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bp invests in future talent with HBCU Fellowship Program

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  • Donation of $4.05 million to three historically Black colleges and universities
  • Provides 45 full scholarships to students interested in the energy sector
  • Builds on bp’s aim for greater diversity, equity and inclusion for its workforce and customers

HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — bp announced today it is investing $4.05 million in three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) to provide students with scholarship funding, exposure to the energy industry, and career development experience.

bp HBCU
bp announced today it is investing $4.05 million in three historically Black colleges and universities.

As part of bp’s new HBCU Fellowship Program, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T University, and Prairie View A&M University will each receive $1.35 million, covering five full scholarships per year at each school for three years – a total of 45 full scholarships during that period. Students who successfully complete the program will be provided with opportunities for additional development, including internships.

Mark Crawford, bp’s senior vice president, global diversity, equity and inclusion, said: “We need the best and the brightest talent as we transform our company. We are thrilled to work with these great universities and provide students with an opportunity to earn a degree while giving them real-world experience in the exciting and evolving energy sector.”

The donation builds on bp’s aim for greater diversity, equity and inclusion for its workforce and customers. The company has taken steps in recent years to develop a global framework for action to guide its efforts in the areas of talent, accountability, and transparency. As a result, it has launched gender and minority ambitions and designed programs supporting the development of ethnic minority talent.

Dave Lawler, bp America chairman and president, said: “Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion goes beyond just words. It’s our actions that define us, and this program will help us develop a consistent pipeline of talent for the future. This is another example of how we’re driving change across bp and building a culture that gives everyone an opportunity to succeed.”

The three universities are part of bp’s talent acquisition portfolio, and the company has successfully recruited talent from each school.

Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said: “I want to commend bp for crafting a program that complements our goal to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers and business executives for this key industry. This partnership will provide Florida A&M University students with internships, scholarships and, ultimately career opportunities allowing them to prosper while addressing important challenges that we face as a society.”

North Carolina A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. said: “North Carolina A&T is proud to be a catalyst for success by preparing well-trained graduates to fuel the energy sector and its essential infrastructure. We are happy to partner with bp, a corporation demonstrating its commitment to establishing, maintaining and growing a talent pipeline. We know that investing in education results in economic growth and civic engagement that fosters innovative solutions to global challenges.”

Specific, consistent criteria for student selection was created and agreed upon by bp and the selected universities. Scholarships will be open to all US students on each campus who have an interest in the energy sector, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and are in good standing.

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Prairie View A&M President Dr. Ruth Simmons said: “bp’s commitment aligns with Prairie View A&M University’s focus on preparing today’s students for leadership in the most vital sectors of our global economy and future. We are honored to have this opportunity to partner with bp. The HBCU Fellowship Program aids us in ensuring that our promising students, across some of our most dynamic degree programs, have the opportunity to gain real-world experience throughout their collegiate careers and access mentorship inside the sector – all while alleviating the financial burden of their education.”

Applications for the program will open in the first quarter of 2023, with students notified in April of a final decision. A committee consisting of university faculty will select the final recipients with input from bp.

About bp

bp’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero. bp has a larger economic footprint in the United States than anywhere else in the world, investing more than $140 billion since 2005 and supporting about 245,000 jobs. For more information on bp in the US, visit www.bp.com/us.

About Florida A&M University

Founded October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. FAMU’s 14 colleges and schools offer a total of 54 bachelor’s degrees, 29 master’s degrees, three professional degrees and 12 doctoral degrees. FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.

About North Carolina A&T State University

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North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well as its top ranked (Money magazine, Best Colleges; Washington Monthly College Guide and Rankings). It is a land-grant, doctoral university, classified as “high research” by the Carnegie Foundation and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. A&T is known for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was founded in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

About Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University, founded in 1876, is the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state of Texas and the third largest Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the nation. Designated as an “institution of the first class” in the Texas Constitution, the enrollment exceeds 9,000 students, and over 80,000 graduates. PVAMU offers academic programs through its seven colleges, Undergraduate Studies, and the School of Architecture, boasting degree options leading to bachelor’s to doctoral-level degrees. A Carnegie-classified high-research (R2) University, and a member of The Texas A&M University System, PVAMU is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service. For more information, visit www.pvamu.edu.

SOURCE bp America

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Senior Assist Day: Jon Taylor’s Christmas Event for Seniors at Tanner Garden

On December 20th, Jon Taylor organized the third Senior Assist Day at Tanner Garden, fostering community spirit and celebrating seniors with gifts, food, and entertainment to combat loneliness.

