Michelle Thomas

UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, known as the United Fund, is a philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for Black students and general scholarship funds for 37 private HBCUs. UNCF was incorporated on April 25, 1944, by Frederick D. Patterson, Mary McLeod Bethune, and others. UNCF is headquartered in DC. In 2005, UNCF supported approximately 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities with approximately $113 million in grants and scholarships. About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college, and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF administers over 450 named scholarships. UNCF’s president and chief executive officer is Michael Lomax. Past presidents of the UNCF included William H. Gray and Vernon Jordan. Though founded to address funding inequities in education resources for African Americans, UNCF-administered scholarships are open to all ethnicities; the great majority of recipients are still African-American. It provides scholarships to students attending its member colleges as well as to those going elsewhere. Graduates of UNCF member institutions and scholarships have included many Black people in the fields of business, politics, health care, and the arts. Some prominent UNCF alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Alexis Herman; Spike Lee; Samuel L. Jackson; General Chappie James; and Dr. David Satcher. UNCF adopted as its motto the maxim “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” This maxim has become one of the most widely recognized slogans in advertising history. The motto was notably mangled in an address to the organization by VPOTUS Dan Quayle, who stated: “And you take the UNCF model that what a waste it is to lose one’s mind or not to have a mind is being very wasteful. How true that is.” The motto, which has been used in numerous award-winning UNCF ad campaigns, was created by Forest Long, of the advertising agency Young & Rubicam, in partnership with the Ad Council. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

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Opinion: This should be a wake up call to every Black History Teacher, Church, HBCU in the state of South Carolina to teach AP African American History to students that want to take it. And if it means teaching it before school or after or under a tree at night. Let it be known, it will be taught. In addition, students, parents and communities should make it clear that we offer and take it without credit if necessary. We take it for the knowledge not the credit. We value knowledge not credit is the message here. Values are want's at stake here. As we see history playing out today, some folks have no values, principles, morals or ethics. All Black Educators, including HBCUs should be about creating programs courses to teach AP African American History to high schools students for college credits. Give students of color and others the opportunity learn about the real history and not some watered down untruthful version of it. S.C. to no longer allow credit for AP African American studies course AP African American studies won't be offered in Berkeley and Charleston counties in the 2024-25 school year. As the AP African American studies course ends for the coming school year in Berkeley County and Charleston County several questions arise about what’s next. “Why single out AP African American Studies?" asked Daron Calhoun, a Charleston County School District Board of Trustee Member and Historian. "Do you not understand it? Is there another agenda going along with it? We have to understand the root of the issue. Why do we need to look at a free African American Studies and say we're not gonna get that code."

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Despite the attack on Diversity and Inclusion, it is crucial to champion diversity in the business sector, as it fosters innovation and economic resilience. Providing varied perspectives and solutions is essential for navigating a complex system. The South has something to say. ~Andre 3000 I want to express my gratitude to my colleague Jarryd Bethea, MPP for writing this insightful opinion piece. Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative #Atlanta #Businesses #Justeconomy #AWBI #AJC #AtlantaJournalConstitution #Ownership #Equity https://lnkd.in/eMGqhgDp

