NORFOLK, VA — Students, faculty, and staff came to the Brown Memorial Hall Theater as Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett spoke as the keynote speaker of the RISE 2022 Conference. Dr. Corbett, who is one of the leading scientists responsible for developing the Moderna mRNA vaccine, sat down with Dr. Felicia Mebane, Interim Executive Director for the … Continue reading
Category Archives: Politics
Faculty strike uncovers financial missteps at Howard University
WASHINGTON, DC — Howard University made headlines once again as teaching staff and adjunct faculty threatened to walk off of the job on the grounds of inadequate pay and other unfair labor practices. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 represents over 150 non-tenure-track professors and 200 adjunct faculty. They are “among the lowest-paid … Continue reading
Norfolk State reacts to historic U.S. Supreme Court nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
NORFOLK, VA — On April 7, 2022, shockwaves were sent through the legal world when a bipartisan group of Senators voted to confirm the nomination of Honorable Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the 116th Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Jackson’s nomination marks the first time an African American woman has been … Continue reading
Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston appointed to White House board of advisors on HBCUs
NORFOLK, VA — President Joe Biden appointed Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University, to serve on the White House Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “I am honored to serve on President Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Dr. Adams-Gaston said. “I appreciate the confidence … Continue reading
Sen. Kaine speaks to Norfolk State students about COVID-19, the pandemic, and health disparities facing people of color
A link to the entire Zoom event is provided at the end of this article. by Siera Jones United States Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) addressed the Norfolk State University community Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 17, during a virtual informational session titled “The Black Family and Healthcare.” The event was hosted by the Center for African American … Continue reading
Hala Ayala strives for history
by Alsander Womack On Nov. 2, 2021, Hala Ayala has a chance to make history. Ayala is running for Lieutenant Governor in the state of Virginia. If Ayala wins, she will be the first woman and the first Afro-Latina to hold this position. Ayala was born in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1973. Ayala is the daughter … Continue reading
Governor Northam signs sweeping new laws to reform policing in Virginia
~ Measures ban no-knock warrants, strengthen officer decertification process, limit the use of neck restraints ~ Governor Ralph Northam announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, thahe has signed new laws that will significantly advance police and criminal justice reform in Virginia. Governor Northam has been working closely with legislators on these measures since early summer, when the … Continue reading
Sen. Mark Warner and Dr. Gade discuss racial justice at the Senatorial Debate hosted by Norfolk State University
by Maya Dawson, editor in chief Norfolk, VA-Norfolk State University had the honor to host the second Senatorial Debate between Senator Mark Warner and his competitor Dr. Daniel Gade. It was the first time that Norfolk State has hosted a U.S. Senate debate in its 85 year history. The debate was held at L. Douglas … Continue reading
Norfolk State University to host U.S. Senatorial Debate at L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center Oct. 3
For the first time in Norfolk State University’s 85-year history, the university will host a live U.S. Senatorial Debate on campus between Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Republican challenger, Daniel Gade, Ph.D., at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center. The Oct. 3 debate will focus on racial disparities and inequities in education, healthcare, … Continue reading
Saving Democracy
An Editorial by Mel Gurtov Friends call it “impotent rage.” I share it. How is it possible that the president of a democratic country can get away with announcing, well in advance of an election, that he will not accept defeat at the polls, will not promise a “peaceful transfer of power,” and will throw … Continue reading
Frequently Asked Questions on the CARES Act
~From Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA)~ Congress recently passed and President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its effect on individuals, students, families, businesses as well as states and localities. Please find answers below to common questions about direct cash payments, relief for … Continue reading
Norfolk State celebrates landmark agreement to increase HBCU participation in federal contracting
Last year, the Council Exchange Board of Trade (CEBOT), in partnership with their minority technology company members and NSU, responded to a Request for Information (RFI) presented by the Office of Management and Budget and the GSA for Technology Based Management (TBM). It proposes the inclusion of over 100 minority technology companies with a GSA … Continue reading
Kamala Harris tells Spartan Echo she wants to help HBCUs as U.S. President
by Jessica Toliver, Editor-in-Chief On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Spartan Echo had the opportunity to speak with U.S. Presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA). Several topics were discussed starting with Harris’s background and what helps guide her steps in wanting to help historically black colleges and universities continue to grow and succeed. Harris discussed two … Continue reading
AP-NORC poll: Most disapprove of Trump on race relations
NEW YORK (AP) — Large majorities of black and Latino Americans think Donald Trump’s actions as president have made things worse for people like them, and about two-thirds of Americans overall disapprove of how he’s handling race relations, according to a new poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half … Continue reading
Listen to the children: An editorial on climate change
An editorial by Mel Gurtov The Republicans are on the sidelines on the climate crisis. Government scientists are muzzled. Leading Democrats—though not all—are cautious. CEOs of some of America’s biggest corporations are pledging action while others, like investment firms, fossil fuel companies, and Charles Koch’s lobbyists, are downright hostile. And Donald Trump, the world’s leading … Continue reading