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Senior Assist Day
Senior Assist Day 2024

As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving shines brightest among those who truly understand the value of community. This year, on December 20th, Jon Taylor, the compassionate founder of Assistory Outreach Services, brought joy and warmth to the residents of Tanner Garden Senior Apartment Complex south of downtown Phoenix for the third consecutive year. With his amazing team of volunteers by his side, Jon organized a heartfelt Senior Assist Day, dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the lives of our beloved senior citizens.

A Celebration of Community and Care

“Senior Assist Day is all about reaching out to one of our most precious commodities, seniors,” Jon said warmly during the event. For many older adults, the holidays can be a time of loneliness, especially when family is far away or when mobility issues prevent them from gathering with friends. Recognizing the potential for increased feelings of isolation and depression during this festive season, Jon and his team made it their mission to ensure that no one feels forgotten.

On this cheerful day, Tanner Garden was filled with laughter, love, and joy as volunteers came together to provide gifts, food, and live music. The air was alive with the sounds of celebration, serving as a reminder that holiday spirit is best when shared.

Building on Success Year After Year

Reflecting on the event, Jon expressed excitement about the growth of Senior Assist Day, stating, “Each year just gets better and better.” In only three years, the event has already grown significantly, and Jon has plans to expand even further in 2025. With hopes of increasing participation from the resident community, his goal is to provide gifts for at least 124 residents next year.

“This year we had 77 participants, and I think we can do more!” Jon said with determination. “Sometimes it’s about overcoming hesitations, and I’d love to offer some added services that they’ve requested, like haircuts and nail polishing for the ladies.”

Community Partnerships Make a Difference

Jon was quick to express gratitude for the invaluable partnerships that have helped bring this event to life. Walmart has been a significant sponsor for the past two years, generously providing delicious meals for the seniors. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” Jon stated, honoring the store’s commitment to the community.

Food for the event was provided and served by Kurt Riske, along with his assistant, from Los Sombreros, a local Mexican restaurant known for its elevated and contemporary-casual Mexican dishes.

In addition, he gave a shout-out to Best Buy for their support and recognized the contributions of his volunteers, who consistently show up with genuine enthusiasm and dedication. “I’m fortunate to have a wonderful team of 10 to 15 volunteers who step up at a moment’s notice,” he said.

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A Day to Remember

As the event unfolded, residents danced to holiday tunes, enjoyed mouthwatering treats, and opened thoughtfully curated gifts filled with love and care. The smiles on their faces and the joy in their laughter told a beautiful story of connection and community spirit.

Jon Taylor is more than just a compassionate individual; he is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of caring for our senior citizens. By creating spaces where they feel valued and celebrated, he continues to forge stronger community bonds, paving the way for a brighter future for our elders.

As we wrap up another successful year of Senior Assist Day, we can’t wait to see what Jon and Assistory Outreach Services will bring to Tanner Garden and beyond in 2025. Together, let’s keep spreading the cheer and reminding our seniors that they are truly loved and cherished. After all, they are our most precious commodity!

If you would like to get involved or support this noble cause, consider reaching out to Assistory Outreach Services to become part of Jon’s volunteering team or to help in securing sponsorships and gifts for future events. Your contributions can make all the difference in bringing joy to those who have given us so much.

For more information about the Assistory Organization, check out this link: https://assistoryoutreachservices.com

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

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Caitlin Clark, Christine Brennan and how racial stereotypes persist in the media’s WNBA coverage

The “Caitlin Clark effect” has driven record growth in the WNBA, yet Clark’s rookie season ended prematurely, revealing racial tensions and media biases impacting Black athletes’ representation and coverage.

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Caitlin Clark
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, right, scrambles for a loose ball against Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington during a game on Aug. 28, 2024. Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Molly Yanity, University of Rhode Island

The “Caitlin Clark effect,” or the impact on women’s basketball from a ponytailed rookie phenomenon from America’s heartland, is real: The 2024 WNBA season shattered viewership, attendance and merchandise sales records.

Clark, however, didn’t get a chance to compete for a league title.

The Connecticut Sun eliminated Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, in the first round of the playoffs with a two-game sweep, ending her record rookie-of-the-year campaign.

And it may be just the latest chapter in a complicated saga steeped in race.

