March 30, 2025

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. Howard University makes history with a major research milestone, while Pharell Williams brings star power and purpose to Atlanta with a powerful new film and award honor.

Howard University Achieves Prestigious R1 Research Status

By Cedric Mobley

The American Council of Education has announced that Howard University has received the esteemed Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, a designation reserved for institutions with very high research activity. This recognition places Howard among the top tier of U.S. research universities and marks a historic achievement as the first and only historically Black college or university (HBCU) to attain this classification.

Howard President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., celebrated the milestone, stating that it reflects the university’s commitment to innovation and inclusive progress. “We are shaping a future where knowledge drives prosperity and lasting impact,” he said, emphasizing Howard’s role in advancing scholarship that benefits historically underrepresented communities.

According to the latest data from ACE, Howard surpassed the R1 criteria by spending nearly $85 million on research and awarding 96 doctoral degrees in 2023. The university also leads the nation in awarding doctorates to Black students, further cementing its role as a leader in research and education equity.

Howard’s research strengths include its designation as a U.S. Department of Defense-affiliated research center, groundbreaking work in sickle cell disease, electric mobility, artificial intelligence, and African studies. The university also houses the nation’s largest archive on the global Black experience and operates the only cancer center at an HBCU, continuing its legacy of excellence since its founding in 1867.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

The Combat Antisemitism Movement and the African American Mayors Association have launched the Washington-Rosenwald HBCU Scholarship Program to celebrate and strengthen African American-Jewish solidarity. The initiative will award $25,000 in scholarships to five students who creatively explore this historic alliance through essays, art, poetry, or video. Inspired by past collaborations like those of Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, the program aims to educate, empower young leaders, and promote unity in the fight against racism and antisemitism.

Howard University recently hosted a special one-night-only staged reading of Deep Azure, a play written by the late Chadwick A. Boseman, at the historic Howard Theatre to raise funds for the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. Directed by Howard alum NSangou Njikam and featuring a star-studded cast, the performance marks the play’s first staging in 20 years and celebrates Boseman’s legacy as both a writer and cultural icon. Proceeds will support scholarships amd programming for the college.

Dr. Kimberly Mayfield is leading a community-driven effort to establish a Black-serving institution or HBCU in Oakland, California. The proposed school would offer a culturally affirming environment for African American students, combining in-person and online programs, and possibly following a consortium model with existing HBCUs. Supported by local leaders and funders, the initiative aims to provide students with personalized academic support and a strong campus culture that fosters success and belonging.

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culture

Pharrell Williams was recently honored at the 37th Annual Morehouse College “A Candle in the Dark” Gala, where he received the Candle in Arts and Entertainment Award for his groundbreaking contributions to music, fashion, and film. Ahead of the gala, he participated in a conversation at the High Museum of Art to support his latest project, All Day I Dream About Sport (ADIDAS), a visually striking short film celebrating West African culture and life in Senegal.

During the conversation, Williams emphasized the importance of creative freedom and purpose. “I don’t know what I would be without the different platforms I’ve been able to operate in artistically… the idea that we get to express ourselves is amazing,” he said. He also shared advice he gives young creatives: “Find the vocation connected to something that you love so much that you would do it for free… If that’s a vocation that could service other people, then you have the universal job that pays you for just waking up every day.”

Known for his collaborative approach, Williams likened his role to that of a mirror, helping artists recognize unseen aspects of their potential. “My job is to be a mirror for their blind spots,” he explained, citing his work with talents like Pusha T and referencing the creative risks of André 3000. “Some people really need producers to do that, and that’s where I belong, if that makes sense.” His latest score for ADIDAS includes original tracks like “Mike Tyson Blow to the Face,” “Snowglobe,” and the film’s title song.

Our editor, Lisa D.Tinsley, would like to thank you for spending part of your day with KISA News Radio.

See you next Sunday.

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