on the black hand side

Michael C. Hyter Appointed President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council

2021-02-04T13:33:16-05:00

Preeminent Organization for Black C-Suite Leadership Selects Seasoned Thought Leader of Diversity and Inclusion Strategies that Drive Corporate Growth

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) today announced the appointment of Michael C. Hyter as the organization's President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2021. The ELC is the preeminent global membership organization for Black current and former CEOs, senior executives, and board members of Fortune 1000 and equivalent companies, top-tier entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders.

At this pivotal time in society, as corporations transform their governance and leadership strategies to address longstanding structural gaps in racial and gender equity and opportunity, Mr. Hyter assumes leadership of the 35-year-old organization whose mission encompasses increasing the number of Black corporate CEOs, C-Suite executives, and board members, and building the pipeline of the next generation of Black corporate leaders.

"On behalf of our more than 800 members around the world, I am very pleased to welcome Michael Hyter as President & CEO," said ELC Board Chair, Lloyd W. Brown II, Corporate Community Reinvestment Act Officer for Citigroup. "Mike's demonstrated track record of advocating for Black Excellence in Corporate America and innovating measurable D&I strategies to improve corporate governance and performance is inspiring."

Mr. Hyter joins The ELC from Korn Ferry, where he most recently served as Chief Diversity Officer of the global organizational consulting firm and previously served as the Managing Partner of the firm's Washington, DC office. A recognized thought leader on diversity and inclusion-driven corporate growth strategies, for more than 25 years he has served as a trusted counselor and advisor to Fortune 1000 companies across multiple industries and their boards. Mr. Hyter's most recent publication is The Power of Choice: Embracing Efficacy to Drive Your Career. He is also co-author of The Power of Inclusion: Unlock the Potential and Productivity of Your Workforce, published by Wiley. He has published extensive articles in publications, including the Handbook of Business Strategy, Director's Monthly, Profiles in Diversity Journal, and Inc.

"As an advisor to corporations, boards, and CEOs, I have seen firsthand The ELC's positive impact on Black executives, the Black talent pipeline, and the communities we serve," said Mr. Hyter. "It is an honor to begin my leadership tenure as The ELC turns 35, at a time when our purpose and impact have never been more relevant and urgent."

Mr. Hyter was selected following a comprehensive search process during which the committee of ELC members, led by Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer for Target, and representing a diverse cross section of industries, defined the skills, competencies and experience required. Mr. Hyter is a corporate director of Dine Brands Global Inc. (NYSE:DIN), and serves on its Audit Committee. He was recognized by Savoy Magazine in 2016 and 2018 as one of the most influential Blacks in Corporate America. He was inducted as a member of The ELC in 1994.

"The ELC's mission is as relevant today as it was when the organization was founded nearly 35 years ago. 2020 proved this, as companies were confronted with the hard realities of racial and social unrest. Having worked with Michael Hyter for several years, I know he will elevate the impact and value of The ELC," said Marvin Ellison, President and CEO of Lowe's. "Mike's technical expertise and insights provide CEOs with actionable ideas to advance diversity and inclusion, professional development, and innovation."

"Michael Hyter is a steadfast advocate for inclusive and innovative strategic thinking, and he is ideally qualified to lead The ELC," said Frank Bisignano, President and CEO at Fiserv, a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology. "Mike is a seasoned executive with a demonstrated track record of counseling companies and shaping environments that drive diversity, inclusion, and growth."

Mr. Hyter succeeds Crystal E. Ashby, who served as Interim President & CEO for the past 14 months. Ms. Ashby most recently served as The ELC's Vice Chair and stepped down from its Board to serve as Interim President and CEO in order to assist the organization at a critical time. She is an Independent Director on the Board of Texas Reliability Entity, Inc. (Texas RE), and an NACD Fellow. Ms. Ashby serves on the University of Michigan College of Engineering Dean's Leadership Advisory Board.

