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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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Black History: TSU students try to rebuild ‘Black Wall Street’ with financial literacy workshop

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A group of Tennessee State University students, along with the Women’s Center, hosted a financial literacy workshop on Feb. 15 to provide awareness and empower their peers.

Titled “Bring Back Black Wall Street,” the workshop draws from the 2020 movie “Black Wall Street Burning,” that chronicles the 1921 Memorial Day massacre of Black people and the burning of the once thriving section of Tulsa, Oklahoma, referred to as Black Wall Street. 

The students said the workshop is about knowing the past, shaping the future, and holding a conversation about empowering Black people to understand true financial wealth they can build upon.

“’Bring Back Black Wall Street’ is a conscious conversation that talks about the hard-hitting issue of building wealth within our Black community and how we can actively make a change,” said Gabrielle Mosby, a freshman business major from Memphis, Tennessee, who is one of the organizers of the event.

According to recent statistics, African Americans account for 13 percent of the U.S. population with significant impact on the economy, yet they lag in financial well-being when compared to other groups.  

Seanne Wilson, director of the Women’s Center, said the workshop is one of the many programs the center provides to empower young women, as well as young men, to think about how they spend their money. 

“As we were discussing Black history and what should be one of our focus areas for the month, financial literacy jumped out,” said Wilson. “I wish when I was in college, someone had talked to me about wealth management, saving money, and not spending unwisely. So, now I want to be proactive and help them understand the value of money and not be reckless in spending it.” 

TSU Women’s Center director Seanne Wilson (center) and students promote the Bring Back Black Wall Street event. (TSU Media Relations)

Fellow workshop organizer Karly Miller, a sophomore pre-nursing major from Houston, said the event is one that every student should attend, because if nothing else, they would be inspired.

“It is motivating to hear about and see African Americans of the past and present who have established and maintained wealth in the community,” said Miller. 

Kyle Smith, a Black Nashville businessman, was the event’s keynote speaker.

For more information on the TSU Women’s Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/

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.

Alumni, EVENTS, Featured, Uncategorized, Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner

Political Analyst Angela Rye To Speak at TSU Women’s Center Scholarship Fundraising Affair

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Political Commentator and Analyst Angela Rye will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner at Tennessee State University on March 19 as part of the TSU Women’s Center’s effort to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Rye, who offers regular on-air commentary for several media outlets including BET, CNN, MSNBC, and TV One, will speak about “Making An Impact Economically, Civically, and Politically.” The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Kean Hall on the main campus.

Seanne Wilson, chairperson of the event, which raises money for student scholarships, said she hopes Rye’s visit will inspire young women at TSU to be more aware of the power of their voice. 

“As we know, this is the year of the woman, and women are being more vocal and we are owning who we are. It’s very important with us attempting to educate these young ladies, that they are aware of opportunities and not afraid to speak out and to speak up for their rights,” said Wilson, who serves as coordinator of the TSU Women’s Center.

Wilson said an increasing number of young women in the Nashville community have expressed interest in attending this year’s event because of Rye.

“I think that a lot of women, whether they are in politics or not, will feel coached and mentored by her, or feel empowered by her.  And empowering women is something that the Women’s Center attempts to do,” Wilson said. “There are so many people out there who are interested in how we have gotten into this political climate.  How did we get here? And how do we fix the problems that we see?”

According to Wilson, the Women’s Center is a “safe zone” for women at TSU who experience issues such as fear, anxiety and depression, as well as domestic violence, homelessness and the lack of food. She said this year for Women’s History Month, the Women’s Center hopes to inspire students by bringing numerous professional women to campus, including judges, political figures, entrepreneurs, chief executive officers, and international women of distinction.

Several women will be honored during this year’s event including: Veronica Marable Johnson, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce New Member Representative; Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU interim dean of the Graduate School; Karen Johnson, Davidson County Register of Deeds; Attorney Cynthia Fitzgerald; Attorney Joy Kimbrough; Dr. Judy Cummings, Pastor of New Covenant Christian Church; and Zaya Mouto, a sophomore Business Administration major who will receive the “Rising Star” Award.