During the first game of the series, the fingers of Sun guard DiJonai Carrington hit Clark in the eye as Carrington followed through on a block attempt of a Clark shot.

During the next day’s media availability, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan recorded and posted an exchange between herself and Carrington.

In the brief clip, the veteran sports writer asks Carrington, who is Black, if she purposely hit Clark in the eye during the previous night’s game. Though Carrington insisted she didn’t intentionally hit Clark, Brennan persisted, asking the guard if she and a teammate had laughed about the incident. The questions sparked social media outrage, statements from the players union and the league, media personalities weighing in and more.

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Hit the pause button here.

As a longtime sports writer who has covered the WNBA – and as a journalism scholar who studies women’s sports and fandom – I’ll concede that Brennan’s line of questioning seems, on its face, like business as usual in sports journalism.

After all, haven’t most baseball fans seen a scribe ask a pitcher if he intentionally beaned a batter?

But Brennan’s questions were not asked in a vacuum. The emergence of a young, white superstar from the heartland has caused many new WNBA fans to pick sides that fall along racial lines. Brennan’s critics claim she was pushing a line of questioning that has dogged Black athletes for decades: that they are aggressive and undisciplined.

Because of that, her defense of her questions – and her unwillingness to acknowledge the complexities – has left this professor disappointed in one of her journalistic heroes.

Brennan and much of the mainstream sports media, particularly those who cover professional women’s basketball, still seem to have a racial blind spot.

The emergence of a Black, queer league

When the WNBA launched in 1997 in the wake of the success of the 1996 Olympic gold-medal-winning U.S. women’s basketball team, it did so under the watch of the NBA.

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The NBA set out to market its new product, in part, to a white, heterosexual fan base.

The plan didn’t take hold.

While the league experienced fits and starts in attendance and TV ratings over its lifetime, the demographic makeup of its players is undeniable: The WNBA is, by and large, a Black, queer league.

In 2020, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association reported that 83% of its members were people of color, with 67% self-reporting as “Black/African-American.” While gender and sexual identity hasn’t been officially reported, a “substantial proportion,” the WNBPA reported, identify as LBGTQ+.

In 2020, the league’s diversity was celebrated as players competed in a “bubble” in Bradenton, Florida, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They protested racial injustice, helped unseat a U.S. senator who also owned Atlanta’s WNBA franchise, and urged voters to oust former President Donald Trump from the White House.

Racial tensions bubble to the surface

In the middle of it all, the WNBA has more eyeballs on it than ever before. And, without mincing words, the fan base has “gotten whiter” since Clark’s debut this past summer, as The Wall Street Journal pointed out in July. Those white viewers of college women’s basketball have emphatically turned their attention to the pro game, in large part due to Clark’s popularity at the University of Iowa.

Money is also pouring into the league through a lucrative media rights deal and new sponsorship partners.

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While the rising tide following Clark’s transition to the WNBA is certainly lifting all boats, it is also bringing detritus to the surface in the form of racist jeers from the stands and on social media.

After the Sun dispatched the Fever, All-WNBA forward Alyssa Thomas, who seldom speaks beyond soundbites, said in a postgame news conference: “I think in my 11-year career I’ve never experienced the racial comments from the Indiana Fever fan base. … I’ve never been called the things that I’ve been called on social media, and there’s no place for it.”

Echoes of Bird and Magic

In “Manufacturing Consent,” a seminal work about the U.S. news business, Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky argued that media in capitalist environments do not exist to impartially report the news, but to reinforce dominant narratives of the time, even if they are false. Most journalists, they theorized, work to support the status quo.

In sports, you sometimes see that come to light through what media scholars call “the stereotypical narrative” – a style of reporting and writing that relies on old tropes.

Scholars who study sports media have found that reporters routinely fall back on racial stereotypes. For example, coverage of Black quarterbacks in the NFL as less intelligent and more innately gifted would go on to hinder the progress of Black quarterbacks.

Man in green jersey shoots a basketball over the outstretched hand of man in yellow jersey.
Magic Johnson defends a shot by Larry Bird during the 1985 NBA Finals. Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images

In Brennan’s coverage of the Carrington-Clark incident, there appear to be echoes of the way the media covered Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson and Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird in the 1980s.

The battles between two of the sport’s greatest players – one Black, the other white – was a windfall for the NBA, lifting the league into financial sustainability.

