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Spelman College Celebrates the Inauguration of 11th President Dr. Helene D. Gayle

Spelman College inaugurates Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH, as its 11th President in investiture ceremony at Morehouse College.

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ATLANTA /PRNewswire/ — Spelman College formally installed Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH, as its 11th President at the investiture ceremony held today, April 28, at the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel.

During the ceremony, attended by Spelman’s Board of Trustees, higher education peers, distinguished guests, family and friends, Dr. Gayle was officially bestowed the title of president. The inauguration theme of “Honoring Our Past, Claiming Our Future” paid homage to the great leaders that came before her, as well as her hope and vision for continued success of this storied institution.

During her inaugural address, Dr. Gayle acknowledged and thanked the past five Spelman presidents in attendance, as well as many individuals who have played an important role in her life. During her remarks she reaffirmed her commitment to Spelman and aspirations for the future

“I am here to honor the vision and mission of the founders,” said Dr. Gayle. “I am here to continue the legacy of all the past presidents who made it possible for me to inherit an institution with few problems and many possibilities. I am here for the same reason this institution has always been here: to ensure there is a special place – that there will always be a special place – where a young Black woman with a dream of making the world better will be nurtured and affirmed, educated wholly, and encouraged to be and become her best and authentic self. It is an amazing calling. And I am humbled to accept this mantle of leadership.”

Rosalind Gates Brewer, C’84, chair of the Spelman Board of Trustees and president and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, presided over the investiture ceremony. Guest speakers included: Mary Schmidt Campbell, 10th president of Spelman College; David A. Thomas, president of Morehouse College; Sian Beilock, president of Barnard College; Charlayne Hunter-Gault, American Civil Rights activist and journalist; and Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of American University.

Dr. Gayle began serving as the 11th president of Spelman College on July 1, 2022, following an extensive national search led by the Board of Trustees. She succeeded President Emerita Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., who served as president from 2015 – 2022.

The four-day line-up of inauguration events began on Thursday, April 27, with an academic symposium, a campus celebration following the investiture on Friday, day of service on Saturday, and will conclude on Sunday with an interfaith service at Spelman’s historic Sisters Chapel, featuring an inauguration sermon by Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

Dr. Gayle previously served as president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations, from October 2017 to June 2022. Under her leadership, the Trust adopted a new strategic focus on closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap in the Chicago region. For almost a decade, she was president and CEO of CARE, a leading international humanitarian organization. A pediatrician and public health physician with expertise in economic development, humanitarian, and health issues, she spent 20 years with the Centers for Disease Control, working primarily on HIV/AIDS. She led the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s programs on HIV/AIDS and other global health issues.

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Dr. Gayle serves on public company and nonprofit boards, including The Coca-Cola Company, Organon, Palo Alto Networks, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Brookings Institution, Center for Strategic and International Studies, New America and the ONE Campaign. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, Council on Foreign Relations, American Public Health Association, National Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Gayle is from Buffalo, N.Y. She earned a B.A. in psychology at Barnard College, an M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.P.H. at Johns Hopkins University. She is a tenured Full Professor in the Department of Environmental and Health Sciences at Spelman College and has received 18 honorary degrees. She also holds faculty appointments at the University of Washington and Emory University.

For more information about the inauguration of Dr. Helene D. Gayle, or to watch the video broadcast, please visit www.spelman.edu/inauguration.

About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a leading liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, the College’s picturesque campus is home to 2,100 students. Spelman is the country’s leading producer of Black women who complete Ph.D.s in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The College’s status is confirmed by the U.S. News & World Report, which ranked Spelman No. 51 among all liberal arts colleges, No. 19 for undergraduate teaching, No. 5 for social mobility among liberal arts colleges, and No. 1 for the 16th year among historically Black colleges and universities. The Wall Street Journal has ranked the College No. 3, nationally, in terms of student satisfaction. Recent initiatives include a designation by the Department of Defense as a Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM, a Gender and Sexuality Studies Institute, the first endowed queer studies chair at an HBCU, and a program to increase the number of Black women Ph.D.s in economics. New majors have been added, including documentary filmmaking and photography, and collaborations have been established with MIT’s Media Lab, the Broad Institute and the Army Research Lab for artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Outstanding alumnae include Children’s Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Rosalind Brewer, political leader Stacey Abrams, former Acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna president Audrey Forbes Manley, actress and producer Latanya Richardson Jackson, global bioinformatics geneticist Janina Jeff and authors Pearl Cleage and Tayari Jones.

To learn more, please visit spelman.edu and @spelmancollege on social media.

SOURCE Spelman College

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Economy

Understanding Inflation in Today’s US Economy: Causes, Effects, and Policy Responses

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Inflation remains one of the most discussed and misunderstood economic issues affecting the United States today. With rising prices impacting everything from grocery bills to gas stations, understanding the underlying causes, ongoing impacts, heresies and speculations, and possible solutions is essential. In this blog, we delve into the complexities of inflation and examine the role of government actions, particularly under the Biden Administration, in managing this economic challenge.

one us dollar banknote on table. Inflation
Photo by Matthias Groeneveld on Pexels.com

What Causes Inflation?

