The Central State University Board of Trustees announced today Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond as the 8th President of the University.

Dr. Hammond has built a distinguished career in higher educational leadership. Under her guidance as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Coppin State University, she guided six prominent initiatives: the reformation of the General Education core curriculum, establishment of the Center for Undergraduate Research, 2010 strategic planning, development of the First Year Experience program, designed and received external funding for the Advisement and Retention Center for the School of Education, and development of tenure criteria. Most recently Dr. Hammond served as a lead consultant for H&H Educational Consultants specializing in strategic planning, curriculum design, accreditation, and standards-based assessments.

We are very excited about our selection,” said Gary Dowdell, Chair of the Central State University Board of Trustees. “Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond has a demonstrated leadership background and comes to Central State University at a time when we are poised to make great strides in building for the future.”

Cynthia Jackson Hammond holds a Doctorate of Education from Grambling State University, a Masters of Education from University of Louisiana in Monroe, an Education Specialist degree from University of Louisiana in Monroe, and an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree also from Grambling.  Dr. Hammond is an outstanding and sought after speaker on issues related to cultural competency, the unique contributions of HBCU’s, and global education.  She has a number of publications to her credit and is a Harvard Fellow and a 1987-89 Louisiana State Board of Regents Fellow.

“I am extremely thrilled and honored to be named the next President of Central State University. This institution has a 125-year history of academic excellence and transforming the lives of students. I look forward to joining the campus community of administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and students to continue this great legacy and lead the University toward meeting the needs of an ever-changing society and a global future,” said Dr. Hammond.

“From a total of 51 candidates, Dr. Hammond was one of four presented to the Central State University Board of Trustees in late April by the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.  The Committee was comprised of faculty, students and alumni,” according to Dowdell.  “Our goal was to select a leader who would build on the accomplishments of John W. Garland who led the University for 15 years.”  Garland announced his retirement from his alma mater last September and will leave Central State University June 30.

Dr. Hammond is a native of Monroe, Louisiana and is married to Dr. James Eric Hammond Sr.  The couple has three children; James Eric Jr. married to Sylvia Woodard, Christopher Adam, and Erin Jenea.  The Hammonds are the proud grandparents of Alexander age 6 and Franchesca age 2.  Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond’s appointment as President of Central State University is effective July 1, 2012.

Mrs. Brenda Marie Young Ellison, of 184 Stribling Circle, entered into eternal rest Monday April 16, 2012 at the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Ellison was the wife of Mr. George Ellison. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Odell W. Young and Mrs. Lillie M. Neuble Young. A graduate of Carver High School, Class of 1965, she earned a B.S. degree in Home Economics from S.C. State College in 1969. She did further graduate work at USCS and Wofford College. She was a member of Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. She was a member of S.C. Consumer Science Organization and the National Home Economics Association. She began her dedicated teaching career at Carver Junior High, and Spartanburg High School. Due to illness she retired in June 1998. Those who knew her, knew her as a quiet person, but loving and kind. She was a previous member of SCSU Alumni Association. She was a member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Actor Hill Harper is supporting a new national partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC),  Call to Service for St. Jude initiative, which launched earlier this month.

“NPHC organizations have deep roots in education and making a difference in the lives of our youth. Engaging this richly diverse membership through the Call to Service for St. Jude initiative will help raise awareness about St. Jude in the African-American community, while sharing the hospital’s mission of treating the world’s sickest children with the best care.”  Key messages: There’s still time for NPHC members, family and friends to support help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provide the best care to the world’s sickest children at no cost to their family by visiting stjude.org/nphc.

One reason this partnership is of such significance is because it is critical that we continue to educate communities about the importance of resources and treatment for pediatric cancer, sickle cell screening and treatment for the disease as well as research aimed at improving the quality of life for those living with sickle cell disease.  The NPHC is composed of historically African-American international Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities. Participating organizations include: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has embarked upon a national multi-year campaign to educate the community about how to manage asthma through its Asthma Prevention and Management Initiative. The sorority will galvanize thousands of members who will fan out to the nearly 1,000 communities worldwide where Alpha Kappa Alpha has chapters. Locally, Mu Alpha Omega (Midland) and Eta Upsilon Omega (Saginaw) have combined resources to address the issue in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. The initiative is expected to reach millions of people afflicted with the disease, with a particular emphasis on reaching children.

