Chadwick Boseman greets the crowd with the Black Panther “Wakanda pose” during Howard University’s 150th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2018 in Washington, D.C.
Howard University alumnus and award-winning actor Chadwick Boseman spoke to graduates about the significance of making it to the top of the Hilltop during the Howard University 2018 Commencement Convocation. In front of an audiences of more than 8,000 family and friends, Boseman encouraged the graduates to not only exceed in their next steps, but also strive to achieve their life’s purpose.
“When you have reached the Hilltop and you are deciding on next steps, you would rather find purpose than a career. Purpose is an essential element of you that crosses disciplines,” said Boseman.
He applauded the members of the class of 2018 for climbing up their academic slopes and making it up the Hilltop.
“The Hilltop represents the culmination of the intellectual and spiritual journey you have undergone while you were here,” said Boseman. “Each of you have had your own difficulties with The Hill, but it’s okay because you made it on top. Sometimes, you need to feel the pain and sting of defeat to activate the real passion and purpose that God predestined inside of you.”
Boseman also declared Alma Mater, “a magical place — where the dynamics of positive and negative seems to exist in extremes.” He referenced an inspirational moment he experienced when meeting the iconic Muhammad Ali on the University yard; highlighting how at Howard, magical moments can happen to give students powerful encouragement on their toughest days.
“I remember walking across this yard, when Muhammad Ali was walking towards me with his hands raised in a quintessential guard. I was game to play along with him,” said Boseman. “What an honor to be challenged by the G.O.A.T. I walked away floating like a butterfly…walked away light and ready to take on the world. That is the magic of this place. Almost anything can happen here.”
Chadwick Boseman stops to greet the audience along the processional route during Howard University’s 150th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2018 in Washington, D.C.
A native of South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and attended the British American Dramatic Academy at Oxford University. Thereafter, Boseman began his career as an actor, director and writer. He starred as T’Challa/Black Panther in the worldwide phenomena Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Boseman’s breakout performance came in 2013 when he received rave reviews for his portrayal of the legend Jackie Robinson in Warner Bros’ “42.” He previously starred in the title role of Open Road Films’ “Marshall” alongside Josh Gad. The film tells the story of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, who graduated as valedictorian from Howard University School of Law in 1933.
This year’s Commencement Convocation marks the commemoration of Howard University’s 150th graduating class. Howard UniversityPresident Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick said the University’s establishment represents one of the most noteworthy accomplishments in the history of American colleges and universities.
The graduates celebrate during Howard University’s 150th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2018 in Washington, D.C.
During his remarks, Dr. Frederick discussed how Boseman and his classmates advocated and participated in a three-day protest against the University to dismiss an initiative to transition the College of Fine Arts into the Department of Fine Arts. The protest was unsuccessful in stopping the transition. However, today Frederick, alongside Boseman, announced a campaign to re-establish the College of Fine Arts and launch an Endowed College of Fine Arts Award.
To the Class of 2018, Dr. Frederick encouraged the graduates to be bold as they embark into their chosen careers.
“Don’t stand safely on the sidelines; take risks, learn how to be wrong. It is the best way to learn and grow,” said Dr. Frederick. “Build a culture of generous listening so that others may be emboldened to take risks, too.”
Howard University is awarding 2,217 degrees, including 343 master’s degrees, and 90 Ph.Ds. More than 382 students received professional degrees in law, medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. Howard University has the only dental and pharmacy colleges in the District of Columbia. The 2018 graduates represent 39 states and 32 countries; 117 graduates are from the District of Columbia.
In addition to Boseman, who received the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, the 2018 Howard University honorary degree recipients included:
Vivian W. Pinn, honorary Doctor of Science. Pinn was the first full-time director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and was associate director for research on women’s health at NIH. She held these positions from 1991 until her retirement in 2011. During that time, she established and co-chaired the NIH Committee on Women in Biomedical Careers with the NIH Director. Since her retirement, she has been named as a senior scientist emerita at the NIH Fogarty International Center. Pinn came to the NIH from the Howard University College of Medicine where she had been professor and chair of the Department of Pathology since 1982, the third woman in the United States to hold such an appointment. She was honored by the College of Medicine as one of its “Magnificent Professors” in 2014.
