by Fred Willis | Sep 13, 2022 | Academics, Business, Technology
HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) announced billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith as this year’s featured speaker at its second annual virtual HBCU technology conference for historically black colleges and universities. Presented by HP with support from partners, Microsoft and Intel, the four-day conference September 13-16 will open with a pre-recorded virtual fireside chat with Smith hosted by HuffPost Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton on Tuesday, September 13, at 11 a.m. Eastern.
Smith, who is the founder, chairman, and CEO of private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, is a digital
transformation expert who founded the nonprofit Student Freedom Initiative to address college student
debt and other barriers to success for HBCU students. Smith’s participation in the conference has ignited a broader conversation with HP around how the two organizations can work together to accelerate digital transformation at HBCUs through enhanced infrastructure, cybersecurity, talent development and access to tech careers. HBCUs produce 25 percent of Black tech talent and 42 percent of Black engineers.
As part of HP’s ambition to become the world’s most sustainable and just technology company, it
launched the HBCU Technology Conference in 2021 to accelerate digital transformation at HBCUs and
prepare for their students’ digital futures through:
• Greater access to tech careers
• Supporting innovation and tech entrepreneurs
• Enhanced cybersecurity, tech infrastructure and faculty support
• Working with and empowering HBCU leaders
• Advancing access to quality healthcare
“We know that equal access and representation drive better outcomes which leads to innovation. After two years of remote learning and increased cybersecurity threats to institutions, advancing the infrastructure that supports tech curriculum, prepares students for tech careers, and mitigates security threats which is critical to advancing equity.”
Lesley Slaton Brown, Chief Diversity Officer, HP.
IT, Faculty, Staff and HBCU leaders will be able to take part in a four-day virtual conference that will
include industry insights and workshops on topics such as safeguarding HBCUs against cybersecurity
attacks, talent development, tech curriculum and diversifying the tech workforce.
“HBCU partnership with the tech industry will increase awareness and access, and offer opportunities to be at the table with advocates who can go to bat for the brilliant talent on HBCU campuses who will add value to tech corporations. Equally important is to have in place modern tech infrastructure to protect against ransomware attacks that threaten students’ privacy and institutions’ ability to thrive.”
Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., President, Jackson State University
HP’s commitment to HBCUs
In addition to the tech conference, HP, a founding member of the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable,
hosts an annual HBCU Business Challenge and invites students to craft a solution to an HP business
challenge. The most recent HP Business Challenge, won by South Carolina State University’s team, called for the HBCU teams to build a model to change the bottom line for HP’s Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition virtual reality headset.
The 6th Annual HP HBCU Business Challenge has officially launched, and
registration is now open. Go to http://www.hp.com/diversity for more information.
HP helped solidify the first relationship of its kind between the New York Stock Exchange and an HBCU.
HP also joined the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus’ HBCU Partnership Challenge to further
strengthen its relationships and programming with HBCUs.
In 2020, HP launched an innovative 3D printing learning pilot program at North Carolina A&T State
University and partnered with Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) and presented the school with an
endowment to establish the HP Cybersecurity Scholarship. HP’s growing investments in HBCUs demonstrate its commitment to reflect the diverse markets and customers that the company serves.
by Fred Willis | Sep 3, 2016 | National News, Politics
Event to Honor Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton, U.S. Representatives Charles B. Rangel and Marcia L. Fudge, Business Magnate and Philanthropist Robert F. Smith, and Emanuel A.M.E. Church in honor of the “Emanuel Nine” for their strong commitment and contributions to improve the well-being of African-American communities through their leadership and service
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) today announced that President Barack Obama will deliver his seventh and final keynote address at its 46th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) Phoenix Awards Dinner. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The evening’s co-emcees will beTrevor Noah, host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, and actress Sanaa Lathan, who has a new show premiering this fall on FOX. Honorary co-chairs of this year’s conference are U.S. Representatives Karen Bass of California and Lacy Clay of Missouri.
“President Obama is our nation’s most influential and demonstrable voice. We are honored to have him speak at the Phoenix Awards dinner,” said R. Donahue Peebles, chairman of the CBCF board of directors. “In the face of great challenges, his historic two terms in office have strengthened America’s resolve to close the persistent gaps between the daily realities and the actual well-being and security of African Americans.”
The Phoenix Award is the CBCF’s highest honor, presented to individuals whose extraordinary achievements strengthen communities and improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities, nationally and globally.
“We are extremely proud of the leadership, civic engagement and commitment shown by this year’s honorees—and salute their efforts to promote empowerment and respect for and among all people,” said CBCF president and CEO, A. Shuanise Washington. “Our honorees embody the foundation’s 40-year commitment to raise awareness and address the challenges African Americans face every day in education, health care, minority business development and entrepreneurship.”
This year’s distinguished honorees are as follows:
- Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton will receive the inaugural Trailblazer Award, in recognition of becoming the first woman presidential nominee of a major party in the United States and her remarkable contributions to the nation. The Trailblazer Award recognizes a leader who is the first, in his or her chosen field, to make a global or national groundbreaking achievement and whose vision, perseverance and lifework has created opportunities for African Americans and minorities.
- U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel will receive the first-ever Congressional Black Caucus Founder’s Award, recognizing his leadership as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and his unparalleled contributions to the nation.
- U.S. Representative Marcia L. Fudge will receive the Barbara Jordan Award in recognition of her exceptional public service and long-standing commitment to improving social and economic conditions for the people of Ohio and the nation.
- Robert F. Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Vista Equity Partners, will receive theCBCF Chair’s Award for his outstanding contributions as an investor and entrepreneur, and for his long-standing commitment to improving the social conditions of communities around the world.
- Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church will receive the Congressional Black Caucus Chair’s Award in honor of the “Emanuel Nine” for their extraordinary strength and courage in the face of adversity.
The Phoenix Awards Dinner is the primary fundraising event for the CBCF, a 501©3, non-partisan, nonprofit, educational and research institute. This black-tie event showcases the CBCF’s education and leadership programs, and provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals who make humanitarian contributions to society. To purchase tickets to the dinner and to register for the ALC, visit cbcfinc.org/alc.
ABOUT ALC:
The ALC is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community. The conference features more than 70 public policy forums on health, education, economic empowerment, the environment, and more. Signature events include the National Town Hall, Celebration of Leadership in Fine Arts, Community Breakfast and Health Fair, Gospel Extravaganza, Black Party, Prayer Breakfast, and the culminating event, the Phoenix Awards Dinner.
This year’s theme, “Defining the Moment, Building the Movement,” will highlight social and political moments in American history that define the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
Sign up to receive the e-newsletter and follow the CBCF on social media using hashtag, #CBCFALC16 for updates.
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SOURCE: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
