Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / July 21, 2016, edition 1 / Page 4
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Adams' HBCU financing bill passes U.S. House Measure is headed to Senate BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE At a place in time that most news reports on his torically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) seem to be negative, last week predominantly black insti tutions across the nation got some well deserved good news when the HBCU Capital Financing Improvement Act was passed unanimously by the U.S. House. The bill, also known as H.R. 5530, was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, of N.C. District 12, and seeks to improve access and oversight of an existing program that enables black institutions to improve their campuses to better serve their students. By improving financial access for HBCUs to aid in acquiring funding for improvements, the bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. "As a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T, I am proud to be apart of this bill that will strengthen the infrastructure of historic black institutions across the nation," said Adams. "For most HBCUs, infrastruc ture is a big problem, and with the HBCU Capital Financing Program we are addressing those issues. "We felt like something needed to be done to level the playing field, and this bill does that." During an interview with The Chronicle, Adams noted that along with pro viding additional financial support for institutions interested in participating, the bill also strengthens technical assistance and provides financial counsel ing. Other modifications include the formation of advisory boards that will annually submit a report on the status of all loans in the capital financing program. Hie board will also make recommendations for addressing the issues relat ed to construction financ uig, Adams said. "The advisory board will provide us with the data we need to make nec essary improvements," she continued. "Seeing that ta can be very convinc ing. Having data is proof of the problems that our insti tutions are facing are real " Although the bill will make the program more accessible for HBCUs cur rently not enrolled, as the bill currently stands, most public institutions of higher ffnu,? are not eligible for 7* Pogrom. A statement rrom Winston-Salem State University says that the external affairs director has advised that H.R. 5530. as written, will not benefit m ii?>? i mu Rep. Adams North Carolina's public HBCUs In its current form, the bill will only impact Barber-Scotia, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone, St. Augustine and Shaw uni versities and Bennett College. Although H.R. 5530 isn't the first bill Adams has sponsored to be passed by the House, die represen tative for District 12 said she was happy that the bill received support from both Democrats and Republicans. She men tioned the efforts of U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, a Republican from Alabama who was a co-sponsor for the bill, played a major roll in educating members of Congress on the impor tance of HBCUs. Byrne, who represents District 1 in Alabama, has also been a strong supporter of the Congressional HBCU Caucus that Adams started last April. "Rep. Byrne really understands education. It felt good to see this con gressman who is not a graduate of an HBCU stand up and fight for these insti tutions," Adams said. Adams noted seeing both parties come together to unanimously pass the bill creates dialogue on HBCUs not only in Congress, but on a national platform as well. She said, without historic black insti tutions, more than 300,000 students would miss out on expanding their intellect. "In order to serve our schools, this is the type of bipartisanship we nded. We have to make sure HBCUs not only survive but thrive as well." While acknowledging that all HBCUs in the state have issues with infrastruc ture, Adams said the bill is just the beginning, and now that the conversation on HBCUs have started, more people will take notice. "We have to educate each other on the impor tance of these institutions," she said. "The bill shines a national spotlight on HBCUs. Now we have to keep these conversations going to ensure our univer sities continue to grow and prosper." Black Chamber holds roundtable to discuss future BY TEVIN ST1NSON THE CHRONICLE The Winston-Salem Black Business Chamber of Commerce (WSBBC) is looking to grow and con nect with more black owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the area. That was the census fol lowing a small business roundtable held earlier this month. During the July meet ing held at the Enterprise Center, WSBBC member and president of the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center Allan Younger led a roundtable discussion on how the organization can grow and have a bigger impact on the Younger community. Younger kicked off the conversation by telling the members in attendance the main thing that prevents business success is not being knowledgeable about the resources that are avail able. He also mentioned lack of networking and not planning ahead as other key contributors to small business failures. "A lot of people don't know that there are a num ber of resources out there to help us," he said. "There is no shortage in resources. That's one of the things we need to try to do as a com munity, tap into those resources that are available to us." Next, Chamber mem bers were asked what they thought would make the Chamber more successful moving forward. "I know a number of things we can do to make this organization more suc cessful,'' he said. "But as the members, it's important that your input it included." Entrepreneur Calvin Patterson mentioned one way the Chamber can grow and create more connec tions is by bartering servic es. According to Patterson, bartering, a sys tem of exchange where goods or services are directly exchanged for services or other goods without using money will help black business owners network with each other while growing their own business at the same time. "Bartering is something that can be found at the foundation of African American culture," said Patterson. "As members of the Chamber, we should be planting that seed. While everyone won't be willing to go back in the past, some people will be willing to barter." Patterson noted advan tages of adopting a barter ing system are: no money needed, both parties get what they need, and gained exposure. Disadvantages include trustworthiness of parties and setting the cor rect value for services and goods. Other points made dur ing the roundtable included more resources for admin istrative assistance, more exposure for Chamber members, creating larger social media presence, more social functions, and connecting with young entrepreneurs in the area. A number of people who were attending their first WSBBC meeting men tioned although there are a lot of black business own ers in the area, many don't even know the Chamber exists. Following the round table discussion, WSBBC program and event chair Gloria Hairston noted that in an attempt to grow the organization, they have been working on a business spotlight project that will highlight different black owned businesses in the area. She also invited those who are still trying to find out how to start a business to join the organization as well. "We are looking to spread the word," said Hairston. "If you are look ing to start a business or if you already have a busi ness and are looking to grow, the Winston-Salem Black Business Chamber of Commerce has some thing for you." WSBBC meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at the Enterprise Center, 1922 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The August meeting will feature a presentation from Winston-Salem State University Senior Associate Dean of the College of Marketing Dr. Notis Pagiavlas. For more information, visit www.wsblackchamber.co m. i? Have a Story Idea? Let us Know news@mdmiclejcom Wake Forest* - Inpartnerriripwrth^MEDCOST* Baptist Health August community health seminars, screenings and events Visit WakeHeaKh.edu/BestHealth for class descriptions and other events. Events are FREE of charge and require registration, unless otherwise noted. TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 Mike Wells on Estate Administration Basics \ 1:30 to 2:30 pm Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Plaza-Country Club, 4610 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 3 Advance Directives \ 2 to 4 pm Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Plaza-Country Club, 4610 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem THURSDAY. AUGUST 11 Injuries from Falls \ 2:30 to 3:30 pm Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Plaza-Country Club, 4610 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 Heart-healthy Meals \ 5 to 6:30 pm Wake Forest Baptist Health Davie Medical Center, Cardiac Classroom, Plaza 1, Highway 801 N, 1-40 (Exit 180), Bermuda Run FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 Exercise: The Effects on Your Knees 5:15 to 6:15 pm Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Plaza-Country Club, 4610 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 Greek & Easy Cooking Class 1 to 2:30 pm Brenner FIT in the William G. White Jr. Family YMCA, 775 West End Blvd., Winston-Salem SUNDAYS. AUGUST 7, f7P| 14, 21 and 28 (*?] 3 to 4 pm For ages 18 and older. $10 fee per session. Make check payable to BestHealth and bring with you to the event. D1 Sports football field, 1901 Mooney St., Winston-Salem. WEDNESDAYS, AUGUST 3, 10,17 and 24 8:30 am and 6 pm For more information new balance and registration, visit New Balance Winston-Salem or online at nbwinstonsalem.com. To register, call or visit: 336-713-BEST (2378) \ WakeHealth.edu/BestHealth Mil' i f/ic
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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