This campaign is being carried out in partnership with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a program under the National Institutes of Health. NICHD conducts and supports research on all stages of human development, from preconception to adulthood, to better understand the health of children, adults, families, and communities.

According to attorney Carolyn House Stewart, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International president, Alpha Kappa Alpha was motivated to wage a public education offensive when the sorority became aware of the pernicious effect asthma has on children’s quality of life and on the nation’s economy.

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), asthma accounts for more visits to the emergency room, costs the nation $3.2 billion to treat annually, afflicts 5.6 million school-aged children and can lead to death. Asthma disproportionately afflicts low-income, minority children, a population most vulnerable to the ravages of the disease but a population with few outlets where parents can be informed about the disease and how to manage it. Reaching this population is the core mission of AKA’s Asthma Prevention and Management Initiative.

By definition, asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease in which the airways of the lungs constrict, causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It is a potentially debilitating disease that results in “episodes” when the disease is triggered. The NCCDPHP reports that tobacco smoke, dust mites, furred and feathered animals, molds, chemicals and strong odors in the school environment can trigger asthma attacks.

However, according to the NICHD, children with asthma can lead full and productive lives through proper diagnosis control of triggers that spark episodes, and through overall management. This can be achieved through an aggressive public outreach effort, which is the purpose of the Asthma Prevention and Management Initiative.

The initiative is a major program under AKA’s new administration, whose theme is “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.” The local effort is being spearheaded by the chapters’ taskforce, which is chaired by Bridget Hall of Saginaw, and Octavia Cabey of Midland. Dr. Diane Adams, M.D., a member of the sorority, is project director of the campaign.

The Lighten Family sadly lost their matriarch,Janifer Lynn Lighten, on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.

Mrs. Lighten, who was 50 years old, succumbed to cancer. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends in her New Rochelle home.

Mrs. Lighten, was a former Wall Street banker, who turned full-time wife to her husband William Lighten and mother of four, Adrienne, Alexis, Christopher and Michael. She focused her talents on serving her alma mater, Yale University, as well as local organizations in the non-profit sector in her beloved community of New Rochelle.

Mrs. Lighten was the inaugural president and CEO of the Yale Black Alumni Association. Additionally, she served numerous organizations in her community including the Board of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. She and her children founded the Remington Leadership Financial Literacy Program at the Remington Unit of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. She also served on the Head of School Committee and the Executive Board of the Horace Mann School in Riverdale, her children’s secondary school.

She was a Trustee of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and held various leadership positions with The Links, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

In 2010, in recognition of her community service and Philanthropic endeavors, Mrs. Lighten received a resolution from state Sen. Andrea Stewart Cousins which stated, “Rare indeed is the occurrence of such compassionate blending of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Janifer Lynn Lighten over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others…”

She was a faithful and active member of Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, where she co-founded the Grace Innovation Ministry, an investment educational development ministry.

Her homegoing services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church at 52 South Sixth Ave. in Mount Vernon.

The arrangements are as follows:
The wake will be held on Wednesday, February 15th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 16th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Lighten Family Foundation which focuses on Education, Mentoring, Social Services, and Legal Defense for Urban Youth. Donations can be mailed to:

The Lighten Family Foundation
c/o UBS
299 Park Avenue-26th floor
New York, NY 10171
Attn: Robert Sechan

Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., a sorority dedicated to international leadership, honored high school students from Jackson-Madison County Schools for their leadership qualities and contributions to the community during the sorority’s 104th anniversary celebration.

Avis Baxter, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Gamma Alpha Omega chapter, said the sorority has honored student leaders for more than 20 years.

“I am very excited because our legacy of service is continuing with our young scholars,” she said.

