You See It, Now You Don't: A Civic Reflection Discussion."

Georgina Dodge, UI chief diversity officer and associate vice president, will facilitate a discussion focusing on issues of perception and difference. How do we see people who are different from us? How do they see us? What defines difference? Who determines that definition? Using a shared text as discussion catalyst, participants will be encouraged to consider the central issues from both societal and personal perspectives.

--Friday, Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m., Senate Chamber, Old Capitol Museum: WorldCanvass.

"Iowa and Invisible Man: Making Blackness Visible" will be the focus of the live WorldCanvass radio and television program, hosted by Joan Kjaer and produced by UI International Programs. Kjaer's guests will reflect on Ellison's life and work, including his place among other African-American writers of his era; the benefits of integrating performance into the classroom as a teaching tool; and the history of African-Americans at the UI and in Iowa.

--Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Shambaugh Auditorium, UI Main Library: "Staged Reading, Invisible Man."

A unique opportunity to get a glimpse of the new and first stage production of Invisible Man, set to open in Chicago in early 2012. The largely local cast will engage with Oren Jacoby's script, adapted from the Ellison's novel.

More than a dozen UI offices and organizations have come together to sponsor "Iowa and Invisible Man." They are Hancher, the Office of the Provost, UI Libraries, the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, the Chief Diversity Office, Iowa House Hotel, the Departments of African American Studies, American Studies, English, and History; the Center for Teaching, African American Council, and Humanities Iowa, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities headquartered in Iowa City. UI International Programs, the UI Museum of Art, and the African American Museum of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, have also provided support.

For more on how "Iowa and Invisible Man" came to fruition, see the story on the Hancher website. PHOTOS: Audition for staged reading of Invisible Man: www.flickr.com/photos/uinews/. STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242-2500. MEDIA CONTACTS: Rob Cline, Hancher, 319-335-3827, rob-cline@uiowa.edu; Steve Parrott, University News Services, 319-384-0037, steven-parrott@uiowa.edu

What is it like to be African American at St. Mary’s College, and in St. Mary’s County?

The Human Story behind Race. Play at St. Mary’s Weaves Voices, Images, and Dance to Tell the Story

(St. Mary’s City, MD) Nov. 17, 2011, 2011—What is it like to be African American at St. Mary’s College, and in St. Mary’s County? If you are white, what would you like to ask a black student? Why can it be so difficult to talk about race? Award-winning playwright Caleen Sinnette Jennings interviewed about 50 faculty, alumni, staff, and students on the black experience and then folded their answers into a collage of voices, images, and dance. “St. Mary’s Hear and Now” will be performed at Bruce Davis Theater in Montgomery Hall at 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat. Dec. 7-10 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. For reservations, contact the theater box office at 240-895-4243 or email boxoffice@smcm.edu.

“The stories were joyful, but also some were painful,” said Jennings. “After the formal interview part, they hung out in the hallway to talk, a springboard to new friendships, and relationships. Overall, it was spirit-affirming.

“I want people to walk out of the theater feeling empowered and engaged.”

Jennings, an American University theater professor, has been creating plays for discussions since the 1990s. Recently, she wrote such plays at Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., at Norfolk Academy, and at American.

Photo Caption: (From top) Members of the performing ensemble of "St. Mary's Hear and Now" are Ruth-Ann Tyson, Fatima Dainkeh, and Briana Manente. Photo by Bill Wood

“The play is partly in verse, and because of that there is a poetic, lyrical quality to the text that is incredibly captivating,” said Mark Rhoda, of the Department of Theater, Film, and Media Studies. “Caleen has a knack for echoing the lyrical in our daily lived experiences as interconnected human beings.” “It’s a very human story,” said Jennings. ### St. Mary's College of Maryland FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Press Release #11-197 Office of Publications & Media Relations 18952 E. Fisher Road St. Mary's City, Maryland 20686-3001 Contact Us: Lee Capristo (240) 895-4795 lwcapristo@smcm.edu Barbara Geehan (240) 895-3073 bjgeehan@smcm.edu Keisha Reynolds (240) 895-2245 kmreynolds@smcm.edu

WHUR 96.3 FM Howard University celebrating 40th anniversary will launch H.U.R. Voices on SiriusXM channel 141

WASHINGTON (November 17, 2011) – WHUR 96.3 FM, the Howard University-owned radio station celebrating its 40th anniversary, announced today that it will launch H.U.R. Voices on Thursday, Dec. 1 on SiriusXM channel 141.