To purchase tickets for the March 19 awards dinner or learn more about the Women’s Center, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/legendandmerit/.

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Tennessee State’s Women’s Center is a ‘vital resource’ to students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Actress Vivica A. Fox says she’s looking forward to speaking at this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards, and highlighting Tennessee State’s Women’s Center.

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Women’s Center coordinator Seanne Wilson talks with students. (By John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

The WOLM awards dinner is scheduled for March 21 at 7 p.m. in the TSU Gentry Complex.

“It’s an evening where the women get to honor and uplift one another, and support one another,” Fox told Nashville radio station WQQK in a recent interview. “I’m looking forward to just celebrating and having a wonderful evening.”

First held in 2007, the WOLM awards is designed to bring awareness and raise funds to support the center, which offers student-focused programming to empower individuals and student organizations.

Center coordinator Seanne Wilson said the awards dinner provides an opportunity for the TSU family and the Nashville community to be introduced to “dynamic, successful, and positive women who impact their community,” as well as society.

Fox, also a producer and accomplished businesswoman, will be the keynote speaker. Entertainer Angela Winbush, whose hit songs include “Your Smile” and “Angel,” will perform.

Unknown-3This year’s honorees are Dr. Stephanie Walker, Vanderbilt University/First lady Mt. Zion Baptist; Cheryl White Mason, Vanderbilt Law School; Teresa Phillips, TSU athletic director; Yvette Boyd, R.H. Boyd Publishing; and Vicki Yates, WTVF Nashville news anchor.

In particular, Wilson said the event seeks to expose the university’s “female student population to positive role models, networking opportunities and resources to assist in their academic, personal and professional growth as women.”

TSU’s center assists students with issues that range from financial needs to domestic abuse, Wilson said. It also has programs like “Wisdom Speaks,” in which alumni return to the campus to engage students in empowering discussions, as well as a clothing boutique.

“Some of our students are first generation college students and have a very limited wardrobe,” Wilson said. “Some young ladies, if they’re interviewing or doing internships, will come to the center looking for something to wear.”

The center is also sort of a home-away-from-home where students can visit and do homework, or just hang out and debate the latest topics with friends.

Senior Kourtney Daniels said the center is a “vital resource to all students on campus.”

“It’s not just for the female population,” said Daniels, an agriculture science major with a concentration in food science and technology. “Guys come in all the time, and we’ll have debates about everything from politics, to family issues we might have.”

This year, Wilson said a deserving TSU student will be presented a $1,000 scholarship at the awards dinner. She said scholarship dollars are available mainly because of money raised at the WOLM awards through ticket sales and sponsorships.

To purchase tickets for the March 21 awards dinner or learn more about the Women’s Center, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/legend.aspx.

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 38 undergraduate, 25 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.

 

 

 

 

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Black Girls Rock founder encourages women to lead, innovate, serve

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Black Girls Rock founder Beverly Bond has a message for TSU students: “Anybody can be a voice to make a difference.”

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TSU President Glenda Glover, Black Girls Rock founder Beverly Bond, and Nashville Mayor Megan Barry at the Women of Legend and Merit Awards dinner. (By John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
Bond, who is also CEO of the global nonprofit mentoring organization, was the keynote speaker at TSU’s Ninth Women of Legend and Merit Awards dinner on March 22.

She said before the event that she wants to empower and encourage students, particularly young women, to be leaders, and realize they have a purpose.

“Through my journey, I’m hoping to share wisdom and encouragement and inspiration on how to step into the next leg of your own journey,” said Bond, who spoke at a luncheon on campus and participated in a lecture series before the dinner. “The process is probably, if not more important, it’s definitely as important as the destination. And I think that sometimes people miss that. And so, I’m hoping my story inspires others to see that anybody can be a voice to make a difference.”

Founded in 2006, the mission of Black Girls Rock is to empower young women to lead, innovate, and serve.

“Black Girls Rock builds the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and providing tools for self-empowerment and efficacy,” according to the organization’s website.

TSU student Kaila Boyd is a fan of Black Girls Rock. She said Bond’s message and the organization’s mission are inspiring.

“My generation, we’re about to be up next,” said Boyd, who is a sophomore majoring in communications. “We have to empower each other in order to reach that goal of success.”

