Education
Florence Nwando Onwusi Didig Earns PhD At Howard University At Age 73
On April 26, 2020, Florence Nwando Onwusi Didigu, 73, defended her dissertation to earn her Ph.D. in Communication, Culture and Media Studies at Howard Univ
On April 26, 2020, Florence Nwando Onwusi Didigu, 73, defended her dissertation to earn her Ph.D. in Communication, Culture and Media Studies at Howard University.
Her dissertation and future book titled, “Igbo Collective Memory of the Nigeria – Biafra War (1967-1970): Reclaiming Forgotten Women’s Voices and Building Peace through a Gendered Lens,” is a reflection of the Igbo women who, like herself, survived the war.
Didigu, who is the oldest of five sisters, is graduating from Howard University with her fourth degree as a prestigious Sasakawa and Annenberg Fellow. She is thankful to have made it across many obstacles.
“In my second year at Howard, and very close to my screening test, I lost my mother and my father within months,” said Didigu.
“I had to return to Nigeria each time to perform the demanding burial ceremonies for each. I was completely deflated, both physically and emotionally, but I persevered because my father always wanted me to be a ‘Doctor.’”
Along her journey, Didigu had some health challenges as she battled shingles, which paralyzed the right side of her face and she lost her voice. Didigu said it was symbolic, because its her life’s work is to elevate more Igbo women’s voices too.
“I was unable to speak clearly; this was the greatest tragedy of all, since I was teaching a sophomore research course! The day I started speaking again and was discharged from the hospital was a special life moment.”
Still, what she overcame 50 years ago, the Nigerian-Biafra War, a civil war between the Igbo people and the Nigerian government, is one challenge she will never forget.
“The day the Nigeria-Biafra War ended, I, like everyone was wallowing in anxiety and fear about what would happen to us as the vanquished. A very optimistic gentleman came over to me and asked: ‘Why are you so sad; can’t you see you have survived this terrible war?’ I stood up, even though the Nigerian Airforce was on its last bombing raid, and leaped up in the air in mad glee, repeating to myself and others: ‘Yes, I have survived, I am a survivor!’ This powerful survival instinct in me, which I call daring, and God’s help, are what made me overcome all personal challenges during my doctoral program and get to where I am today!”
She was once a producer and writer at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and a broadcast regulator at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Nigeria prior to 2000.
Upon graduation, Didigu plans to enter the professoriate and become a book author. She recently took courses at Howard in the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) program. She plans to continue research and scholarly writings, as well as mentoring students to inspire and educate “the future generation that will move this discipline forward and tackle the communications-oriented challenges of the future.”
Culture
‘A Different World’ cast set to reunite for 10-City HBCU tour
The tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by stops in Washington DC, Montgomery, Alabama and more.
In celebration of the sitcom’s 35+ year legacy, the cast of ‘A Different World’ will reunite for a national 10-city tour across HBCUs, reports PEOPLE.
A Different World HBCU tour
Darryl M. Bell (Ronald ‘Ron’ Johnson), Charnele Brown (Kimberly ‘Kim’ Reese), Jasmine Guy (Whitley Marion Gilbert Wayne), Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Cleophus Wayne), Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa Vinson Taylor), Cree Summer (Winifred ‘Freddie’ Brooks), Glynn Turman (Col. Bradford ‘Brad’ Taylor) and Sinbad (Walter Oakes) will participate on the tour.
The tour will feature panels and other events and will also be joined by producers Debbie Allen and Susan Fales.
Dates
The HBCU tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Georgia at Atlanta University Center, which include Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College.
Other locations include Washington, D.C. (hosted by Howard University) and Montgomery, Ala. (hosted by Alabama State University and Tuskegee University). Both will be in April but no date has been released yet.
More dates will be announced soon.
Education
Spelman College receives $100 million donation, the highest in the college’s history
Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.
Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.
$100 million donation for Spelman is a blessing
The $100 million comes as the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women celebrates 100 years since its official name change from Spelman Baptist Seminary in Sept. 1924.
The college says the gift will help retain the best and brightest students by eliminating financial barriers during the admission process.
“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College during an interview on CBS Mornings.
“This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”
Spelman is Top ranked
Spelman College has been ranked as the #1 Historically Black College and / or University by U.S. News for 17 consecutive years.
The college has a variety of degree/major offerings but they produce the most graduates who pursue a PhD in science, technology, engineering or math, according to The National Science Foundation.
About Ronda Stryker
Ronda Stryker is an American billionaire heiress and granddaughter of Homer Stryker, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of Stryker Corporation.
Education
Maryland principal accused of making racist and antisemitic comments
A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.
A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.
Maryland principal accused of making racist comments
In it, a person purported to be Pikesville’s High School principal, can be heard making disparaging comments about the test scores of African American students.
The person on the recording then makes an offensive comment about an African American staff member at the school and members of the Pikesville Jewish community.
Is the audio real?
There is an investigation into the validity of the recording. Some officials believe the audio is fake and is A.I. constructed. Baltimore County schools said they are taking the matter seriously.
Statement from school district
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued a statement in response.
“Hate, discrimination, and prejudice have no place in our community — especially in our schools. The statements being circulated are abhorrent, and my administration is providing our full support to BCPS as they conduct as they conduct a thorough investigation. Following the conclusion of this investigation, I know swift action will be taken to hold those involved accountable.”
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