How to Become an IBM HBCU Ambassador
In 2022, the Biden-Harris administration's White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) resulted in the creation of IBM Cybersecurity Leadership Centers in over a dozen HBCUs. The student leaders in these HBCUs are known as IBM HBCU ambassadors. These HBCU students are liaisons between their respective universities and IBM professionals focused on education equality. This relationship grants unique opportunities for networking, mentorship, resources, and future opportunities. Want to be an IBM HBCU ambassador? Here's how you can lead your HBCU.
What Should an HBCU Cybersecurity Club Do?
Cybersecurity affects every industry, including emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. Therefore, all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) should have a cybersecurity club. An HBCU cybersecurity club doesn't need to be led by a cybersecurity or STEM student. The leaders need to be passionate about IT security, data privacy, and community development. I believe such student organizations should do some things to start.
Best IBM SkillsBuild Courses for IBM HBCU Ambassadors
Part of Biden-Harris's Historically Black College and University (HBCU) cybersecurity initiative, the IBM HBCU Ambassador program began in January 2023. IBM HBCU ambassadors are charged with spreading the word of IBM's resources, including meeting and IBM SkillsBuild badge courses, among HBCU students and of course, setting the example. As a former IBM Norfolk State University (NSU) ambassador, I'll share 10 online, self-paced IBM SkillsBuild courses I recommend IBM HBCU ambassadors prioritize when building their Credly badges portfolio for professional development.
6 Ways HBCU Students Can Excel with Parker Dewey Micro-Internships
Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students, there are opportunities to be grabbed and money to be made with Parker Dewey micro-internships. Yes, the paid opportunities are with legitimate businesses and for a decent amount of money per project (usually ~$300). No, its not a difficult process for HBCU students to create a Parker Dewey account and get started. Below, I'll share some tips that helped me succeed with Parker Dewey micro-internships.
Late Review of VP Kamala Harris Hampton University Interview
On September 14, 2023, I watched US Vice President (VPOTUS) Kamala Harris during the first stop in her national "Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour": Hampton University (HU). Hampton U is one of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Virginia, and three hours away from her alma mater, Howard University. The conversation was moderated by Terrence J from the classic 106 & Park show. I was not a fan of what I heard in the 42 minute video.
Norfolk State University (NSU) IBM Partnership
In September 2022, Norfolk State University (NSU) released a news post announcing the IBM NSU cybersecurity partnership. This is part of Biden-Harris' White House initiative to allot more resources and professional development opportunities to students within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), specifically related to information technology (IT). Four months later, I was entrusted with the role as IBM NSU student ambassador. I've since completed many free IBM courses and released content in an effort to bring more HBCU students' attention to these resources. Course topics include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, IBM products, and more.
HBCU Music Playlist (2023)-50th Hip-Hop Anniversary
A sister said she needed a list of songs to learn before the school year starts. I recommended KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions' blog listacles on Hip-Hop pioneers to know. But after finishing my Historically Black College and University (HBCU) student address, I rethought my response. Why not make a HBCU music playlist of songs I think every HBCU student today should know?
Some art speaks for itself and should be first experienced without external interference. Below I'll add context to some tracks that deserve a solid call-to-action (CTA) or more notoriety.
10 HBCU-Focused Platforms to Follow
After having the nerve to write an unofficial address to students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), I used that momentum to consolidate a HBCU music playlist. Below are some social media platforms to keep HBCU students in the know about college news, specifically HBCU culture.
Address to Black HBCU Students (2023)
I know, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are more inclusive than predominately White institutions (PWIs). However, this is an exclusive message specifically for native Black Americans, including those who identify as American Descendants of Slaves (ADOS), Foundational Black Americans (FBA), or United Sons and Daughters of Freedmen (USDOF).
What is an IBM HBCU Ambassador?
Starting with the basics, what is an HBCU? "HBCU" stands for "Historically Black College and University" (in the USA). How many HBCUs are there? At least 100, mostly in the south-eastern US. You likely know of the IBM technology corporation. But what is an IBM HBCU ambassador, and why is it important for native Black Americans?
How to Support HBCUs
Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) culture was a hot topic when Deion Sanders left Jackson State University (JSU) for University of Colorado (CU). More than I'd ever seen before, people were comparing predominately white institutions (PWIs) and HBCUs. People were debating integration versus segregation. What I found most interesting was the talk about how HBCU alumni can better support those who attend those schools, which seemingly influenced Coach Prime to leave JSU.
Black Owned Businesses for HBCU Merch
If you graduated from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) after #BlackLivesMatter, you should have merchandise representing that milestone from a Black-owned business. Here are three quietly awesome choices to choose from.
