HBCU

It Will Take Partnerships to Dismantle Criminal Injustices

HOUSTON FORWARD TIMES — The overrepresentation of Blacks in the criminal justice system is widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, there are few Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) producing the necessary research to support the criminal justice reform movement. A quick Google search on the role of HBCUs in criminal justice reform produces few results. Limited resources and no directed marketing approach – issues not unique to HBCUs – make it difficult for HBCUs to be part of the reform.

Published

7 years ago

May 3, 2019

David Baker and Howard Henderson

By David Baker and Howard Henderson

The overrepresentation of Blacks in the criminal justice system is widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, there are few Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) producing the necessary research to support the criminal justice reform movement. A quick Google search on the role of HBCUs in criminal justice reform produces few results. Limited resources and no directed marketing approach – issues not unique to HBCUs – make it difficult for HBCUs to be part of the reform. However, if we are going to ensure that we participate in the necessary changes to the criminal justice system, there must be more collaboration between HBCUs, the government and private organizations.

Partnerships between universities and foundations have existed for decades and is ever more necessary today (for recent examples see Center for Advancing Opportunity and the Charles Koch Foundation). The growing complexity of problems in our criminal justice system demands an interdisciplinary approach. HBCUs are positioned to solve the complex challenges in creating a more equitable justice system. These partnerships are especially helpful to institutions traditionally limited in research dollars and human capital. Research grants are becoming more difficult to acquire as a result of greater competition and fewer funding opportunities. Public universities used to thrive entirely on government funding. These days, higher education is receiving less and less of this funding, particularly in those areas researching social ills.

As government funding for social science research continues to decline, with the majority of available research dollars slanted toward STEM-based programs, criminal justice reform research has had to take an interdisciplinary approach. HBCUs are equipped to embrace both collaborative efforts and traditionally siloed disciplines, creating evidence-based solutions for the countless members of resilient communities. After all, research conducted at universities should be focused on improving everyday life for members of the community. Thus, amid the growing presence of research funded by foundations, every partnership provides its own nuanced distinction. If HBCUs are to remain relevant, we must take advantage of these necessary partnerships. In fact, the National Research Council notes that “Strengthening Partnerships with Business” is a top ten recommendation for competitive universities most likely to overcome the budget reductions of the state and federal government.

Contemporary Model

The Center for Justice Research (CJR) at Texas Southern University uses a multi-pronged funding approach to address social ills, motivate faculty research, and train the next generation of researchers respective of a culturally sensitive approach. There is a need to ensure criminal justice reform embraces the cultural and personal impact of those processed through the system. The value of this multi-pronged funding model lies in its ability to foster interdisciplinary reform-based research that has the potential to mature into a long-term university and community benefits.

CJR is a contemporary example of an HBCU – foundation partnership necessary to address a contemporary concern. This partnership model has the ability to change policy using locally accessed research, allowing agencies in need of research to maintain a link with the university as their programming matures. Providing a residence for start-up research in criminal justice reform within the HBCU academic space allows professionals to become embedded in the research setting with access to much needed information. At the same time, giving researchers and students direct access to professionals builds a network of knowledge and collaboration that is mutually beneficial.

However, long-term strategic alliances, focused around a specific area of study such as criminal justice reform efforts, has a great potential for immediate impact. Opportunities exists for HBCUs to partner with foundations at a variety of levels as they embrace a common set of objectives. This has indispensable efficiencies, such as breaking down barriers to intellectual data rights, creating transparency between entities, pooling resources, and streamlining the process of bringing research results from intellectual positions to stakeholders. Thus, the CJR model creates a framework for the rapid and open exchange of information between parties with shared vision and goals. Integrating an evidence-based, culturally responsive approach further expands the reach of the criminal justice reform movement.

This model can also inspire democratic innovation and discovery by linking together academia, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, non-governmental organizations, private investors and individuals who would otherwise remain disconnected.

Along these lines, any success of a partnership depends largely on several key factors, including:

research and funding collaborations;
mentoring the next generation of researchers;
developing a shared vision that identifies the purpose, framework and goals of the partnership;
identifying leaders who are capable of navigating that sensitive space between public and private entities;
creating a shared platform for the exchange of ideas and information that contribute to the overall goals of the partnership;
investing in long-term relationships.

