HBCU presidents call for gun violence symposium
|
Posted By: Hija Chang on July 22, 2016 By KARIN KAPSIDELIS Richmond Times-Dispatch | Posted 15 hours ago The presidents of Virginia State and Norfolk State universities have joined with the leaders of 32 other historically black colleges and universities in a pledge to organize a symposium on gun violence. Saying they are brokenhearted over the recent shootings in Baton Rouge, La.; suburban St. Paul, Minn.; and Dallas that “have shaken our nation to its core,” the presidents said they are committed to raising awareness about “the debilitating impact of trauma on the lives of those who have been exposed to loss as a result of gun violence.” HBCUs are uniquely suited to address these issues, they said, as “the birthplace of the idea that Black lives matter to our country.” Their statement, titled “A Call for Peace and Unity,” included no details on when or where the first-ever HBCU National Symposium on Gun Violence would be held. VSU’s Makola M. Abdullah and NSU’s Eddie N. Moore Jr., presidents of the state’s two public HBCUs, signed the statement. Abdullah said Thursday he did not have further details on the plans. “I thought it was important in this time of unprecedented violence that we continue to be a part of the solution to the challenges that impact our communities,” Abdullah said in an email. “I was concerned what would happen if we did not enter the conversation.” As an HBCU, he said, VSU “has been committed to solutions for 134 years. It is great to stand with other institutions of like mission.” Joseph F. Johnson, Virginia Union University’s acting president, said he supports the effort and will welcome the opportunity to add his institution’s “voice of support” as the initial effort is expanded to include all HBCUs. “We must be reminded, more often (than not) what affects one of us affects all of us in our efforts to propel this country forward,” he said in a statement. The statement from the group of presidents said that HBCUs “by virtue of their special place in this nation have always understood the hard work and sacrifices that must be made in order for America to live up to its ideals.” The presidents said their schools always have had “a duality of collaboration and protest” in their mission and invited all Americans to join their effort. “We are a society where, despite what many would lead you to believe, that which binds us to each other is far greater than anything that seeks to divide us,” they said. kkapsidelis@timesdispatch.com (804) 649-6119 Photo: Makola M. Abdullah speaks after being introduced as Virginia State University's 14th president Friday, December 11, 2015. His wife at right, Ahkinyala Abdullah, their son Mikaili, and daughter Sefiyetu joined him. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Hija Chang
Management, See Moss Interactive Bellarmine University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
 |
Rosen Foundation expanding scholarship program, partnering with Bethune-Cookman UniversityCarrying on the legacy of Harris Rosen and his commitment to education, today the Harris Rosen Foundation announced it is expanding its already-successful scholarship program and partnering with Bethu ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 131 Views • May 19th, 2026 |
 |
Sinners vs. Michael: Which Film Actually Won the Ultimate Culture Debate?While Antoine Fuqua’s Michael is dominating the box office with its electrifying, stadium-level concert recreations and a star-making, uncanny physical performance by Jaafar Jackson, critics and film ...more
TaQuan Ford • 156 Views • May 16th, 2026 |
 |
Healthcare Career Fair Aims to Connect Employers with Qualified Local Talent in Northern VirginiaHealthcare organizations across Northern Virginia will have an opportunity to connect directly with qualified job seekers this June during the upcoming Healthcare Career Fair in Prince William County. ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 321 Views • May 15th, 2026 |
 |
Largest Class in 158 Years: Morgan State University Readies for Historic Spring CommencementMorgan State University welcomes another historic milestone for Maryland’s designated preeminent public urban research university with its upcoming 149th Spring Commencement ceremony scheduled for thi ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 488 Views • May 14th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 109,206 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
