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TSU hosts Black Maternal Health Fair, tackling health disparities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Tennessee State University recently hosted a Black Maternal Health Fair as part of its ongoing efforts to combat disparities and improve Black maternal health outcomes. The event, in partnership with the Black Heart Association, Walmart, 4Kira4Moms, and other key organizations, brought together panelists who shared powerful stories about their own journeys as maternal health advocates.

TSU President Ronald Johnson welcomed attendees, emphasizing the importance of these discussions for the African American community.

TSU Interim President Ronald Johnson

“I am honored to be here today because this issue is vital to the health and well-being of African American families,” Johnson said. “African American women face the highest rates of maternal mortality, and these discussions are essential for accelerating solutions and creating a healthier future.”

Held at TSU’s Health Science building, the event featured two panel discussions, an interactive workshop on community support, and sessions on innovative care models and maternal mental health. Each panel addressed key aspects of Black maternal health, with guest speakers sharing their personal experiences that inspired them to become advocates.

Before the panel discussion, Brian Calhoun, a TSU master’s in public health student, presented his research on the role of African American men in supporting Black women during pregnancy and postpartum. As a father of one with another child on the way with his wife, Calhoun highlighted the significance of his work in creating positive outcomes for families.

Brian Calhoun’s wife and son listen as he presents his research on addressing maternal health disparities.

“Postpartum care is crucial because it’s when many women face the greatest risks,” Calhoun said. “TSU has provided a safe space for these discussions, allowing speakers to share their vulnerabilities and passion for advocacy. I’m proud to be part of this movement, knowing that TSU is at the forefront of addressing maternal health disparities.”

Calhoun referred to TSU’s $2.3 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration last year, which supports the establishment of a research center dedicated to studying maternal health disparities. “I’m extremely proud to say that TSU is leading this effort in Tennessee,” Calhoun said.

Alaurea Paige, a graduate student in public health and the event’s moderator, shared her reflections on the importance of mental health for Black mothers, both during and after pregnancy.

TSU Public Health graduate student, and event moderator Alaurea Paige.

“The biggest takeaway for me was how often Black women and their families are ignored by medical professionals, sometimes with tragic or fatal outcomes,” Paige said. “Mental health is such an important piece, and I hope the audience understands the ongoing challenges that Black mothers face.”

In 2021, for every 100,000 live births, about 70 Black women died from pregnancy-related causes, compared to 27 white women, according to the CDC. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is 2.6 times higher than that of white women and significantly higher than Hispanic women as well.

This reality underscores the need for events like TSU’s Black Maternal Health Fair, which not only provides a platform for raising awareness but also for creating solutions.

Angela Wynn, TSU’s Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, spearheaded the event and spoke about the power of shared experiences.

TSU’s Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations Angela Wynn.

“Being able to have shared experiences and knowing you aren’t the only one who has been through some of the tough journeys shared during our panel discussions truly helps in alleviating the silo some feel like they are in,” Wynn said, who is a mother herself. “We all have a responsibility to work toward fixing the disparities in Black maternal health, whether we’ve been mothers or have mothers.” Wynn expressed her hope that participants would continue to advocate for change and help eliminate the disparities affecting Black women.

Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, emphasized the significance of the discussions at the fair.

“The Black Maternal Health Fair sparked crucial conversations that not only highlighted the disparities faced by Black mothers but also stressed the urgent need for policy change and culturally competent care,” Barredo said. “This event is a step toward driving meaningful change that will improve maternal health outcomes and support the well-being of our communities.”

The event’s first panel included Corey Burton, Black maternal health advocate; Charles Johnson, founder of 4Kira4Moms; Dr. Cornelia R. Graves, medical director of Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine; state Sen. London Lamar; and Kristin Mejia, midwife and CEO of Homeland Heart.

The second panel featured Jasmine Dary, founder and CEO of Twisted Corks; Kenya Frazier, DSW, LCSW, LMFT, owner of RISE Therapy; TSU alum Toni Kelly, LCSW, owner of Toni Kelly Counseling & Consulting; and Psyche Terry, co-founder and CEO of UI Global Brands.

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Tennessee State University celebrates Women’s History Month with gratitude

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Women’s History Month is celebrated in March every year to recognize and honor the contributions that women have made in society throughout history. Tennessee State University honors its women with gratitude for their historic impact and achievements accomplished dating back to 1912.

TSU’s Women’s Center’s mission is to provide vital services that address needs by hosting programs and workshops that speak to the well-being of the TSU woman.

This month represents acknowledgement of previous and current contributions of women working towards a more equitable society.

From multi-media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who is one of the richest self-made women in America, to the University’s first-ever sitting female president Dr. Glenda Glover, who is one of two African American women to hold the Ph.D-CPA-JD combination in the nation, to Wilma Rudolph who became the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics.

As an official member of the TSU Alumni Family, Vice President Kamala Harris joins President Glenda Glover, and University officials for the University Alma Mater song to end a historic commencement in May 2022. (Photo submitted)

TSU has a variety of distinguished women with many accolades.    

“There are so many amazing women at Tennessee State University,” said Seanne Wilson, who has served as the director of the University’s Women’s Center since 2015. Wilson said many of TSU’s alumna paved the way for Black women in Nashville and beyond. “Often times we are overlooked,” Wilson said. “We’ve never had the shine we deserve. Now women are starting to be seen and we are operating in power.”

Wilson knew she wanted to be a part of the efforts to create a tranquil environment for female students on campus when she became the director.

TSU students during the 2022 annual Women of Legend and Merit Awards, which recognizes the achievements of women.