"The ELC extends our immeasurable appreciation and gratitude to Crystal for her commitment to our organization during a critical time of transition," said Mr. Brown. "Crystal's intellect and integrity were instrumental as we navigated the global pandemic and civil unrest of 2020. The entire ELC community proudly stands with Crystal and supports her in her external board work and leadership endeavors."

Thanksgiving

2020-11-26T19:37:08-05:00

Today is the day family and friends gather for Thanksgiving Dinner. For me, today is not about celebrating the pilgrims and Native Americans breaking bread together, we know what eventually happened to the indigenous people. Today, like everyday, I give thanks for all of God's blessings bestowed upon me. I give thanks for family and friends near and far and on Earth and in Heaven. I give thanks to all of the men, women and children who have sacrificed to make this world a better place. Amen. #InGratitude #InRemembrance

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Announces New Executive Director

2018-08-19T06:57:53-04:00

Cynthia Eubanks named new executive director for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

CARY, N.C., (Newswire.com) - Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated’s international board of directors recently announced the appointment of Cynthia Eubanks as its new executive director. She succeeds Rachel Morris who served in the position for nine years.

Eubanks has served in higher education for more than 26 years as a professor and in a variety of executive positions such as student affairs administrator and faculty counselor. She is the former vice president of student affairs at Allen University (Columbia, South Carolina), chief housing officer at Saint Peter’s University (Jersey City, New Jersey), and director of community engagement at Montclair State University (Montclair, New Jersey). She is a former professor at Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina), South Mountain Community College (Phoenix, Arizona), and Paradise Valley Community College (Phoenix, Arizona). She joined the Sorority in 1990 as an undergraduate student at Montclair State University.

“I am proud to serve my sisterhood in this important role,” Eubanks said. “I will work with the international board of directors, staff and members to assess and clarify membership needs and the effectiveness of our programs, enhance the fiscal management of our assets, and expand our resource development tools for members, chapters and regions. I look forward to representing Sigma Gamma Rho with our partners and leading our community and advocacy efforts.”

As Sigma Gamma Rho executive director, she will serve as the chief operating officer of the sorority and is responsible for providing strategic leadership to implement the strategic plan goals and objectives and enforcing established policies and procedures. Eubanks will be responsible for the overall direction, engagement and performance coaching of the international headquarters management team and will direct the efforts of the marketing, communications and public relations staff and vendors. The executive director reports to the international president. She will work closely with the international board of directors, other appointed positions and committees in charting the direction of the organization, assuring its effective operation and accountability to all constituencies.

“We are excited that an executive with Ms. Eubanks’ experience and accomplishments will be joining Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s headquarters staff,” said Deborah Catchings-Smith, Sigma Gamma Rho’s international president. “She brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership, and extensive knowledge about the dynamics involved in bridging the gaps between new and existing members as well as alumnae and undergraduates. We are confident Ms. Eubanks will achieve great success which will play a pivotal role in the forward progress of our sorority.”

The Failure of Bill Maher's Teachable Moment

2017-06-11T11:40:21-04:00

Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher returned to his HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher" after igniting outrage for using a racial slur on the previous week's show. PHOTO: Angela George, CC BY 3.0

“Denying racism is the new racism.” - Bill Maher

Last Friday night’s episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" was the host’s first since he dropped the ’n-bomb’ during an interview with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and caused major outrage. The highly-anticipated post-faux-pas episode featuring Ice Cube, Dr. Micheal Eric Dyson and Symone Sanders did not help Maher’s image. The episode seemed more like a public relations stunt rather than a sincere apology and dialog.

Rather than Dr. Michael Eric Dyson taking Maher to the woodshed as I’d read several times on social media and Ice Cube schooling Bill Maher, the host was defensive, arrogant and tone deaf. It is difficult for rich, white liberals to come to terms with the racist reality of their patronizing, condescending actions when dealing with black people. It doesn't help when black folks fail to recognize the historic relationship dynamics of relationships between blacks and whites in America. Since Maher was publicly given a pass by several black celebs who are his "friends," a valuable lesson for Maher and others was definitely not learned.

