NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Vice President Kamala Harris will headline Tennessee State University’s 2022 Spring Commencement in May. Vice President Harris will deliver the keynote address for the undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m. CDT in Hale Stadium. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin will address graduate students at an indoor ceremony on Friday, May 6 at 5 p.m. CDT in the Gentry Center Complex. University officials say nearly 900 students will receive degrees in various disciplines.
“We are excited to have the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris and Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, two trailblazers and history makers, deliver the keynote address for our commencement ceremonies,” says TSU President Glenda Glover.
“Commencement marks a major milestone in our students’ lives, but to have the Vice President of the United States as your guest speaker makes this moment even more special for our students and their families. I believe they will also appreciate the fact that both Vice President Harris and Mayor Woodfin are HBCU graduates, a testament to the caliber of students TSU and other HBCUs produce. The TSU family looks forward to both ceremonies and featured speakers.”
Both ceremonies will follow COVID-19 guidelines. For more information on Spring Commencement 2022, visit www.tnstate.edu/commencement. President Glenda Glover will be available for interviews via Zoom or by phone. Contact the TSU Media Relations Office to schedule a time.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The highly anticipated annual Tennessee State University Women of Legend and Merit Awards, which recognizes the achievements of women, returned recently after a two-year break due to the pandemic. On Tuesday, April 5, four amazing trailblazing women received the coveted glass slipper symbolic of the awards, at an elaborate ceremony in Kean Hall, featuring Hollywood legend Lynn Whitfield.
President Glenda Glover receives a glass slipper from Actress Lynn Whitfield.
The honorees were recognized for their achievements in various disciplines. Deputy Mayor of Nashville Brenda Haywood received the award for Community Service; Attorney Phyllis Hildreth, Education; General Session Court Judge Allegra Walker, Government; and Channel 5 News Anchor/Producer Tuwanda Coleman for achievement in Media. Lashan Dixon, former Mrs. United States of America, was also honored with a special award.
TSU student ambassadors at the WOLM Dinner.
In an evening of glitz and glamour, TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees and recognized Whitfield for her long and successful Hollywood career that has earned her an Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nomination. The day before the event, Whitfield had a brief interaction with about a dozen students on the main campus.
“We are pleased to have you on our campus to speak to our students,” Glover told the actress. “And to our honorees, alumni, faculty, students, and supporters, we are so happy to see you. Thank you for your support.”
Whitfield, noted for such movies as “Eve’s Bayou,” ‘The Josephine Baker Story,” and “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” capped the evening with a monologue attributed to such powerful women as actress Ruby Dee, poet Maya Angelou, and author Nikki Giovani.
“I really don’t think that anybody invites an actress to anything just to make a speech,” Whitfield said. “I feel what I should do right now is, not try to ‘preachify’ to you but entertain you.” And she did, with song, dance, and acting!
Also honored at the awards ceremony was TSU freshman Gabrielle Mosby, a business administration major with a concentration in supply chain management. Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, Mosby has maintained a 3.43 grade point average. She was recognized as this year’s Rising Star and awarded a $1,500 scholarship to pursue her dream of owning an investment firm.
TSU freshman, Gabrielle Mosby
“It was truly an honor to be celebrated among legendary women such as Mrs. United States of America, actress Lynn Whitfield, and all of the women who were honored here tonight,” said Mosby, who is from Memphis, Tennessee. “It is amazing to see that one day I will be legendary like them and this is the start of it.”
Seanne Wilson, the director of the TSU Women’s Center, said the Women of Legend and Merit Awards dinner is intended to inspire the young women on campus to be leaders in all areas of their lives.
“I’m always excited to bring fresh, young, relevant women to the table to help them to look toward where they inspire to go,” Wilson said. “As such, I’m always looking for connections as far as membership, professional development, and women that can help other women to the next level.”
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Two years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a pandemic and the former president issued a National Emergency leading to stay-at-home orders around the world. Since then, health care professionals like Dr. Nancy Wolfe-Sidberry have been on the front-line fighting to save lives while trying not to lose their own.
Dr. Sidberry in yearbook headshot photo with sorority sisters
“Watching patients overcome illnesses is always inspiring,” says Sidberry. “But Covid was a nightmare. I lost so many patients.”