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Are you looking for a Black Jobs or do you want to bring more opportunities to HBCUs? We are looking for #HBCULeaders to join my team and help me launch my #HBCU Department so that we can bring more opportunities to #HBCUSchools, Teams, #Sports, #Atheltes & Students!! We are launching a HBCU Department that will supports the growth and development of HBCU communities. My goal is to: 🟥Responsibilities - Support Schools, Teams, and Athletes: We aim to provide comprehensive support to HBCU schools, teams, and athletes, including assistance with securing #NILdeals, brand development, and career advancement. Our mission is to ensure that HBCU athletes can maximize their potential both on and off the field. - Help Manage & Build the HBCU Department: Lead the development and execution of our HBCU-focused initiatives, ensuring they align with the unique needs and goals of each institution. - Manage Social Media Accounts: Oversee the creation and management of social media accounts that highlight the achievements of HBCU athletes and students, foster engagement, and build a strong online community. - Secure NIL Deals for Athletes: Work closely with athletes to help them navigate the NIL landscape, secure partnerships, and build their personal brands. 🟥Qualifications: - Former HBCU Graduate, Executive at a HBCU, a former Athlete or a public figure who works in HBCU community!! - You must live near a School or in the southern region of the US. These are our available positions!!👇👇👇 📚Head of HBCU 🟩Salary: $350K to $750K https://lnkd.in/g_TJfnjf 🤝President of #HBCUPartnerships 🟩Salary: $350K to $450K https://lnkd.in/gZySRmQT 📈President of #HBCUMarketing 🟩Salary: $250K to $450K https://lnkd.in/gzVkiSM3 🎨President of #HBCUDesigns 🟩Salary: $250K to $350K https://lnkd.in/g8XFdG4s 🏆President of #HBCUSports & NIL 🟩Salary: $350K to $450K https://lnkd.in/g3UiXHuE 🚨President of #HBCUMedia/News 🟩Salary: $350K https://lnkd.in/gqjGHhd6 If you are interested or you would like more information, please contact me ASAP!! #MinoritiesInBusiness #DiversityInBusiness #MinorityEntrepreneurs #BlackOwnedBusiness #LatinoBusiness #AsianBusiness #SupportMinorityBusiness #MinorityLeadership#MinorityWomenInBusiness #DiverseWorkforce #MinoritiesInSports #DiversityInSports #BlackAthletes #LatinoAthletes #AsianAthletes #SupportMinorityAthletes #SportsDiversity #HBCU #HBCUPride #HBCUExcellence #HBCUGrad #HBCUAlumni #HBCUFamily #SupportHBCUs #HBCUSports #NIL #JobsForMinorities #DiversityInHiring #InclusiveHiring #MinorityJobSeekers #CareerOpportunities #DiverseCareers #MinorityJobs #EqualOpportunities #CareerDiversity #MinorityEmployment #JobSearch #CareerOpportunities #JobOpening #HiringNow #JobHunt #JobVacancy #Employment #JobSeekers #JobAlert #CareerGrowth

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#Generational wealth

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The power of #livedexperience lies in #thickdescription and #evidencedinformed data is crucial for affirmative racial #equity, #diversity, and #inclusion practices. It exposes the fallacies of sanitizing and erasing racism, sexism, and homophobia. Lived experience, as subject matter expertise, highlights the human toll of regressing on equitable and inclusive policies. Let's challenge corporate, academic, and intergovernmental responses that could perpetuate racism, marginalization, and exclusivity. #ReggieJackson

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✊🏾 As a proud leader in Atlanta’s K-12/College Tech & Computer Science Community, I’m excited to share with you an exciting and important Ecosystem Mapping Project that Atlanta Black Tech is launching. This is an effort to map every single Black-led or Black-inclusive organization making technology and computer science more accessible for Black K-12/College Students. 🚀 We need your help - Join me in shining a light on powerful organizations doing impactful work in this space. 🗣️ Tag an organization, program, or leader in the comments that are the following: A Tech/Computer Science Org for K-12/College Based in Atlanta or significant presence in ATL Black-led or primarily targeting Black students I’m shining a light on these leaders here: Tokiwa T. Smith, CEO of Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc; Erika Jefferson, Founder of Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE), Stephanie Espy, Founder and CEO of STEM Gems, Marsha Francis, Ph.D., Executive Director of STE(A)M Truck, William Oliver, MBA, Executive Director of STEAMsport, Inc., and Tamara Pearson, PhD. Senior Director of Research of the College of Computing at Georgia Tech Constellations Center. ⚡ Who should @atlblacktech ensure is not left off the list?! If you get tagged, make sure you tag someone else! 🙌🏽😎 #atlblacktech #weourus #ecosystemmap #k12 #college #computerscience 

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We should take a few tips on how sports rivals come back together as friends after their team wins or loses and apply it in the political arena. Check out my blog post for this month! #gocardinals #bekind

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Cannas Capital Holdings BANK BLACK 💚🖤 Building a business that benefits your community shouldn't be a struggle. Bank Black uses AI to unlock funding for minority-owned businesses like yours. Get the support you need to create positive change TODAY! #CannasCapital #cannascapitalholdings #bankblack #blackculture #blackexcellence #balleralert

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#Diaspora #diplomacy Incoming! A simple but impactful step that high-level political leadership can play in sparking diverse forms of #diasporaengagement whether it be for cultural promotion, economic engagement, nation building, etc is to ensure that a dialogue with diaspora is held on their relevant commitments abroad. Having been in those rooms for many, many years, it is clear to me that you cannot understate the importance of those exchanges. They allow the people-to-people connections required for diaspora engagement to flourish. Onwards. https://lnkd.in/eHeWdAWd

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Introducing 52 Shades of Excellence. The ITSMF - Information Technology Senior Management Forum’s Emerge Academy for Women 2024 graduating class. Their capstone project was a video and stage production of the history and value of ITSMF. #BlackExcellence #Blacktechexcs #Blackleadership