Colbert I. King, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. King writes a weekly column that runs in The Washington Post. In 2003, King won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for “his against-the-grain columns that speak to people in power with ferocity and wisdom.” King joined the Post’s editorial board in 1990 and served for several years as deputy editorial page editor. Earlier in his career, he was an executive vice president of Riggs National Bank, U.S. executive director of the World Bank, a deputy assistant secretary at the Treasury Department, minority staff director of the U.S. Senate’s District of Columbia Committee, a State Department diplomat stationed at the U.S. embassy in Bonn, Germany, and a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Adjutant General’s Corps. King grew up in Washington. He is married to Gwendolyn King, whom he met at Howard University while they were both undergraduates.
Gwendolyn Stewart King, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. She is president of Podium Prose, a speaker’s bureau and speechwriting service in Washington, D.C. Prior to the launch of the company, King was the senior vice president of corporate and public affairs for PECO Energy Company (now known as Exelon) until her retirement in 1998. From 1989 to 1992, she served as the eleventh Commissioner of Social Security. She held high-level U.S. government appointments in Inter-Governmental Affairs, Women’s Business Enterprise and Social Security from President Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush Administrations. King graduated cum laude from Howard University and has received the Alumni Award for Postgraduate Achievement. In 2008, she and her husband established the Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University.
“Our 2018 honorary degree recipients are individuals who have reached great success in their respective professional fields. Each honoree embodies the spirit and aspiration that guides Howard’s mission of excellence in truth and service,” said Dr. Frederick.
How Do We Build a Real Wakanda? is the title of the new book by hip hop activist Sean XLG Mitchell. The book advances the social dialog that was sparked by the major motion film Black Panther. The success of the movie has generated numerous conversations in the African American community from hair salons and barber shops to water cooler talk at the work place. It has spawned discussion on the empowerment of black women and the effects of positive images on African American children. The prominence of African culture highlighted in the film is the center of focus in Sean XLG’s seminal work that uses the mythical “Wakanda” as a metaphor for how we can build and empower the Black community.
Based on the platform of Sean’s book Seven, the importance of culture is highlighted throughout the work. Sean argues that cultural awareness is at the root and center of every successful people in the world. He states, “I had the privilege of teaching a class at Bowie State University during Black History month and after touching on our past achievements from the civil rights era to ancient Egypt, it created an overwhelming interest from the students to learn more about our history from a positive standpoint. Now the social commentary generated from the movie presents the perfect opportunity to keep the dialog moving.”
Sean sums up the book with this statement: “Wakanda is every city where its’ people are united and working towards positive outcomes. The fact that we are referencing Africa and African people takes on a special meaning because the movie symbolizes our triumphs and reflects our unlimited potential.” The book points out that for us to build a real Wakanda we must first build up the people because it is the people who will build the city. The African-centered approach opens the door for self and group reflection and analysis and poses the challenge for us to rise and embrace the best of who we are and by doing so we will claim victory.
About the Author:
Sean XLG Mitchell is the ultimate Hip Hop Scholar, artist and activist. Sean has worked extensively in the African American community, organizing and leading community based study groups, volunteering in schools, as well as a youth mentor. Sean XLG is the author of Hip Hop Hooray: Celebrating 30 Years of Rap Music and Introduction to Ka-Maat.
About The Book: How Do We Build A Real Wakanda?: Edited Version of Seven Inspired by the Motion Picture Black Panther by Sean XLG Mitchell is available on Amazon.com (ISBN-13: 978-1986146340) (ISBN-10:1986146340).
“WAKANDA” GIRLS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL JOIN NICOLE ARI PARKER AS PROGRAM CHAIR OF THE AT THE WELL SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY TO MAKE THEIR OWN BRAND OF MAGIC
Actress Nicole Ari Parker will serve as the Program Chair of the At the Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy to be held at Princeton University on July 22-August 3, 2018. The summer enrichment program will empower fierce girls of color to be great leaders not unlike those represented in the fictional nation of Wakanda from the movie The Black Panther. Seven-time NAACP Image Award nominee Parker is best known for her outstanding performance as ‘Teri Joseph’ of Showtime’s award-winning original series “Soul Food.” Nicole is now back on Showtime guest starring in the 2nd season of the hit series “I’m Dying Up Here.” She also recurs as Giselle Barker on the Fox hit show “Empire.” Parker can be seen in the upcoming film Headshop and reunites on the big screen with Forest Whitaker in the action thriller How It Ends set to release in 2018. Parker states, “We must show a level of support for our young women of color that enables them to become great leaders.”
