2020 #HBCUteenth Awards Journal

#HBCUTEENTH

FACES OF FREEDOM 2020 AWARDS JOURNAL

A CLUB 1964, INC. CELEBRATION OF HBCU GRADS FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM

THIS IS WHAT FREEDOM LOOKS LIKE

Congratulations "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 Already, 2020 has proven itself to be a year for the books. Truly, each day has brought even more unprecedented changes than the day before but we yet find reason after reason to celebrate. And that, friends -- smiling through the struggle -- is freedom. It always has been, it always will be. For we may not always be able to control our hands and feet but the liberation of our hearts and minds is ours alone.

Congratulations to the nominees of the Club 1964, Inc. Inaugural #HBCUteenth Faces of Freedom of Journal. When we first thought of this initiative to celebrate those who deserve to be celebrated, we didn't know how we were going to pull it off.

And as time progressed, tables continued to turn, and the odds stacked up more and more against us, it seemed even more unlikely. Quite frankly though, it was that and those very struggles that confirmed for us that this effort was needed. Certainly, on each of your journeys, there have been times when you thought of calling it quits (even if only temporarily) but you didn't. Thank God you didn't and thank God neither did we. For had either of us thrown in the towel, none of this would be.

Friends -- Ashlee, Aleandra, Dominique, Jalaal, Jonathon, Ryan, Tamara, and Tevon -thank you. Thank you for committing your very lives to this fight and staying true to it in spite of. I can't help but think that when you get up each morning and do what you do, you think of little boys like the one I once was and little girls like (at least to me) my baby sister still is. If no one ever tells you: what you do and who you are matters.

We're all in this together. You, me, the thousand voters who engaged in this campaign, your loved ones scanning the pages of this book for your picture, the people we've each yet to meet, and the children whose futures depends on what we do today. And because of our ancestors shoulders upon which we stand and His everlasting arms on which we lean, we won't be defeated but instead mount up with wings as eagles -- if and only if we faint not.

Congratulations again and I look forward to witnessing what lies ahead for each of you. As the old spiritual rings: we ain't gonna let nobody turn us around, we gonna keep on walking, we gonna keep on talking, we're marching up to Freedomland.

For All Tomorrows To Come,

Marquise M. McGriff, M.A. Founder of Club 1964, Inc.

History-making We are ecstatic to have pulled off a stellar initiative to celebrate Juneteenth. Before #HBCUteenth, we launched our 2020 #JuneteenthJournal Virtual Celebration Campaign -- it was the first of its kind, inaugural, if you will, for our organization -and these Freedom Awards are part of the campaign-at-large, purposed to recognize legends who have championed for freedom in not only words but in their daily commitment to the arts, education, STEM, and of course, political affairs.

Our HBCUteenth Faces of Freedom Journal is a recognition of honor for people like you who have advocated for freedom in their respective fields of work. Our HBCUteenth Journal is a publication that highlights the recipients of this honor with a picture, biography, and responses to our proposed questions. Due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, we could not have an actual ceremony, but we highlighted all nominees and recipients on the internet via social media and the digital publication of our journal.

We nominated individuals whose work embodies the meaning of June 19, 1865 and based on the responses of voters, our nominees are even more dedicated to the cause than we thought. Whether on the frontlines or behind-the-scenes, the core of their work speaks to the freedom of our people and deserves to be honored.

Additionally, their work continues the ongoing commitment that we must have in order to liberate our people. With all that comes with our Blackness, it is not easy to continue carrying the baton passed down to us from our ancestors, but we are expected to finish the race. We are expected to finish strong. We are expected to run on and see what the end’s gon’ be.

For All Tomorrows To Come, Terrance T. McQueen Committee Chairman

Club 1964, Inc. OVERVIEW Club 1964, Inc. is a Public Charitable 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization that advocates for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the students of color they historically educate, and the people of color they historically employ. Club 1964, Inc. was founded on March 5, 2015 by Marquise M. McGriff during his freshman year at Florida Memorial University - the birthplace of the National Negro Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" - in Miami Gardens, FL. The organization has since grown from a student organization to a national organization with HBCU Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff Members in over 15 states and a support network with a reach as far as the White House Initiative on HBCUs in Washington, D.C.

MISSION We advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities through academic, social, and professional ventures that recruit scholars, develop leaders, and educate advocates.

VISION We envision an ever-evolving global network of individuals and groups that protect the legacy, promote the impact, and preserve the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

PURPOSE We seek to provide Historically Black Colleges and Universities a network of scholars, leaders, and advocates mutually vested in her past, present, and future.

2020 FREEDOM AWARDS

"The function of freedom is to free someone else."

-Toni Morrison

FREEDOM IN THE ARTS

Dominique Cassamajor, Morehouse College Ryan Dickerson, Virginia State University

"Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people - the beauty within themselves."

-Langston Hughes

Ryan Dickerson MEET RYAN Ryan Dickerson is a native of Richmond, VA by way of Long Island, NY. He is a current candidate for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) at Ball State University in Indiana. Ryan graduated from Virginia State University where he earned a B.S. in Sociology with a minor in theatre. Ryan uses his education as inspiration for his work in theatre, film, and photography of how bodies move and the space they take up. When he is not creating, he enjoys listening to Bon Iver and Tracy Chapman and reviewing chicken wings from local restaurants on Yelp! He has a heart of gold and people would say he is the funniest person they’ve met, okay so they don’t say that but people think he’s funny.