By fostering more partnerships between HBCUs and foundations, we are better able to develop meaningful research and reforms intended to improve life chances for the countless members of resilient communities.

David Baker is a Research Fellow in the Center for Justice Research & Associate Professor and Howard Henderson, Director of the Center for Justice Research & Professor School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University

This article originally appeared in the Houston Forward Times.

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Black History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Celebrates New North Atlantic Regional Director

WASHINGTON INFORMER — As the 36th Regional Director, Dr. Ringgold will serve on the Alpha Kappa Alpha 18-member Board of Directors and will assist in the implementation of policies and programs under the leadership of International President and Chief Executive Officer Charletta Wilson Jacks.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

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Dr. Tonja L. Ringgold, an educator and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), was installed as North Atlantic Regional Director during the organization’s 72nd Biennial International Convention on July 23 in Las Vegas.

Dr. Ringgold will serve a two-year term overseeing one of the Sorority’s largest and most historic regions. With more than 17,000 members, the Notable North Atlantic is the birthplace of the sorority, which was established on Jan. 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“I am excited and humbled by the faith placed in me to lead,” said Dr. Ringgold. “I welcome the opportunity to give back to this illustrious Sisterhood that has poured so much into me.”

The North Atlantic Region, one of the sorority’s 10 regions in the United States and abroad, comprises undergraduate and graduate chapters in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, eastern New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

As the 36th Regional Director, Dr. Ringgold will serve on the Alpha Kappa Alpha 18-member Board of Directors and will assist in the implementation of policies and programs under the leadership of International President and Chief Executive Officer Charletta Wilson Jacks.

Her previous sorority leadership includes serving as the North Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Program Committee and as North Atlantic Region Program Chairman. She also served as president of Epsilon Omega Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Ringgold represents four generations of Alpha Kappa Alpha women, all initiated into the Alpha Delta Chapter at Morgan State University. She was initiated in 1982, following in the footsteps of her cousin and Alpha Delta Charter member, Mary Anita Short Wheatley, and her mother, Mary Jane Briscoe Short, a life member of the Sorority with 67 years of service. Her daughter Ashley R. Davy was initiated into the Alpha Delta Chapter in 2011.

A nationally recognized educator, Dr. Ringgold has spent more than three decades in higher education. She is a retired Vice President of Academic Affairs within the Community College system and is a faculty member in the Morgan State University’s Community College Leadership Doctoral Program. She also serves as president and CEO of En-Sight Educational and Management Consultants.

She holds a doctorate degree in education, master’s degrees in Applied Psychology, Management, Business Administration, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

In addition to her Alpha Kappa Alpha service, Dr. Ringgold is president of the Baltimore County Chapter of The Pierians, Incorporated; a member of the National Council on Black American Affairs; and a member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women.

She resides in Parkville, Maryland.

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Community

Scotland Defeats Haiti 1-0 in World Cup Opener

MEDIASHIFT NEWSROOM MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — Despite Haiti’s dominance in possession, holding 54 percent of the ball, they struggled to convert opportunities, managing only two shots on goal from a total of 15 attempts.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 20, 2026

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AI-Assisted Report | Morgan State University

In a tightly contested Group Stage encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Scotland emerged victorious over Haiti with a 1-0 win, thanks to a decisive strike from John McGinn in the 28th minute at Boston Stadium.

The contest marked a historic night for each team, with Scotland collecting its first victory in the tournament since 1990.

And this is Scotland’s first victory in a World Cup opener since their 5-2 win over New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain.

Both teams had spent many years on the sidelines as others qualified for the World Cup and four-year windows passed. Haiti qualifed for this tournament for the first time since 1974, while Scotland returned to action for the first time since 1998 in France.

An expanded tournament draw of 48 teams during this North American event helped both teams earn entrance.

Disappointed by the loss, the Haitians have another day to play, as its second Group Stage match comes against Brazil on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium.

Looking for a better outcome, they will want to play with the same plucky toughness that kept them in this match.

