Latest news with #JacksonStateUniversity
The Hill
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Judge temporarily blocks DEI ban in Mississippi
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Monday blocking a Mississippi law prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools and colleges, citing First Amendment grounds. 'This Court finds that each day the statute remains unclarified, undefined, and under a threat of open interpretation, exacerbates the suppression of protected speech,' Judge Henry Wingate said in his ruling. The plaintiffs included the Mississippi Educators Association, which represents public school teachers, as well as student organizations and faculty at several state colleges, including Jackson State University, a historically Black institution. They argued that the Mississippi law had chilled free expression and forced them to cancel previously scheduled DEI initiatives or training. The law prohibits the promotion of 'divisive concepts' or programming that 'increases awareness or understanding of race, sex, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.' In his ruling, Wingate argued that the law was unclear and could be construed to be enforced unevenly. 'Institutions have spent the intervening months attempting to interpret and implement the statute, often erring on the side of caution by canceling or defunding programming that arguably falls within its prohibitions. This prolonged period of uncertainty has deepened the chilling effect,' Wingate wrote. The parties are due back in court on July 23 for a hearing on a possible preliminary injunction, which would be a stronger block on the law. Mississippi is one of at least 16 states that have passed bills since 2023 restricting DEI in some way, including by targeting diversity statements, DEI-related courses, or mandatory training.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three Mississippi-based HBCUs look to expand AI Education
The post Three Mississippi-based HBCUs look to expand AI Education appeared first on ClutchPoints. A $9.1 million higher education grant awarded to the state of Mississippi will help three HBCUs to increase entrepreneurship, job training, and artificial intelligence (AI) education. Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, and Alcorn State University will benefit from the multi-million-dollar grant. Governor Tate Reeves announced the funds through the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP) on June 12, 2025, with the goal of bolstering the state's workforce and economic future, according to WJTV 12 News. To increase its influence, each institution will look for private financing and resources in addition to public assistance. 'This is another bold step forward for Mississippi,' Reeves said. 'We're not just preparing for the future—we're building it. This investment will help to ensure that Mississippians are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.' The Executive On Roster (XOR) program, which will spearhead a statewide effort to introduce students, educators, and entrepreneurs to emerging technology through experiential learning, was granted $1.3 million to Jackson State University, administered by AccelerateMS. Consulting teams of Jackson State students will also strive to provide small firms AI-powered assistance. 'We are grateful for this investment in Jackson State University's mission to expand access to emerging fields,' JSU Interim President Denise Gregory, Ph.D., said in a news release. 'This grant affirms the quality of our faculty and programs and allows us to give students the knowledge and experience to navigate and contribute to the world they are entering. It's another step forward in our work to serve students and communities through innovation and opportunity.' According to WJTV, Tougaloo College received $1.08 million to create a fund to provide students in all disciplines with access to AI-related ideas and employ new faculty members in the fields of AI and machine learning. $1.15 million was awarded to Alcorn State University to train people in southwestern Mississippi in digital literacy and artificial intelligence and to use its School of Nursing to implement telehealth tools to increase access to healthcare in underprivileged rural areas. The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and Mississippi College were among the other state universities that received awards. The funding comes in the wake of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on April 23 that 'established' a White House Initiative to support HBCUs' excellence and innovation.' Expanding access to federal and state grants, supporting institutional and workforce development in sectors like technology, health care, manufacturing, and finance, and establishing an annual White House HBCU Summit to establish partnerships and set goals are all part of the initiative's mission to improve educational quality through private-sector partnerships. 'HBCUs are essential to fostering opportunity, economic mobility, and national competitiveness, serving as engines of success for American students,' a White House press release stated. 'HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of the United States while producing many leaders in business, government, academia, and the military. Nearly 300,000 individuals annually pursue their dreams at HBCUs throughout the United States. These institutions generate $16.5 billion in annual economic impact and support over 136,000 jobs, strengthening communities and the nation.' Related: 'Love Island' winner nabs role in HBCU series on Keke Palmer network Related: Marva Johnson officially named 13th president of Florida AM