But to many reporters who leaned on the dominant narrative of the time, the two stars also served as stand-ins for the racial tensions of the post-civil rights era. During the 1980s, Bird and Magic didn’t simply hoop; they were the “embodiments of their races and living symbols of how blacks and whites lived in America,” as scholars Patrick Ferrucci and Earnest Perry wrote.

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The media gatekeepers of the Magic-Bird era often relied on racial stereotypes that ultimately distorted both athletes.

For example, early in their careers, Bird and Johnson received different journalistic treatment. In Ferrucci and Perry’s article, they explain how coverage of Bird “fit the dominant narrative of the time perfectly … exhibiting a hardworking and intelligent game that succeeded despite a lack of athletic prowess.” When the “flashy” Lakers and Johnson won, they wrote, it was because of “superior skill.”

When they lost to Bird’s Celtics, they were “outworked.”

Framing matters

Let’s go back to Brennan.

Few have done more for young women in the sports media industry than Brennan. In time, energy and money, she has mentored and supported young women trying to break into the field. She has used her platform to expand the coverage of women’s sports.

Brennan defended herself in a lengthy interview on the podcast “Good Game with Sarah Spain”:

“I think [critics are] missing the fact of what I’m trying to do, what I am doing, what I understand clearly as a journalist, asking questions and putting things out there so that athletes can then have an opportunity to answer issues that are being discussed or out there.”

I don’t think Brennan asking Carrington about the foul was problematic. Persisting with the narrative was.

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Leaning into racial stereotypes is not simply about the language used anymore. Brennan’s video of her persistent line of questioning pitted Carrington against Clark. It could be argued that it used the stereotype of the overly physical, aggressive Black athlete, as well.

At best, Brennan has a blind spot to the strain racism is putting on Black athletes today – particularly in the WNBA. At worst, she is digging in on that tired trope.

A blind spot can be addressed and seen. An unacknowledged racist narrative, however, will persist.

Molly Yanity, Professor and Director of Sports media and Communication, University of Rhode Island

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

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Diana Gregory Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps on Behalf of President Biden

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Diana Gregory
L to R -Bryan C. Matthews, Medical Center Director for Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, David Peters – local leadership of the Order of St. George, Diana Gregory, Dr. Josephine Pete, Educator, and Jim Lawrence – local leadership of the Order of St. George. Image: D Gregory

Honoring Diana Gregory

In a moment that truly embodies the essence of service and community care, Diana Gregory, the visionary founder of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, has been honored with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps. This award, presented on behalf of President Joe Biden, took place during a heartfelt ceremony at the VA Health Care System in Phoenix, Arizona, organized by the dedicated leadership of The Order of St. George.

Diana’s selection for this distinguished accolade highlights her extraordinary commitment to fostering positive change and improving the lives of those in her community. Over the past decade, she has passionately addressed critical issues like food insecurity and health awareness, focusing on supporting seniors and veterans. Through her organization, Diana Gregory Outreach Services, she has distributed fresh, nutritious produce to thousands, ensuring that those in need have access to healthy food options.

But Diana’s contributions extend far beyond food distribution; she has also implemented vital health education programs that empower individuals and families, helping them to embrace wellness and make informed choices about their health. This holistic approach has created a transformative impact on underserved communities, reinforcing the importance of access to both nutrition and education.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is an honorable recognition reserved for individuals who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. This milestone is a testament to Diana’s proactive engagement and relentless advocacy for those she serves. Her award serves not only as recognition of her achievements but also as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps and contribute to their communities.

The Order of St. George, a respected non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to refugees, veterans, and the Boy Scouts of America, proudly presented the award. Their involvement signifies the collaborative spirit of various organizations working together to uplift and empower individuals in need, underscoring how interconnected our communities truly are.

As we celebrate Diana Gregory’s well-deserved honor, we recognize the countless lives she has touched and the paths she has paved for a brighter, healthier future. Her remarkable efforts highlight the immense power of community service and the difference every individual can make when they dedicate their time and passion to helping others.

To learn more about Diana Gregory Outreach Services and how you can get involved in her inspiring mission, please visit dianagregory.com. Together, let’s continue the legacy of compassion and service that Diana has so beautifully embodied.

Congratulations, Diana Gregory, on this remarkable achievement! Your dedication is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader and advocate for community well-being. Your work inspires us all to be better, do better, and serve better.

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To learn more about Diana Gregory, visit https://dianagregory.com/

Related Link (Original Press Release):

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/177DijAbdG


The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge


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