It’s amazing that it’s been 2 years since I represented Fort Valley State University and the HBCU Community as a White House HBCU All-Star. It was a rewarding, and interesting, experience where I met so many amazing people from other institutions. I learned so much about the HBCU world and the unique beauty of every institution. I can even say that my experience shaped what HBCU Pulse has become. This year, looking at the names on this list, I’m impressed! The scholars that the Initiative picked are ready for the mantle of being in Washington representing the HBCU nation! Many of them were just at The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals Student Leader Institute held at Savannah State University!
I have to give a special shout out to my NASAP people Mister Benedict Saxton Keitt (also from my Hometown of Macon), Wiley College SGA President Angelique Cooper, Miss Savannah State University Aaliyah Buckholts, Fayetteville State University SGA President Kiante Bennett and my Presidential Ambassador and SGA President for Lincoln University of Pennsylvania Elisabeth Bellevue! And a HUGE shout out to my friend and ambassador from Fort Valley State University Rodesha Elam! I can’t wait to see her continue to push the All-Star/Scholar posistion!
Per the White House Initiative on HBCUs:
Competitiveness Scholars will assemble during the 2019 National HBCU Week Conference, September 8-11 at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel – the theme of which is Enhancing HBCU Competitiveness: Student Achievement. Quality Partnerships. Institutional Performance. (I like the periods vs. commas – let me know your thoughts). They will participate in workshops designed to strengthen their leadership, wealth creation and management and civic engagement and will be encouraged to seek out ongoing personal and professional development in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Competitiveness Scholars are recognized for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Throughout this period, the Initiative will facilitate engagement activities, as well as provide information and resources that scholars can take advantage of or disseminate to fellow students. Scholars are encouraged to fully take advantage of the opportunities provided, engage with one another and showcase their individual and collective talents across the HBCU spectrum.
Competitiveness Scholars will receive their recognition at the HBCU week conference during the Initiative’s Excellence in Innovation and Competitiveness Awards luncheon ceremony on September 9.
ARKANSAS
Little Rock- Paola Vasquez, Philander Smith College, Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock- Kyra Rattler, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Pine Bluff- Angelique Cooper, Wiley College, Marshall, Texas
FLORIDA
Miami- Angela Adkins, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
GEORGIA
Hephzibah- Rodesha Elam, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia
Lithonia- Kia Alicia Smith, Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana
Lithonia- Kalyn Black, Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama
Macon- Saxton Keitt, Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina
Riverdale- Aaliyah Buckholts, Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia
Springfield- Denzel Walls, Voorhees College, Denmark, South Carolina
ILLINOIS
Chicago- Carvell Garrett, Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio
LOUISIANA
Alexandria- Morgan Mallory, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge- Christian King, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Marrero- Trezell Raga, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
New Orleans- Alicia Hoey, Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana
MARYLAND
Columbia- Diane Ijoma, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
MISSISSIPPI
Columbus- Makayela Bouldes, Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi
Crystal Springs- Erienne Lewis, Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana
Itta Bena- Destiney Sharkey, Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, Mississippi
Jackson- Adrianna Chambers, Hinds Community College-Utica, Utica, Mississippi
Louisville- Haley McHenry, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi
Vicksburg- Jasmine King, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi
NEVADA
Las Vegas- Shayna Espy, Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana
Las Vegas- Makhaela French, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia
NORTH CAROLINA
Fayetteville-Kiante Bennett, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville- Tenecious Underwood, Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina
New Bew- Lyndon Bowen, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
PENNSYLVANIA
Harrisburg- Elisabeth Bellevue, Lincoln University, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston- Kenton Kelley, Morris College, Sumter, South Carolina
Edgefield- Desmond Rowe, Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina
Pinewood-Sky Harvin, Claflin University, Orangeburg, South Carolina
TENNESSEE
Chattanooga- KaDarius Scott, Lane College, Jackson, Tennessee
Memphis- Angelika Gilbert, Lane College, Jackson, Tennessee
Memphis- Mariah Rhodes, Tennessee State University, Memphis, Tennessee
Nashville- Anyah Gilmore-Jones, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee
TEXAS
Dallas- Ayanna Brown, Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana
DeSoto- Sidney McLaurin, Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Houston- Nicholas Caldwell, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Houston- Rachel Gentry, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
San Antonio- Catherine Cantu, Saints Phillips College, San Antonio, Texas
VIRGINIA
Dumfries- Tariq Edwards, Claflin University, Orangeburg, South Carolina
Virginia Beach- Destiny Hodges, Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia
WEST AFRICA
Benin- Honour Oluwatemlorun Adewumi, Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas
WISCONSIN
Milwaukee- Jalicya Lowery, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
