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You can feel it the moment you step into AFROTECH™. The vibe is top-tier, the energy is contagious, and the Black excellence and brilliance are on every corner. AFROTECH™ isn’t just a tech conference; it’s a movement. It’s where ambition meets opportunity, where culture and innovation collide, and where your next big break might be one conversation away. That same spirit of innovation and opportunity is what’s driving this year’s collaboration between Bayer and Howard University . People may know Bayer as a familiar name in their medicine cabinet, but the company is much more than that. The global life sciences leader in health and agriculture is partnering with the Washington D.C.-based HBCU for the second year in a row to bring The Yard to AFROTECH™ — a dynamic space to connect, unwind, and get real-time resume feedback from Bayer volunteers. Whether you’re job-hunting, internship-seeking, or just leveling up your personal brand, this is the moment to make sure your resume is...

Howard University is facing a wave of uncertainty. President Ben Vinson III stepped down less than three years into his tenure, which, according to NewsOne, is one of the shortest in the school’s history. His abrupt resignation has left students and faculty shocked, frustrated and searching for answers. The news arrives at a pivotal moment for Howard. Earlier this year, the university became the first HBCU to earn the prestigious Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. While Howard remains a top destination for students nationwide, it continues to grapple with pressing challenges, from housing shortages and rising tuition costs to new uncertainty around its leadership. Student Reactions: “We Just Want to Know Why” According to NewsOne, many Howard students say that the unexplained nature of Vinson’s resignation has only heightened the anxieties that are currently pervasive across higher education. “I definitely would’ve expected to see him in the...

Voice assistants and speech recognition tools have struggled for years to understand the way many Black people naturally speak. Commands get misinterpreted. Responses often miss the mark, and as a result, users usually feel unheard unless they change their voices to fit technology that wasn’t built with them in mind. Howard University and Google Research are working to change that. The two institutions have collaborated on Project Elevate Black Voices and have released a first-of-its-kind dataset: over 600 hours of African American English (AAE) collected from communities across 32 states, according to a press release from Howard University, obtained by AFROTECH™. The goal is to help artificial intelligence systems recognize, respect, and respond to the full range of Black speech, not just edited, flattened, or code-switched versions of it. Project Elevate Black Voices is a multi-year research initiative co-designed and led by Black researchers to build high-quality AAE speech data...




No matter one’s background, they’re deserving of access to education. Currently, there are several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that share this sentiment and are taking initiative. A majority of formerly incarcerated people of color aren’t presented life fulfilling opportunities. Changing this circumstance, Parents reports that HBCUs nationwide are creating and investing in new prison-to-college education programs. The programs aim to “reduce recidivism and improve economic opportunities.” They help to teach skills needed to land jobs, become a business owner, and navigate life after prison. Overall, the mission is to support individuals in having a higher probability of successfully re-entering society. The effort is a flip of the pre-K to prison pipeline, which has harmed the Black community and its youth. Currently, institutions such as Howard University, Claflin University, and Lane College are part of providing a way for formerly incarcerated people of...

Black futures will be emboldened through an ambitious 20-year commitment between Howard University and Jordan Brand. “HBCU‘s have been impacting culture since the beginning. Now we see a new era on the horizon, and an opportunity with Jordan Brand to introduce Howard University to the world. I’m excited to see our university partner with a partner like Jordan Brand that already means so much to the Black Community. Together, we have the power to make a difference and inspire the next generation of students to do the same,” said Jordyn Allen, Howard University Student Association President, in a statement.


On a mission to advocate for healthier smiles, SmileDirectClub — the first MedTech platform for teeth straightening — will be partnering with cosmetic dentist Dr. Amira Ogunleye. According to a press release, Dr. Amira Ogunleye, who has worked with patients like LeBron James, Michelle Williams, and Dwyane Wade, will advocate for increased access to cost-friendly, effective, and safe dental care. The oral thought leader will also educate patients and colleagues to highlight the innovative telehealth platform. “I’m thrilled to partner with SmileDirectClub as we share a deeply rooted value and purpose-driven passion for increasing access to quality dental care, in addition to a desire to create more diversity in the dental industry,” said Dr. Amira Ogunleye in a press statement. “As a graduate of Howard University, leading dental professional and mentor, I know how much representation in the industry matters, as well as how important it is for ensuring equitable access to care. I look...

A new face will be joining Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Clark Atlanta University to inspire the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. Hollywood veteran Keshia Knight Pulliam — most recognized for her roles on “The Cosby Show” and “Tyler Perry House of Payne” — will become the newest partner of Now and Later® candy as a part of its #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session series. “I look forward to partnering with Now and Later on this program and sharing my personal and professional experience with the #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session students,” Pulliam said in a press release. “This next generation of HBCU leaders are resilient, and I am honored to provide any helpful nuggets to help fuel their entrepreneurial passions.” According to a press release from PR Newswire the brand’s focal point is to celebrate the work ethic and community spirit of HBCU leaders. For its introductory year, the program will be housed at HBCUs Clark Atlanta University’s Mass Media Arts...

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is giving back bigger than ever to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). All 107 HBCUs will receive support to advance opportunities, according to the NBA’s website. The NBA is set to launch its first-ever NBA HBCU Classic, a new fellowship program for career development, $1 million in donations through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and additional programming including events and game telecasts. “The NBA family recognizes the storied and prominent role that HBCUs have played in our society for decades,” NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Tatum said. “We also recognize that within our commitments to increase Black representation across the league and grow the game, we can create educational, athletic and career opportunities through engagement with these institutions. Through continued collaboration with partners like TMCF and UNCF, our teams and...

Cha-ching — that’s the sound of Black entrepreneurs going to the next level! According to Howard Newsroom, PNC Financial Services Group Inc.’s charitable foundation has announced a five-year $16.8 million grant to Howard University to build the The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship. “This is a huge investment by PNC and it’s going to have a tremendous impact to address Black wealth and Black businesses,” said Anthony Wilbon, dean of Howard’s business school in an official statement. The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship is on a mission to equip Black entrepreneurs with both the education and resources needed to expand their businesses. This will also open the door to helping them create a network among other business owners and chambers of commerce. “The center will be an effective champion of interdisciplinary entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial development within the African-American community,” said Wayne A. I....