Latest news with #JCSU
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
15 year old graduates HS early and will attend an HBCU
Josiah Matthews is making big moves at just 15 years old. The Charlotte native graduated from high school early after being homeschooled and is now preparing to start his college career at an HBCU. The teenager will attend Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) this fall. Matthews told WBTV News that his accelerated path began when he started combining grade levels in his homeschooling journey."I just remember doing third and fourth grades together," he said. "And fifth, sixth and seventh grades together." Despite his success, the journey wasn't always easy. "It was at times when I lacked motivation," Matthews admitted to WBTV News. "But I pushed myself and I ended up finishing." Matthews found that the discipline he developed while learning to play the saxophone in band helped shape his academic focus."In band, you have to be disciplined and well-focused to learn all the pieces of music, and that kind of translated into my schoolwork," he shared. In the fall, Matthews will begin his studies at JCSU, majoring in computer science. School officials are currently checking to see if he is the youngest student to ever attend the historic HBCU. When asked what he's looking forward to, Matthews told WBTV News, "Get to meet some interesting people. Make some new friends – can't wait to meet my teachers." His mother, Sheikia Talley-Matthews, served as his primary teacher throughout his homeschooling experience."He could comprehend," she told WBTV News. "So, the more he could do, the more I gave him. I always challenged him to keep going." Her dedication paid off in a big way. Matthews will be attending JCSU alongside his twin brothers, who are 17. All three will be walking the same campus their mother once called home. "I got to become myself," Talley-Matthews said of her time at the Charlotte, NC HBCU. "And it was a safe place. I wanted that for them as they transition from boyhood to manhood. I want them to know themselves fully, and I believe J.C. Smith is a great place to do that." While she's confident in her son's academic readiness, she expressed some concern about his social development. She is grateful, though, that he'll be participating in the Becoming Kings mentoring program at JCSU. The initiative, which launched about four years ago, helps young men transition smoothly from high school to college life. Before the semester officially starts, Matthews will spend six weeks on campus, learning the ropes and connecting with local businesses to build his social network. His long-term dream? To one day launch his own business, possibly in the cybersecurity field. (Source: WBTV News) The post 15 year old graduates HS early and will attend an HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Axios
7 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Charlotte community leaders inaugurate Colombian Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas
The Colombian Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas (CACC) is a new nonprofit based in Charlotte that aims to serve the roughly 50,000 Colombians living in North and South Carolina. Why it matters: CACC will strengthen ties between Colombia and the U.S. through entrepreneurship, education and business development, according to the organization's president, Fredy Romero, and vice president, Natalia Silva. Driving the news: On June 28, local business owners, public servants and community leaders packed the Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium at Johnson C. Smith University for the nonprofit's inauguration and ceremonial ribbon cutting. "This chamber will help transform ideas into opportunities, and opportunities into lasting impact," said Colombian presidential candidate and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luis Gilberto Murillo. JCSU and CACC share similar values, such as collaboration, community engagement, higher education and environmental justice, JCSU President Valerie Kinloch said in a speech to the attendees. Catch up quick: Following last year's announcement by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Charlotte was approved to receive a Colombian consulate, community leaders behind the efforts to get the consulate here began forming the group that is now known as the CACC. The ultimate goal as an organization is to share resources and exchange information between entrepreneurs, community leaders and civic servants between the U.S. and Colombia. Zoom out: Part of that information exchange will happen directly through JCSU and the Technological University of Chocó in Quibdó, Colombia. This includes fostering foreign exchange programs between the two schools, Silva told Axios. "We are not just building bridges with our Colombian community. We are creating opportunities where the world will be better because of our partnership," Kinloch said. Zoom in: CACC is also facilitating the work of Charlotte-based nonprofit United Firefighting Training Network Corporation, which travels to impoverished countries to lead training sessions with donated equipment. What's next: The plan to bring a Colombian consulate to Charlotte is currently stalled, Silva says. It's another mission the CACC has — to meet directly with the Colombian DIAN (National Directorate of Taxes and Customs) to expedite the process of bringing the consulate to Charlotte.