Sidberry is a Family Medical Doctor at Brentwood Family Care Center and is affiliated with Ascension Saint Thomas Hospitals (Midtown and West) as well as TriStar Centennial Medical Center. As a primary care physician, she is trained to care for children and families and has been in practice for nearly 40 years.
“I’ve wanted to be a doctor since the age of two,” says Sidberry who followed in her family’s footsteps and attended Tennessee State University. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in 1974 and a Master’s in 1976, she went on to receive her M.D. from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in 1985.
Dr. Sidberry pictured with her sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha on the campus of TSU
“My entire family attended TSU, so it was the only college I knew,” she says while adding that her alma mater’s motto: Think. Work. Serve. inspires her to think about what she wants, work to achieve it, and do her best.
With the mental and emotional challenges that have led to burnout for many health care providers in the last two years, giving her best is what has sustained Sidberry. She was among the age population that was at risk, but that has not stopped her from educating and caring for patients.
“I find peace by going to work every day and doing the best that I can do,” she says. “I get discouraged, but I must keep going. I just put one foot in front of the other and keep going. My self-care is helping others.”
While she doesn’t recall who inspired her to become a doctor, she says she never wanted anything else. Her advice to students is to choose their own path.
“Each of us has to choose our path, and I hope that each person chooses what’s right,” says Sidberry. “Just do the right thing for yourself and no one else.”
In addition to offering comprehensive medical care for her patients, she is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Sidberry is a woman of few words and a big heart. “I don’t like being in the spotlight,” she says candidly. “I just love practicing medicine and living a quiet life.
TSU proudly salutes alumna Dr. Nancy Wolfe-Sidberry during National Minority Health Month.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU New Service) – It’s officials! Tennessee State University Student Government Association has a new group of officers for the 2022-2023 academic year. The new student leadership, including a Mister TSU and a Miss TSU, was announced Friday during an elaborate ceremony on the main campus after a week of campaigning. It was the first in-person campaigning and election since the pandemic.
Kenneth Rolle II, SGA President
TSU President Glenda Glover, along with staff from the Office of Student Affairs, congratulated the new officers when the election results were announced.
Kenneth Role II, a senior urban studies major from Orlando, Florida, was elected president, while Aliyah Holmes, a sophomore double major in political science and criminal justice from Houston, was elected vice president.
Aliyah Holmes, SGA Vice President
Sa’Mariah Harding, a rising senior majoring in mathematics and secondary education from Indianapolis, was elected the 93rd Miss TSU. Tre’Veon Hayes, the new Mister TSU, will escort her. Hayes, a rising senior majoring in elementary education, is from Memphis, Tennessee.
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, described the new officers as a “dynamic group” of student leaders.
“They were each very strategic in sharing their platforms during the campaign,” Stevenson said. “Student leadership at TSU is not accidental but very intentional, and this group proves that in practice.”
Sa’Mariah Harding, Miss TSU
Rolle, who becomes the 82nd executive president of the SGA, said his goal is “to get students’ concerns at the forefront of the agenda.”
“My goal is to make sure student concerns are heard and something is done about them, especially when it comes to financial aid, student housing, and the rest.,” Rolle said.
Harding, the new Miss TSU, who ran on the theme “The Louder the Prouder the Tiger Family,” said her goal is “to get every woman on campus feel as a queen.”
Tre’Veon Hayes, Mister TSU
“I want to make sure that every woman feels good about themselves every day when they wake up,” Harding said. “I want to make sure they are proud about who they are, and loud and proud about being a TSU Tiger.”
Dr. Andre Bean, assistant dean of Student Engagement and Leadership, said he’s confident the new group of SGA leadership has a strong agenda to move the student body in a very positive direction.
“I am excited about this group of students and I am looking forward to what they have to bring to the table,” Bean said.