Maher said he grew up in New Jersey in the 50’s and 60’s and race wasn’t even an issue. Really? C’mon, Bill. New Jersey is not Alabama. Really? There was no racism and no racial incidents in northern states? Maher went on to try to marginalize and excuse his use of the racial slur by saying that it only happened once, it’s not like he made a career of it. Hello. Bill Maher needs some real black friends to school him. Yes, he does. He some folks who are not looking to profit from appearing on his show to really break things down for him. No. No. No. No. No. Bill Maher, you do not get a pass even if you only dropped the 'n-bomb' once. [insert eye-roll]

Regardless of how “down” Maher thinks he is, how much money he contributed to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and how many black women he has dated, he does not get a pass. Maher’s arrogance was showing when Ice Cube said Maher sometimes sounds like a redneck trucker. Maher had obviously had enough of black folks lecturing him as he tried to shut down and dismiss Ice Cube’s comments.

Ice Cube posed the most important question during the show when he asked why Maher felt so familiar and so comfortable that he felt he could even use that word. That question was never truly explored in any depth. I, like many other black people, noticed how easily the n-bomb rolled off Maher’s tongue. Yes, we did.

Whether it's Maher or Dog the Bounty Hunter or Don Imus or Michael Richards or Donald Trump, only black people are expected to accept racial insults followed by apologies from someone of another ethnic group. Continuously apologizing for the same civil rights violations is not acceptable. Black people are expected to just move on. Really? I don’t think so.

Let me close with this quote by Joe Madison for you to think on:

“In America, we are culturally conditioned to believe, that White is superior, Black is inferior, and the manifestation of that cultural conditioning is that Black people are undervalued, underestimated and marginalized. It's not a racist statement. It's a fact of life.”

#wakeUP #STAYwoke

New movie tells story of Detroit riot in 1967

2017-04-12T18:40:31-04:00

Detroit, a film set for nationwide release on August 4, 2017, chronicles one of the deadliest incidents of civil unrest in the United States.

(Adapted from the Detroit Historical Society.)

The Uprising of 1967, also known as the Detroit Rebellion of 1967, and the 12th Street Riot began following a police raid on an unlicensed bar, known locally as a “blind pig.” Over the course of five days, the Detroit police and fire departments, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan National Guard, and the US Army were involved in quelling what became the largest civil disturbance of twentieth century America. The crisis resulted in forty-three deaths, hundreds of injuries, almost seventeen hundred fires, and over seven thousand arrests.

At 3:15 a.m. on July 23, 1967, the vice squad of the Detroit Police Department executed a raid on a blind pig at 12th Street and Clairmount. Despite the late hour, the avenue was full of people attempting to stay cool amidst a stifling heat wave. As the police escorted party goers to the precinct for booking, a crowd gathered and the situation grew increasingly antagonistic. When the final arrestees were loaded into police vans, a brick shattered the rear window of a police cruiser, prompting a rash of break-ins, burglaries, and eventually arson.

Law enforcement was immediately overwhelmed. While the department had 4,700 officers, only about 200 were on duty at that hour. Early efforts to regain control failed and a quarantine of the neighborhood was imposed. Hoping to ease tensions, Mayor Jerome Cavanagh ordered that looters not be shot; as the word of his order spread, so did looting. The Michigan State Police and the National Guard arrived to reinforce police and fire units. Clashes between the mayor and Governor George Romney—both of whom had presidential aspirations—and President Lyndon Johnson increased confusion and delayed the deployment of federal troops.

By the end of the first two days, fires and looting were reported across the city. Additionally, the mass theft of firearms and other weaponry turned Detroit an urban war zone. Sniper fire sowed fear and hindered firefighting and policing efforts. The arrival of battle-tested federal troops on Tuesday, July 25 brought order.

For many people, the uprising was a turning point for the city. White flight in 1967 doubled to over 40,000 and doubled again the next year. Yet, many Detroiters remained. The city saw a massive growth in activism and community engagement. As the city’s demographics continued to shift, Detroiters elected the first black mayor in the city’s history, Coleman A. Young.

