Oct. 12: Spelman to Address Critical Economic Issues that Impact African Americans During Virtual Election Conversation

Spelman to Address Critical Economic Issues that Impact African Americans During Virtual Election Conversation

Spelman College will host a virtual conversation with leading Black women economists to address the most pressing economic problems related to the 2020 presidential election.

"What Would I Tell the President?" will take place at 6:30 p.m., EST, on Thursday, Oct. 15.

"We have unique issues to address among the African American community," said Marionette Holmes, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Economics Department. "The panel’s expertise, as well as what they represent as Black women in the field, helps to provide context and insight when considering what the African American community is facing at this present time."

Panelists include: Cecilia Rouse, Ph.D., former member of President Barak Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors and dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; Susan Collins, Ph.D., Edward M. Gramlich Collegiate Professor of Public Policy and provost of the University of Michigan; Lisa D. Cook, Ph.D., C'86, former member of President Barak Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors and professor of economics at Michigan State University; Willene Johnson, Ph.D., president of Komaza Consulting and former vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Ugochi Emenogu, Ph.D., economist for the Bank of Canada.

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell Discusses Creating a New HBCU Business Model

During the Aspen Institute's online panel series on the future of HBCUs in the COVID era, Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., discussed how HBCUs have an opportunity to reinvent the collegiate business model, which is traditionally dependent on tuition.

Dr. Campbell discussed the issue during the virtual roundtable discussion with Michael Sorrell, Ed.D., president of Paul Quinn College; Frederick J. Riley, executive director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project and Morris Brown College alum; and Virgil Parker, a Howard University student and 2020-21 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar.

The series explores the historic lack of investment in HBCUs, the unique challenges they face in the pandemic, and how we can create a more equitable future for our young people.

The Blue Record Ponders the Connection Between the Wiz and Womanhood

On the latest episode of The Blue Record podcast, hosts Hollis Baker, C’2021, andGabby Gladney, C’2021, join junior classmates and podcast team members Diop Russell, Stephanie Crawford and Ananda Griffin to discuss the cultural impact of "The Wiz."

During the hour-long episode, members of the podcast team discuss the cultural impact of "The Wiz," and ponder how queer Black feminist spectatorship and politically engaged popular entertainment continue to matter.

"Dorothy is a little different from the Spelman woman because she misses opportunities for sisterhood," said Russell. "During her whole journey she’s helping fragile and insecure men. In that way she’s different from us because as Spelman students we have this responsibility to help heal Spelmanites."

Hosted by the students in partnership with Spelman’s Social Justice Program, The Blue Record is the official podcast for the College. The mission of the podcast is to critique counterproductive ideologies and discourses that interrupt the mobility of Black women in society.

To listen to the latest episode, visit The Blue Record Podcast online.

Candler School of Theology Names Alumna Inaugural Director for Diversity

The Candler School of Theology recently appointed Allison Henderson-Brooks, C’2008, assistant director of student life for diversity, equity and inclusion.

The inaugural staff position was created in the Office of Student Life to address issues related to equity and inclusion.

In addition to this role, Henderson-Brooks will continue to serve as program coordinator for Candler’s Doctor of Ministry degree.

In her new role, Henderson-Brooks will serve as an advocate for students, reporting regularly to the Candler administration to highlight concerns and successes. She will meet with students both individually and in group settings to hear concerns and address issues of equity and inclusion.

As part of the OSL team, she will work to ensure that programs supporting academics, community and spiritual life, and professional development address the needs of a diverse student body.