Following is the list of the Royal Court and other members of the SGA:
Mister Senior – Irwin Todd
Miss Senior – Zion Bonds
Mister Junior – Timothy Brewer
Miss Junior – Victoria McCrae
Mister Sophomore – Cotton Chandler
Miss sophomore – Zaria Hobbs
Representatives-At-Large
Michael Darden
Tanya McNeal
Kyra Tucker
Dajah Robinson
Keyanna Canady
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University Debate and Forensics Team is number 1 among HBCUs in the nation. At the recent 5th Annual HBCU National Speech and Debate Competition at Prairie View A&M University, TSU walked away with 10 national titles, 50 total awards and the overall tournament championship, making them the top HBCU in the country for the third consecutive year.
TSU’s Debate and Forensics Team members, from left (sitting): Aliyah Holmes, Marshaun Adams, Akyra McDougal, Sanae Chestnut, Ashlynn Freeman, Mark Twyman, Deja Thomas, Ayana Nichole, Chase Garrett and Maya McClary. Back row (standing): Mariah Brown, De’Traelyn Hubbard, Elizabeth Ward, Dwight DeBerry and DezNeshia Glasper. (Submitted photo)
“I started three years ago not winning at any tournament and now to being a three-time national champion is phenomenal,” said team captain Maya McClary, a senior mass communications major from Orlando, Florida. “My experience on the team has been life changing. Forensics has taught me to use my speech as an outlet to express myself. I would not change anything or anyone on this team.”
Ashlynn Freeman, a sophomore and first-year member of the team, said this championship is special because it gave her a voice she didn’t have before.
Maya McClary, Team Captain
“As a young African American woman, I feel constantly that I have no voice in the world because I am shown not to be heard,” said Freeman, an agricultural science major from Kansas City, Kansas. “With the platform that speech and debate give me, I’m being heard.”
This year, the tournament returned to in-person, after going virtual the last two years due to the pandemic. Other institutions participating in the tournament April 1-3 included Howard University, Texas Southern University and North Carolina A&T.
Prof. Sean Allen, director of forensics in the TSU Department of Communications, is the coach of the TSU debate team. He attributes the success of the group to the “hard work” of the students and to the support of the communications department.
Ashlynn Freeman, First-Year Team Member
“This win was a group effort,” said Allen, who has been with the program at the university for the last six years. “This couldn’t have been achieved without the support from the communications department and university competitions like the Robert N Murrell Oratorical Competition, where I recruit top talent.”
Dr. Jacqueline W. Mitchell, professor and chair of the Oratorical competition, congratulated the team for their championship, and thanked Prof. Allen for his commitment.
Prof. Sean Allen, Team Coach
“The TSU Forensics Team, #1 nationally ranked, consistently outranks competing HBCUs year after year under the coaching of Professor Sean Allen,” said Mitchell, who also chairs the Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest. “Because of this national reputation which we’ve held for several years, we attract annually the top high school debaters across the nation to our freshman class. They all want to be a part of a top-seeded winning team, which TSU provides at the highest level.”
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – On Saturday, more than 4,000 eagerly waiting high school students and their families packed the Gentry Center Complex to get their first taste of TSU and the HBCU experience. It was Spring Preview Day at Tennessee State University, when the institution invites high school junior and seniors to various elaborate ceremonies across campus to acquaint them with the university’s offerings, admission processes and campus life.
President Glenda Glover welcomes visiting students and their family members to Spring Preview Day. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
This year’s preview day saw the return to in-person gathering, the first in nearly two years due to the pandemic. The record number of visitors represented 15 states, including California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Cherri Branch Donelson, a high school English teacher from Memphis, with a long history of family members coming to TSU, said, she couldn’t wait to get her daughter, Leah Dylainee Donelson, to enroll at the university.
Cherri Branch Donelson, left, says it was an easy decision for her daughter, Leah Dylainee Donelson, to enroll at TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“The energy in here today is just what I have always imagined with generations of my family members coming to TSU from when it was Tennessee A&I,” Cherri Branch said. “It was an easy decision for my daughter to come here. The first person in my family to go to college came here and that started a long legacy beginning from the 1950s. And my daughter is ready. She has worked hard for this day.”
“I will be a Tiger here next semester,” said Leah Dylainee, a Bartlett High School academic standout, who has already been admitted. She plans to study mass communications and media. “I love this school, not just because of my family members coming here. I was drawn to TSU because of the culture.”