Inflation can arise from several sources, categorized mainly into three types: demand-pull inflation, cost-push inflation, and built-in inflation.

  • Demand-pull inflation occurs when the demand for goods and services exceeds their supply.
  • Cost-push inflation is caused by an increase in the costs of production, such as raw materials and wages.
  • Built-in inflation emerges from the expectation of future price increases, leading workers to demand higher wages, which companies pass on to consumers as higher prices.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial to addressing inflation effectively, as each type may require different policy responses.

Current Causes of Inflation in the US

Today, the US economy faces inflation driven largely by post-pandemic economic recovery dynamics. Key factors include supply chain disruptions, increased consumer spending, substantial government stimulus measures, and global economic pressures. Each of these factors has combined in unique ways to push prices upward, albeit hopefully temporarily.

Heresies, Speculations, and Truths

A significant point of contention and speculation revolves around the concept that corporations are exploiting these turbulent times to increase prices disproportionately, thereby boosting profits at the expense of consumers. While businesses are indeed facing increased costs, the extent to which these are being passed on to consumers varies by industry and firm, leading to debates over potential price gouging.

This raises an essential question: Are current inflation trends purely the result of macroeconomic factors, or are they exacerbated by strategic corporate pricing behaviors? The truth likely lies somewhere in between, reflecting the complex interplay of cost-driven pricing adjustments and market power.

Policy Responses and Actions by the Biden Administration

Addressing inflation requires a combination of monetary policy, fiscal adjustments, and targeted interventions.

  • Monetary Policy: Traditionally managed by the Federal Reserve, this includes manipulating interest rates and controlling the money supply to temper economic overheating.
  • Fiscal Policy: Here, government spending and taxation play roles—areas where the administration has significant influence.
  • Regulatory Measures: The government can enforce antitrust laws, monitor unfair pricing practices, and ensure a competitive market environment.

Under President Biden, the Inflation Reduction Act represents a broad policy measure ostensibly designed to tackle inflation by making long-term investments in energy infrastructure, healthcare, and tax reforms. While its name suggests an immediate reduction in inflation, its actual impacts are geared more towards future economic stability and growth.

Furthermore, the administration can support the economy through social programs, wage supports, and direct financial aid, which can alleviate the burden on consumers and help stabilize demand.

Something to Think About

While inflation remains a pressing issue, it is clear that no single policy or action can completely address its varied causes. A balanced approach that includes responsible monetary policy, prudent fiscal management, and firm regulatory oversight is essential. Moreover, clear communication and strategic planning by the administration can help set realistic expectations and guide the economy toward a more stable future.

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In tackling inflation, understanding its roots, dispelling myths, and implementing a holistic strategy are vital steps forward for the Biden administration and other stakeholders. As we navigate these economic challenges, staying informed and engaged is crucial for all citizens.

References and Resources

Understanding inflation involves a multi-faceted approach, taking into account economic theories, current events, and policy impacts. Here are some resources that can provide a well-rounded view of the ongoing discussions and analyses regarding inflation in the current US economy:

  1. Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) – St. Louis Fed
  • Website: FRED – Economic Data
  • Description: Access a wealth of data on inflation, interest rates, employment, and more. An invaluable tool for analyzing economic trends.
  1. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
  • Website: BEA – U.S. Economic Accounts
  • Description: Find detailed economic analyses and data on GDP, consumer spending, and corporate profits, all of which tie into broader inflation discussions.
  1. The Economist – Finance and Economics Section
  • Website: The Economist
  • Description: Offers insightful articles on global and US economic conditions, including expert analyses on inflation and government policies.
  1. “The Causes and Consequences of Inflation” – Brookings Institution
  • Website: Brookings
  • Description: Brookings provides thorough research articles and papers on economic topics, including detailed discussions on inflation causes and effects.
  1. “Inflation Dynamics and Monetary Policy” by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • Website: IMF Publications
  • Description: This paper discusses inflation dynamics and the impact of monetary policy, offering a global perspective that can also be applied to the US context.
  1. Wall Street Journal – Economy Section
  • Website: WSJ – Economy
  • Description: Regular updates on economic trends, inflation rates, and Federal Reserve actions, with professional commentary.
  1. “Principles of Economics” by N. Gregory Mankiw
  • Where to find: Amazon or your local bookstore
  • Description: Although not an article, this textbook provides a solid foundation in economic principles, including detailed discussions on how inflation works.
  1. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
  • Website: NBER
  • Description: A wealth of research papers on economic topics, including inflation studies that help explain current trends in the US.

By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper insight into how inflation is currently affecting the US economy, what the potential future trends could be, and how policy decisions influence the economic outlook.

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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The Bridge

Celebrities Unite to Mobilize Support for Hurricane Relief and Recovery

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Hurricane

Hurricane Relief

(Family Features) In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, entire communities have been torn apart, lives were lost, families displaced and children left without schools. Recovery is lengthy – and costly – requiring people to come together to help with relief efforts.

While meeting the specific needs of hurricane survivors, from shelter, food and water to emergency supplies and repair assistance, estimated at $250 billion, is vital to recovery, making a monetary donation is one of the quickest and easiest ways to help ensure those needs are met.