Black America Web
17-06-2025
- Business
- Black America Web
Survey Says: Most High-Level Business Executives Believe DEI Initiatives Are Necessary To Avoid Legal Risk
Source: Jackson State University / Getty Since taking office in January, President Trump has made eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all facets of American life one of his key goals. While he's been relatively successful in getting colleges and universities to bend the knee, it's been a more complicated situation when it comes to American businesses. A recent survey has potentially revealed the reason for that, as many business leaders believe removing DEI initiatives opens them up to legal risk. According to Fortune, a joint survey of 1,000 C-suite executives revealed that 83 percent believe DEI initiatives are necessary for their company's well-being. Another 68 percent believed removing them would open them up to potential discrimination lawsuits. The survey also interviewed 2,500 employees and found that 76 percent of respondents would stay at a company that maintained its DEI initiatives, and 43 percent would leave a company if they pulled back. The survey was conducted by Catalyst, a non-profit focused on women's inclusion in the workplace, and NYU School of Law's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Source: Screenshot / Pollack, A., Glasgow, D., Van Bommel, T., Joseph, C., & Yoshino, K. (2025). Risks of retreat: The enduring inclusion imperative. Catalyst & Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. 'Opting out of DEI is not a neutral act—it's a choice with consequences,' Christina Joseph, project director of the Advancing DEI Initiative at the Meltzer Center, told Fortune. 'That's because these programs help root out harmful policies that especially affect marginalized groups. This report reminds us that without those safeguards, organizations face more, not less, legal exposure.' This survey only proves what we've already seen: the average person either supports or, at the very least, isn't actively opposed to DEI initiatives. In fact, another recent poll shows that companies that keep their DEI initiatives are viewed more favorably by the public. The only people upset about DEI are people who can't compete on an even playing field, or keeping it a buck, are just straight up racist. To some degree, it makes sense why we're seeing universities withdraw from their DEI initiatives. Many of them depend on federal funds to survive, so while they may not necessarily agree with the pullback, they don't really have a choice. Especially considering that the Department of Education (DOE) has been explicitly weaponized to go after any university it believes is trying to provide equitable opportunities for Black, brown, and LGBTQ students. Source: To be clear, I'm not advocating or being an apologist for these moves; I simply understand why they're happening. Conversely, it doesn't make much sense for businesses to engage in this pullback as they don't depend on federal funds, and it's unclear what, if any, legal action the Trump administration could take against a company for continuing DEI initiatives. Apple announced that they would continue their DEI initiatives, and all the president did was angrily post about it on Truth Social. I'm not a legal scholar, but thankfully, Catalyst's poll also included corporate lawyers. A vast majority, 88 percent to be precise, believed that DEI initiatives were essential to avoiding legal risk. So it seems like companies have more to lose by pulling back from DEI than continuing forward. We've seen the opposing approach to DEI initiatives play out in the marketplace this year. Target has been the, uh, target of several boycotts this year as a result of withdrawing from their DEI initiatives as soon as they thought it was politically expedient. This has resulted in foot traffic being down in the stores and the company reporting a drop in first-quarter sales. Target's woes are so pronounced that several companies have started listing consumer boycotts as a potential financial risk in investor reports. On the other end of the equation is Costco, which has stood firm on its commitments to DEI and actually beat its sales expectations for the first quarter. Whether it comes to employees, executives, lawyers, or consumers, it appears the majority are in agreement: DEI works for everybody. Now, if only someone could get that message through to the weirdos running the country right now. SEE ALSO: DEI's Economic Impact: What The Data Reveals Poll Shows Companies Maintaing DEI Intiatives Have Better Reputations SEE ALSO Survey Says: Most High-Level Business Executives Believe DEI Initiatives Are Necessary To Avoid Legal Risk was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson voters head to polls June 3 to choose next mayor. Here's who is on the ballot