The record number of visitors to Spring Preview Day came from about 15 states, including California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
Earlier, TSU President Glenda Glover joined the festivities to welcome the new Tigers and their family members.
“Welcome to Tennessee State University,” Glover said, to loud applauds from the crowd. “We here at TSU we make sure your children are taken care of. We make sure they get the best education. We have various colleges, majors, and programs to choose from. We have the faculty, academic programs, and an active student life to teach you how to succeed in college. To you parents, when you leave your child with us, we will make sure we take care of them.”
Charles Crutchfield IV, a pre-med major who came to Spring Preview with his father, mother, and younger sister, is coming to TSU in the fall as part of the Levi Watkins Institute, a collaboration between TSU and Meharry Medical College for exceptional students who want to become medical doctors.
Charles Crutchfield IV, incoming pre-med freshman, attends Spring Preview with his family. From left, are Laurie Crutchfield, mom; Arianna Crutchfield, sister; Charles IV; and Dr. Charles Crutchfield III, father. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“TSU’s outstanding reputation I heard through the Levi Watkins program drew me to this school,” said Crutchfield IV, of St. Paul, Minnesota, whose father, Charles Crutchfield III, is a medical doctor. “I love this school. In fact, the welcome here today is the biggest I have seen in all my college tours, and it makes me feel even more at home here.”
Sammy Edward Freeman III, who wants to study criminal justice, and his mother, Tremika Guess, from Memphis, were among the early arrivals at Spring Preview. He chose TSU “because of the programs, the people and to be closer to home.”
Sammy Edward Freeman III, an academic standout from Memphis’ Kirby High School, attends Spring Preview with his mom, Tremika Guess. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“What really brought me to TSU is the hospitality; it is an HBCU, and I am around many people I know from my hometown,” said Freeman, who hopes to be the first in his family to graduate college. “I feel very comfortable and already feel at home. You have pretty good programs.”
Freeman’s mother, Tremika Guess, added, “I am happy for him. He has been looking forward to this. He has worked hard. He has earned it. He received a scholarship here, and we are going to take full advantage of that.”
Saturday’s activities also included an academic and student services fair in Kean Hall, where the various colleges and department set up tents and tables to meet students. It also included meetings with faculty and student leaders, including Mister and Miss TSU; and a parents-only gathering where parents received information on how to respond to their children’s needs while on campus. The all-day event culminated with campus tours, as well as the Big Blue Tiger Spring Blue & White Football Game in Hale Stadium, with entertainment by the world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands.
Terrance Izzard, left, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, greets incoming freshman Justin Pruitt, right, and his father Jacob Pruitt. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
Terrance Izzard, associate vice president of enrollment management and student success, applauded the record turn-out, and thanked the student services department for “an outstanding program.”
“Spring Preview Day was bigger and better than ever with record number of eagerly waiting people to learn more about the HBCU experience,” Izzard said. “We are thankful to have the strong leadership in our division to help students get admitted and complete the enrollment process. I think the excitement in the room was because students are happy to be on campus.”
At a parents-only gathering, Tasha Andrews-Carson, Executive Director of New Student Programs, talks to the visitors about how to respond to their children’s needs while on campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
The record crowd for this year’s Spring Preview, was up from the previous record of 1,200 for the last in-person Preview Day in 2019. Officials said more than half of all high school seniors at the program Saturday had received admission letters.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More than 30 Tennessee State University (TSU) students recently traveled to Houston, Texas, to visit the WM corporate headquarters and meet with the company’s senior leadership team. The students, accompanied by Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of StudentsFrank Stevenson, are participants in Leadership TSU, one of the university’s most selective student leadership programs.
Leadership TSU students, and L to R, Dr. Napoleon Harris ( Coordinator of Student Support), Molly Morrissey (Sr. Community Relations- WM), Frank Stevenson (Associate VP and Dean of Students), and Eddie McManus (Mid-South Area Vice President- WM), take a Group picture in the WM Corporate Headquarters office in Houston. (Submitted Photo)
During their visit, the students heard from members of WM’s executive leadership team about the personal and professional experiences that have impacted their success, the company’s approach to sustainability, and more.