H.U.R. Voices will offer exciting, educational and entertaining original programming that examines and explores issues that affect people of color, including a unique mixture of talk radio, local and national news, and great music. The channel will feature WHUR and WHUR-WORLD signature programs like the “Daily Drum,” a weekday public affairs program that will expand to one-hour; the “Dr. Audrey Chapman Show,” with the relationship guru; and the “Sighlent Storm,” the only radio show devoted to the issue of domestic violence. New programs include “People Money Life,” “The Traveling Eye” and “He Said She Said.” H.U.R. Voices will embody the mission of Howard University—to serve “America and the Global Community.”

WHUR celebrates four decades of excellence in broadcasting and community service on December 10 of this year.

“This is a milestone year for us,” said Jim Watkins, general manager of WHUR, WHUR-WORLD, and H.U.R. Voices. “Not only are we celebrating 40 years of our flagship radio station, we have been given the awesome opportunity of rolling out H.U.R. Voices on SiriusXM, which gives us the opportunity to further expand our brand and nationalize our programming.”

SiriusXM granted Howard University a lease to create two channels on the satellite radio system. The other channel, HBCU, is set to launch May 2012 and will provide music and talk programming from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The historic lease represents a significant step towards diversifying the airwaves.

Known as a media trailblazer, WHUR has a legacy of leading the way in radio. The station was first in the Washington region to broadcast in crystal-clear HD and the only urban station in the country to sponsor a NASCAR race with its own driver.

ABOUT HOWARD

Howard University is a private research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 24 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University’s Web site at www.howard.edu

About SiriusXM Radio

Sirius XM Radio is America's satellite radio company. SiriusXM broadcasts more than 135 satellite radio channels of commercial-free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data services to over 21 million subscribers. SiriusXM offers an array of content from many of the biggest names in entertainment, as well as from professional sports leagues, major colleges, and national news and talk providers.

SiriusXM programming is available on more than 800 devices, including pre-installed and after-market radios in cars, trucks, boats and aircraft, smartphones and mobile devices, and consumer electronics products for homes and offices. SiriusXM programming is also available at siriusxm.com, and on Apple, BlackBerry and Android-powered mobile devices.

SiriusXM has arrangements with every major automaker and its radio products are available for sale at shop.siriusxm.com as well as retail locations nationwide.

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: our competitive position versus other forms of audio and video entertainment; our ability to retain subscribers and maintain our average monthly revenue per subscriber; our dependence upon automakers and other third parties; our substantial indebtedness; and the useful life of our satellites, which, in most cases, are not insured. Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Renee Nash, Director of Public Affairs rnash@whur.com 202-253-4331 www.whur.com

Dr. Kerry-Ann Hamilton Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing Office of University Communications k_hamilton@howard.edu 202.238.2332 www.howard.edu/newsroom/

Howard University will host the sixth annual Ford Black College Quiz Game Show

WASHINGTON – Howard University will host the sixth annual Ford Black College Quiz Game Show at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec 1, in Cramton Auditorium. This televised event will feature students from 12 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Howard, competing for thousands of dollars in scholarship funds and cash prizes for their schools.

The Black College Quiz Game Show is a “Jeopardy” style formatted game show, where students display their knowledge and skills of African-American history. The show highlights the importance of continuing the pursuit of higher learning for both American-African students and the HBCU schools they attend. This year’s host will be actor Greg Alan Williams, known for roles in Necessary Roughness and BET’s The Game.

