Tennessee State University to Co-host HBCU Action NATION's Virtual Town Hall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - May 13, 2020 - PRLog -- Dr. Glenda Glover, president of Tennessee State University, today announced the institution will co-host a virtual Town Hall to kick off a collaborative grassroots call to action started by HBCU Action NATION to create a plan to assist the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The free virtual event will take place on May 14 and 15 and discuss solutions to address the challenges faced by HBCUs as a direct result of the current pandemic. More information about the event and a link to register can be found at www.HBCUActionNATION.com.

"Tennessee State University is proud to co-host a virtual Town Hall on such a critical topic," Glover says. "While the pandemic has affected all institutions of higher learning, the impact has been felt much more strongly by HBCUs. Our schools do a wonderful job supporting students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college."

Other event co-hosts include Dr. Robbie Melton, HBCU C2; Dr. Reggie Smith, III, Executive Director/CEO, United States Distance Learning Association; Dr. Kim Cliett Long, Board and External Affairs Committee Member, Online Learning Consortium; Mrs. Virginia Harris, National President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women; and, Dr. Arletha McSwain, Chair USDLA Certification Committee, Bethune Cookman University.

"Most HBCUs did not have the structure in place to immediately implement a fully online learning environment," Dr. Smith said. "The past few months have been a learning experience for the university administrators, faculty, and staff with whom I have spoken.  This Town Hall should provide valuable information, along with potential solutions, for the most important topics facing HBCUs today."

Expert panels are planned on topics key to the overall strategic needs and urgencies of HBCUs now and moving forward. The clarion call and important virtual event is free; however, registration is required as the number of seats is limited.

Event sponsors include: Denny's, Inc., William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The Links, Incorporated, African American Mayors Association, vitalink, Bethune Cookman College, HBCUgrow, Military Learners Now, DunnLLC, Lowcountry Rice Culture Project, Jonathan Green Living Collection, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, International African American Museum, Online Learning Consortium, and United States Distance Learning Association.

About the Painting
Famed international Gullah artist, Jonathan Green, has allowed the use of his iconic painting titled, "A Breath of Freedom."  The significance of this particular artwork to this Town Hall event reminds us that at no other time in history has an event such as this pandemic had such a catastrophic effect on the well-being of our nation's HBCUs. It is a reminder that stakeholders must come together with urgency, just as they did during the Civil Rights Movement.

Register at HBCUActionNation.com (http://hbcuactionnation.com).