“It was just very mind-blowing and very impactful seeing those [executives] and what WM is doing,” said Anarra Williams, a senior food and nutritional science major from Daytona, Ohio. “When I first got there, I just thought those were people who pick up our trash, but they really are honing on their sustainability piece, something I want to be a part of.”
WM President and CEO Jim Fish shares a moment with some members of Leadership TSU during the group’s visit. (Submitted Photo)
Nykole Allen Clark, a senior business administration major from Las Vegas, Nevada, added, “That exposure to them and the company itself totally changed our perception of WM. As a business major, I saw a lot and heard a lot to help me in my preparation as a student and as a leader. It was an aha moment for me.”
In their day-long visit, the students met with WM’s top executives on key topics, including the company’s approach to sustainability and how this focus shapes its operations. For example, WM focuses on materials recovery solutions at its area landfills, such as its 183-acre site in Nashville, home to the only mixed construction and demolition (C&D) materials recovery facility in Davidson County. Students also engaged in a robust Q&A with each of the WM leaders. Tamla Oates-Forney, who oversees WM’s people team, fielded questions from students about her experience as a black female executive in corporate America, sharing why education is an opportunity equalizer and why diversity and inclusion are important in leadership and the workplace
WM Chief People Officer Tamla Oates-Forney engages with Leadership TSU students. (Submitted Photo)
“The Houston trip was amazing. To have WM roll out the red carpet of leadership experience for our students was simply breathtaking,” said Stevenson. “They were intentional about making sure our students had a glimpse into their company’s culture. It was amazing conversation and dialogue between students and the WM executive team. I think our students were surprised at all of the components of WM.”
The Leadership TSU visit is an extension of a three-year partnership between WM and TSU first announced late last year. Through that partnership, WM has committed $300,000 to TSU; half of that funding will be directed toward sustainability research conducted in collaboration with TSU’s Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering, and the other half will provide need-based scholarships to up to 10 students each year attending TSU from the Nashville area.
“The energy and curiosity of these student leaders was truly inspiring,” said Eddie McManus, Mid-South area vice president, WM. “This visit was a great way to kick off our relationship with TSU, and we look forward to all that is ahead, including building out the research program and getting to know more students through the internship and scholarship opportunities.”
Visit TSU online at tnstate.edu, and to learn more about WM and the company’s sustainability progress and solutions, visit sustainability.wm.com.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The history-making confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court offers a moment filled with hope and excitement for Black girls and young women, experts say. In a 53-47 vote – with three Republicans joining Democrats – the Senate Thursday confirmed Judge Jackson, making her only the third black and sixth woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
President Joe Biden nominated Jackson on Feb. 5 to take the seat of retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.
“This is one of the most incredible historical moments for our nation and one of immense pride and joy for millions of Americans with the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“African American women have been at the forefront in facilitating and bringing positive change to our country for centuries. The true significance of this confirmation cannot be overstated. Now, an African American woman with impeccable credentials, a brilliant legal mind with the utmost character and integrity, will serve on the highest court in our nation. It is long overdue, but the day has come.”
President Glover, who also serves as vice chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), commended President Bidden “for staying the course and keeping his commitment to our community and Black women with his nomination and now confirmation of Judge Brown.”
Kennedy Booker, a junior political science major from Detroit, said Judge Jackson’s confirmation provides a fresh face for the Supreme Court, and her previous judicial and governmental experience creates the diversity needed at the federal court level.
“Justice Jackson represents the kind of change our federal courts need,” Booker said. “She will forever be an asset and trailblazer for those that come after her.”
Fellow political science major Anissia Fleming, a sophomore from Franklin, Tennessee, said Judge Jackson will be a “representation of the change taking place in the country.”
“As a symbol, Judge Jackson represents moving past the stereotypes that have to do with race and gender,” Fleming added. “As an individual, she is more than qualified for the job. She will provide exactly the type of representation this country needs as a role model and as a source of inspiration in the Supreme Court for so many in this country.”
Dr. Shameka Nicole Cathey, assistant professor of political science at TSU, said the historic confirmation of Judge Jackson is “symbolic of the ongoing strive of Black women in our country.”