Jackson’s Gamma Alpha Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha held its 104th Founders’ Day Program Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church, at 433 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Jackson. Forty-four students from North Side, South Side, Madison Academic, Liberty and Jackson-Central Merry were recognized during the ceremony as 2012 Alpha Scholars for their achievements in academics, community service, fine arts and sports. About 400 people attended the program, which was presented by the Gamma Alpha Omega chapter and the Beta Chi chapter of Lane College.

Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. It is the first sorority established by African-American women. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s motto is “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.”

Baxter said award recipients were chosen by their school counselors.

“All counselors have been so gracious,” she said. “We asked them to submit the names of student leaders who excelled in their areas of interest. We had so many names this year.”

“This (award) is something students can put on their resume,” said Vicki Burton, historian of the Gamma Alpha Omega chapter. “It’s a way to honor our founders, and it is also a great opportunity for us to give awards to our young scholars.”

Burton said the Gamma Alpha Omega chapter has given community service awards to local organizations such as the Wo/Men’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program of Jackson and Area Relief Ministries.

“We continue to try to make a difference and leave an impact on the community,” she said. “(Alpha Kappa Alpha) has been here 104 years, and we’re still going strong.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. partner with Delaware Valley Baptist Church to raise heart health awareness

Leading Ladies: “Go Red & Think Pink”

The “Leading Ladies Go Red & Think Pink” campaign is an initiative sponsored by the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, American Cancer Society, and the Cancer Coalition of Burlington County.  Locally, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Pi Omega, Pi Mu Omega, and Epsilon Upsilon Omega chapters; have partnered along with the Rancocas Valley Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Delaware Valley Baptist Church to bring this worthwhile program to the African-American community on Friday, February 24, 2012 at Delaware Valley Baptist Church, located at 493 Beverly-Rancocas Road, Willingboro, NJ 08060.  This event is free and open to the public.

This is a collaborative event to share information about the importance of living life in healthy ways while sampling of “Healthy Food Recipes for the Soul” prepared by local chefs and food specialists. The goal of this collaborative is to share information with the hope of raising awareness about the importance of living life in healthy ways to prevent heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer among African-Americans.

The highlights of the evening will be health information workshops on heart health and breast cancer awareness. In addition, participants will be provided a sampling of heart healthy foods prepared by local chefs and food specialist. Further, there will be a video on display, which will feature women who will share their testimonies about living with or having overcome heart health issues and breast cancer.

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of one in three women each year, and this is especially important for African-American women, who are at increased risk due to factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African-American women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among African-American women, exceeded only by lung cancer.

We hope that you will join us on February 24th for a casual evening of caring, sharing, and fun.

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On January 15, 2012, graduate and undergraduate Alpha Kappa Alpha women along with the men of the Jericho Lodge #20, Free and Accepted Masons, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of PA partnered to celebrate the life Martin Luther King Jr.  The event was held at Barack Obama Academy of International Studies.

The event opened with a welcome to over 100 members and guests, followed by dinner and song by Brady and Brana Hill.  Mr. Andre’ McGee, Past Master followed by presenting the audience with a powerful video entitled “Keepers of the Dream” to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Event co-chair Jackie Blakey led the group discussion on how the guests in attendance and young people continue to keep the dream of Martin Luther King.

In addition to paying a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., military families were honored and recognized for their service and sacrifices to our country.  With the assistance of the Students Ambassadors at Pittsburgh Dilworth PK-5^th grade, the two organizations were able to present over 50 food baskets to veterans transitioning back into civilian living through a program sponsored by the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital.  Event co-chair, Dr. Monica Lamar is the principal of Pittsburgh Dilworth PK-5^th Grade.

On Monday, January 16, 2012 the Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Tau Omega chapter along with family and friends partnered with Hands On Atlanta for their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Renaissance Elementary School in Fairburn, GA. Volunteering in this event supports Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Initiative V: Social Justice and Human Rights. The day was filled with fun activities for the entire family! Participants worked in various areas including landscaping, arts/crafts and mural painting. Mrs. Saletria Cail, Phi Tau Omega’s Basileus stressed the importance of remembering Dr. King’s legacy of cooperation and working together. She stated, “Phi Tau Omega is proud to be of service to Renaissance Elementary and City of Fairburn on this historic holiday!”