Alabama NAACP to Protest Trump's Nomination of Jeff Sessions for United States Attorney General

2017-01-02T14:25:00-05:00

Statewide Protests at Five Offices Across State Scheduled for January 3, 2017

MOBILE, AL—NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks will join with local Alabama chapters of the NAACP for a statewide protest of the nomination of Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III for U.S. Attorney General.

Alabamians Against Sessions for Attorney General will include five protests at the five Alabama offices of Sessions, located in Mobile, Huntsville, Dothan, Birmingham, and Montgomery.

“As a matter of conscience and conviction, we can neither be mute nor mumble our opposition to Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions becoming Attorney General of the United States. Senator Sessions has callously ignored the reality of voter suppression but zealously prosecuted innocent civil rights leaders on trumped-up charges of voter fraud. As an opponent of the vote, he can't be trusted to be the chief law enforcement officer for voting rights,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks.

President Brooks will be joined at a January 3 press conference and protest at Sessions' office in Mobile by Alabama State Conference President Benard Simelton and Mobile Branch President Lizetta McConnell.

“Despite 30 years of our nation moving forward on inclusion and against hate, Jeff Sessions has failed to change his ways,” said Alabama State Conference President Benard Simelton. “He’s been a threat to desegregation and the Voting Rights Act and remains a threat to all of our civil rights, including the right to live without the fear of police brutality."

The press conference featuring NAACP President Cornell William Brooks, Alabama State Conference President Benard Simelton and Mobile (AL) Branch President Lizetta McConnell, will take place in Mobile: on January 3, 2017 at 11 A.M. at the Office of Senator Jefferson Sessions, 41 West Interstate 65 Service North, Mobile, Al 36608

“Some of us in Alabama recall, Senator Sessions saying he liked the Klan,” said Mobile Branch President Lizetta McConnell. “He said it was a joke, but saying something like that while discussing a case where the Klan murdered a young black man says a lot about a person. We need someone who realizes that attorney general has to actually care about the people’s rights he’s protecting and not just doing it because it’s his job."

Local members of the NAACP will hold multiple Press Conferences around the state on January 3 at four of Sessions' district offices:

200 Clinton Avenue West #802, Huntsville, Al 35801
Vance Federal Building, 1800 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, Al 35203
100 West Troy Street #302, Dothan, Al 36303
7550 Halcyon Summit Drive #150, Montgomery, Al 36117

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here.

Over 100 Black Women Participated in Historic Photo in Edward M. Kennedy Institute's Replica of the US Senate Chamber

2016-07-14T22:21:00-04:00

“Visual protest” highlighted the anniversary of Barbara Jordan’s historic Democratic Convention keynote address; Photo took place after national week of racial tragedy and unrest

BOSTON -- Despite the growing electoral and economic imprint of America’s 23 million Black women, they are still seriously underrepresented and underserved.

After a week of racial tragedy and unrest, Higher Heights and Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley asked 100 Black women on Tuesday evening to “Take Your Seat” in the Edward M. Kennedy Institutes’ replica of the U.S. Senate chamber seeking to elevate Black women’s voices in the political process through a photo taken symbolically in a chamber that currently has ZERO Black women serving.

The epic and uplifting photograph shone a light at the end of a very dreary week. The photo also took place on the 40-year anniversary of Barbara Jordan historic 1976 Democratic Convention keynote. A member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas, Jordan became the first African-American woman to deliver the televised landmark address before that audience.

“I was overwhelmed by this event. Watching 100 women come through those Senate doors after a week where I felt disheartened was so inspiring for the possibilities that exist for Black women that lead to move this country forward,” said Glynda Carr, Co-founder of Higher Heights. “This chamber and the lack of Black women representation in the US Senate is the most blatant example of us being shut out of the process and our voices not being heard. We are 7 percent of the population, yet we are 3.4 percent of congress, and out the 100 major cities in our country, there are only four black women mayors. There is work to be done, and we all have a role to play.”

According to Higher Heights and Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University’s 2015 Status of Black Women in American Politics, Black women are 7.4% of the U.S. population yet make up only 3.4% of Congress.