The prizes are: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place and $1,500 for third place. One student contestant will also receive an iPad. The participants include:
Alcorn State

University Benedict College
Cheyney University Fisk University
Florida Memorial University Fort Valley State University
Howard University Kentucky State University
Southern University-Baton Rouge Tuskegee University
Virginia State University Wilberforce University

Audience members will also have a chance to win three Apple iPads, which will be given away during the audience participation portion of the contest.

Admission to the game show is free. For additional information, please contact Angela McGee, communications director for the Black College Quiz at amcgee@ccptv.com. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jo-Ann English Communications Associate Office of University Communications. jo-ann.english@howard.edu 202.238.2330 www.howard.edu/newsroom/

California Lutheran University's free annual Kwanzaa celebration public is invited to attend

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - California Lutheran University's free annual Kwanzaa celebration will feature food, performances and a ceremony from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in Soiland Recreation Center.

CLU students will perform a Kwanzaa ceremony and NAACP Saturday School students will make presentations. The celebration will also include authentic African and African-American food, entertainment and vendors selling arts and crafts.

The public is invited to attend to learn about this holiday. Millions of African Americans observe Kwanzaa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 each year. It is a special time when families and friends unite to strengthen and encourage one another.

Soiland Recreation Center is located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is north of Olsen Road between Mountclef Boulevard and Campus Drive on the Thousand Oaks campus.

The NAACP Saturday School, the Afro-Centric Committee of Ventura County, and CLU's Black Student Union and Office of Multicultural Programs and International Student Services are sponsoring the event. For more information, call Multicultural Programs at 805-493-3489.

Media Relations: California Lutheran University Karin Grennan Media Relations Coordinator Office: (805) 493-3512 E-Mail: kgrennan@callutheran.edu

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Mail: California Lutheran University, Media Relations #1800. 60 West Olsen Road. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787 On-Campus Location: Pederson Administration Building Second Floor Marketing and Communications Office.

Texas Tech students Unveil Plans for African-American Museum

An ambitious class of Texas Tech landscape architecture students hopes to take its design concepts for the first African-American museum in West Texas from the drawing table to an actual East Lubbock landmark.

More than a dozen students from the university presented their plans Wednesday (Nov. 2) to the Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council. Among the design highlights were open-air theaters, winding tree-shaded paths, as well as art and history exhibits highlighting South Plains’ black history.

The projects are part of an effort to transform the Caviel Building, a historic East Lubbock pharmacy. Alfred and Billie Caviel are believed to be the first African-American husband-and-wife pharmacy team in the United States. The Caviels donated the pharmacy to provide Lubbock with its first African-American history center.

“It’s great for students to work with people in the community who share a common vision,” said Melissa Currie, an assistant professor in Texas Tech’s Department of Landscape Architecture.

Ten of Currie’s fourth-year undergraduates and five graduate students presented their projects to the Roots Historical Art Council. Each group of students had more than five large project sketches, including 3-D plans and renderings.

In preparation for the student project, Currie conducted research on ways of incorporating civil rights awareness into urban design. Then her students were required to research the civil rights movement and East Lubbock history and find ways to incorporate the concept into their work.

More than $70,000 in grants has already been targeted for the museum project, which aims to transform the Caviel Building.

More than $70,000 in the form of a grant has already been targeted for the museum project, said Eric Strong, director of the Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council. Looking ahead, Currie said the council will decide what parts of each project will be incorporated in the center’s final design. A construction start date has not been finalized. Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu and on Twitter @TexasTechMedia. CONTACT: Melissa Currie, assistant professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2672 or melissa.currie@ttu.edu.

Howard University announces Jefferi K. Lee as the new General Manager of WHUT-TV

WASHINGTON – Today, Howard University announced Jefferi K. Lee as the new General Manager of WHUT-TV. Lee brings nearly 30 years of broadcast media experience as a network executive.