In just a few days, voters in Jackson will return to the polls to elect the city's next mayor, closing out a months-long campaign that began earlier this year. The June 3 general election will be the final step after a series of primaries and runoffs that narrowed the field from the original 20 candidates who qualified. Unlike previous elections, this one will be decided by whoever gets the most votes — there will be no runoff. Incumbent Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who was pursuing a third term, was indicted on federal charges late last year but qualified to run in January, advancing to the Democratic runoff in April. Ultimately, Mississippi Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, secured a decisive victory in that runoff, positioning himself as the frontrunner for the June election. Below is a look at the candidates who will be on the ballot on June 3, as well as their recent campaign finance reports, which were due Tuesday, May 27. Information on candidates is derived from candidate questionnaires and interviews during the run-up to the election. John Horhn, 70, a longtime Mississippi State Senator representing District 26 since 1993, is the clear front-runner in Jackson's mayoral race. Horhn has run for mayor three times previously, including recent campaigns in 2014 and 2017, but has yet to win. With decades of political experience and deep ties to Jackson, he is widely expected to win the upcoming June 3 election and lead the city. Horhn studied English literature and dramatic arts at Centre College in Kentucky and pursued further education in community leadership at Jackson State University and Duke University. He is married to Lydia and has two children. Horhn's campaign centers on reversing Jackson's decades-long population decline, which has seen about 60,000 people leave since 1980. He argues that improving basic services, such as streets, safety, water and infrastructure, is key to making the city a place where people want to live, work and invest. His legislative career includes helping bring millions in state and federal resources to Jackson, a track record he pledges to continue as mayor. Horhn stresses the need to eliminate bureaucratic roadblocks to repairing streets and removing abandoned properties. Horhn also emphasizes healing the fractured relationship between city and state leadership to ensure better management of city assets and avoid future state takeover attempts. Horhn said his approach is grounded in collaboration and accountability. He promotes building trust with residents and local leaders alike. He acknowledges that the city and council must move past personal conflicts to foster a team-building culture at City Hall focused on Jackson's best interests. Horhn's experienced, pragmatic message and broad support have positioned him as the candidate most likely to become Jackson's next mayor. According to his latest submitted campaign finance report, Horhn raised $116,586 between April 15 and May 27. During that same time period, Horhn spent $93,277.88. His report shows him with $23.308.12 on hand. In total, Horhn has raised $350,030 this election and has spent $196,173.47, according to the report. Horhn received a $5,000 donation, the largest in the report, this period from four donors: the Hern Law Firm, Landfair Solutions LLC, Brian Johnson and Billy Wayne Long. He also received a $2,500 donation from a political action committee called Capitol Resources Political Action Committee, which is associated with the local lobbying firm Capitol Resources LLC. Kenneth 'Kenny' Gee, the lone Republican in Jackson's mayoral election, has been largely absent from public campaigning in recent weeks. Despite that, he remains on the ballot for the June 3 election. Gee, 38, is a former law enforcement officer and a graduate of Bailey Magnet High School. He is currently enrolled at Rasmussen University and is the father of twin sons. He has not previously held elected office. In earlier public statements, Gee said he is running to help Jackson reach its 'incredible potential,' with a focus on public safety, infrastructure and community well-being. His platform emphasizes investing in law enforcement, expanding youth mentorship and mental health programs, and revitalizing public spaces. He also voiced support for affordable housing and sustainable development. To address state-city tensions, Gee proposed forming a City-State Relations Task Force to build trust and improve cooperation on shared goals such as infrastructure and economic growth. Gee outlined a collaborative approach with the City Council, stressing data-driven policies and open dialogue. While he has not been actively campaigning, his name will appear on the ballot, and any votes cast for him will count. Gee did not submit a campaign finance report on May 27. Rodney DePriest, a former Clinton alderman and longtime Jackson resident, is running for mayor with a campaign focused on tackling violent crime and rebuilding the city's infrastructure. DePriest, 58, has lived in Jackson for more than 30 years. He's a Mississippi College graduate and previously worked in construction and banking. He served two terms on the Clinton Board of Aldermen in the 1990s. He said his run for office is driven by faith. At the center of his campaign is a group violence-intervention strategy. The goal is to bring police, faith leaders, community groups and residents together to directly engage with those responsible for most of the city's gun violence. Offenders would be warned of consequences but offered help — job training, education and social services — if they want to change. "Better Together" is DePriest's campaign slogan. His second major priority is infrastructure. He wants to work closely with JXN Water and push for a long-term plan to improve roads and traffic flow. He proposes using a pavement management system to guide repairs and maximize use of state and local funds. DePriest also says Jackson needs to improve its relationship with state leaders and, if elected, he said he'll bring a collaborative mindset to City