TSU’s Women’s Center’s mission is to provide vital and comprehensive services that address needs by hosting programs and workshops that speak to the emotional, intellectual, physical, and financial well-being of the TSU woman.

Something that Tamar Williams, who is a student ambassador for the center, said she appreciates. “It is extremely important for TSU to have a Women’s Center because women should have a safe space to be authentically themselves.” Williams, a sophomore studying mass communications, expressed how important it is to celebrate women not only during the month of March but year-round.

TSU students Carla Pulliam and Tamar Williams during a table top event last semester for the Women’s Center

“Women’s History Month is highlighting all women who have done extraordinary things,” Williams said. “Black women are visionaries that push the envelope every time and I think this month really does showcase that.”

Faith Ware, who is also a student ambassador for the Women’s Center, said she stumbled across the center her freshman year and never looked back. “You guys welcomed me in, and I haven’t left,” Ware smiled as she spoke to Ms. Wilson and other students in the center. “The environment gets better and better every year. It’s a safe space and a lot of help is offered here.”

Faith Ware

Gabrielle Mosby, a sophomore who serves as the center’s Vice President, told the University that this month is an expression of women. “The light is on us to showcase our beauty, talent, and excellence.” Mosby said distinguished women of the University have already set the tone for her after college. Along with Dr. Glover, she noted Dr. Tasha Andrews-Carson as an ‘amazing expression.’ Dr. Andrews-Carson serves as the assistant vice president of First Year Students and was a speaker during last year’s women’s conference, something that Mosby and Williams both said resonated with them.

Gabrielle Mosby

Williams also noted how the student body has campus leaders like Miss TSU who help embrace her authentic self.

Sa’Mariah Harding, a senior from Indiana currently serving as the 93rd Miss TSU, said she is proud to be a woman setting examples while serving the student body and appreciates the support from fellow female Tigers.

“They may have not all known me personally, but the love and togetherness that they had by wrapping their arms around me at a time that I felt like I couldn’t stand on my own, gave me more hope and ammunition that I never knew I could have until they stood beside me, hand and hand,” Harding said. “I love the women on Tennessee State University’s campus, and they are the reason that I continue to fight every day.”

93rd Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding

From the annual Women of Legend and Merritt event to the Women’s Center Women’s Conference, the University celebrates its women with several events not only in March, but throughout the entire school year.

Here is a list of 16 notable women in TSU history whose stories highlight their legacy and commitment to excellence.  

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A Black History Month Exclusive: TSU to host world-renowned, Oscar award-winning production designer Hannah Beachler

As the first African American woman to win an Oscar for production design, Beachler’s projects include Marvel’s Black Panther films, along with Beyoncé Knowles- Carter’s Lemonade, Black Is King and On The Run Tour II.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  As Tennessee State University continues to observe Black History Month, the University is pleased to announce the upcoming visit of Oscar winning and trailblazing production designer Hannah Beachler. TSU students will learn about Beachler’s road to success and her experiences, as she defied the odds while redefining the art of production design in Hollywood and around the world. TSU will host A Conversation of Excellence with Hannah Beachler, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at noon in the Robert Murrell Form in the Student Center. The event is free and open to all students.

Check out some of Beachler’s credits from Beyonce’s visual album and musical film.

“TSU is excited to welcome Ms. Hannah Beachler to our campus and it comes at a most ideal time, as we join the nation in celebrating the monumental and global impact that so many African Americans have made to society,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.

“This is a special and unique moment for the University to be able to give our students exposure to an internationally acclaimed artist, who is African American and female. Our students can’t help but to be inspired and see themselves in her.”

Check out some of Beachler’s credits from Marvel’s Black Panther.

In 2019, Beachler became the first African American woman to be nominated and win an Academy Award for Best Production Design for her designs and visuals on Marvel’s Black Panther. She has also collaborated with global icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter on several projects, including the visual album Lemonade, On The Run Tour II and the highly acclaimed visuals for her musical film Black Is King in 2020.

Beachler is the first ever female production designer of a Marvel film franchise and has been responsible for multimillion-dollar art budgets. After becoming an academy award winner, she returned to Marvel for its highly anticipated sequel, Marvel’s Black Panther Wakanda Forever. The Black Panther franchise box office receipts have grossed over $2.1 billion worldwide to date. She is also an art director, known for her work in the 2016 film Moonlight and The Lion King in 2019.

Previously, the Ohio native has collaborated with filmmaker Ryan Coogler on Creed, the spinoff from the Rocky film series starring Michael B. Jordan. Her many credits also include Academy Award winning director Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move, Todd Haynes’ docu-narrative feature film Dark Waters and The Collaboration, an unreleased film directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah.

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Tennessee State University Announces Black History Month Events

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University announced today a schedule of events for Black History Month beginning in February. Students, staff, faculty, alumni and members of the public are invited to attend all events.

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TSU 2015 Black History Month Schedule of Events
The University will hold a series of compelling activities to celebrate cultural diversity at TSU and recognize the contributions of African-Americans during the month of February as the nation observes Black History Month. This American history is one all can celebrate as we recognize the achievements and significant roles African-Americans, in collaboration with so many others, have played in shaping the country.

Upcoming program and events include lectures, history and culture conference, panel discussions, and musical and theatrical performances. The University will also hold its annual Day on the Capital Feb. 10, and African-American History and Culture conference Feb. 13. Events are free, unless noted, and open to the public.

For more information, call the Office of Media Relations at 615.963.5331 or [email protected].

 

 

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 42 undergraduate, 24 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.