May 4: President Campbell Appears on MSNBC to Discuss the Impact of COVID-19 on HBCUs

President Campbell Appears on MSNBC to Discuss the Impact of COVID-19 on HBCUs
Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman, appeared on MSNBC's PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting historically Black colleges and universities. Dr. Campbell described the pandemic as a crisis of multiple dimensions and lauded the United Negro College Fund, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and contributors to Spelman's Student Emergency Fund for their efforts in providing support. "It is a public health crisis, a technological crisis and with the rise in unemployment, our families are going to be hit hard," said Dr. Campbell. "As we are looking towards the future, we really have to determine what will we need in order for this vital resource to stay stable and healthy for the future -- not only for HBCUs, but also for the future of this country."

"Black-ish" Star Surprises Students with a Zoom Q & A
Tracey Ellis Ross recently surprised more than 60 students affiliated with the English Department and the Honors Program with a live video chat. Organized and moderated by Alexandria Lockett, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, the conversation focused on questions from students about careers in the entertainment industry and the importance of authentic storytelling. During the discussion, Ellis offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on how the creators of ABC's "black-ish" and Freeform's "mixed-ish" work to keep the show culturally relevant. Ellis ended the virtual gathering by offering words of advice on how to navigate the road from student to professional. "I am so honored to be a part of this growing chorus of Black women who are claiming ownership of their voices and their legacies," Ellis said. "I am certain that you all will succeed at any endeavor you choose."

Spelman's Sallie Burns Uses Her Gifted Hands to Design COVID-19 Masks
After seeing a news report about the need for cotton face masks to combat the spread of COVID-19, Sallie Burns, program coordinator for Sisters Chapel and the WISDOM Center got busy. She pulled out one of her five sewing machines and customized a design that is fitted across the bridge of the nose to keep particles out. She uses vacuum cleaner bags as backing for the masks. The pattern came to her in a dream. "I haven’t seen anything like this," said Burns. "God gave me this design." Since the first of April, Burns has made more than 200 masks for friends, family, members of the Spelman community, acquaintances of hers in California and nursing home employees. The masks are sturdy and fit well, said Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry, Ph.D., dean of Sisters Chapel and director of the WISDOM Center. "Everywhere I go, I get compliments and inquiries," said Rev. Guidry. "Ms. Sallie has ‘gifted hands’ and uses them to be a blessing through her beautiful works and the generosity with which she shares with the world."

Spelman’s Student Government Association Seeks to Unite Through Virtual SGA Week
Spelman’s Student Government Association hosted a week of virtual events designed to unite the Spelman community in the wake of the College’s transition to distance learning. Using the theme, Channel 350, the Virtual SGA Week focused on development, hope and engagement for Black women, said SSGA President Nia Page. "With the Spelman community currently spread throughout the world, the purpose of SGA Week was to instill a sense of normalcy through joy, conversations and connection," said Page. Held in partnership with the Office of Career Planning and Development and the Office Corporate Relations and Partnerships, the week featured a Zoom panel organized to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on internships and full-time jobs. In addition, two Instagram Live conversations were held to discuss identity, confidence, purpose and wholeness. The week ended on Friday, March 24, with an after party celebration via Instagram Live co-sponsored by the Spelman College Peer Assistant Leaders and the Office of Student Life & Engagement.

Savoy Magazine Names Three Spelman Alumnae to Most Influential Executives List

Rosalind G. Brewer, C'84, group president and chief operating officer for Starbucks Corporation and chair of Spelman's Board of Trustees; Jerri DeVard, C’79, executive vice president and chief customer officer for Office Depot, Inc.; and Kimberly Davis, C’81, executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs for the National Hockey League, were named to Savoy Magazine's list of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. This year the annual record of the nation's top Black executives included 200 honorees who are chosen for their exemplary record of accomplishments.