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🔦 NCYS is proud to spotlight a game-changing initiative: the National Football League (NFL)'s Smart Heart Sports Coalition’s “AEDs for Youth” program during National Youth Sports Week (NYSW). As proud Coalition members, NCYS is committed to making AEDs more affordable and accessible to schools and youth sports organizations nationwide, ensuring lifesaving devices are right where they’re needed - where young athletes play and compete. Learn more about the program at: www.smartheartsports.com At NCYS, safety in youth sports is our top priority. That’s why, through our partnerships with GoRescue and ZOLL Medical Corporation, we've equipped youth sports organizations with critical tools like AEDs, ensuring that lifesaving devices are always within reach where young athletes play. 🙌 But that's not all! We're also pushing ALL coaches and sports leaders to take the PlaySafelySports injury prevention training—a quick 75-minute, evidence-based resource to keep our athletes safe. Registration for the course is complimentary, thanks to PlaySafely Sports, only during NYSW. Don’t miss out on this essential training! 👉 bit.ly/3Zrncwy And remember, every youth sports organization NEEDS an Emergency Action Plan—no exceptions! These plans are lifesavers and critical for responding quickly to any on-field emergencies. Be prepared, be secure! 👉 bit.ly/3XMZz05 Join our mission to make youth sports safer for every child, every game, and every field. 💙 #YouthSportsSafety #AEDs #NationalPreparednessMonth #NationalYouthSportsWeek

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By 2036 the United States is projected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians. As a telehealth platform, Ask Me Your MD, Inc. (AMY MD) doesn’t just connect you with a doctor… AMYMD’s model turns one doctor into 10. While also reducing cost for the patient and insurer PLUS reducing the time It takes to see a specialist. The symptom = lack of access to a physicians/specialists. The root cause = we don’t have enough doctors. <—-AMY MD. It’s been a pleasure to see the fruits of Patricia Kelly Marsh, MD labor. …and that non-dilutive funding just hits different 😎 lol ✅ P.S. if you’re in town for the gener8tor healthcare conference next week, stop by for our dinner and showcase to learn more about Ask Me Your MD, Inc. (AMY MD) RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/dJvBecVB Prosper HealthTech Accelerator 🕶️ a vision of Prosper 🔋powered by gener8tor

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EGA President and CEO, Tamara Toles O'Laughlin issues statement in response to the Fearless Fund matter: “On Monday, the U.S. federal court of appeals ordered the suspension of the Fearless Foundation’s Strivers Grant Fund for Black female entrepreneurs on the basis of a claim of racial discrimination. The Fearless decision relies on blatant revision of the historical context of Section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, and erases present day impacts of a defensive law by giving legal weight to criticism by a few about the rights of the many. This matter comes on the heels of recent rulings with generational malice and pretends a reasoned result could come from wordplay meant to disguise prejudice, plain and simple.   In the face of an increasingly hostile environment for care, EGA reaffirms our support for the humanization of racialized communities as necessary partners in civil society. EGA is committed to the enabling conditions of a just transition for people and planet. And we are here to support our members in a practice of solidarity in grantmaking that addresses the root causes of environmental injustice, today for tomorrow. “ Read the full statement by EGA President and CEO, Tamara Toles O'Laughlin here: https://lnkd.in/ev3NNkyu

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Bloomberg Philanthropies made an unprecedented $600 million donation to four historically Black medical schools—Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science University—marks a significant milestone in the fight for health equity. This landmark investment demonstrates how private industry and academic partnerships can prepare the next generation of physicians and address critical health disparities. By strengthening the financial foundations of these historically Black institutions, this funding empowers them to continue their mission of diversifying the medical field. Increased endowments mean better management of tuition costs, more innovative research opportunities, and enhanced support for the academic and professional development of future Physicians. Evidence shows that Black patients have better health outcomes when treated by Black physicians, yet only 6% of U.S. doctors are Black. This partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies and HBCU medical schools is a powerful example of how strategic investments can create lasting change. Advancing Health Equity is dedicated to partnering with organizations on their journey to eliminate bias and discrimination in healthcare, cultivate an equitable organizational culture, and improve health outcomes. Join us in celebrating this significant step towards a more equitable healthcare future! #HealthEquity #MedicalEducation #HBCUMedicine #FuturePhysicians #EquitableHealthcare #HealthDisparities #DiverseMedicalWorkforce #PhilanthropyInAction #HealthcareTransformation #BreakingBarriers https://lnkd.in/e4BG9uDa

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