That’s why United Way Worldwide (UWW) and Paramount Global are hosting a one-hour special, United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief, at 8 p.m. ET/PT Saturday, Nov. 2 on the CBS Television Network and CMT – available to stream live on Paramount+ with Showtime – to mobilize communities and raise critical funds for relief and recovery.

The event will feature some of the biggest names in music, television and entertainment including performances by Brittney Spencer, Chris Janson, Clay Aiken, Jonathan McReynolds and Tyler Hubbard with special messages and appearances by Backstreet Boys, Billy Bob Thornton, Billy Burke, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cedric The Entertainer, Cody Alan, JB SMOOVE, Kelsea Ballerini, Max Thieriot, Nate Burleson, Stephen Colbert, Taye Diggs and Zac Brown Band.

“In times of crisis, United Way mobilizes the caring power of communities to help people in need,” said Angela F. Williams, president and CEO of UWW. “United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief is an opportunity to unite people to help the individuals and families impacted by the devastating hurricanes. Because united is the way to create long-term and lasting resiliency for individuals, families and communities.”

Proceeds from the benefit will support immediate hurricane relief and long-term recovery efforts and benefit individuals and families across the southeastern United States. Every minute you watch and every dollar given helps fund shelter, meals and other critical support services.

“Paramount Global and its brands are proud to collaborate with United Way Worldwide on the United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief in reaching audiences across the U.S. to help those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” said Melissa C. Potter, executive director, Content for Change, Paramount Global and UWW board of trustees. “I’ve seen firsthand how United Way rallies local leaders, cross-sector partners and the community to aid people during times of crisis, and the resources raised by this benefit event will help those in need to recover and rebuild.”

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In the last four years alone, United Way has responded to more than 200 disasters around the world, including droughts, water crises, hurricanes, fires and floods, and mobilized resources by facilitating more than $219 million in outside investments to support local needs.

“The impact of Hurricane Helene on our community and this region is almost impossible to comprehend,” said Dan Leroy, president and CEO of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. “Recovery is a marathon that won’t end in weeks or months – it’ll take years. Thanks to the generosity of those contributing to the United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief, we can make sure that 5, 10 and 20 years from now, our neighbors and families will not only rebuild but thrive. United, we will emerge stronger.”

To learn more or donate, visit unitedway.org/benefit or text “RECOVERY” to 40403.


SOURCE:
United Way Worldwide

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.

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Entertainment

Quincy Jones: A Musical Innovator and Cultural Icon

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Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones, the music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores has died at 91. (Nov. 4) AP Photo

Quincy Jones: The Musical Legend

On November 3, 2024, the world lost an extraordinary talent and visionary, Quincy Delight Jones Jr., at the age of 91. Jones, an American record producer, songwriter, composer, and film and television producer, left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond, shaping the soundscape of multiple genres over a career that spanned more than 70 years.

Born on March 14, 1933, Jones’s journey in music began in the 1950s as a jazz arranger and conductor. He quickly rose to prominence and became known for his versatility, seamlessly moving between jazz, pop, and film scoring. His remarkable ability to transcend genres led to iconic collaborations, including producing pop hits for Lesley Gore, arranging for legends like Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, and ultimately partnering with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The trio of albums they created—Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987)—remains monumental in music history, with Thriller still holding the title of the best-selling album of all time.

Jones broke numerous barriers throughout his career. In 1968, he became the first African American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “The Eyes of Love.” His groundbreaking achievements continued as he became the first African American musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards in 1971 and received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995. With 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, Jones’s accolades are a testament to his exceptional talent and influence.

Beyond music, Jones was a multifaceted entrepreneur, establishing a media empire that included Qwest Records, QDE Entertainment, and the acclaimed Black music magazine, Vibe. His ability to foster talent extended to the realms of film and television, where he played a pivotal role in launching the careers of icons like Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

Jones’s legacy is characterized not only by his remarkable achievements but also by his unique approach to music production. Described by his longtime sound engineer Bruce Swedien as someone who often used food-related metaphors in the studio, Jones had a distinctive way of cultivating creativity. He believed in the power of “divine intervention” and was known for his willingness to experiment, an attitude that kept him at the forefront of musical innovation. His embrace of synthesizers and blending of funk with jazz were revolutionary, influencing countless artists across generations.

Throughout his life, Jones collected stories and experiences that would intrigue anyone. From his encounters with historical figures like Leni Riefenstahl to iconic musicians like Tupac Shakur, his narratives were as rich and diverse as his music.

Quincy Jones’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to resonate through the countless artists he inspired and the music he crafted. As we remember this musical innovator, we celebrate a life dedicated to breaking barriers and creating a legacy that transcends time and genre. His contributions have forever altered the landscape of music, and his spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and dreamers.

Rest in peace, Quincy Jones—a true maestro, a visionary, and an enduring symbol of artistic excellence.

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Related Link from the Associated Press:

https://apnews.com/video/quincy-jones-grammy-awards-music-los-angeles-dionne-warwick-f2a701337195411ebcd610557f96aea2?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share

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