Hall. According to his latest campaign finance report, DePriest raised $89,325 this election, spending $72,349. The report says he has $16,976 on hand. DePriest's largest donor is a Clinton-based company called HiJack LLC, an equipment rental company, according to the report. HiJack donated $10,000. DePriest also received a $6,000 donation from property management company MDMW Investments, which is based in Raymond. Multiple other businesses also donated $5,000 to DePriest's campaign. Zach Servis, a 27-year-old musician, minister and entertainment professional, is running for mayor of Jackson with a platform centered on transparency in government, public safety and city services. Though he has no prior experience in elected office, Servis said he is ready to lead with bold ideas aimed at restoring trust in city leadership. His plan starts with what he calls the 'three A's': accessibility, accountability and affordability. To improve safety, he wants to increase the Jackson Police Department's officer count to 400 and expand youth intervention programs. He also supports paving roads with longer-lasting cement, addressing potholes promptly, and syncing infrastructure repairs with JXN Water to avoid repeated street work. On government access, Servis proposes moving city council meetings to the evening, responding to residents within 24 hours, and launching a city app that would let people directly message departments. He also wants to create a public dashboard showing spending, project timelines, and performance evaluations for city staff. Servis said tackling corruption is the city's most urgent issue. He plans to bring audits up to date, launch a forensic audit of every department and make all contracts and budget records publicly available. He also wants to use AI tools to flag irregularities in city operations and record most city meetings for transparency. To repair Jackson's strained relationship with the state, Servis said the city must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and offer clear plans for managing its own assets. While opposing state takeovers, he said Jackson should collaborate with state officials on shared goals. Servis plans to meet regularly with city council members, involve them in planning before proposals reach the agenda and ensure high-quality presentations that inspire confidence and cooperation. His aim is to create a more open and responsive city government. According to his recently submitted campaign finance report, Servis has received $2,290 in contributions, while spending $1,585. His reports shows $705 on hand. A majority of Servis' campaign funds have gone towards purchasing yard signs and videography, according to the report. Lillie Stewart-Robinson, a Jackson native, ordained minister and author, is running for mayor with a campaign centered on collaboration and inclusiveness. A graduate of Lanier High School, Jackson State University and New Foundation Seminary, Stewart-Robinson has not held elected office but said it's time for change in city leadership. Her priorities include tackling youth crime, repairing infrastructure, revitalizing parks, boosting economic development and improving education. She wants to bring together a diverse group of voices — city officials, department heads, students, neighborhood leaders and state representatives — to develop strategies that address the city's most pressing challenges. Stewart-Robinson emphasizes building strong relationships, especially between the city and state. She believes open communication and mutual respect are key to resolving conflicts and securing support for Jackson. She also wants to work closely with the city council, inviting them and other stakeholders into ongoing conversations about how to improve city services and quality of life for residents. Her campaign is built on the idea that lasting solutions require everyone at the table, working together with a shared commitment to making Jackson a better, more inclusive city for all. According to her recently filed campaign finance report, Stewart-Robinson has raised $1,391. The report only shows her contributions, she does not list what she has spent campaign funds on or how much cash she has on hand. Stewart-Robinson's contributors include two donations of $65 and $50 from two individuals, as well as a $500 donation from a Carolyn Wilks. The contributions also show Stewart-Robinson gave a loan to herself for $776.40. Although still listed on the ballot, conservative radio host Kim Wade is now urging his supporters to vote for fellow candidate Rodney DePriest in the June 3 general election. Wade, known for the radio program "The Kim Wade Show," initially entered the race to challenge what he called 'mediocrity' and mismanagement in city leadership. He framed his campaign around restoring integrity and stewardship in Jackson's government, promising to stabilize city operations and improve long-term planning. Wade's platform focused heavily on raising property values and investing in education. He argued that improving schools — whether public, private or charter — would help attract new investment and development, much like large economic projects in other cities. He was critical of past mayors' handling of state-city relations, saying his administration would avoid state takeovers. To him, the root of many of Jackson's problems is a failure in leadership and basic governance. Wade did not submit a campaign finance report. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Who is running for mayor of Jackson MS on June 3 2025?