Despite Haiti’s dominance in possession, holding 54 percent of the ball, they struggled to convert opportunities, managing only two shots on goal from a total of 15 attempts.

The Haitian side, led by forward pressure, forced Scotland to defend robustly, but Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall’s assured presence denied scoring opportunities.

Scotland’s organized defense and tactical discipline were exemplified by their equal number of shots on goal, though with fewer total attempts at nine.

Aaron Hickey received a yellow card early in the second half, marking a critical moment as Scotland maintained composure amidst Haiti’s spirited efforts.

The match saw a flurry of substitutions in the latter stage. Notably, Lyle Shankland, Ben Gannon-Doak, and Che Adams were introduced simultaneously by Scotland to fortify the midfield and attack.

Haiti pushed back with substitutions of their own, including the introduction of Deedson Louicius and Wilfried Isidor, trying to change the dynamic upfront.

However, defensive solidity and a disciplined Scottish side prevailed, maintained by a late yellow card to Kenny McLean as the match wound to a conclusion.

John McGinn’s solitary goal, coupled with strategic gameplay and resilient defense, secured Scotland a crucial three points in the group standings.

About the Game

Welcome to the world of the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field.

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team’s large net, called the goal.

Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime. Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms.

Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box. Some important terms you’ll hear include “offside,” which is when a player is in an illegal position closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second last opponent, and “fouls,” which are rule violations leading to free kicks or penalty kicks, depending on where they occur.

The FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and is considered the most prestigious football competition in the world. In 2026, teams from around the globe compete for the title.

The tournament is structured with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Initially, teams are divided into groups and each team plays against the others in its group.

Teams earn points for each match: three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The best teams advance to the knockout stage, where they compete in direct elimination matches until only one team remains as the champion.

The World Cup is exciting because it brings nations together in a celebration of culture and sport, showcasing the best talents and fostering international camaraderie.

Understanding these basics helps you follow the matches and enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the world’s most-watched sporting event.

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Entertainment

Ivory Coast Finds the Net Late Securing a 1-0 Victory Over Ecuador

MEDIASHIFT NEWSROOM MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — Ecuador dominated possession with 55 percent and had a higher passing accuracy at 87 percent compared to Ivory Coast’s 83 percent, but failed to register a single shot on target.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 20, 2026

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AI-Assisted Report | Morgan State University

PHILADELPHIA – In a tightly contested FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage match, Côte d’Ivoire’s men’s national team (Ivory Coast) edged out Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a late goal from substitute Aboubacar Diallo.

The game, held on June 14 at Philadelphia Stadium, saw both teams struggle to create clear opportunities, with Les Éléphants managing only one shot on goal throughout the match.

They move forward with a much-anticiapted match against Germany on June 20 in Toronto.

Ecuador dominated possession with 55 percent and had a higher passing accuracy at 87 percent compared to Ivory Coast’s 83 percent, but failed to register a single shot on target.

The first half progressed with intense midfield battles, evidenced by three yellow cards issued to Ivory Coast’s Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, and Giacomo Doue.

Despite Ecuador’s tactical substitutions in the second half, including Alexander Minda and Jhegson Yeboah, they could not break the deadlock.

Les Éléphants breakthrough came in the 90th minute when Diallo converted their sole accurate effort into the match’s defining moment.

Ecuador’s goalkeeper made one save, but it was not enough to stop Ivory Coast from securing a crucial three points. Les Éléphants return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and are making the nation’s fourth appearance.

The result leaves Ecuador needing to reassess their attacking strategies for upcoming matches if they are to progress further in the tournament.

About the Game

Welcome to the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field.

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team’s large net, called the goal. Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime.

Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms. Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box.

Some important terms you’ll hear include “offside,” which is when a player is in an illegal position closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second last opponent, and “fouls,” which are rule violations leading to free kicks or penalty kicks, depending on where they occur. The

FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and is considered the most prestigious football competition in the world. In 2026, teams from around the globe compete for the title.

The tournament is structured with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Initially, teams are divided into groups and each team plays against the others in its group.

The World Cup is exciting because it brings nations together in a celebration of culture and sport, showcasing the best talents and fostering international camaraderie.

Understanding these basics helps you follow the matches and enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the world’s most-watched sporting event.