HBCU

Pelosi Keeps it Real with HU Students

THE AFRO — Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi frankly spoke to Howard University students on an array of subjects relating to their lives and futures.

Published

8 years ago

March 8, 2019

Oakland Post

By Micha Green

Donning an all orange suit with shoes to match, in honor of ending gun violence- a hot button issue that was set to hit Wednesday’s House floor for the first time in eight years- Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi frankly spoke to Howard University students on an array of subjects relating to their lives and futures.

The event, held on Feb. 27, was part of the “Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy Lecture Series.” This year’s endowed chair is former Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair, political strategist and author Donna Brazile.

Brazile, who has brought political heavy hitters from both sides of the aisle, including former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele, told the AFRO why she felt it was important to bring Pelosi from the House to Howard.

“I wanted to bring [Pelosi], because she’s the Speaker of the House. She’s the one who controls the legislation. She’ll be very much engaged in the budget discussions and she’s the one who helps us with the policy in the House of Representatives. And I think having her on an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) campus, Howard University in particular, is a great way to remind her that this university, like all other universities, deserve her time and attention. And she readily accepted the invitation.” Brazile told the AFRO.

Brazile posed a question on student loan debt, which has increased 102 percent since 2009 according to Bloomberg.

“The debt is bigger than credit card debt. So when they want to give a tax break of over a trillion dollars to the richest people in America, why don’t we just eliminate the debt for higher education, instead of giving a tax cut to the top one percent in our country?” Pelosi said to the audience. “That would be something constructive to do that everybody would share in. And by the way, nothing brings more money to the treasury to further reduce the debt, than investments in education.”

On the topic D.C. statehood, Pelosi was very supportive of the idea, yet skeptical that the bill, H.R. 51, would pass this year.

“I’m supportive of the idea of statehood for the District of Columbia. I’m all for it. It’ll probably happen, or have a better chance of happening… under a Democratic president. But it’s something that we have to build a crescendo for. So unfair,” she said. “When we took office just a month and a half, we gave Eleanor Holmes Norton a right to vote on the floor, not on all measures, because that would mean a Constitutional change, but on many measures in the House.”

In less than hour students were able to listen to the moderated discussion between Pelosi and Brazile and then ask questions to the Speaker herself.

One student asked about reparations, the unrealized promise of valued land and goods to Blacks post the Emancipation Proclamation, and how to serve African Americans who still struggle today as a result of slavery. The Speaker admitted that reparations is a challenging issue that Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) has tackled with legislation to study the topic of giving African Americans their promised goods- further than 40 acres and a mule. With the difficulty of reparations, Pelosi touched on the troubling issues of poverty and disparity, which disproportionately affects African Americans.

“When you want to be involved in public service, know your why. What attracts you to this? I went from the kitchen to Congress, housewife to House Speaker, and my why is the one in five children in America living in poverty,” she explained. “We have to reduce the disparity in income in our country. We have to reduce the disparity in education…. We have to reduce the health disparities in our country… So while we’re studying how we deal with the reparations issue, there’s plenty we can do to improve the quality of life of many people in our country.”

Melyvonn Leon, a second year MBA student and graduate assistant at the School of Business, said he felt it was important to have Pelosi present at a place like Howard.

“This was an awesome experience. To get that up, close and personal experience with such a prominent member of society- such a large name in the leadership of this country right now. To have that easy access at Howard, and specifically within the School of Business, is unbelievable.”

This article originally appeared in The Afro.

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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

3 months ago

August 3, 2026

Post News Group

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 months ago

July 20, 2026

Post News Group

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 months ago

July 20, 2026

Post News Group

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.