TSU President Glenda Glover said she’s glad Bond was able to come to Nashville, and that “her amazing achievements truly embody the University’s motto of think, work, serve.”

Five women were honored during the awards dinner, which benefits TSU’s Women’s Center. They are: Nashville Mayor Megan Barry; businesswoman Jacky Akbari; Nashville Circuit Court Judge Angela Cox; Dr. Sandra Holt, former director of TSU’s Women’s Center and Honors Program; and Latrisha Jemison, senior vice president and regional community affairs manager at Regions Bank.

“The Women’s Center serves a critical role by empowering women through mentorship and education programs that create stronger bonds and professional development opportunities for students and faculty alike,” said Barry, the city’s first female mayor.

 

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 38 undergraduate, 22 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.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry says TSU’s Women’s Center plays a ‘critical role’ in many lives

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Nashville Mayor Megan Barry says Tennessee State University’s Women’s Center plays a “critical role” in the lives of the university’s students, as well as its employees.

Barry, the city’s first female mayor, is one of five women who will be honored on March 22 at TSU’s Ninth Women of Legend and Merit Awards dinner, which benefits the Women’s Center.

“The Women’s Center serves a critical role by empowering women through mentorship and education programs that create stronger bonds and professional development opportunities for students and faculty alike,” Barry said. “I’m honored to have the chance to show my support for this important program at the Women of Legend and Merit Awards dinner later this month.”

Besides Mayor Barry, other honorees include businesswoman Jacky Akbari; Nashville Circuit Court Judge Angela Cox; Dr. Sandra Holt, former director of TSU’s Women’s Center and Honors Program; and Latrisha Jemison, senior vice president and regional community affairs manager at Regions Bank.

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Women’s Center coordinator Seanne Wilson talks with students. (By John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

For nearly 10 years, the center, located on the second floor of TSU’s Floyd-Payne Campus Center, has worked to mentor and empower young women attending TSU from across the country. It’s among a handful of historically black colleges and universities with similar centers.

“Our Women’s Center does a tremendous job in helping young women discover their voice and their purpose on campus, and ultimately in their community and workplace,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “For almost a decade, the center has nurtured and mentored students in an environment they categorized as a home away from home setting that allows them to flourish on our campus. It’s a special place.”

TSU student Alicia Jones agreed the atmosphere of the center has a “home feel” that allows students to be comfortable.

“I can come in, do some homework, and just talk about various things,” said Jones, a 20-year-old mass communications major from Memphis.

The center also has an open door for administrators, faculty and staff who may need some type of assistance. For instance, the center recently helped a homeless staffer find housing and offered her other assistance.

Coordinator Seanne Wilson said the center also helps students with issues that range from financial needs to domestic abuse. It also has programs like “Wisdom Speaks,” in which alumni return to the campus to engage students in empowering discussions, as well as a clothing boutique.

“Several of our students are first generation college students and have a very limited wardrobe, with many of the pieces being inappropriate for a college setting,” Wilson said. “Some young ladies, if they’re interviewing or doing internships, will come to the center looking for something to wear.”

While most of its visitors are women, young men drop by from time to time to talk or participate in group discussions.

Student Alan Bond said he likes talking about relationships with his female counterparts.

“It gives people a space to be able to talk,” said the 21-year-old computer science major. “It’s good to just hear the other side. An example of that would be relationships; my perspective on relationships, versus a woman’s perspective.”

In addition to honoring the five women, Wilson said a $500 “book award” will be given to a TSU student at the awards dinner on March 22. And starting in the spring, two students will receive $500 each per semester in financial aid to assist with expenses.

Beverly Bond, CEO and founder of Black Girls Rock, a global women’s empowerment movement and nonprofit mentoring organization, will be the keynote speaker at the dinner.

“The TSU family and community are pleased to have Ms. Bond as our guest speaker for this signature event,” President Glover said. “Her amazing achievements truly embody the University’s motto of think, work, serve, and we look forward to hearing her incredible journey.”

For more information about the Women’s Center or the March 22 dinner visit: www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/legend.aspx.

 

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 38 undergraduate, 22 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.