The At the Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy is designed for current tenth and eleventh-grade students and is in its eighth year. Students from across the globe are welcome to apply. The Program focuses on developing strong leaders through academic, social and career components. Girls participate in small group projects and share dorm space that helps to create networks and build lasting bonds long after the program ends. The curriculum includes critical reading, essay writing, college scholarship boot camp, and leadership workshops. The Academy offers a safe place for students to share the challenges of personal and school life. Speakers will include The D. L. Hughley Show Co-host Jasmine Sanders, scholar Julianne Malveaux, motivational speaker Brandi Harvey, 2016 Democratic National Committee Chief Leah Daughtry, physician Michele Reed, QVC Inventor Lisa Ascolese, attorney Renee Hill, and plus-size supermodel Liris Crosse. Workshop topics comprise of financial literacy, body image, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and self-esteem. Social activities include a trip to New York.
Students have benefitted immensely from the program. Academy Alumnus Imani McClendon graduated from Spelman College after receiving a full scholarship and $40,000 in aid by using our techniques. Dahnielle Milton, a 2017 alumnus of the program, wrote, “For the first time in forever, I am able to read books in a day and actually understand what I am reading because I am using these techniques you have taught me.” To date, 100% of the Academy alumni have been accepted to college.
Jacqueline Glass, the program Founder and Princeton Theological Seminary alumnus states, “The Academy lives out our mission to empower young women locally to become effective leaders globally.” A Ninth Grade Weekend Intensive is available for students on August 3-5, 2018. New for 2018 is From the Fire: Leadership Academy for Young Men; a two-week program operating July 22-August 3 with a focus on mentoring and Rites of Passage that features actor Delroy Lindo as Program Chair and actor Danny Glover as Keynote Speaker. The application deadline for all programs is March 31, 2018.
For more information and to apply, go to www.atthewellconferences.org. Select need-based financial aid is available.
Marvel Studios Black Panther Original Motion Picture score soundtrack artwork (PRNewsfoto/Marvel Music/Hollywood Records)
Marvel Studios and Disney have teamed up to bring comic fans a long awaited arrival of “Black Panther” to the big screen. Box office totals are expected to shatter previous records and create new fans of the comic franchise. Have you seen moviegoers dressed in Dashikis and other costumes? It’s all part of this experience, soak it all in! Perhaps the greatest part of the BP experience is all the #BlackGirlMagic and #BlackBoyJoy on display in and around the film. From director Ryan Coogler to the amazing cast, this Black Panther Party just doesn’t stop! Check out the BP conversation with writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and Ryan Coogler
I thought about it and unapologetically, I’m here for all of it! Almost as long as movies have existed, blacks have been depicted as subservient or criminal. Finally, we have a hero. The fictional land of “Wakanda” is set in Africa and features a mostly black cast (A Stan Lee cameo is par for the course).
This is a departure from the norm for Hollywood as well. There’s much to celebrate. This star studded cast carries its weight and I have to often remind myself that Angela Basset and Forest Whitaker are also in the movie. That much current star power in in the film. Of course, the trio of: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o lead the cast and have done earned much of the movie’s limelight.
For far too long, Hollywood has allowed let the worst of us define the rest of us. This is beyond problematic and is actually criminal. “Black Panther” won’t fully absolve Hollywood, but it’s an amazing start! Hollywood needs to continue to build on this and not stop short with a single film!
Not to be outdone, the bigots in America have reared their ugly heads. The demographic who needs no comic history lesson to understand the importance of Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America or any of the other Avengers, seem to draw a blank when it comes to Black Panther.
For the record, this movie is not about the civil rights group from the 60’s. The name of the group has been demonized beyond repair, and to this day many people still mischaracterize it as a hate group.
Now that we’ve got all that cleared up, who’s ready for some popcorn and a good time?!? #WakandaForever
Marvel Studios Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan behind the scenes with Brisk directing the brands Hidden Hustle video. (PRNewsfoto/Brisk)
First Creators Class Project Will Be Apprenticeship Opportunity with Jordan’s Production Company
Nine Up-and-Coming Artists Refresh Brisk Label Designs
Brisk Logo (PRNewsfoto/Brisk)
Brisk®, the iced tea brand known for its bold flavors, announced the launch of the Creators Class program today in partnership with actor, director and creative innovator Michael B. Jordan. The Creators Class is a collective of industry leaders partnered with up-and-coming creative visionaries in the Urban Arts for mentorship and collaboration opportunities. Together, they will develop and launch three projects in 2018, providing young creators across film, visual arts and writing a chance to work with established members to gain real industry experience and exposure.