Miami Herald
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
NFL team partners with HBCU for Nike 11-on tournament
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) made an HBCU x NFL connection on Friday June 13, for high-energy football action. The Carolina Panthers' annual Nike 11?On Tournament was played for the first time at Eddie McGirt Field, outside the team's usual facilities. Tournament Highlights 7-on-7 competition for skill positions, plus individual linemen top high school teams: Hickory, Monroe, Westside, and Chambers from North and South drills and matchups, showcasing local talent. A Personal Touch for Coach Flowers Maurice Flowers '96, JCSU head coach and alumnus, shared his excitement: "As a Charlotte native, it's incredible to see the Panthers partnering with my alma mater… Having it here at JCSU feels surreal. It's a full?circle moment,' he told the Johnson C. Smith University website. University Leadership Celebrates Progress President Dr. Valerie Kinloch '96 emphasized JCSU's vision: "Hosting the Panthers' Nike 11?On Tournament on our campus-welcoming over 120 student-athletes-is a powerful moment. It reinforces a New Era of Excellence for Johnson C. Smith University." Dr. Kinloch added: "This is what investing in the next generation looks like… bringing young people onto our campus… 'Why not JCSU?' It's a great day to be a Golden Bull-and we're just getting started!" Athletic Director Applauds Exposure Dr. Denisha Hendricks, Director of Athletics, focused on recruitment: "It's a big moment for our campus and our football facility… It's time people know about this space. We're excited to share athletics' academic and professional impact." Partnership: Panthers and JCSU Riley Fields, Panthers Director of Community Relations, explained the move: "With construction at Bank of America Stadium, we needed a new venue. Our longstanding partnership with JCSU made this a natural fit-Golden Bulls hospitality was phenomenal." Fields also praised JCSU football's recent success: "After the most successful season since 1970 and Coach Flowers earning CIAA Coach of the Year in 2024, we're proud to support this growth." Panthers Alumni Give Back Former NFL players with the Panthers-turned-coaches, took part: Captain Munnerlyn now leads Chambers High Johnson serves as his defensive noted, "Their presence adds inspiration and real expertise." The post NFL team partners with HBCU for Nike 11-on tournament appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Johnson C. Smith looks to revitilaze hoops legacy with new hires
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is ushering in a new era for its basketball programs. It has announced the appointments of Antwain Banks as the permanent head coach for men's basketball and Vanessa Taylor returning to lead the women's team. These strategic moves aim to revitalize the Golden Bulls' presence in HBCU athletics. Coach Banks, who stepped in as interim head coach in May 2024, has been officially named the 14th head coach in the program's history. Under his interim leadership, the men's team achieved a 15-13 overall record and secured its first CIAA Tournament win since 2020, finishing 8-8 in league play. Banks brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at IUPUI and Alabama A&M. Banks was instrumental in developing top defensive teams and mentoring all-conference players. The men's basketball program has been a cornerstone of JCSU's athletic success. Under the leadership of Coach Stephen Joyner Sr., who served for 36 years. The Golden Bulls secured three CIAA Tournament Championships in 2001, 2008, and 2009. Joyner's tenure culminated in over 600 career wins, making him the winningest coach in JCSU history and placing him third in CIAA men's basketball history for total victories. On the women's side, Vanessa Taylor returns to JCSU after more than a decade away. She was the head coach from 2001 to 2012, amassing a 215-112 record. Her coaching journey includes a head coaching role at North Carolina Central University. She held assistant positions at Coastal Carolina University, Queens University of Charlotte, and Lander University. Taylor's extensive experience and previous success with the Golden Bulls position her well to lead the women's program back to its former glory. Under Coach Taylor's leadership, the Golden Bulls made five NCAA DII Women's Basketball Championship appearances (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012). During the 2010-11 season, Coach Taylor led the program to a 26-5 overall record, the best in school history. The women's basketball program has recently been in the spotlight through HBCU Gameday's 'Brick x Brick' docuseries. The five-part series provided an in-depth look at the team's challenges and triumphs during the 2024-2025 season. The series highlighted the team's resilience as they navigated a season with only nine active players and through a change at head coach. Offering fans unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. Episodes are available on and air Sundays at 7 PM on Fox Soul. With these leadership changes, JCSU looks to strengthen its basketball programs and reclaim its legacy within HBCU athletics. The post Johnson C. Smith looks to revitilaze hoops legacy with new hires appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
College president eyes campus expansion
The president of Johnson C. Smith University outlined ambitious plans this week to expand the campus while generating new revenue and building stronger connections with the rest of the city. Among the possibilities: Replacing 65-year-old Brayboy Gymnasium, the 1,360-capacity home of Golden Bulls basketball. Valerie Kinloch, who became JCSU president in August 2023, shared her vision during an interview with CBJ at her office in Biddle Hall. That vision includes building a new home for the school's basketball and volleyball teams and finding more ways to incorporate current and future classrooms and other facilities for community use during off-peak campus hours. READ: Johnson C. Smith University celebrates record enrollment She said planning is in the early stages and did not disclose a timetable or possible costs for campus expansion projects. JCSU, founded in 1867, is a private, historically Black college. Last fall, enrollment increased by 19% year over year to 1,300 students. Continue reading here. WATCH: Johnson C. Smith University celebrates record enrollment