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Lee join us as the new leader for WHUT-TV,” said Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau. “Howard Television has been a beacon for more than three decades. We envision a bright future for the station as a leader in public broadcasting with particular emphasis on issues affecting African Americans and people of color.”

At the helm, Lee plans to realign the station and its strategic priorities around President Ribeau’s vision of the University. This includes forming key partnerships with businesses, organizations and campus-wide collaboration.

"I am honored to be a part of the Howard University family as the new General Manager of WHUT-TV,” Lee said. “Howard has a rich cultural legacy and has an extensive resource of talent throughout the campus. I look forward to working with the administration, faculty, staff and students as we continue to make a significant contribution in serving the Washington Metropolitan area.”

For 17 years, Lee helped lead Black Entertainment Television as the executive vice president of network operations and programming. In the high-profile position, Lee directed day-to-day operations of the cable network and more than 300 employees. Over the last decade, he has managed his own communications consulting firm, Lee Productions. He also served as senior executive for Bio-Defensive Research Group in Columbia, Md.

Jefferi K. Lee

Lee was educated at the University of Maryland, College Park’s department of radio, film and television program. He has lectured at Howard University and taught as a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin. WHUT-TV, Washington, DC, was the first public broadcasting station licensed to a predominantly African-American organization, Howard University. Founded in 1980, WHUT-TV reaches more than 2 million households in the greater Washington metro area annually. The Emmy award-winning station airs more than 3,500 hours of public affairs, educational and original programming each year including the flagship public affairs program Evening Exchange.

Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 24 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.

For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University’s Web site at Howard University Office of University Communications, 2225 Georgia Ave. NW, Suite 603, Washington, D.C. 20059

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Kerry-Ann Hamilton, Ph.D. Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing Howard University (202) 238-2332 K_Hamilton@howard.edu

Dr. Elijah Saunders Receives 2011 Herbert W. Nickens Award VIDEO

Baltimore, MD – Cardiologist Elijah Saunders, M.D., FACC, FACP, FAHA, FASH, professor of medicine and head of the Section of Hypertension at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, has received the 2011 Herbert W. Nickens Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The Nickens Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promote justice in medical education and health care equality. For more than 50 years, Dr. Saunders has worked to achieve medical equality and eradicate health care disparities within African-American communities.

Dr. Saunders is an international expert on hypertension in African-Americans, consistently recognized for his patient education efforts to raise awareness of high blood pressure and for his exploration of new treatment options for African-Americans. He has devoted his career to developing innovative programs to reach patients in non-traditional settings, such as barber shops, to educate at-risk patients about the importance of cardiovascular health.

Dr. Saunders developed his clinical and leadership skills at a time when there were few African-American colleagues and even fewer mentors within the field of medicine. Dr. Saunders became the first African-American resident in internal medicine at the University of Maryland in 1960 and the first African-American cardiologist in the state of Maryland in 1965. Despite the challenges, Dr. Saunders followed his own vision for equality in health care and became a compassionate leader for what was, at the time, an often overlooked patient population.

“It is quite fitting that Dr. Saunders be recognized for his extraordinary efforts towards medical equality, during a time in our history when medicine lacked strong African-American leadership,” says E. Albert Reece, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., vice president for Medical Affairs at the University of Maryland and dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “His selection for this award speaks to the strong emphasis placed upon the recruitment and promotion of underrepresented minority leaders at the School of Medicine. I commend his efforts for the betterment of all patients.”

“I am honored to be recognized for efforts that have only been a natural extension of my philosophy towards medicine,” says Dr. Saunders. “We’ve made great strides, but my greatest hope is that the efforts we’ve put in place to achieve health care equality will continue to be nurtured by the current and future generations of practitioners.”

After operating a successful private practice for the first 20 years of his career, Dr. Saunders believed he could do more to fight hypertension and raise awareness of the condition if he joined the faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he could pursue research that would help advance treatment options for hypertension. In an academic setting, he was able to push the challenges of African-American hypertension into the spotlight. His research showed that some blood pressure medications are more effective than others for African-Americans. As a result of his findings, drug companies now make a point of including African-Americans in their studies.

