STATE of the HBCUnion ADDRESS
Legacy Week on the Vineyard in conjunction with the Oak Bluffs Public Library's Sankofa Festival invites you to participate as we convene and discuss the current state of HBCUs with shared voices of dynamic national leaders.
Speaker: Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, President, Norfolk State University
https://www.nsu.edu/office-of-the-president/biography
Guest Panelists:
Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, served as the 21st President of Talladega College
https://www.talladega.edu/uploadedFiles/File/vincent-bio.pdf
Dr. Jonathan Koppell, President, Montclair State University,
https://www.montclair.edu/president/jonathan-g-s-koppell-biography/
Moderator: April Woodard, Visiting Journalism Professor at Norfolk State University and a Media and Marketing Consultant
https://www.wtkr.com/april-woodard.
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 12p - 2p
Location: Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School St, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 [ Big Meeting Room ]
Free: RSVP REQUIRED
https://events.eventnoire.com/e/2024-legacy-week-on-the-vineyard-hbcu-week-on-mart/tickets
TOPICS
Achievements and Progress
We have made significant strides in the past year. Our institutions continue to be beacons of education and cultural enrichment, producing leaders who shape our world.
Increased enrollment across multiple HBCUs.
Successful fundraising campaigns that have supported scholarships and infrastructure improvements.
Expanded academic programs to meet the demands of a changing workforce.
Enhanced partnerships with corporations and organizations, providing valuable internship and career opportunities for our students.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite our successes, we face ongoing challenges that require our attention and collective effort.
Ensuring adequate funding for HBCUs remains a critical priority.
Addressing the digital divide and providing equitable access to technology for all students.
Supporting the mental health and well-being of our students.
Strengthening our infrastructure to create modern and sustainable learning environments.
Looking Ahead
The future of HBCUs is bright. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for our institutions.
Investing in research and development to drive innovation.
Expanding online and hybrid learning opportunities to reach a wider audience.
Building stronger alumni networks to support current students and future generations.
Advocating for policies that support and strengthen HBCUs.
We are committed to ensuring that HBCUs remain vibrant centers of learning, culture, and community. Together, we will continue to build a stronger future for our institutions and our students.
Sankofa Festival
https://oakbluffslibrary.org/sankofa/
An annual tradition, the celebration – now called the Sankofa* Festival – is an important part of the library’s commitment to the diversity and inclusion which helped Oak Bluffs stand out as a historic place of belonging for African Americans. The Oak Bluffs Public Library hosts speakers, writers, scholars, artists and performers during the first weekend in August each year to shine a light on the significant Black literature and culture, which are interwoven into the tapestry of Oak Bluffs history.
*The Sankofa bird is a symbol of the Akan people of West Africa. The bird, which looks back on itself, means “it is not taboo to go back and reclaim what you left behind”. Because of its significance as an African symbol which teaches that we must go back to our past to move forward, it was suggested that the library use the Sankofa bird to designate its African American collection. It was such a fitting concept, that the library renamed its annual festival to the Sankofa Festival in late 2018.
Note that seating is limited. There will be limited snacks and refreshments. A social mixer and networking will be prior and post discussion. This is a safe conveneing. There will be no recording allowed. Still pictures to take are accepted. Please place your phones/alarms/ring cam alerts on silent. Our guest speaker and panelists are not there to be placed in the "hot seat!" Questions will be allowed to be asked from the audience post completion of the discussion. This is the beginning of something GREAT! Thank you for being a part of it! .
Also check out other Festivals in Vineyard Haven, Arts events in Vineyard Haven, Literary Art events in Vineyard Haven.