“Brisk encourages the same boldness and creativity that I strive for in my work and with my production company, Outlier Society,” said Michael B. Jordan. “That’s why I’m honored to be a part of the Creators Class and offer up-and-coming hustlers the opportunity to work on this special Outlier Society project.”
In addition to his role in the Creators Class, Brisk also tapped Michael B. Jordan to direct, produce and star in a digital content piece that celebrates the creative hustle by highlighting his process for transforming into Erik Killmonger, a character from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther. As a partner on the upcoming release, Brisk is thrilled to celebrate this amazing moment in cinematic and superhero history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuDPf4MZjNA.
“Over the years, we’ve teamed up with and supported various talented artists who share that same passion and bold, daring attitude,” said Melanie Watts, Director of Marketing, Brisk. “That’s why we partnered with Marvel Studios’ Black Panther and have invited some of the creative minds behind the film to join the Creators Class. Together, we will empower aspiring creators in the urban arts by providing real opportunities, mentorship and game changing industry exposure.”
To celebrate the launch of the Creators Class and partnership with Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, Brisk will host an exclusive event experience for Black Panther fans Feb. 16-17, during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. The event design is inspired by the clandestine nature of Black Panther‘s Wakanda and will feature interactive Marvel-inspired installations.
The space will also showcase the launch of nine brand new Brisk label graphics, created by up-and-coming artists in partnership with Brisk to kick-off the Creators Class program. The new designs will roll-out across all Brisk packages, including 1L bottles, 12pk cans, and 2L bottles nationwide starting this month.
“The goals of the Creators Class initiative are very much aligned with the spirit of our movie,” said Mindy Hamilton, Marvel’s SVP of Global Partnerships & Marketing. “We’re ecstatic to share Black Panther‘s story with the world and to partner with Brisk so that the film’s release can serve as a catalyst for bringing new artistic visions/voices to light.”
To learn more about the Creators Class and for a chance to win an apprenticeship with Michael B. Jordan’s production company, artists can visit www.briskcreatorsclass.com starting Feb. 15.
Brisk has become the badge of creative hustlers everywhere, and we’re damn proud of it. Check us out at www.drinkbrisk.com and follow @Brisk on Twitter and Instagram and @BriskSnaps on Snapchat.
About PepsiCo PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world is what enables PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.
About Pepsi Lipton Tea Partnership The Pepsi Lipton Tea partnership is a joint venture between PepsiCo and Unilever. The partnership includes a complete portfolio of ready- to-drink iced teas for every occasion, including Lipton Iced Tea, Pure Leaf Iced Tea and Brisk Iced Tea.
About Unilever United States, Inc. Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home Care, Personal Care and Refreshment products with sales in more than 190 countries and reaching 2.5 billion consumers a day. In the United States, the portfolio includes brand icons such as Axe, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Caress, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, Country Crock, Degree, Dollar Shave Club, Dove, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Magnum, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Seventh Generation, Simple, St. Ives, Suave, Sir Kensington’s, Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto, TIGI, TONI&GUY, TRESemmé and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Unilever employs approximately 8,000 people in the United States – generating more than $9 billion in sales in 2016.
The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan commits to:
Helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being by 2020.
Halving the environmental impact of our products by 2030.
Enhancing the livelihoods of millions of people by 2020.
The USLP creates value by driving growth and trust, eliminating costs and reducing risks. The company’s sustainable living brands are growing 50% faster than the rest of the business and delivered more than 60% of the company’s growth in 2016.
Unilever was ranked number one in its sector in the 2016 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In the FTSE4Good Index, it achieved the highest environmental score of 5. It led the list of Global Corporate Sustainability Leaders in the 2017 GlobeScan/SustainAbility annual survey for the seventh year running. Unilever has pledged to become carbon positive in its operations by 2030. For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com.
About Marvel Studios’ Black Panther Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong‘o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay. Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” hits U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018.