HOW HE STAYS IN THE FIGHT "I know that if I play my part in the greater good and continue the fight, there will be people doing the other work that I will be connected with. I think we have to have balance in life. If we keep thinking about all the work that has to be done, we won't take the time to appreciate the work we're doing now. You can't see the forest from the trees."

FREEDOM IN EDUCATION

Aleandra Pinder, Florida Memorial University Jonathon Pulliam II, Tuskegee University

"Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."

-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Aleandra Pinder MEET ALEANDRA Aleandra Pinder was born to Bishop Arnold and Eunice Pinder of Freeport, Bahamas.

Aleandra attended St. George’s High School and graduated at the bottom of her class. As a result, she became passionate about helping students who struggled academically to pursue higher education. This led Aleandra to Florida Memorial University where she attained a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in religion and philosophy, then later, a master’s degree in reading/ESOL. During this time, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and went on to with speaking engagements as a youth minister. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she became a middle school life science teacher, working in both private and public schools in Florida. Aleandra established Your Faith Recruitment Services to assist international students with studying in the United States. Currently, Aleandra has recruited over 600 students of various nationalities in The Bahamas to attend HBCUs, including Florida Memorial University and Benedict College. She also assisted in securing over 9 million dollars in scholarships to assist students with pursuing higher education. In Fall 2020, Aleandra will begin pursuing a doctoral degree in education and human resources with a specialization in equity and transformation at Colorado State University. As she continues to walk into her purpose, she will always remember Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

HOW SHE FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM "I showcase freedom by returning to my country to teach students the importance of education, how to fund their education, the culture of an HBCU, multicultural diversity in America, and the significance of African American history. Teaching scholarship financial literacy within the Caribbean increases the number of black students pursuing higher education in the United States, increases the funds that colleges and universities receive from international students as well as the retention and graduation rates."

FREEDOM IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Tamara Bates, Philander Smith College Tevon Blair, Dillalrd University

"Politics is not a tea party. When it is time to act, you have to move fast and decisively."

-Edward William Brooke III

Tevon Blair MEET TEVON Tevon Blair is a strategic, dedicated, and outcomes-driven communication professional with a demonstrated success in developing key concepts, which increase the engagement and brand of an organization. He uses his background in communications and interest in politics to raise awareness on popular topics like education reform, politics, and transitioning from college to career. Tevon is a graduate of Dillard University, where he obtained his bachelor of arts in Mass Communication concentrated in Public Relations. He served two terms as President of the Student Government Association between 2016-2018. He is currently a second-year graduate student at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., at the School of Media and Public Affairs. Tevon is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. During the 2018 midterm elections, Tevon worked on the campaign team for Stacey Abrams’ gubernatorial race in Georgia and has dedicated his work to be a voice in political communications. He has previously worked at various public relations firms utilizing his expertise in branding, social media management, and communications.

HIS ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE "To the young people who see the change that’s happening in America, your voice has power. Regardless of who has tried to silence you and believe that the world we live in is normal, it’s never too late to join this fight for freedom. Now, I don’t want you to think that the way I fight for freedom or anyone else is the best. I believe you should find your passion and create your way to fight for freedom. Raise your voice.

Share stories that are important to you and inspire your peers to do the same because it’s going to take more than just a few of us."

FREEDOM IN STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH)

Ashlee Gordon, Spelman College Jalaal Hayes, Ph.D., Lincoln University

"So really, you are interested in a STEM career, there's every reason to try it, and no real reason not to."

-Dr. Njema Frazier

Ashlee Gordon MEET ASHLEE Ashlee N. Gordon is a dynamic physicist and engineer who uses her capacity to teach to take liberation inside of the classroom, the workplace, and the lab. As an incoming Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin Corporation, Ashlee hopes to inspire young, Black girls who aspire to be rocket scientists by serving as an example in her job.

Through community outreach, funding, quality time, and service, she also plans to create a direct pathway for Black students to pursue their interests—whether that be in the Arts or STEM. Ashlee’s future goals consist of running a multi-billion-dollar company that creates a space for diversity in ideas and community involvement alongside bridging the education gaps in underserved, Black communities. Even the sky is not a limit for this rocket scientist.

WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO HER "Having freedom means having an uninterrupted voice. I have often felt unheard or hushed in the face of other scientists in the room, but in freedom, my voice becomes equally as powerful. For other Black scientists, especially those who are women and have other intersectional identities, there is a constant fight to be the voice of all Black people and still conduct groundbreaking research. Freedom looks like not having to prove their humanity, it has already been proven. My wish for others is that their voices will also be heard."

Congrats again.

A WORD FROM OUR PARTNER To the nominees and winners, congratulations and thank you for being the faces of freedom! You are all influential to the future by bringing representation of our community through eduction, political advocacy, STEM, and more. The impact that you're making is not only remarkable but it's beautiful to see it happening within our own community! Continue to inspire, share knowledge, and motivate others to continue fighting for freedom!

With Love, The Black Girl Sunscreen Team.

ABOUT BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN Black Girl Sunscreen was founded in sunny Miami by Shontay Lundy. Being a black woman whose lifestyle consisted of being in the sun, Shontay found herself needing to wear sunscreen but feeling uncomfortable. Traditional sunscreens would leave a thick white residue, or she'd have to carry around an umbrella for shade. She realized she couldn't be the only person of color with this problem and took matters into her own hands. After searching endlessly for a sunscreen that was safe, affordable, and blended seamlessly into her skin she came up short handed and decided to create her own product - Black Girl Sunscreen! Our mission is to educate people about the importance of sunscreen, the dangers of skin cancer, and to encourage others to stay moisturized and protected while having no white residue!