Other notable highlights of Dr. Saunders’ career:

Played an instrumental role in the desegregation of University of Maryland hospital wards in the 1960’s. The standard until then was to locate patients in the hospital by gender and race. Dr. Saunders and a few of his colleagues chose to integrate the wards by grouping patients according to medical category, thereby putting African-American patients and white patients together.

Co-founded the Association of Black Cardiologists and later served as chairman of the board and president.

Co-founded, was past president and past chairman of the board of the International Society on Hypertension in Blacks.

Co-founded the Heart House of the American College of Cardiology.

Co-founded the American Society of Hypertension.

Received funding from CareFirst to begin the Hair, Heart and Health program in 2006, which received national and international attention and continues to train barbers and hairstylists to pre-screen their customers for hypertension and make appropriate referrals for medical care if necessary.

Received the Louis B. Russell Award, the highest award for contributions to cardiovascular minority health.

Served as chair of the cardiology section of the National Medical Association.

Honored by Associated Black Charities in 2009 as a “Living Legend” honoree for his enduring contributions.

Dr. Saunders received his Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State College in 1956 and his doctoral degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1960, where he was one of only four African-American medical students in a class of 140. He subsequently trained in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the University of Maryland from 1960 through 1965.

Donald E. Wilson, M.D., dean emeritus of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and former vice president of Medical Affairs, was the first University of Maryland honoree to receive the Nickens Award, in 2000.

###

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 7, 2011 Contact: Bill Seiler bseiler@umm.edu 410-328-8919

University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 1.800.492.5538 TDD: 1.800.735.2258 Physician Referral: 1.800.373.4111

Danielle McGuire At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance

The Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive and African American Studies Program at University of Detroit Mercy is hosting speaker Dr. Danielle McGuire on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. The talk will take place in the School of Architecture building on the McNichols campus.

McGuire will be discuss her book, "At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance,” inspired by Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement. The book begins by describing events and people from our past, and challenges in the Detroit leader’s life that led to such a spectacular movement for the world. McGuire will also talk about how social class and sexual violence affected the lives of so many people in such difficult times. “At the Dark End of the Street “ acknowledges that women were treated differently at that time and how they endured through the stress and violence of the day.

This event is co-sponsored by UDM’s Women and Gender Studies and African American Studies Programs.

This is a free event and is open to the public. For more information, please contact CLASA Director Dr. Gail Presbey 313-993-1124 or at presbegm@udmercy.edu.

Contact: Gary D. Lichtman. Media Relations Director, Marketing and Public Affairs, University of Detroit Mercy. (313) 993-1254, Release date: November 09, 2011 # # #

Danielle McGuire

The University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest private Catholic University, offering approximately 100 majors and programs in 60 academic fields. Sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the University has three campuses located in downtown and northwest Detroit.

Mad at Miles: A Black Woman’s Guide to Truth

UofL Theatre presents ‘Mad at Miles: A Black Woman’s Guide to Truth’
A funny, angry and lyrical look at the dark side of relationships between men and women

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –“Mad at Miles: A Black Woman’s Guide to Truth,” a new dramatic adaptation of the book by Pearl Cleage that explores love, violence and relationship boundaries, will be performed by the University of Louisville’s Department of Theatre Arts African American Theatre Program (AATP).

The play will be performed Nov. 30-Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. nightly plus matinees at 3 p.m. Dec. 4. All performances are at the Thrust Theatre, 2314 S. Floyd St.

Interpreted and directed by AATP director and theatre arts professor Deana Thomas, the play is set against the backdrop of jazz icon Miles Davis and Cicely Tyson’s troubled marriage.

Thomas first heard readings of Cleage’s original essays in 1989 when she and Cleage were faculty members at Spelman College. Inspired by her own experience and stories of abuse wrought by Davis and others, Cleage explored themes of violence, love and unhealthy relationships in what later formed her book.