“Having Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson included in the U.S. Supreme Court offers a particular significance in relations to diversity and representation,” Cathey said. “Beyond her personal background, she brings a plethora of professional experiences that not only qualifies her for this moment but gives her the ability to own this moment. Her very presence on the High Court will push the framework of public policy in our country.”
Since 1790, there have been 115 Supreme Court justices. The confirmation of Jackson for the first time in history seats four women and two Black justices on the High Court. Judge Clarence Thomas is the current seated African American Justice.
TSU’s Women’s Studies in the College of Liberal Arts focuses on the groundbreaking achievements of women and the impact on our global community. For more information, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/cla/programs/womensstudies.aspx.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Did you ever read a book as a child and wonder what it would be like as a character in the story? Thanks to Real Estate Developer DeLisa Guerrier you’ll have an opportunity to find out when Storyville Gardens, a 130-acre theme park resort, opens in 2025.
Map of Storyville Gardens
“Words Create Worlds” is the tagline and that’s exactly what visitors will experience as soon as they enter Storyville Gardens. The magical journey begins in an area representing Africa that leads to a castle-like structure called the Storyteller’s Lodge. Once inside, visitors choose their next destination by walking through one of three portals where they can experience rides and interactive attractions based on storybooks from Europe, America, and Asia.
“There will be something for all ages from dark rides to family coasters to log flume rides to splash pads,” says Guerrier while adding that it’s more than a theme park. “Once you come out of the park there will be retail, dining with food from the four corners of the world, and live entertainment.”
DeLisa Guerrier
Guerrier and her husband Elde own Guerrier Development, a real estate and investment firm in Nashville. The two partnered with Storyland Studios, creators of Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida, to bring Guerrier’s dream about the theme park to life.
Guerrier, a mother of three, says she was inspired to create Storyville Gardens due to the lack of family-centered entertainment and the literacy crisis in Nashville. Her goal with Storyville Gardens is to inspire children to get excited about reading outside of what’s required for school through interactive entertainment.
In addition to the park, shopping, eating, and dancing; there will be three hotels with themes ranging from majestic and enchanting to discovery and adventure. Still, that’s not where the story ends.
Provided Photo of Storyville Gardens
“Storyville Gardens National Literacy Center is our non-profit arm that will offer initiatives and resources to help children and young adults with reading, writing, and financial literacy,” says Guerrier. “The literacy center will be located in an urban area where those in need can access it.”
Guerrier prides herself on being thoughtful about the people, the package, and the purpose for this project – likening it to TSU’s motto: Think. Work. Serve.
“We put a lot of work and sacrifice into growing our companies, and that’s something many people don’t see,” says Guerrier. “I put a team together for this project, and I provided a package so the people can get a view of the project. The purpose aligns with serve because it’s not about self or money, but about how this will impact children, neighborhoods, and families.”
DeLisa Guerrier and Friends at TSU Graduation
Thinking back, Guerrier says TSU chose her. After moving from California to attend Fisk University, she found herself transferring to TSU and graduating with a B.A. in Psychology in 2012. She planned to attend Medical School, but the summer before graduation she met her husband who owned his own business and began working with him.
“When we first started [with real estate], we thought we’d own a few rental properties and retire,” says Guerrier with a laugh. “We grew with the market and when opportunities came up, we couldn’t say no. God knew I was mature enough to ask questions and crazy enough to go for it.”
She encourages students to dream big also. “It’s important for students to know, whatever it is they’ve thought about doing, they can do it bigger,” she says. “If there’s an impact you want to make – triple it. Sometimes we set out looking for opportunities, but you’ll see opportunities all around you if you just go for it. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled.”
Taking the road less traveled has led to Guerrier receiving several prestigious awards. This includes induction into the 2021 Enterprising Women Hall of Fame and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s 2021 NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame. In addition to these recognitions, she is an active member of Nashville’s Women President’s Organization, advisory council member of the Women Business Collaborative, and founding member of The Bow Collective just to name a few.
The location for Storyville Gardens has yet to be announced, but Guerrier confirms construction will begin later this year. Until then, she encourages everyone to get updates on the upcoming project at www.storyvillegardens.com.
TSU proudly salutes alumna DeLisa Guerrier during Women’s History Month.