Only two women of color have ever served in the US Senate: Carol Moseley Braun, an African-American Democrat from Illinois who was elected in 1992 and served until 1999, and Mazie Hirono, an Asian-American Democrat from Hawaii who was elected in 2012.

"This is a visual protest ...to affirm for ourselves and to the nation that Black women lead, Black women run, and Black women vote. Today we affirmed that Black women are leading, in this city, in this commonwealth, and I honor their contributions,” said Pressely. “The visual shot heard around the world today is merely a snapshot of our contributions, but a visual protest and demonstration nonetheless as we take over a space we have historically been underrepresented in.”

Attendees of the event included Diane Patrick, First Lady of Massachusetts, and Sarah- Ann Shaw, the first female African-American reporter to be televised in Boston, amongst others.

Faith leader and Dorchester resident, Mariama White Hammond attended Tuesday’s event for encouragement and hope.

“Over the last week we have seen so many images of the ongoing issues of racism in our country. In the midst of so much strife and grief, I came to this event because my soul needed to be lifted by the image of 100 strong Black women claiming their leadership,” said Hammond. “It helped me to imagine the world that could be and to reinvigorate my commitment to working for justice. I took my seat because I know that I stand on the shoulders of amazing and courageous Black women. I took my seat to honor the legacy of my ancestors and in hopes that my life will allow another generation to rise to even higher heights.”

Pressley called Tuesday’s event, “the visual shot heard around the world”, that
will draw awareness of the gap in Black women’s political leadership but also inspire and empower Black women to imagine the possibilities that exist.

“We gathered over 100 diverse women who are leading every day in their communities to take a seat for the countless Black women across the country that do not think they have a seat or voice at the table”, said Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Co-Founder of Higher Heights. “2016 is a movement building opportunity for Black women to truly harness our collective political power and leadership potential from the voting booth to elected office.”

Photo Credit: Eric Haynes

The Remake of Roots for a New Generation

2016-05-30T19:30:00-04:00

The much talked about remake of the 1970's television miniseries ROOTS, starts this evening at 9 p.m. EST on the History Channel. Some are outraged at the remake of the classic, others are tired of viewing movies about the enslavement of Blacks. I can understand the first sentiment but the last one saddens me. Regardless of ethnicity, we can't fix what we don't face. Ignoring slavery won't make its history go away.

Is there are need to expand the narrative so that it accurately portrays history? Absolutely. Without actually viewing the film, I can't offer an opinion so I encourage everyone to watch and give feedback. In 1977, there was not nearly the competition for our time and attention as there is now. There was no internet or hunderds of cable television channels as we know now so this remake might not have the audience draw of the original.

I'm looking forward this mini-series even if it's competing with Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. It's more important to know your history. Perhaps if we did, there would be more Black team owners and head coaches in professional sports.

Queen of Katwe - A Story of How to Win at the Game of Chess and How to Overcome Incredible Life Challenges

2016-05-12T05:00:00-04:00

Queen of Katwe is the colorful true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Based on the book by Tim Crothers, Queen of Katwe stars David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

The film is scheduled for release on September 23.

Like Queen of Katwe on Facebook.

Follow Queen of Katwe on Twitter.

Tennessee State University student breaks the internet

2016-05-01T14:53:00-04:00

Check out this very inspiring photo of Indianapolis, Indiana native and senior at Tennessee State University (TSU), RaCia Denise Poston. This photo went viral and Ms. Poston received much praise for her accomplishments while at TSU.

Just to share a few of her accomplishments: Poston is in the U.S. Army; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; a former Miss Collegiate 100; President of TSU’s Student Government Association; and soon to be the first college graduate in her family.

Leadership…brains…beauty. Such is the #blackwomanmagic developed and nurtured at HBCUs. Congratulations, RaCia Denise Poston, continue to let your light shine!

#hbcu #hbcupride #tsu #tennstate #tsutigers #bigblue #think #work #serve #dst #deltasigmatheta #womenlead #brainsandbeauty #makeeducationapriority #army