“Cleage’s stories of women speak out to the age-old mystery as to how men can love us and still hurt us,” Thomas said. “Women grapple with how to survive after reality shatters the idealism of love. The play speaks frankly of the qualities women desire in their men.”

A cast of six mix music and humor in stories that try to understand the paradox of love and pain that many women face in their relationships. Show tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for faculty and staff, and $8 for students and senior citizens. For tickets and information, call 502-852-6814 or visit louisville.edu/theatrearts/.

John Chamberlain (502) 852-6171 john.chamberlain@louisville.edu

Condoleezza Rice Speaks at University of Miami VIDEO

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Speaks at UM

November 03, 2011 — After maintaining a relatively low profile since her eight years of service in the George W. Bush administration, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice chose the University of Miami as the first stop on her national book tour, discussing a range of topics that included the war on terror, immigration, education, and Latin America in a discussion held November 3 on the institution’s Coral Gables campus.

Her visit was part of the Charles E. Cobb Leadership Lecture Series, named for the UM trustee and former chair of the Board of Trustees, and was held in collaboration with Books & Books, a partnership UM President Donna E. Shalala called “the beginning of a beautiful relationship.”

Her lecture also came on the same day of the release of her new book No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington, 300 copies of which were given to UM students in attendance as gifts by Ambassadors Chuck and Sue Cobb.

Rice was introduced by the Cobbs, both of whom are alumni of Stanford University, where Rice was provost from 1993 to 1999 and is now the Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and a professor of political economy and political science.

Rice, who was the first African-American woman to serve as secretary of state, signs a copy of her new book for a UM student. Some 300 copies of her book were given to students as gifts from Ambassadors Charles and Sue Cobb.

Thursday’s event was conducted in an interview format with President Shalala asking questions, the majority of which were submitted by students.

Rice, who was the first African-American woman to serve as secretary of state, signs a copy of her new book for a UM student. Some 300 copies of her book were given to students as gifts from Ambassadors Charles and Sue Cobb

Rice discussed everything from how she came to be secretary of state to how she gave up being a piano major in college when she realized she would probably end up teaching 13 year olds or playing in a department store. She said she was fortunate to wander into an international studies class taught by Josef Korbel, the father of another Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, which ignited her passion for Soviet affairs.

She recounted a moment during her White House career when she found herself in a Marine One helicopter with Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife, thinking, “I’m really glad I changed majors.”

She also recounted advising then-Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak not to wait until his people were in the streets to make efforts at reform. She discussed Cuba, saying that when Fidel Castro dies the people of Cuba must be able to elect their next leader and that the presidency must not just be handed to his brother, Raul.

Of President George W. Bush’s top leadership team, she commented, “We got along just fine until the most stressful times, which were the war on terror and Iraq.”

With regard to Iraq, she said Saddam Hussein “was considered the biggest threat in the Middle East.”

“Authoritarianism is not sustainable,” she explained, noting that if people don’t have a way to change the government they will do it violently. “When fear breaks down, all that’s left between a dictator and the people is anger.”

She addressed changes in national security post-9/11 and touched on other major topics such as Latin America and the Caribbean, education, and immigration. “I don’t know when immigrants became the enemy,” she said, citing the need for comprehensive federal immigration reform. “If we don’t fix this, we will undo one of the greatest strengths” of the United States.

The lecture drew some 450 students and 300 other attendees from the UM and surrounding community.

Rice, who served as secretary of state to President Bush from 2005 to 2009, was the second woman and first African-American woman in history to be appointed to that post. She has written numerous books. In addition to No Higher Honor, her bestselling memoir Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family (2010) was available at the event.

Student media took part in a press conference prior to the lecture. WVUM political talk show Counterpoint will devote a future show to the event, said hosts Michael Matthiesen and Wesley Rogerson.

In its 25th year the Cobb Leadership Lecture Series is dedicated to presenting leaders from all walks of life who are experts on leadership.

University of Miami Media Contact: Contact Person: UM Communications umcommunications@miami.edu