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Severance' put Tramell Tillman on Hollywood's radar. Now Tom Cruise loves him.
'Severance' put Tramell Tillman on Hollywood's radar. Now Tom Cruise loves him. Show Caption Hide Caption Simon Pegg talks Tom Cruise stunt work on 'Mission: Impossible' Simon Pegg reveals what it's like doing stunts with Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible - The Last Reckoning' All it took was a photo of Tramell Tillman to hook Tom Cruise. 'Mission: Impossible' franchise director Christopher McQuarrie was an early adopter of the hit Apple TV+ series 'Severance,' which features Tillman as mercurial office boss Seth Milchick. So when casting the new 'Mission' installment 'The Final Reckoning,' McQuarrie called Cruise to tell him 'there's something special' about Tillman and showed the A-lister his picture. Cruise's response: 'I love him.' Tillman has never heard this story before, and his reaction is a grin as wide as Mr. Milchick's (sans the semi-sinister undertones). 'That's really cool,' he says. When Cruise shook Tillman's hand and said he was glad Tillman was there, 'I felt that it was genuine but I didn't know that he was a fan,' the 'Severance' breakout adds. Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox Tillman has a small but key role in 'Final Reckoning' (in theaters now) as Captain Bledsoe, the commanding officer of a submarine that Cruise's superspy Ethan Hunt hitches a ride on during his mission to foil a villainous AI. 'This is a man of mystery, and I'm not shy (about) playing men of mystery,' Tillman says with a chuckle. To differentiate from the character from Milchick, 'I added a little more humor, a little more joy, a little more suave, and more intention of how he takes care of business.' One of Hollywood's fastest rising stars, Tillman talks about his 'Mission' debut, that viral "Severance" marching band moment, and his Met Gala finery. (Edited for length and clarity.) Q: You have the best line in this movie that you say to Tom: 'Mister, if you want to poke the bear ... Ohhhhh, you have come to the right man.' Is figuring out not only what you say but how you say it important in your process? Tillman: As actors, our job is to uplift the text to allow it to come alive. And any good piece of writing is going to inform not only the story but the character. I always enjoy leaning into the text. And with Milchick, because he's so specific in speech, his weaponry, his arsenal, are his words. What's a better day: being on a submarine with a bunch of steely sailors or leading a marching band in an office space? I mean, marching band, 100%. Now if you said performance review, then that would be something different. That band scene in the 'Severance' Season 2 finale was instantly iconic. You were in your high school band? I was. I played the alto saxophone. I played the tuba. Oh, I was always afraid of the tubas. Did you ever want to be drum major? Because you're kind of a natural. I went to Jackson State University, Sonic Boom of the South is the name of the marching band there. And those drum majors, their endurance, the energy, the showmanship is absolutely incredible. Their athleticism, it's unmatched in my opinion. So this was an opportunity to just give a little taste of that dream and have it realized. You're still such a new face in Hollywood. Do you feel like you've been shot out of a cannon, or at least that somebody's lit a fuse at this point? Definitely a fuse has been lit (laughs). What's really rewarding has been the reaction that I'm getting from fellow actors and directors, people that I've watched for years and admired their work, that have embraced me and supported me. I'm honored by that. It's always wonderful to get love from home. You recently attended the Met Gala and looked great doing it. What was that experience like? I've wanted to go to the Met Gala ever since I knew about the Met Gala, and it's one of the hardest events to get into. It was important to give a nod to the Black Victorian era, an era that I wasn't even aware of until maybe five or six years ago. So I wanted to pay homage to that and give credence to that story of Black people in a place of elegance and strength and power. You turn 40 next month. Are you doing anything special to celebrate? I might be flying across the world doing an event or an interview or something (laughs). But I am definitely excited to enter a new decade, a new era. Coming into this kind of success now, do you feel that the extra life experience was needed? Yeah, I had to grow into my britches, as they used to say in the South. The timing for me was really important and I don't think I would've been able to hold what I've been given now if I was at a different age. I don't think I would've been able to appreciate it and take care of it.
